Principals message

Dear Parents/carers,

Thank you to all students and members of the school community for the smooth transition during Rollover to the 2024 academic school year. Welcome to the students commencing Stage 6 and those who will complete their final year at Narrandera High School. 

With the conclusion of the HSC, I would like to thank Murray Hall (Presiding Officer) for the smooth running of the HSC examinations. Murray, along with the examination supervisors – Lee Broad, Rachel Bock, Jeanie Batchelor, Kerryn Cassidy and Lea Tilly – did an outstanding job. Thank you also to the Uniting Church for allowing Narrandera High School to use their Hall to complete the exams in a quiet environment. 

The Year 12 2023 Formal was a highlight for the year. All 36 graduates and their families were in attendance at the Narrandera Ex-Services Club. Thank you to Ms Burgess for her dedication and commitment to this wonderful group of young adults as Year Advisor. Thank you to the parents and families of the students for their support and care to get their children through their many years of schooling. 

A big thank you to all who were involved in the organisation of the event. A special thank you to Sally Gillespie and Donna Bell for going above and beyond to make the evening run smoothly and be greatly enjoyed by all. 

Recently, a number of Narrandera High School students competed in the Golden Boot charity football carnival in Narrandera. Gary Ingram (Clontarf Academy), Glen Borg (Aboriginal Education Officer) and Joy O’Hara (Aboriginal Education Officer) were all involved on the day. 

Following the carnival, I received an email from Acting Sergeant Lauren Orr from the Southern Riverina Enforcement Squad in Wagga Wagga which included the following –

“Upon starting our first game one of our team members approached the guys and asked if they would like to help out and play for our team – the Southern Slugs to which no hesitation was shown. After that first game a couple of the guys then approached us and let us know if we needed extra players for our other games that they were happy to help out. For them to be able to happily approach us, knowing that we are police officers, shows some great confidence in these kids and is wonderful to know that maybe even for a short time they can see us all as just normal people.

Their attitude and behaviour throughout the day should be commended. They were all great sports, and even when playing for our team (one lacking in skill on a football field). Each and every one of the team members showed great respect not only for each other but also for every other person who attended that day, definitely playing in the spirit of what the day is about! I’d also like to note that their area was definitely kept clean, tidy and left how they found it.”

There are so many Narrandera High School students who show community spirit each and every day. It is always great to see these students recognised for their positive actions and attitude. 

The table below sets out the new uniform requirements.  

Please note – items which are not part of the school uniform include jeans, hooded jumpers and active wear such as leggings. Student assistance is available to families who are experiencing financial difficulties. Students and families can speak to Year Advisors for more information. 

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work that all year advisors do in their wellbeing roles. For 2024, the Year Advisors are:

• Year 7 – Ms Cathie Webber
• Year 8 – Ms Katharine Crompton 
• Year 9 – Mr Byron Horrell
• Year 10 – Mrs Michelle Donaldson
• Year 11 – Mrs Emma Sergeant
• Year 12 – Mrs Elizabeth Mclay

The Year Advisors are responsible for the wellbeing and its impacts on the learning of students in their year group. They work closely with the school wellbeing team and classroom teachers. They are usually the first point of contact for parents and families in relation to any issues or problems that they feel the school should be aware of. The Year Advisors work with the Head Teacher Wellbeing (Mrs Brooke Lucas) to plan wellbeing days and excursions. 

The last day for students for 2023 is Friday December 15. Some important dates for your 2024 calendar are:

• Wednesday February 1st – Years 7, 11 and 12 return to school.
• Thursday February 2nd – all students are back at school.
• Friday March 29th to Monday April 1st – Easter Long Weekend
• Friday April 12th – last day of Term 1 

Ms Tania Maddison

Principal