Hunter Sports High News Term 3 - Week 5 - 2025

On Tuesday, we were honoured to welcome our guest speaker, Soli Raphael, whose insightful and inspiring talk reminded us of the power of stories to shape our thinking, broaden our perspectives, and bring people together. Soli’s words resonated deeply with our students, encouraging them to see reading not just as an activity, but as a gateway to understanding the world.

Of course, no Book Week would be complete without our annual Book Parade. This year’s parade was full of colour, creativity, and imagination as students and staff brought their favourite characters to life. All entries were fantastic, with senior students entering the parade for the first time this year. A huge congratulations to the Science Faculty, who claimed victory for the third year in a row! Their costumes and commitment were truly outstanding – it’s no wonder they’ve built such an impressive winning streak.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone – staff, students, and families – who contributed to making Book Week such a success. Whether you dressed up, joined in the games, or supported from behind the scenes, your enthusiasm and participation made the week unforgettable.

Book Week 2025 reminded us all that stories are not only for the page – they’re for sharing, celebrating, and living together. Here’s to another year of reading adventures!

GEM

A Fresh Chapter for Our Coffee Shop

Term 3 has brought both a changing of the guard and an exciting rebrand for the GEM Coffee Shop. Established in 1992, the GEM coffee shop has been a much-loved part of our school community for decades. We’re thrilled to share that it now has a brand-new name – The Hidden Gem Cafe!

The name change was discussed and voted on by students, with a unanimous decision to embrace the new title. “The Hidden Gem” reflects not only our cafe’s location within the school but also the many hidden talents and skills of our GEM Academy students. This fresh identity captures the warm, welcoming atmosphere we’ve built, where great food, friendly service, and community spirit take centre stage. Run by our talented students, The Hidden Gem Cafe will continue to be a place where skills are learned, connections are made, and every customer leaves with a smile.

Week A will see the Opal Class, with the support of Ms Stewart and Mr Dowler, running The Hidden Gem Cafe. Opal students will continue to serve and wait on staff with their signature high-quality recipes and meals. Week B will bring the new faces of Ruby Class, guided by Mrs Gilmore and Mrs Cottrill. Although new to the cafe, Ruby students are bursting with ideas—offering a lower-cost menu featuring recipes from their OzHarvest program and fresh produce grown in the GEM garden.

We can’t wait to see the creativity, skill, and teamwork that Term 3 will bring to The Hidden Gem Cafe, and we look forward to welcoming our staff to enjoy all it has to offer.

Ruby Class

We’re thrilled to kick off Term 3 by unveiling our vibrant new Sensory Corner, created using our $1,000 prize money from the 2024 Living Smart Festival. This welcoming space is designed to help students self-regulate, reset, and thrive in a calmer learning environment. It features a relaxing swing chair, colourful sensory tiles, and a lush green wall that ties perfectly into our classroom’s garden theme. Ruby students are already excited to use this new area during class time.

In preparation for the 2025 Living Smart Festival, Ruby class recently visited Lake Macquarie’s Landcare & Sustainable Living Centre, umali barai-ku. We participated in a hands-on worm farm workshop, which promoted sustainability and environmental awareness. Students rolled up their sleeves to collect worms, provide them with sustenance, and plant native seedlings—practical lessons that combined sustainability, mathematics, and communication skills.

Back at school, students have been applying their new knowledge to care for our own worm farm. They’re monitoring composting cycles, collecting nutrient-rich liquid castings for our gardens, and helping to reduce waste.

We’re looking forward to a busy and exciting term ahead in Ruby class! With more community excursions, hands-on sustainability projects, and our regular coffee shop duties, there’s never a dull moment. We can’t wait to keep learning, growing, and making a positive impact—both at school and beyond.

Leaving to Learn

This term, Ruby and Sapphire classes are joining forces every second week for exciting Leaving to Learn adventures. These excursions take learning beyond the four walls of the classroom and into the real world, giving students the opportunity to explore, connect, and grow together.

Our itinerary is packed with engaging destinations, including Fighter World, Mount Tomaree, the Living Smart Festival, the tennis courts at Maitland, and Myuna Bay. Each location has been carefully chosen to provide rich, hands-on experiences. From exploring aviation history to enjoying the natural beauty of our local environment, students are not just learning facts—they’re experiencing them.

