Hunter Sports High News

In 2026, students from the Big Picture Academy at Hunter Sports High School applied for positions in the High Performing Students Program through the University of Newcastle. The program offers a range of courses for students to undertake university-style learning while still in high school. These courses are delivered by academics working at the University of Newcastle, and can result in course credit earned before a student decides to enter a pattern of study. 5 students were lucky enough to acquire a position this year and have been attending their course at the NuSpace in Newcastle, or taking their course online through correspondence.  Lilly Graham (Year 11 - Be Water) found herself in the Creative Writing course (ENGL 1201), where she has been creating and sharing texts with her classmates. Lilly is looking into the arts and education as prospective pathways.

Madison Trembath (Year 10 - Roses in Bloom) is enjoying her Society and Culture: an Introduction to Sociology course (SOCA 1010). The most exciting points have been the open forums for discussion and the chance for social issues to be raised amongst teenagers and students.

Benji Robson (Year 11 - Be Water), Kenya Rees and Zoe Miller (Year 12 - Dodgy Coins) have all been tackling the most popular course delivered through the program, Foundations of Health and Disease (HUBS 1417). This course offers the foundations for anatomy, the function of major organ systems, and how diseases affect them. This course is delivered online, and the students are gaining a valuable insight into time management and cooperation as they share their knowledge and understanding.

The students will finish their respective courses alongside the university calendar in Semester One and hold a ceremony upon their completion. This example of diverse outlearning has been engaged with for each student’s personalised pathway, and is a shining example of how students can gain autonomy to learn at their own pace. Early in 2026, Tomaree High School advisors came to Hunter Sports High School with other advisors from across the region. One of their advisors, Arley Macphail, came up with a plan to bring students from Tomaree High School’s Big Picture program to meet with seniors from the HSHS Big Picture program. The idea was to network and share their progress as they move through the graduation process, the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC). Arley was a university practicum student in 2024, under the supervision of Michelle Handyside and knew she wanted her teaching career to be involved with Big Picture. The crew from Tomaree High School are lucky to have her, and partook happily with our own seniors in a tour of the school, a round of volleyball, and focused time in the advisory, sharing ideas about how they are collating their work for their Graduate Portfolios. The seniors were extraordinarily accommodating and found similar passions as discussions continued. Further on in the year, Be Water and Dodgy Coins will visit Tomaree High School with the aim of developing more dynamic Pathway Plans and sharing ongoing commitments such as Video Profiles and Senior Thesis Projects. 

MUSIC

In Term 1 we are celebrating the creativity, achievements, and exciting learning happening in our music classrooms. Year 8 Music students have begun their new unit, Beats and Tunes, as part of the updated NSW Music Syllabus. They have been developing keyboard skills, learning rhythmic notation, reading notes on the treble clef, and exploring music from around the world. The recent assessment task, which included Performance, Composition, and Listening components, was a great success. Students demonstrated enthusiasm and creativity across all three sections, and it was wonderful to see such high levels of engagement and enjoyment across all classes. We look forward to seeing their skills continue to grow throughout the year. Stage 5 have been learning the fundamentals of Jazz, Swing and Funk through various activities. Their assessment task was to create an improvisation over a backing track, they have all been busily working away becoming improv experts. Year 11 Music students have made a strong start, engaging enthusiastically in performance, composition, musicology, and aural activities. Their recent assessment task saw them develop skills in writing for keyboard, creating guitar tablature, and notating drum parts. It was a highly successful task, with all students showing great enjoyment and commitment. Stage 5 and Year 11 have had some exciting incursions lately. One being a song writing course with APRA AMCOS who are the music licensing company for all Australia. The other being the HSC Music Day where Year 11 students got to unpack all components of Music 1. They watched a performance master class where high school students performed and received feedback from HSC markers. The Music Department is excited to be working towards a Term 2 concert, showcasing the talents of our students. All students are welcome to get involved, with the opportunity to perform in a relaxed lunchtime setting in the music rooms.

