SECONDARY NEWS 

From the Assistant Principal 

Welcome Back to Term 2

A warm welcome back to school is extended to all staff and students. It is pleasing to note that most students are wearing the correct school uniform. It would be appreciated if these positive efforts were maintained. Students may wear summer or winter uniform during this month, depending on weather conditions. By the start of June, all students must be in winter uniform.

Students are reminded to check the lost property bin.  Please clearly label all clothing with students’ names to enable items to be returned promptly. Items not collected will be taken to Vinnies.

This term promises to be very busy with sporting events and other activities being held regularly throughout the term. Students must use their time wisely and keep good records of their work. We strongly recommend that students keep a diary, either a hard copy or a digital one, to be aware of assessment dates. This should alleviate stress for all concerned.

Students will be reminded this term of their responsibilities if they miss a lesson. We ask that you also have this conversation with your children if they are absent from school for any reason, including school events.

Please contact me at school if you wish to discuss any issues or concerns. If I am not personally available to take a phone call, the office staff will take a message or schedule an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

SAVE THE DATE:

YEAR 11 2027 - Week 4

An Introduction to the HSC Information session will be presented to Year 10 on Tuesday 12 May (Week 4). A parent session will be held at 5.30 pm that afternoon in the STEM Room.

Spotlight on Stage 6

Halina Huynh - Future Doctors Program

At the end of the holidays, I attended a 4-day Future Doctors Program held in Sydney. This was an incredible opportunity for me to gain insight into pathways into medicine and the best ways to maximise my chances of pursuing a career in that field. 

On the first day, we were taught about the different pathways into medicine - the ‘must-haves’ such as nailing the UCAT and medical interviews - and played games that enabled our brains to think like doctors. In addition, we had the opportunity to speak with a current 4th-year medical student and gain insight into what studying for a medical degree might look like. The second day was focused on the importance of communication. We participated in several activities as ways to improve our communication skills and emphasise their importance when pursuing a career in medicine. 

Days three and four featured 4 different specialists coming in to talk to us and bringing some great activities. These specialists included a GP, a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician, an Intensive Care Medicine Specialist and a Haematologist. By listening to their journeys and what their current days look like, I gained incredible foresight and motivation for what I want to do in the future. 

This program was an incredible way to increase my knowledge of pathways into medicine and to learn many new skills, including (but not limited to) manually measuring blood pressure, drawing blood, and suturing. 

The program also caters to those interested in dentistry and medicine, and I believe it is an incredibly valuable experience and opportunity if they are areas you see yourself pursuing post-high school. As a result of this program, I also made several friendships with people who I know are working towards the same goal as I am, which makes me feel more supported in that way. 

If this piques your interest, I highly recommend it! (Suitable for anyone ages 14-18).

Halina Huynh

YEAR 11 - UNE Open Day

Mrs East and Mr Baldwin will accompany Year 11 students to the Open Day at UNE on Friday 1 May. 

The Open Day at the University of New England is a great opportunity to explore the campus, speak with academic staff and current students, discover the courses, and get a feel for student life at UNE. Whether students are considering studying in the near future or simply exploring their options, this is a great opportunity for students interested in university. 

WHEN: FRIDAY 1 MAY 2026

WHERE: UNE CAMPUS, ARMIDALE, NSW

TIME: 9 AM - 2 PM

Students will leave HTS at 7.30 am on our HTS bus and return to Inverell at approximately 3.45 pm. Morning tea and lunch are provided by UNE.

REMINDER: YEAR 7 VACCINATIONS ON THURSDAY

Year 7 will have the next round of their vaccinations on Thursday 30 April.

REAL TALK

Real Talk will again be visiting this Wednesday and Friday to present to students in Years 7, 8 & 9. Real Talk provides relationship education grounded in Catholic Christian values and incorporates personal sharing by the team of presenters. They provide up-to-date resources, presentations, and programs on important topics.

Wednesday 29 April 

• Year 7
  • Love & Life 
• Year 8 
  • Consent & Respect Seminar
  • Getting Real in the Digital World Seminar 

Friday 1 May

• Year 9 - Love and Life Reflection Day

PPEP Talk - Week 3

Polly Levinson, a Clinical Educator from the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, will come to HTS on Thursday 7 May to deliver a PPEP Talk to male and female students in Year 9 and Year 10 and Year 7 and 8 girls. These sessions have been very valuable in the past and provided the students with expert information.

PPEP Talk® is the largest pain education program for students in Australia. It plays a critical role in informing and educating students with medically accurate and age-appropriate information. The session incorporates modern neuroscience of pain, benefiting all students, to recognise and identify whether their pain is normal, how the different symptoms fit together, simple ways to reduce their pain, and how to seek further help if pain is severe. 

For more information, use the following links.

Pre PPEP Talk® Video:

Please see the link to our Pre PPEP Talk® Video (https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/preppep-talk-nsw/). This is an optional 13-minute video for students, parents, or teachers who want a bit of a refresher on information about periods and pelvic anatomy before the PPEP Talk® session.