These adventures also help build strong connections between the Ruby and Sapphire classes, fostering teamwork, mutual respect, and lasting friendships. Most importantly, they provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage with our wider community, and developing real-world skills.

As part of our Leaving to Learn program, the Opal class students have been taking the valuable skills developed through the Honesty Fridge program out into the community. Over recent weeks, they have been honing essential life skills such as budgeting, shopping, and community access. On a recent excursion, students worked together to plan and budget for a BBQ, make a shopping list, and purchase all the required ingredients from the local shops. They then prepared and cooked the BBQ, demonstrating independence, responsibility, and teamwork.

Beyond the practical tasks, the day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen their communication and cooperation skills. They participated in engaging team-building activities designed to promote problem-solving, leadership, and working together toward a common goal. These real-world experiences not only reinforce classroom learning but also help students develop confidence, independence, and the ability to connect meaningfully with their peers and the wider community.

Getting Job Ready

This year the Opal class focus has been on job readiness - helping students develop the confidence, skills, and knowledge they need to step into the workforce. As part of lessons, students have been researching different types of jobs, the skills required for specific roles, and the qualifications needed to get them. Students have been learning how to create professional resumes, practise interview techniques, and explore workplace expectations.

This term, students participated in a Job Ready Workshop delivered by the Educational Pathways Program (EPP), designed to help prepare them for future employment. Through engaging, hands-on activities, they explored workplace expectations, discussed appropriate attire, and practised essential communication skills. These valuable lessons will help students feel more confident and prepared when applying for jobs and attending interviews. We’re excited to continue building these skills in future workshops with EPP.

A big shout out to two of our students, Matilda Williams and Zavier Kliendienst, who are taking exciting steps toward their future through the Start Your Future TAFE program! Matilda is refining her skills in hairdressing, while Zavier is sharpening his skills in barbering. We’re proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see where their talents take them!

HSIE

This term the HSIE faculty welcomes Mr Ingram as he joins us while completing his teaching internship as part of his studies at the University of Newcastle. Mr Ingram will be working alongside Mr Scully, to gain practical experience.

This term our Year 7 students are studying Place and Liveability. In Stage 4 Geography this topic asks students to investigate what makes a place ‘liveable’ — looking at factors such as environmental quality, access to services, housing, safety, and community wellbeing. Students explore how people’s perceptions of liveability differ, and they learn to assess and propose ways to improve the liveability of places. Studying this topic helps students develop practical map and fieldwork skills, strengthens their understanding of what contributes to wellbeing in communities, and encourages them to think critically about planning and sustainability in places they use every day.

Our Year 8 History classes are exploring life in the medieval world. This Stage 4 study focuses on major features of medieval societies — for example, feudal systems, the role and influence of the Church, monarchies, daily life, and the interactions between different cultures in medieval Europe and beyond. Learning about the medieval world develops students’ skills in source analysis, empathy for people from different times and places, and an appreciation of how past structures shaped modern institutions.

Year 9 students are studying Environmental Change and Management. As part of their learning, students will undertake a geographical investigation focused on issues in our local suburb. They will develop investigation questions, gather and analyse data, and propose management responses.

We emphasise good research design and ethics for these investigations: students will be supported to design appropriate questions and use a mix of data sources to understand the complexities associated with their chosen topic. This local enquiry helps students connect course concepts to real-world problems and builds skills in critical thinking, data handling and civic responsibility.

Year 10 students are studying the post-World War II period with a focus on Rights and Freedoms. This Stage 5 depth study investigates how and why rights and freedoms changed in Australia and the wider world after 1945, and examines key events, movements and legal changes that shaped civil and political life. Students are also completing an independent historical investigation on a modern-era topic of personal interest — this is a great opportunity to practise framing a research question, locating and evaluating sources, and constructing an evidence-based argument.

Year 11 students are approaching the end of their Year 11 course. Now is a great time to consolidate learning, begin organising revision notes and plan study timetables for the end-of-year assessment period. If students need help with exam preparation or understanding course material, please encourage them to contact their subject teachers — we are here to support them.

Quick study tips for Year 11:

• Break study into focused, short blocks with specific goals.

• Ask teachers for feedback on assessment drafts early.

• Use past papers and practice questions to build confidence.

