Principals Message

As we near the end of the 2024 school year, we are at a time when we we recognise students for their outstanding achievements for the year. This week sees the Term 4 Formal Assembly where awards will be given to students for their achievement throughout the year and awards will be given for student achievement for Term 4. Awards will be given for academic achievement, sporting successes, school and community service, leadership and PBL Awards for consistent application to a positive learning environment.  Congratulations to all students who are presented with awards at these two assemblies. 

Congratulations to Tahlia Gilbert on her Nanga Mai Outstanding All-Round Student Award. This award recognises her significant contribution to all areas of school life and is the highest award presented at the Nanga Mai Awards. Tahlia was the only recipient of

 this award which is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders in the state. 

The award was presented by the Secretary of Education, Mr Murat Dizdar. Aboriginal Education Officer, Joy O'Hara, and I travelled to Sydney with Tahlia's parents to see her achieve this award. 

Her citation for the award said -

"Tahlia, a proud young Wiradjuri woman, has distinguished herself as an exemplary ambassador of NSW Public Education. At Narrandera High School, she became the first female Aboriginal school captain, serving as a visible role model for her peers. Tahlia has demonstrated strong leadership, supporting Elders at NAIDOC celebrations and Elder's luncheons, and confidently delivering Acknowledgements in Country in Wiradjuri language at both school and community events. Tahlia's leadership was recognised this year when she earned second place in the Zonta Indigenous Leadership Awards. In her application, Tahlia reflected in her connection to culture writing: "when I speak in language, the first thing that goes through my head is making my father and my culture proud, and when I stand up and speak, I am inspiring a younger generation as well." Tahlia has showcased her talents through dance, performing at the Schools Spectatular and serving as a leader of the Barradambang Dancers, who performed at the 2024 State Dance Festival. In 2024, Tahlia was named the Riverina Indigenous VET Student of the Year, recognition of her commitment to completing a School Based traineeship in Certificate III Human Services with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. Tahlia works at the Narrandera Hospital has part of her HSC and aspires to pursue a nursing degree at university."

This award recognises Tahlia's commitment to all areas of school life and her culture over many years and is well deserved. 

Ms Tania Maddison

Principal