In the Spotlight
School Bus
Year 6 Transition
Our Year 6 students experienced an engaging and interactive morning during their second transition visit on Tuesday 19 August. Under the guidance of Mr Sproule, they crafted door signs and coasters in woodworking. In cooking with Mrs Cooper, they made chocolate coconut balls, while in Art with Mr Caisely, they painted their own designs on wooden spoons. We extend our gratitude to the teachers and students who contributed to making this morning a valuable learning experience.
Exploring Marine Biology and Protecting Our Waterways
On Friday 15th August, Mr Pitkin organised a fantastic opportunity for our school community. Emma and Mick from Ozfish visited to talk to the whole school about pursuing marine biology as a career, the harmful impacts of littering, and the importance of keeping our creeks and waterways healthy.
Following the presentation, senior students took part in an inspection of our local section of Tenterfield Creek. During this hands-on experience, we found various types of waste including industrial, building, and household rubbish. Thankfully, there was only a small amount of school-related litter. Unfortunately, plastic was a major component of the waste collected, highlighting the ongoing challenge this material poses to our environment.
As a result of this session, Ozfish will be supporting our school in establishing an Environment Action Group. This group will take an active role in regularly cleaning up the creek and promoting the health of our waterways throughout the year.
A big thank you to Mick and Emma for generously giving up their time to educate and inspire us all! We look forward to making a positive difference together.
Bullying No Way Week
Tenterfield High School participated in BNW Week. The wellbeing team had a poster competition "Be an Upstander" Students from all year groups are invited to participate in the creation of a poster for Bullying No Way Week. Each poster must incorporate the theme "Be an Upstander. Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up." The deadline for all submissions is 3 September. A $30 canteen voucher will be awarded for the best design from each year group!
Premier's Debating Challenge
Congratulations to Our Year 7/8 Debaters in the Premier’s Debating Challenge!
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our Year 7/8 debating team who recently participated in the Premier’s Debating Challenge.
The first debate, hosted at Tenterfield High School, saw our team face off against Guyra Central School, where THS emerged victorious. The second debate took place online against Armidale Secondary School, with Armidale securing the win. In the final debate, our team competed against Aurora College, with Aurora coming out on top.
Our dedicated team members—Alex, Phoebe, Chelsea, Lucy-Anne, and Yasmine—performed admirably throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, teamwork, and commitment. Well done to all!
Dance Workshop
Several of our students participated in a dance workshop on Tuesday 12 August at TSHPMPS. They learned the choreography for an entire routine, culminating in a performance at the end of the day. The students displayed remarkable enthusiasm and represented THS exceptionally well.
The Magpies Garden Party
Year 12 artist, Ali Hopkins, talks about her latest commissioned work and her joyful art….
Q: Tell me about your latest artwork.
A: I was commissioned to do a painting for a lovely man named Andy, for his birthday, that had a magpie and native flowers in it. Everyone says it is one of their favourites!
Q: What things do you like to paint?
A: I love to paint all kinds of animals, woodlands, native flowers and tropical jungles, farm and sea life.
I can paint all different kinds of flowers. I also like to paint mythical creatures that are magical and like to add gold and swirls to my paintings.
I use bright and colourful colours in my paintings and like to paint cute, adorable animals.
Q: Do you sell your artwork?
A: Yes, I sell my artwork at the Tenterfield Railway Museum Markets, and you can see me at the school Pop-Up Gallery. Sometimes people ask me to do a painting and I enjoy doing that. I hope to build my business more doing commissioned work like Magpies Garden Party.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
A: I love to make my artwork cheerful and hopefully bring smiles to people. Basically, I am happy to paint whatever someone would like to bring them joy.
Q: How can people get in touch with you to commission an artwork?
A: If anyone would like to buy a painting or organise a commission, they can text 0493 262 656 or visit my stall at the bi-monthly Railway Museum markets.
TESTIMONIALS:
“Just got my Ali Hopkins painting – I absolutely love it! It is in pride of place in our kitchen! It sits there and the colours blend in to all our colours – we love colourful art and there are lots and lots of colours! Thank you for my birthday present!” – Andy
“I love seeing Ali’s artwork at the Railway Museum. I always end up purchasing something and now have 3 magnets, as well as a couple of paintings. She always has something new and beautiful on display!” – Hannah
“These paintings are so bright and fabulous – I bought my family and friends either a painting or a magnet for Christmas and birthday presents! They really do bring so much joy and put a smile on your face!” - Emma
Knitting & Crochet Lessons
The Tuesday knitting and crochet lessons, conducted by Roxy and the wellbeing team, offer our students an engaging learning opportunity during lunch. These sessions are open to all students, and everyone is encouraged to participate!
Wellbeing
Congratulations to the following students who received their Silver Awards during assembly on 6 August.
The wellbeing rewards day took place on 3 July. Due to inclement weather, all activities were held in the MPU. Eligible students participated in two rotations of activities, one in the MPU before enjoying a Netflix screening in the library. Congratulations to all eligible students for their enthusiastic participation and exemplary sportsmanship.
Naidoc Celebrations
On Wednesday 23 July, Tenterfield High School hosted a remarkable celebration of NAIDOC Week that brought together students and staff from Tenterfield High School, St Joseph's Primary School, Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School, and Jennings Public School. The highlight of the day was an outstanding performance by renowned artist Mitch Tambo in the school’s MPU, captivating the audience with his powerful music and message.
In addition to the performance, traditional food was generously provided by local Aboriginal families, offering students and staff a chance to experience authentic flavours and celebrate Indigenous culture through cuisine.
The day also featured meaningful learning opportunities: while THS staff participated in a professional development session with Mitch Tambo, students engaged in culturally rich activities focusing on "Men's Business" with the Githabul Rangers and "Women's Business" with Aunty Dolly. Students had the unique opportunity to learn traditional weaving techniques, deepening their appreciation for Aboriginal heritage.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Roxy and the Wellbeing faculty for organising such a memorable and impactful day for the school community.
Let's Hang It Art Competition
Congratulations to Audrey Kelly, whose artwork has been selected as a finalist in the Let's Hang It Art Competition.
Representing THS
The following email was received by Ms Scott on Friday. We take immense pride in all our students who represent Tenterfield High School in their various endeavors. It is heartening to receive such positive feedback from other educational institutions. Well done girls!
