Acting Senior School Principal

Introducing our 2025 Prefect Team

The last newsletter edition focused on introducing the College Captains to the school community. In this edition our new Prefect Team share some thoughts about themselves to assist you in getting to know them better. We look forward to their collective efforts next year in leading the College.

Environment Captain, Rose Silver

When I finish school I hope to… take a gap year to save up to travel around Europe. Afterwards I hope to go to university to become a primary school teacher. 

A quote worth remembering is… “slow down, you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time.” It helps me to put things into perspective and not stress over not achieving all the things I want to yet; it will happen when it is meant to. 

In 2025, I am most looking forward to… making the most of my last year at high school, trying my hardest at school and further strengthening friendships.

One food I could never live without is… potatoes, especially as hot chips.

Performing Arts, Caleb Smith

When I finish school I hope to …. go travel the world! I want to see different cities and places including London, Tokyo, Stockholm, and many, many more. I’m so interested in seeing how different countries and cities do things differently. (And I also want to study architecture or urban design in university).

The best movie of all time would have to be …. ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ Although my idea of the best movie changes all the time, this one I can always be sure of. As a bonus it may have the best movie montage ever made.

A quote worth remembering is … “do or do not, there is no try,” a very famous one from Star Wars, but ultimately, it sums up how decisions should be made. I either am going to do this or I’m not, there is no halfway where I should put in somewhat of an effort.

In 2025, I am most looking forward to … enjoying my last year of high school and spending it with friends, making as many memories as I can.

Sport, Myah Goodwin

When I finish school I hope to… go to university and complete a course of sports management. This is because I love to participate in sport and would love to have a job that I am engaged in.

My favourite school experience was… our central Australia trip this year. This was an amazing opportunity as it allowed me to be more social with people from school and it was a life experience that I’ll never forget.

In 2025, I’m most looking forward to… spending time with my friends and creating amazing memories. I also can’t wait for being a sport prefect and working with other people from the leadership team.

The best piece of advice I was given was… to not to take Year 12 so seriously and make sure that I am still having fun along the way. Even though Year 12 can be stressful, I must make the year as enjoyable as I can.

Sport, Mitch Laurie

When I finish school, I hope to… play cricket for Australia or be a pilot in the RAAF.

My favourite holiday destination would have to be… Mount Buller.

The best piece of advice I have been given is… if you set your mind on something 100% you can accomplish anything.

My favourite school experience was… Year 10 Snow Camp.

Sport, Milly Smyth

When I finish school… I hope to travel the world with my best friends exploring different countries and meeting new people. After that I hope to study physiotherapy where I can help people recover from their injuries.  

My favourite thing to do in my spare time is… play sports and be active I mainly enjoy basketball and athletics, and I’m also excited to play footy in the upcoming season. When I’m not playing sport I enjoying hanging out with friends and going on all kinds of adventures and trying new things.  

In 2025, I am most looking forward to… experiencing all the fun parts of being in Year 12, like dressing up with my friends for all the sports days. I also can’t wait to turn 18 and have the freedom to drive on my own to wherever I would like.  

My favourite school experience was… definitely Central Australia camp, when a group of students and teachers were able to run around Uluru, which was kindly organised by a few of the teachers. I also loved visiting Berry Springs and swimming in the crystal clear water to cool off after the hot day on the bus. 

SRC, Bella Conversano

When I finish school I hope to…  study occupational therapy and complete a duel degree at university. Hopefully I will make a lot of money so I can travel and help people.

My favourite thing to do in my spare time is to… hangout with friends and family.

The person I most look up to most is… my mum. There are no words to describe how amazing she is and how much I love her. I want to thank her for helping me and making me the person I am. I could honestly go on forever about her. She is just the best.

Wellbeing, Emily Parker

When I finish school I hope to… do a primary school teaching degree at university as I have always enjoyed helping others to be the best they can be. I would also love to travel the world, particularly Europe and Australia.

A quote worth remembering is… “What if it turns out better than you could have imagined?” I think it’s important to always take the opportunities given to you and to challenge yourself as you never know what it can lead to.

My favourite school experience was… Central Australia this year. I really enjoyed the experience we had seeing the Northern Territory and the many memories made and laughs had with friends.

The best piece of advice I have been given is to… always try new things. It has taught me to push myself outside my comfort zone, and has allowed me to do things I never thought I would do, particularly applying for a leadership role in Year 12.