PPEP Talk® Next Steps:

As part of your booking, we also offer a FREE follow-up session called PPEP Talk® Next Steps. PPEP Talk® Next Steps is a FREE online session for any student who identifies a complex pain concern or would like their caregiver to know more. Students attend with a caregiver and have the opportunity to ask questions to our Gynecologist and Pain Specialist, Associate Professor Susan Evans. Students can register for upcoming sessions here (https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/ppep-talk-schools-program/ppep-talk-next-steps/). The PPEP Talk® Next Steps flyer has more information.

Congratulations...

ANZAC Day March

Thanks to all students and staff who marched with the school at the Anzac Day March last Saturday. We appreciated so many people turning out to march with the school.

NSWCCC Touch

Congratulations to our students who represented the Armidale Diocese last week at NSWCCC Touch on the Central Coast. They all acquitted themselves very well. Thanks to Mr Uebergang for supervising and coaching.

Holy Trinity Artists

Spotlight on Our Next Gen Creatives

We are thrilled to announce that several of our talented high school Visual Arts students have been selected to feature in the Next Gen Creatives exhibition at our local Inverell Art Gallery. This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of the next generation of artists, offering our students the invaluable opportunity to have their work professionally curated and displayed within the community. The pieces on selection are a true testament to our students' dedication, showcasing a diverse range of unique styles, complex themes, and bold creative expressions. Seeing their classroom hard work transition into a professional gallery space is a fantastic milestone in their artistic journeys. We encourage everyone to visit the gallery and experience firsthand the incredible vision and talent our students bring to the canvas. 

A special congratulations goes to Brooke Martel who had received a People's Choice Award for her artwork ‘Blush Hour’. 

Mrs Butler

Cross-country

Congratulations to all the students who enthusiastically participated in the cross-country last Thursday.

ACS Primary Touch Trials

Thanks to the Secondary students who refereed games at the Primary trials last Friday.

Good luck...

ACS Netball Trials

Good luck to our U15s and U18s netball teams who are trialling in Armidale on Thursday.

Basketball Team

Good luck to the basketball teams who are competing in Tamworth at the Basketball NSW Regional Tournament.

Australian Geography Competition

Good luck to all students who have elected to participate in the Australian Geography Competition.

Student Wellbeing: Addressing the Vaping Trend

At our whole-school assembly last Friday, Miss Bailey presented some information regarding the health, social, and legal realities of vaping. As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, we wanted to share some key insights with our families to facilitate open conversations at home.

The Current Australian Landscape.

While social media often makes it seem like "everyone is doing it," the latest 2025 Generation Vape data shows a significant shift:

• 85% of Australian teens (aged 14–17) have never vaped.
• The "cool factor" is fading, with more students reporting that they find vaping "cringe" or a sign of being manipulated by big companies.
• New laws mean that any vape sold outside of a pharmacy is unregulated and often contains toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and heavy metals.

Start the Conversation 

We encourage parents and carers to use the assembly presentation as a "way in" to talk with your child. Rather than a lecture, you might try asking:

• "What was the most surprising thing you heard in the assembly on Friday?"
• "Do you think the statistics they showed about most Aussie teens not vaping match what you see?"
• "How are people at school handling the pressure to fit in when it comes to vapes?"

Support Resources 

If you are concerned about your child or would like more information, the following Australian resources are excellent:

• The Royal Children’s Hospital - Vaping Fact Sheet
• Quitline (13 7848) - Offering non-judgemental support for young people.
• The "MyQuitJourney" App - Specifically designed for Australian youth.

A PDF of the slideshow presented to students is attached below, along with links to some short clips.

Respect Your Brain

https://player.vimeo.com/video/888901017?h=f7d7e696eb

What's Really in a Vape?

https://www.health.gov.au/vaping/resources/videos/whats-really-in-a-vape

ELEVATE WEBINARS

Free Parent Webinar on AI and Study

Elevate Education will be hosting a free parent webinar on artificial intelligence and study on May 6th.

In a recent survey of over 3,000 students, 75% reported already using AI tools when they study. While these tools can be powerful when used well, many students are currently using them in ways that undermine learning rather than support it. 

This session will help parents understand how AI tools work, the most common mistakes students make when using them, and how you can support ethical, effective AI use at home.

Live Parent Webinar: How to Help Your Child Navigate the World of AI and Study

Wednesday 6th May 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)

Click here to register for free  

During the webinar, Elevate will cover: 

• What AI tools such as large language models are and how they work 
• The most common ways students misuse AI for homework and study 
• Practical guidance for supporting ethical, learning-focused AI use at home  

Click here to register for free 

STUDY SKILLS TIP

RESOLVING CONFLICT AROUND HOMEWORK

Some of the most common arguments at home (related to schoolwork!) lead to statements like this:

• “Stop playing computer games and do your homework.”
• “I told you, get off your phone, I can see you are on Facebook.”
• “Why haven’t you started your homework yet?”
• “What do you mean you have no schoolwork to do?”

If these are common refrains in your household, there are some simple steps that can be taken to deal with this.

Step 1: Family meeting. Both students and parents get a chance to explain what is bugging them.

Step 2: Agree on how much time will be allocated to schoolwork per day or per week.

