From the Principal 

NAPLAN resumes with a focus on growth  

After a pause in NAPLAN testing during 2020 due to COVID-19, the program will resume this year and will be held over 11 – 13 May.  

After a review of NAPLAN, for the first time NAPLAN Certificates of Achievement will this year be awarded to Year 9 students in 2021 who achieve a result in Reading and/or Numeracy that places them in the very top band of NAPLAN and to those who significantly improve on their Year 7 results. 

The new certificates celebrate students who achieve the highest level and those who excel by making exceptional progress, irrespective of where they start. 

We encourage all students to take it seriously and all we ask is to try to their best. We understand it is a snapshot of achievement on the day of the test, and many factors influence that. As a school we are delighted that growth will be recognised by an official certificate, because growth is the fundamental essence of learning and the thing that is most important to us.  

Northcote High excelling in a range of fields

Our students are always achieving great things both at school and many also beyond school, in their personal lives. Here is just a snapshot of the things that have come across my desk this week, highlighting the outstanding work, dedication and achievements of our amazing young people.  

2020 Graduate, Sam Sweatman in the VCAA Seasons of Excellence Exhibition – Melbourne Museum 

Each year the VCAA select a small number of VCE/VET students’ works, representing the best of the best.  Sam joins a long list of Northcote High School students from previous years, who have had their creative talents displayed or performed.   

The exhibition is open to the general public, but teachers from around the state, also take their classes to the Season’s of Excellence for inspiration to show them the benchmark for the highest level of achievement.  

Congratulations, Sam! We are so proud of your creativity and design skills, not to mention, the resilience and persistence you showed to produce this during COVID-19 school shutdowns in 2020.  Read more about Sam's design further on in the newsletter.

Students at Northcote High School excel at design thinking, using STEM skills to address the great challenges of the 21st Century.  Purpose built, modern facilities in Stage 1 & 2 of the Masterplan redevelopment would inspire our students even more. The first parts of the Masterplan include:  

Stage 1: STEM Centre, general classrooms and a new canteen (3 storey building) 

Stage 2: Resource Centre – library, student wellbeing and careers, general classrooms (2 storey building) 

State Champion – Swimming 

We were delighted to have seven of our students compete in the State Swimming Championships on Thursday 22 April.  

Junior Boys relay – placed 4th with a much improved time compare with their efforts in the Regional Finals. Well done to Samuel Francis, Amyn Ibrahim, William Panay and Miles Parfitt of Year 7. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and team work.  

Matteo Rossi-Hunt Year 11 – was 2nd in the Individual Medley and 1st in the 50 m Breaststroke. Congratulations Matteo! This is an outstanding achievement and a reward for your ongoing commitment to training and hard work.  

Congratulations also to Tiger Whittle and Acacia Schipper for your outstanding performances on the day.  

National Athletic Champions 

The National Athletic Championships were held in Sydney over the holidays. We are incredibly proud of two of our students’ hard work, dedication and stunning achievements:  

Archie Noakes (Yr 11) won both his events. He is the U18 National Champion in the 2000m and 3000m steeplechase.  

Douglas Buckeridge (Yr 12) was in the Under 20 division and was 5th in the 1500m and 3rd in the 3000m 

Volleyball – Regional Finals  

Congratulations to Alicia Chant, Iris Bentley and Amelia Mensingh (picture here) and the rest of the team, Tarra Brown, Erin Gallagher, Chloe Pattas, Chloe Lum and Alexa Mackey. They were runners up in the Regional Finals. What a stellar achievement! 

The Australian National Freestyle BMX Championships 

Another outstanding achievement from Orlando Oakley in year 11, who was third in these championships in mid March, for the 15+ age group. Again, hard work and creativity were the key to Orlando’s success. Congratulations.  

Victorian Interschool Horse Trials

Annabelle Grage-Perry Year 8 represented the school at an equestrian event last week. Annabelle rode incredibly well at state level in the Interschools' Horse Trials Championship held at Wandin Park. Annabelle is the first NHS student we know of to represent us in equestrian events. Congratulations.

ANZAC Day 

Katie Jackson of year 10 volunteered her time to commemorate ANZAC Day by playing the last post at local football matches. We also hope to hear her at assemblies later this week. 

There’s so much talent and willingness to contribute amongst our students. Congratulations everyone.  

In our next addition we will report on the success of our Open Day, where student leaders from across the board will be showcasing our school to hundreds of visitors.  

Until then my best wishes to you all 

Sue Harrap 

Principal