Best of luck to our Year 12 students currently sitting their Trial HSC exams. A few important reminders for after the trials finish: maintain good attendance, keep studying and refining exam techniques, actively seek feedback from your subject teachers (and from Mr Berry if you’d like broader HSC guidance), and use returned trial exam scripts to identify areas to strengthen before the HSC. Ongoing teacher feedback and revision now can make a real difference in final outcomes.

Study suggestions for Year 12:

• Review marked trial papers carefully and meet with teachers about common errors.

• Create a targeted revision plan focusing on weaker topics.

• Balance study with adequate rest and self-care during this busy time.

MINIMBAH

It's been an incredibly busy and inspiring Term 2 and start of Term 3 for the Minimbah Team at HSHS, with cultural celebration, education, and community engagement at the forefront of everything we do.

We began Term 2 with a powerful Reconciliation Week whole-school assembly that featured proud Torres Strait Islander keynote speakers, Genus and Xavier Passi. Their presentation around the significance of Reconciliation Week, especially Mabo Day, left a lasting impact on students and staff alike. They shared personal insights, language, and cultural connections that deepened our understanding of the importance of land rights and the legacy of Eddie Mabo.

NAIDOC Week at HSHS was another major highlight, drawing support and participation from a wide range of community members. A huge thank you to Uncle Joe Flick, Uncle Leon Hammond, Terri-Lee and the Awabakal Language team, and Jayden Kitchener-Waters for their engaging and educational workshops. Students rotated through sessions on Language & Artefacts, Local Heroes, Traditional Games, the NAIDOC theme focusing on the future, and Celebrating 50 Years of NAIDOC. The day wrapped up with a school-wide Koorioke, bringing music, pride, and unity to the forefront.

The Minimbah Dance Group continues to make us proud, with their performance schedule full around NAIDOC Week and into Term 3. They performed for local community groups, private and public hospitals, preschools, and primary schools--spreading culture, pride, and joy through dance and workshops.

Another proud moment came with the NRL School to Work Year 12 students, who participated in a special dance collaboration with six other schools under the guidance of Uncle Richard "Roo" Faulkner. The group performed at the Newcastle Knights v Panthers Indigenous Round with a stunning performance. For the NRLW Indigenous Round the next day, our Minimbah dance students, mostly from Year 7, performed with pride, led by Year 10's Koby (song man) and renowned didgeridoo player Uncle Norman Shillingsworth, also forming part of the guard of honour after their on field showcase.

In other exciting programs, our Year 8 girls successfully completed the SistaSpeak program. Highlights included arts and crafts, skirt making, wellbeing and career discussions with community member Kahlia Saunders, and a memorable excursion to Yamuloong.

Our Year 8 FOCUS Day, hosted by the Minimbah Team, delivered three workshops. Uncle Rodney Lake and Jesse Hodgetts shared insights into artefacts, bush tucker, language, and song. Students were immersed in culture through singing in language, tasting native foods, and enjoying delicious wattle seed damper, native jams, and cream--thanks to Aunty Helen Faulkner of Yamuloong and the jams from OzTukka.

Year 6 Transition programs have also begun, welcoming students from our Community of Schools for on-site workshops in art, culture, traditional games, dance, and local histories, building connections before high school officially begins for them next year.

Year 7 Passion Project Wednesdays have continued since mid-Term 1. Students have explored Aboriginal art, traditional games, histories, and Dreaming stories, created educational Kahoots, watched The Final Quarter documentary about Adam Goodes, and enjoyed an excursion to local cultural sites. Upcoming sessions will include cultural cooking and dance.

Mental health and wellbeing were spotlighted during the visit from the NRL State of Mind team, led by former NRL player Clinton Toopi, who delivered an engaging and interactive session focused on mental wellbeing and resilience.

In classrooms, the Minimbah team continues to deliver Perspectives across multiple KLAs--exploring themes such as intergenerational trauma, Aboriginal art and science (like boomerang physics), the Stolen Generations, anti-racism, and more. It's been heartening to see students so active and engaged in these important learning spaces.

We continue our core work of in-class support, relationship building, and wellbeing advocacy--meeting academic, social, and sporting needs. The JAECG (Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group) continues to meet regularly, raising valuable cultural points and preparing for their AGM next month.

A shift in our school's PLP (Personalised Learning Pathway) process has seen strong staff support through FOCUS Days and roll call sessions, ensuring students receive consistent and meaningful engagement around their goals and aspirations.