Step 3: Agree that during this time homework will be the first priority, then assessments and any remaining time should be spent on independent learning (e.g. reviewing difficult work, making summaries).

Step 4: Allocate set times for schoolwork and write these out and put them on the fridge e.g. Monday 4-5pm, 6-6.30pm.

Step 5: Agree that in these blocks of time, there will be no personal technology use (preferably phones switched off and put out of sight).

Step 6: Decide on rewards and consequences if the agreement is not honoured.

Becoming a better independent learner

Did you make the most of Term 1? Time to take ownership of your learning and build confidence!

As you move through high school, becoming an independent learner is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Independent learners don’t wait for teachers to tell them exactly what to do — they take initiative, ask questions, use resources, and monitor their own progress. This mindset not only improves academic results but also builds confidence and prepares you for future study and work. With a few simple habits, you can start becoming a more self-directed learner next term. Parents you may like to discuss each of these with your child in the holidays.  

1. Ask questions that deepen your understanding

Strong independent learners are curious and proactive.

• Ask clarifying questions in class when something is unclear.• Write down questions that come up during homework or revision.• Look for patterns, connections, or reasons behind concepts.

Questioning helps you understand topics more deeply and strengthens critical thinking.

Tip: Keep a “question column” on your notes page so you can follow up with your teacher or research later.

2. Use available resources before seeking help

Independent learning means trying to solve problems before relying on others.

• Re-read your notes or textbook explanations.• Use online videos or tutorials to reinforce tricky concepts.• Attempt a problem again before asking for help.

Trying independently first trains your brain to think more critically.

Tip: After trying three strategies and still feeling stuck, then ask for guidance — this is the “Try 3 Before Me” rule.

3. Set your own mini-learning targets

Small personal goals help guide your study and keep you focused.

• Aim to understand one concept more clearly each afternoon.• Choose one skill to improve each week, like summarising or diagramming.• Track progress by ticking off completed goals in your diary.

Setting targets helps you take control of your learning rather than waiting for instructions.

Tip: Make targets specific, such as “learn three biology definitions” or “improve paragraph structure.”

4. Monitor your progress regularly

Independent learners reflect on how well they’re learning.

• Review your test results to identify strengths and weaknesses.• Check whether your study techniques are working effectively.• Use quick self-assessments to see which topics need more practice.

Regular reflection helps you adapt quickly and improve over time.

Tip: After each assessment, write down one thing you did well and one thing you want to improve next time.

5. Practise active learning, not passive learning

Independent learning relies on active engagement, not just reading or watching.

• Summarise ideas in your own words.• Teach the concept to someone else or to an imaginary audience.• Create your own practice questions or flashcards.

Active learning strengthens memory and makes study sessions more meaningful.

Tip: If you can explain a topic clearly without notes, you’re learning it independently and effectively.

Take charge of your learning journey

Becoming a better independent learner isn’t about doing everything alone — it’s about taking responsibility, using resources wisely, and reflecting on your progress. With curiosity, initiative, and active engagement, you can build confidence, understand content more deeply, and perform better across all your subjects. Independent learning is a skill that grows over time, and each small step makes a big difference.

Years 7 - 9 Assessment Handbook

Years 10 - 11 Curriculum Handbook (including Assessment Policy)

Please note this also applies to Year 9 Elective Subjects.

https://sites.google.com/arm.catholic.edu.au/htsstudentcurriculumhandbook/home

Ready2Learn

Pastoral Care teachers will be checking in with the students in their class each morning to ensure that they are Ready2Learn. All students have received the information below and were encouraged to show their families and discuss how to be Ready2Learn each day. Pastoral Care teachers will be able to help students start the day in a positive way. Please ask your child about this and support them to be Ready2Learn.

Students are being asked to ensure that they understand these elements and have all their equipment and uniforms by the start of Week 6. The infographic also outlines what to do if there is a problem with doing this and who you can go to for assistance.

Pastoral Care Teachers

 Year 7:    

7J – Mr Jack Jeffery

7M – Mrs Veronica McCormick

7R – Mrs Katrina Richardson

7W – Miss Lisa Wilson

Year 8:  

8K - Miss Kristina Majetic

8M – Mr Ricky Muggleton 

8T- Mrs Jane Taylor

8W – Mr Sam White 

Year 9:    

9C – Mrs Claudia Marshall

9E – Mr Jeremy East

9G – Miss Lauren Green

9M – Mrs Christine McLachlan

Year 10:  

10E – Mr Peter Ehsman

10G – Mrs Hannah Graham/Mrs Nicole Simpson

10S – Mrs Kristen Smith

10U – Mr Blake Uebergang.

Students and parents are encouraged to approach the relevant Pastoral Care teacher for assistance.

Contacting Staff

We ask that all correspondence with staff is via the Compass portal.

Living Well, Learning Well 

Student Wellbeing

Check In Tuesday with the Pulse Wellbeing App

Pulse is a tool for measuring the week-to-week wellbeing and engagement of all our students. It tracks the wellbeing of an individual so that the school can respond if needed. It also tracks engagement with the school so we can make intervene if necessary.