Wellbeing, Chloe Riddell

My favourite school experience was… our Year 11 Central Australia tour. It was an amazing opportunity to try new things, strengthen connections between teachers and other students, and to be able to see once in a lifetime things.

In 2025, I am most looking forward to… the memories that will be made in my last year at high school with my best friends and making the most of every opportunity I am given.

When I finish school, I hope to… be accepted into Deakin to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, then complete a Masters of Physiotherapy.

My favourite holiday destination would have to be… Rome. Every corner you turn there is something new to explore and they have some of the most amazing historical buildings.

On behalf of the Norwood community, we wish our Prefects all the best for their new roles in 2025. We can’t wait to see what they achieve and how they further their leadership development.

Year 11 BBQs

As the school year starts to draw to a close, our Year 11 students have had their final BBQ for 2024! These barbeques have been a great opportunity for the students to come together, celebrate their achievements and to enjoy some delicious food. Our fortnightly feasts have included a variety of favourites i.e. sausages, burgers, and kebabs!

Thank you to Mr. Mitchell, Ms. Sweeney and the leadership team for organising these gatherings, the maintenance team for setting up the gas bottle, as well as our Year 11 BBQ captains, Cooper Colledge, Jack Peek, Lukas Hirvonen-Blunt and Nate Cantwell for taking charge of the grill! 

We look forward to continuing this new tradition into 2025.

Year 11 Social at Chateau Wyuna

On Friday, 22 November, the Year 11 students gathered at Chateau Wyuna for their much-anticipated social event. The evening was a perfect blend of elegance and fun! Students arrived in their finest attire, ready to enjoy an evening of dancing, laughter, and making memories.

Some highlights of the evening were the limbo, the delicious lolly bar, and the highly-anticipated student awards. As the night progressed, the dance floor became the focal point of the event. The DJ played a mix of popular hits and classic tunes, keeping everyone on their feet. In addition to dancing, there were several fun activities and outdoor games that kept everyone entertained. A photo booth with quirky props was a popular spot, allowing students to take home a memento of the night.

The Year 11 Social at Chateau Wyuna was more than just a big party; it was a celebration of finishing the school year and transitioning into Year 12. A big thank you to the student leaders, Ms Sweeney, Mr Mitchell, and all supervising staff who made this event possible. Their hard work and organisation ensured that the Year 11 Social was a night to remember for all who attended.

Maroondah Youth Awards

On Thursday the 28th of November, nominees from the college received a Maroondah Youth Award at the annual ceremony presented by the Maroondah City Council. Students received awards from a variety of categories including leadership, creativity, perseverance and teamwork and got to experience a range of incredible live performances from the Croydon School of Dance, local music artists and comedians. 

The students were able to hear from many inspirational people, learning what it takes to overcome hardships and fulfil one’s full potential. It was an incredible experience and an amazing honour to be recognised and celebrated by friends, family and people from the community. It was so great to meet people from all over Maroondah and the students had an incredible night. Congratulations to all the award recipients: Bonnie Murray, Heidi Cowie, Heather Freemantle, Hayley Tonkin, Liana Ohi, Sienna Lomax and Sarah Otten.

Bonnie Murray, Year 10

World Challenge

We are excited to see the return of international travel to NSC this year with World Challenge. Leaving in November, our student-led expedition is travelling to Borneo, a rugged island in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago.

Our 15 Year 10 and 11 students, along with Ms Annie Hearne and Mr Rod Mitchell, will be treated to some stunning scenery and incredibly diverse wildlife. But while this journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure, it will also impart valuable lessons to our students about sustainability and responsible travel.

We eagerly await to hear how this trip unfolds, but in the meantime, please see some highlights from Days 1-4 in Kuching and the Bako National Park below.

'A New Year of Learning' Webpage 

A new school year is an exciting time for students and families, but it can be a big step – particularly for those starting Prep or moving to secondary school.

The Department of Education has published a webpage with resources and information to help you prepare for the new school year.

During the school holidays, please consider reading through the resources, which include:

• tips to help transition between kinder and Prep and primary to secondary school
• what to expect at school
• help with school costs and fees
• health and wellbeing guidance to support children’s mental health. 

Please refer to the New year of learning webpage.

As the holiday season approaches, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. We hope this festive season brings you peace, happiness, and a well-deserved break. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!