Looking ahead, we're excited for events including the Illuminate Leadership Camp, Numeracy Gala Day, and the Aurora Foundations Immersion for Year 10 students.

As always, we're incredibly proud of the resilience, talent, and cultural leadership of our students and the ongoing support from our broader community. The Minimbah Team is committed to walking alongside students in culture, identity, and learning - every step of the way.

Minimbah Team, HSHS

Personal Pathways

Passion Projects

Students in Passion Projects have been actively involved in learning new skills and expanding their knowledge of local history and culture. One class has been completing a range of physical activity and nutrition lessons aimed at improve their ability to make safe and healthy choices. While another group has been exploring significant Aboriginal heritage sites around Lake Macquarie- Belmont Lagoon, Redhead Beach and the site of the first mission in Belmont (opposite the Gunyah Hotel), located on Awabakal Country. All students have been enthusiastic participants who are enjoying Passion Projects where they get to select classes that appeal to their personal interests. Thank you to all staff involved in Passion Projects for your efforts to provide students with meaningful and varied experiences.

WELLBEING NEWSLETTER

As always, it has been a busy and productive Term 2/3 in Wellbeing. Some of our highlights have included:

● Conclusion of the Peer Mentor Program - Thank you to all Year 10 leaders for their running of this program to support Year 7 students with their transition to high school. The program saw some incredible leadership and mentorship from Year 10 students. This was noted by several staff involved during the program, but was also identified by Year 10 leaders as 88% of leaders indicated that they gained leadership skills and experiences from the program. Most Year 7 students engaged well with the program and students showcased great team work, resilience, communication and the ability to connect with people in their year group. Training for Year 9 prospective leaders will occur soon so that the program can be even better next year!

● Year 8 Focus Day - The day focused on inclusivity and strategies to support wellbeing. Year 8 students moved through a mixture of workshops, presentations and activities including a workshop that explored cultural connection and inclusivity (thank you to Jesse Hodgetts and Uncle Rodney), a team building task done in class groups, a ‘Just Like You’ workshop presented by Variety, a trivia challenge as a whole year group where students challenged (and beat) their Year Advisor Mr McCarter, and a Mental Fitness presentation by archery Paralympian, Ameera Lee as a representative from the Black Dog Institute.

Students also enjoyed a BBQ lunch during the day. Thank you to all external presenters and all staff who worked tirelessly to ensure this was an engaging and productive day for Year 8. From student feedback, some of the key takeaways from the day included a deeper understanding of the importance of respecting others and treating others the way you would want to be treated. Students also indicated a greater understanding of being inclusive of all people regardless of any disabilities they may have. It was fantastic to see that students highlighted that the day was beneficial in giving them strategies to enhance their wellbeing, such as using cultural connections as a calming and grounding strategy as well as the fact that students also noted that they enjoyed the opportunities to work together with peers they wouldn’t normally talk to during class or lunch breaks. The wellbeing team are currently completing final organisation for the Year 9 Focus Day which will occur later on in this term and look forward to sharing this day with you soon!

● Stand Tall Event - Some students from Year 9-11 travelled to Sydney to attend the 2025 Stand Tall event which is Australia’s largest youth wellbeing event. They joined thousands of high school students from NSW to receive messages of hope from positive role models who facilitated important conversations about mental health. Students and staff had a fantastic time, many indicating they would love to go again next year!

● NSW Public Schools Survey - All students had the opportunity to take part in the NSW Public Schools Survey which aims to gather insights from students about their experiences at school. Some of the topics explored include a sense of belonging, inclusion, student voice, motivation, engagement, expectations, feedback, classroom management, explicit teaching, transitions, school infrastructure, bullying and discrimination. The team has received the results from the survey and are currently analysing these to maintain, refine and/or improve wellbeing structures and supports at Hunter Sports High School.

● Implementation of Positive Behaviour Process - The wellbeing team has collaborated to create and implement a system to recognise ongoing commitment to the school’s values of success, responsibility, and respect. Students are recognised each week during Friday’s Mentor time and at the end of each term, students in each year group are recognised as term MVPs at the formal assembly, receiving a $50 gift voucher to commend them on their ongoing and exceptional commitment. Well done to all students who received recognition in Term 2. Looking forward to doing this all again in Term 3!

COMMUNITY NOTICES