From the Principals' Desk 

Another fortnight at Nossal

During the past two weeks at Nossal, we have celebrated the Class of 2023, announced the NHS School Captains for 2024, enjoyed listening to the extraordinary musicality of our instrumental students and the VCAA external exams have commenced.

On Monday 16 October, after their final formal lessons in a secondary school, the Year 12 cohort led the final whole school assembly. The school leaders paid tribute to their peers, passed on words of wisdom to the Years 9-11 students about making the most of opportunities, shared a photo and video montage of their time at Nossal and exited the school gymnasium through the traditional guard of honour formed by all Nossal staff. Many had tears in their eyes, while others simply revelled in the excitement at starting a new chapter away from the Nossal community that they have become accustomed to and will always be a part of as they move from the role of student to alumni.

Too often we hear in the media about the misbehaviour of school students as they finish their time at school and create havoc. However, our Year 12 students demonstrated why we value being a part of the Nossal community. The students celebrated their final day, respectfully, safely and joyfully together, as they engaged in the traditional Celebration Day events of signing t-shirts, listening to music performances, House tug-of-war and dodgeball competitions, followed by their final barbecue together.

The VCAA exams have now begun and while we wish our students well in their exams, we also know that they have worked hard throughout their years at Nossal, that they have been supported well by the outstanding teachers that teach at Nossal and that they will do very well. It is also important to acknowledge that an individual’s achievement and worth is not defined by a single rank or ATAR but instead how they go about overcoming challenges and marking out their own pathway to future success in an area that they are passionate about.

Nossal examinations

The internal Years 9 – 11 Nossal Examinations will be held from Friday 10 November to Friday 17 November. Year 9 students will participate in their regular scheduled classes on Friday 10 November and Monday 13 November, beginning their exam period on Tuesday 14 November and concluding on Friday 17 November. The exam timetable will be visible on student’s Compass schedules and is attached here.

Students are not required to be at school for the regular times of 8.48am – 3.20pm during this exam period, however, they should be checking their schedules daily to ensure that they arrive at school at least 30 minutes prior to a scheduled exam, are prepared with the necessary equipment and are lining up to enter the examination room at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start. 

On days that students have two scheduled examinations they must remain on Nossal High School premises. They will need to ensure that they have snacks, lunch and water, as they will not be permitted to go to McDonalds or other food outlets. Please note, full canteen facilities may not be available on all days.

Students are expected to be at school for each examination unless they are unwell, and also into the lead up to the exams. If unwell, parents are asked to enter their student’s absence on Compass or contact the Attendance Office on 8762 4625. Students are also asked to message Mr Clark on MS Teams to inform of the absence and when they are expected to return, so that exams can be rescheduled if necessary.

During the examination period students are required to wear the Nossal academic uniform. 

Specific information about exam attendance, materials, etc will be published closer to the exams.

Aysnchronous Digital Delivery Day: Monday 6 November

Please note that an asynchronous Digital Delivery Day has been scheduled for Monday 6 November (the day before Melbourne Cup Day). Students will not be required to attend school on this day unless they have a VCAA examination. Students will have work assigned for their scheduled classes for the day. They will need to read their teachers instructions carefully so that they know what the task is, the due date for this work and the mode for submission. 

The Nossal High School Spring Concert

On the evening of Wednesday 11 October, Nossal families, students and staff enjoyed the biannual music concert. Hosted by students Angela Huang and Eric Lee, guests were treated to outstanding musical performances by the various symphonies, ensembles, orchestras, choirs, quartets and The Big Band. 

Congratulations to our many talented musicians instructed by our instrumental music teachers; Mr Liam Cullen, M Jason D’Monte, Ms Sally Haworth, Mr Tim Jaques, Mr Eric Jiang, Ms Elisha Oliver, Ms Kathy Nguyen, Mr Stefan Nocevski and Mr Justin Zheng, and coordinated by Mrs Clare Budd, Director of Music.

Mentor teacher awards

On the same evening I was privileged to attend Monash University’s Education Awards. As you may be aware, there is currently a significant teacher shortage impacting not only Victorian schools but schools across Australia. Teaching is a highly commendable career, which requires not only high levels of content knowledge but also a range of skills required to nurture and support the learning and social emotional growth of the young people in their care. Teaching requires patience, kindness and commitment. Mentor teachers are therefore instrumental in supporting university students undertaking their training prior to graduation, so that they are skilled, prepared and confident when they begin their first teaching job.

I would like to congratulate Anita Coffa, one of our Health and Physical Education teachers, who was nominated in the Teacher Excellence as a mentor teacher category.

I also acknowledge and thank, on behalf of Monash University (and other tertiary institutions) the important support and shared experiences provided by our Nossal teaching staff to Pre-Service Teachers throughout the year.

"Hats off to teachers"

This week at Nossal High School the Wellbeing Team has led the “Hats off to teachers” initiative in preparation for World Teacher’s Day, Friday 27 October. Staff have been having their photographs taken and displayed around the school to celebrate and acknowledge Australia’s teachers for their work in educating, inspiring and supporting students.

You might want to share a “hats off” selfie to celebrate teachers too and add them to our social media page along with a small caption telling us what they mean to you or use #WorldTeachersDay2023.

2024 School Captain announcement

I would like to congratulate the following students who went through a rigorous selection process including a written submission, an interview before a panel of staff and students, a speech to th Nossal community and voting by staff and students.

• School Captains: Eesha Arun and Karthik Kalaiselvan
• Vice Captains: Thehasna Nanayakkara and Sanuda Perera

I am confident that each of these students will be outstanding role models and leaders for Nossal High School and wish them the best in managing their studies and responsibilities next year.

Will you be at Nossal in 2024?

It is that time of the year where some students may decide to change schools for a range of reasons. If you know that you are intending to leave Nossal High School at the end of this year, students and their families are asked to email Ms Tracey Mackin tracey.mackin@nossalhs.vic.edu.au.

Ms Fiona Vanstan

Acting Assistant Principal