FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Principal’s Newsletter

It has been another wonderful fortnight at Inverell High School, with students engaging in a wide range of learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities that highlight the depth of talent, commitment and community spirit within our school.

Junior Stewards at the Inverell Show

One of the highlights was the involvement of a number of our students as junior stewards at the Inverell Show. On behalf of the Inverell Show Society, sincere thanks were extended to the school for allowing students to assist across the weekend. Our students are to be commended for their strong work ethic, enthusiasm and willingness to learn about the operation of such a significant community event.

Several students assisted across multiple days, with David G and James D demonstrating remarkable commitment by returning on Friday, Saturday and even Sunday for the Dog Trials. The stewards were extremely impressed with all of the students and have already asked if they would return again next year.

Special thanks and congratulations to the following students who represented the school so positively:

Amelia M – Cooking – attended every day and assisted with dismantling on Sunday. Steward Rhonda spoke very highly of Amelia’s maturity and attitude.
Kayley P – Cooking – praised for her maturity and attitude across three days of assistance.
Leigha M – Knitting, Crocheting and Dog Trials – a valued helper who demonstrated initiative throughout the event.
Sibella P – Kids Corner – recognised as a mature and enthusiastic helper.
Indiana R – Wool and Dog Trials – highly praised by the stewards for her contribution.
Poppy P – Wool and Dog Trials – commended for her assistance and willingness to help.
Ryan O – Fruit and Vegetables and Dog Trials – a hardworking helper who was praised for his efforts.
James D – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – recognised for his commitment across the weekend.
David G – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – also acknowledged for his persistence and dedication.

All stewards were extremely grateful for the assistance of our students, and their feedback reinforces the pride our school takes in contributing positively to the Inverell community.

North West Swimming Championships

We also had a strong contingent of swimmers travel to Armidale for the North West Swimming Championships. Congratulations to all students who represented the school with pride and determination. Regardless of results, the effort and sportsmanship shown by our students continues to make our school community proud.

Science and Engineering Challenge

Our Year 10 students also participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge, supported on the day by four Year 11 students who assisted Rotary in running the event. I am pleased to report that Inverell High School placed 5th overall, an outstanding achievement considering the team had no prior coaching. Their performance highlighted strong creative thinking, teamwork and analytical problem-solving skills — qualities that are central to success in the STEM fields of the future.

Principal Champion Forum for the Educational Pathways Program

Finally, last week Inverell High School hosted a Principal Champion Forum for the Educational Pathways Program (EPP). This forum brought together school leaders from across the state to discuss how we can continue to strengthen pathways for our students. The purpose of the forum was to:

Lead and influence strategic change to improve the Educational Pathways Program and broader student pathway opportunities
Consider how we maximise the impact of the EPP and strengthen capability across the system
Define and strengthen key partnerships that support student pathways into employment, training and further education

These conversations are important as we continue to ensure that students in our regional communities have clear, supported and meaningful pathways beyond school.

As always, I would like to thank our staff, students and community partners for their ongoing support of the many opportunities available at Inverell High School. It is through these partnerships that we continue to provide a rich, supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.