Newman Senior High School

We are officially at the end of the school year and this is the final issue of the Newsletter for 2024. Please enjoy reflecting on the year that has been. It is lovely to see how many fantastic activities our school community has provided and our students have been involved in.

I would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all Newman SHS staff who have undertaken the task of educating and inspiring students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners.

To our students who received their reports this week – please take time to reflect on your achievement and make sure you set your goals high moving forward. Take the holiday time to relax and be ready for an exciting 2025.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the following staff who are leaving our school community to commence the next phase of their journeys:

o  Alinda MacDonald – who is returning to Tasmania to family and a teaching position in a brand-new school.

o  Jenny Hall – who is returning to Tasmania to be with family.

o  Jamie Higgott – who is embarking on a new career as an apprentice Electrician.

o  Jade Muli – who is embarking on a new adventure in the Eastern States.

Thank you to the Newman community for your ongoing support. I wish everyone a very happy, safe and relaxing festive season and look forward to working with you all in 2025.

Kind regards

Charmaine Ford

Principal

Congratulations to these students for optimising their learning opportunities by having 97% and above attendance halfway through Term 4.  Keep up the great attendance.

#bhppilbaraeducationpartnership

On November 20 and 21 Year 6 students from both Newman Primary, and South Newman Primary Schools began their transition days experiencing what High School is like before they are welcomed in 2025 as our new Year 7's.

Media Arts 2024: A Year of Creativity and Innovation

As the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey our students have taken in Media Arts throughout 2024. From exploring camera techniques to creating captivating films and digital projects, our Year 7–10 students have shown tremendous creativity, innovation, and hard work.

Year 7 students kicked off the year by learning about various camera techniques used in film. They put this knowledge to the test by creating their very own advertisements and engaging comic strips, bringing their stories to life with both creativity and technical skill.

Year 8 students applied their camera knowledge to photography, building impressive portfolios that showcased their keen eye for detail. They also ventured into video production, producing “How To” videos and podcasts on topics of their choice, allowing them to explore their passions and share them in unique ways.

Year 9 took their filmmaking skills to the next level, researching different types of film before creating news report videos and articles. They also crafted their own claymation shorts, a project that challenged their patience and creativity, and even recreated popular music videos, blending their love for film with popular culture.

Year 10 students honed their editing skills, learning how to stitch shots together for continuity, and created their own short narrative films. They also explored digital media design by designing webpages and making a documentary about a local issue that is important to them—each film offering a unique perspective on the world around them.

It has truly been a year full of fun, laughs, and amazing projects. We’re so proud of the work that all our Media Arts students have produced! If you’d like to see any of their fantastic creations, please reach out to Miss Cannard.

Here's to a successful and creative 2025 in Media Arts!

Year 7/8 Students Discover the Art of Making Crêpes

In a delightful blend of culinary creativity and cultural exploration, Year 7 and Year 8 students recently got hands-on in the kitchen, learning to make traditional French crêpes. This fun and educational activity was not just about cooking—it offered a chance for the students to practice teamwork, develop their cooking skills, and embrace a key part of French culture.

The practical aspect of the lesson had students whisking batter to the perfect consistency, mastering the tricky art of flipping crêpes using a crêpe maker, and experimenting with a range of toppings.

By the end of the session, the students left with full stomachs, new skills, and an appreciation for the cultural significance of this simple yet iconic dish. It was a memorable activity that celebrated learning, laughter, and a love for food—proving that education can truly be a treat!

"Students who had retained their Good Standing throughout 2024 were invited to the end-of-Term 4 Good Standing event at Newman Aquatic centre. Students were provided opportunities to swim, access a free lunch and participate in a range of activities. We hope students had a good time and felt acknowledged for their adherence to the Newman Way values of care, compassion, respect and responsibility throughout the year. A big thank you to Rise Up who supported the event."

#bhppilbaraeducationpartnership 

Aspire Camp was an incredible experience! After arriving, we checked in and received our keycards before heading to dinner. The food was amazing, and after a long day of travel, we were ready for a good night’s sleep. The next morning, we were up bright and early, meeting in the dining hall for breakfast by 7:00 am. 