SCIENCE

Students in Science this term have been engaging with a variety of concepts and skills: ●     Year 7 have been exploring ‘Observing the Universe’ ●     Year 8 have been exploring ‘Plants’ ●     Year 9 have been exploring ‘Energy’ ●     Year 10 have been exploring ‘Genetics and Evolutionary Change’ ●     Year 11 have been exploring Cells (Biology), Dynamics (Physics) and Cause and Effect - Observing (Investigating Science) ●     Year 12 have been exploring Genetics (Biology) and Scientific Investigations and Technologies (Investigating Science)   Other highlights this term have been:   INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN SCIENCE DAY On Wednesday 11th February, International Women in Science Day was celebrated with a morning tea for the top 15 female performers in Science for Year 10. Female science staff (Ms Fidge, Ms Jones and Mrs Guzel) presented to students about what International Women in Science Day is about, potential career opportunities in Science and extra-curriculum opportunities in Science. Thank you to the Girls Advisor (Ms Hammond) for her assistance in the organisation of the food for the morning tea. We are excited to see the incredible achievements and innovations these young talented scientists will contribute to the future.

Congratulations to the students from Year 10 who were invited to attend: ●     Neve Boettcher ●     Emily Drain ●     April Fletcher ●     Larissa Hall ●     Harmony Hansen ●     Rose Harvey ●     Jada Hetherington ●     Charlotte Lowrie ●     Raya Prestwidge ●     Ella Streatfield ●     Charli Vogtmann ●     Willis Oprea ●     Zoe Smith ●     Annika Driscoll ●     Lexi Barker   GENETICS COUNSELLOR VISIT On 17th March, HSHS Year 11 and Year 12 Biology students, as well as some Year 10 students, had the privilege of a visit and presentation from a Genetics Counsellor. This exposed students to potential career opportunities in science that they may not have considered. Genetics is also a key topic in senior Biology so this allowed students to either consolidate concepts they have previously learnt, or be introduced to concepts they will explore later on in their studies. We thank Jackie Boyle for her volunteered time to come and share her knowledge and experiences with our students.

T2

Term 1, 2026 has brought exciting opportunities for our T2 program, with 15 new Year 10 students joining us. Their arrival has created a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where fresh perspectives enrich class discussions and experienced students help model expectations and support a smooth transition. Our 25 students currently completing School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) have also started the year strongly, successfully balancing the demands of work, TAFE and school. It has been pleasing to see how well they are adapting to this pathway. Two of our students have shared their experiences: “I’m currently a student at Hunter Sports High School, completing an SBAT in Maritime Operations while working towards my coxswain qualification. I really enjoy what I do, as it gives me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the maritime industry while still studying. One of the best parts is being able to go to work and also spend time with my friends at school, which makes the experience even more rewarding.” “I am part of the T2 program, where I am completing my Certificate III in Electrotechnology. My weekly schedule includes working two days a week, attending TAFE one day, and coming to school for two days to stay connected with my friends. Through this program, I gain hands-on experience as I learn to become an electrician. When I return to school, I enjoy sharing what I have learned with my class. The T2 program allows me to continue my education while also working towards my qualification and gaining real-world experience in the electrical industry.” We look forward to continuing to support all T2 students as they take the next steps in their journeys. With determination and purpose, they are embracing both the opportunities and challenges of the working world, developing into capable and responsible young adults. We would also like to congratulate Joshua Patterson and Brandon Reid who have now gained full time positions at Reece Plumbing and left school. Congratulations also go to Sunni-Rose Milton for gaining an SBAT in Hairdressing and Jai Laws for gaining an SBAT in Flooring.  

TAS

As we reach the end of Term 1, the TAS Faculty has had a busy and highly productive start to the year. Students across all stages have been developing their practical skills, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning experiences in real-world contexts. From industry work placements to engaging classroom projects and outdoor learning activities, it has been wonderful to see students apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. We look forward to building on this strong foundation in Term 2. VET HOSPITALITY & CONSTRUCTION All Year 11 VET Hospitality students have completed the mandatory induction, which will enable them to participate in Industry work placement in 2026. Our Year 12 students have completed their 70 hours of mandatory work placement and we would like to thank those businesses that hosted the students and for their ongoing support of our students: The Channel Cafe, Swansea; Dullboy’s Social Co, Warners Bay; Peg’s Café, Whitebridge, XS Espresso, Bennetts Green; Impact Security and Electrical, Tuggerah; Elite Energy Co, Tingira Heights; MWP Carpentry, West Wallsend.

