Principals Message

As we near the conclusion of Term 2, I would like to share some important updates and reflections with our Narrandera High School community.

Our Term 2 formal assembly will be held on Thursday, 25 June. This event is much more than a tradition; it is an opportunity to formally acknowledge and celebrate the many ways our students contribute to the culture of striving for excellence at Narrandera High School. During the assembly, we will recognise students who have shown sustained effort in their academic pursuits, displayed positive attitudes towards learning, and actively engaged in extracurricular programs. Our students consistently demonstrate the importance of balance between classroom learning and personal growth.

Assemblies also reinforce our school values, highlighting that improvement and success are accessible to everyone who applies themselves. We look forward to spotlighting those who have made noteworthy progress, as well as those who consistently embody dedication and resilience.

Behind every student’s success lies the commitment of our teaching staff to provide high-quality, engaging learning experiences. At Narrandera High School, teacher professional learning is a sustained and dynamic process. Teachers regularly participate in workshops, collaborative discussions, use data-driven feedback, and access in-school experts who support the refinement of teaching strategies.

This term, our professional learning has focused on reviewing lesson structure, incorporating evidence-based approaches, and understanding how data can be used to inform classroom practice. Teachers share insights, and reflect upon student outcomes, creating a culture of mutual growth. We know that when teachers have access to the latest research and practical advice, students ultimately benefit from improved learning environments and targeted instruction.

A key initiative from the NSW Department of Education is Explicit Teaching. This instructional model involves clearly stating lesson objectives, demonstrating concepts and skills, providing guided practice, and offering specific feedback to support mastery. Explicit Teaching ensures lesson content and expectations are transparent, which is particularly beneficial for students who thrive on structured learning and clarity.

At Narrandera High School, teachers have already been delivering lessons that reflect these principles. By consolidating Explicit Teaching as a school-wide focus, we aim to strengthen student engagement and performance across all year groups and subject areas. The approach empowers students to be active participants in their learning, better understand what is expected, and achieve success through repeated practice and constructive guidance.

As we prepare for our Term 2 assembly and continue to build our teaching capacity, I am proud of the progress we have made so far this year. These efforts align strongly with our ongoing commitment to ensuring every student’s educational needs are met, and that every staff member feels supported in delivering their best.

Ms Tania Maddison 

Principal