FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Secretary of Education and the Executive Leadership Team
As part of the Secretary of Education, Murat Dizdar focus on staying connected to what is working and can be improved in our public school he has visited Inverell High School last Friday where we hosted Principals and Directors of Educational Leadership from across the New England and Northwest. The Roadshow provided a valuable opportunity for Murat and his Executive Leadership team to connect with school leaders and staff on how we can continue to deliver together the Plan for NSW Public Education.
The time was used to connect, discuss the work and priorities, and to hear what from school leaders' needs from the department to further support and to continue to improve student outcomes. The Roadshow keeps a deep focus on serving our public schools to continue to make transformational difference for every child and young person.
It also allowed to present a strong case for future improvements that directly benefit our students and staff.
Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received, particularly noting her positive interactions with students, Jaime Scott in the Library, and several staff members. A special thank you to Deb McCabe, Adele Adams and the Hospitality girls for the wonderful catering for 70 people was truly appreciated.
I had the privilege of hosting Lisa Harrington, the Chief Executive of Schools in New South Wales (SINSW), on a walk around our school. It provided a unique opportunity to showcase our facilities and engage in insightful discussions about the future of education in our region.
As we toured the school, I had the chance to highlight several key areas of our school that reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. We discussed our classrooms, the advanced technology resources we’ve integrated into the curriculum, and the vibrant spaces that promote student engagement and learning. Lisa's thoughtful insights into the importance of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities were evident throughout our discussions.
However, the visit also underscored areas that require attention. Acknowledging these needs, we identified several key improvements that would enhance both the learning environment and the wellbeing of our students. These include infrastructure upgrades to cater to evolving educational needs and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity across the school.
This reinforced the importance of continuing to advocate for school facilities that meet the diverse needs of our students and staff.
Farewell to Mr Kevin Wright
After an incredible 38 years in education, we farewell Kevin as he begins a well-earned retirement. From his early days as a labourer while studying at university, to becoming a dedicated HSIE teacher specialising in Legal Studies across Sydney, Kevin’s career has been marked by commitment and impact. During his time in Sydney, he also served as Head Teacher Wellbeing—a role that sparked his interest in student support and ultimately led him to retrain as a school counsellor.
In this next chapter, Kevin brought his empathy and expertise to his counselling roles in Armidale, and then across Inverell High School, Tingha, and Ross Hill Public School. We thank Kevin for his decades of service, wisdom, and care—and wish him all the very best for a happy and fulfilling retirement. Enjoy, Kevin!
Exploring Future Pathways: Inverell Career Network 2025
On the June 13th 2025, Inverell High School attended an insightful and engaging event, the Inverell Career Network, aimed at guiding Year 9 and 10 students towards their future career paths. This event proved to be a pivotal moment for our young learners as they navigated through various industries and professions.
The day emphasised the importance of career exploration and planning. Students were immersed in a diverse array of career presentations and workshops, each designed to showcase the opportunities available across different sectors.
Industry professionals from fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to arts and agriculture generously shared their expertise and personal career opportunities. This firsthand knowledge not only inspired our students but also provided invaluable insights into the skills and qualifications needed for various careers.
A highlight of the day was the networking opportunities provided by local businesses and community organisations. Students had the chance to ask questions, seek advice, and establish contacts that could prove instrumental in their future career endeavours.
Feedback from both students and educators highlighted the event's success in broadening perspectives and fostering enthusiasm for future career planning. Many students expressed newfound clarity about their career aspirations, while others discovered entirely new fields of interest.
As our Year 9 and 10 students continue their educational journey, the insights gained from the Inverell Career Network Day will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light, helping them chart a course towards fulfilling and successful careers.
Warm regards,
Mr Wayne Fowke
Principal