Once we were ready for the day, we gathered at the lower quad and began exploring the UWA campus.  We first met at a lecture theatre where we did a couple of interactive activities and listened to someone tell us about life at University.  Indigenous students also had the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous history of the area. In the afternoon, we participated in some of the sports activities available at UWA, including volleyball, rugby, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. It was a lot of fun trying out different sports and being active. 

Day 2 started with three taster activities in the morning: Entrepreneurship, where we looked at solving a problem to start a business; Astrology and Space, which gave us a chance to learn a bit about the stars and planets; and Business, which was both interesting and interactive. After the activities, we walked to Trinity Residential College for lunch, which was the most delicious meal of the trip. 

In the afternoon, we visited the Boola Bardip Museum and the Art Gallery of WA. At Boola Bardip, we saw unique exhibits from across Australia and around the world. The art section was particularly inspiring, with so many different styles on display. Exploring the museum's many sections was both educational and exciting. 

On the final day, we took part in three more taster activities. The first was Architecture, where we designed a playground, using creativity and problem-solving skills. The second was Bird Science, which was absolutely fascinating as we learned about different bird species and their features. The last was Human Movement, where we did our own fitness tests, including seeing how high we could jump and how fast we could run. 

To wrap up the trip, we visited SciTech, a massive interactive science centre. The planetarium was definitely a highlight, where we watched a fascinating short film about space. 

Aspire Camp was an unforgettable experience. We made new friends, learned a lot, and got a taste of what university life could be like in the future! 

Kayden, Rudra, Gabriella and Thanya 

Expanding University Pathways at Newman Senior High School

At Newman Senior High School, we understand that not all students want to follow an ATAR pathway to university, especially in a remote area where this can be challenging. Some students aren’t sure about university when they start Year 11 and 12, and traditional pathways might not suit everyone’s needs.

Thanks to funding from the Pilbara Education Partnership, we’re offering an alternative pathway to university through school-based traineeships (SBTs) and higher-level vocational certificates. These options allow students to gain real-world experience and qualifications that open doors to both careers and university entry.

Many of our students begin their SBT journey by completing a Certificate II in Year 11. However, this can leave fewer structured options for Year 12. To help students continue their education, we’ve used our funding to provide opportunities for eligible students to study for a Certificate IV qualification in Year 12. This boosts their job prospects and gives them another way to access university.

Here are some recent success stories:

• Education Pathway: Two of our students worked as trainees at the local primary school in Year 11 and then progressed to a Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support. Their hard work impressed the school, which offered them jobs as Education Assistants after graduation. These roles allow them to keep working while they study further, putting them on track for university and careers in teaching.
• Business Pathway: Another student completed a Certificate II in Workplace Skills through her BHP traineeship and progressed to a Certificate IV in Business in Year 12. She graduated with a job offer from BHP and gained university entry through an alternative pathway, giving her a strong start to her career.
• Community Services Pathway: A student studying a Certificate IV in Community Services has kept his university options open while building skills for a rewarding career in this field.
• General Studies Pathway: One academically strong student expressed interest in university but wasn’t following an ATAR pathway. With our support, she enrolled in a Certificate IV in School-Based Education, completed a work placement at the primary school, and now has more career and education opportunities after school.

These alternative pathways are an important part of our school’s approach to career planning. For students who find online ATAR courses challenging or discover a passion for further education later, these pathways offer a way forward.

By providing these opportunities, we’re helping our students access higher education, gain valuable skills, and create bright futures—no matter their starting point.

“In Home Economics Week 9, we have been getting into the Christmas spirit – baking and decorating gingerbread!” 

Today marked our final assembly for Term 4 2024.  Congratulations to all students who received an award and thank you to all Parents/Caregivers and community members for your attendance.

#pilbaraeducationpartnership 

5 February Students Commence 2025

5-6 February - Year 7 Orientation

7 February - Year 12 Orientation

25 February - Welcome BBQ

26 February - Assembly

3 March - Public Holiday Labour Day

Term 4 finishes on Thursday 12 December 2024.

Students return for Term 1 on Wednesday 5 February 2025