Year 12 Hospitality students successfully completed a service period at The Dugout Café, where they provided food and beverage to students in celebration of Harmony Day, on Friday 20th March. This authentic learning experience gave students the opportunity to apply their customer service, teamwork, and food handling skills in a real-world setting. They demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and a strong commitment to hospitality standards while contributing to a positive and inclusive school event. Special thanks go to Ms Hearne and Ms Carolan for their supervision and support in ensuring the smooth running of the service periods.

Across Stage 4, 5 and 6 elective courses, students have produced outstanding work this term, showcasing strong creative and practical skills. We look forward to seeing these skills continue to develop in Term 2, alongside their technical knowledge and critical reflection. MARINE AND AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY Stage 5 Marine Studies students successfully completed their water safety assessment at Merewether Baths. This included swimming 50 metres fully clothed, performing a pants float, treading water for three minutes, and completing a 200-metre swim. We thank Mr Davies for providing these valuable and engaging learning experiences

Enquiries for all TAS courses can be made through the CANVAS Inbox Teaching staff include Ms Lee Carolan, Mr Paul Davies, Mr Ross Hanlon, Ms Megan Hearne, Ms Karen Hines (Head Teacher TAS), Mr Nigel Hogan, Ms Donna Rodgers and Mr Anthony Vitnell (currently replacing Mr Grant Harmer).

VISUAL ARTS

Our dedicated Visual Arts team for 2026 includes Mrs Meikle, Mrs Schubert, Ms Mueck, Mrs McCarthy, Ms Sparks and Ms Smith (Head Teacher). Together, they have led a vibrant and creative start to the year across all stages.   Students in Years 7, 8 and our Hunter classes have been building foundational skills in drawing and painting through engaging projects such as the Personal Symbol Shield and Mulga-inspired kangaroo paintings. Stage 5 elective students have been exploring the still life genre through both drawing and painting, developing their technical skills and artistic understanding.   In Stage 6, Year 11 students have been drawing inspiration from art history to inform their practice, while Year 12 students are actively developing their Bodies of Work in preparation for the HSC. Our GEM classes have also been producing expressive and imaginative mixed media artworks.   Students have had the opportunity to engage in a range of new art and design electives through Passion Projects (Years 7–8) and the Independent Learning Program (Years 9–10). The Creative Academy mentor group continues to support student growth, although time has been limited so far this year due to a busy whole-school schedule.   NEWS AND EVENTS   We are excited to share that our faculty has been awarded an “Art Pathways” scholarship through the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This funding will support an upcoming excursion to Sydney later in Term 2, where our older students will experience the prestigious Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes.   Congratulations to Tenzin Saldon, whose ceramic work has been selected as a finalist in the National K–12 Ceramics Competition. The work will be exhibited at the Gulgong Ceramics Festival and judged by Keith Brymer Jones, known for The Great Pottery Throwdown.   Students are also encouraged to enter the local Young Dobell Art Competition, which includes categories such as portraits, pet portraits and landscapes. Further information is available via the Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie website.   Please save the date for our annual Visual Arts Showcase, taking place on Tuesday 4 August 2026 (Term 3, Week 3). This is always a fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and achievements of our students.   LOOKING AHEAD   Beginning in Term 2, Art Club will run during Lunch 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All students are welcome to attend and work independently in the art room.   We acknowledge the hard work, creativity and enthusiasm of our students and staff and look forward to another inspiring term ahead. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing break and can’t wait to see what our students create next.

WELLBEING

HARMONY DAY Our school proudly celebrated Harmony Day on 21st March, a special occasion that recognises and values the rich cultural diversity within our community. Aligned with the message “Everyone Belongs,” the day provided students with meaningful opportunities to reflect on inclusion, respect, and the importance of embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Students in Years 7–10 participated in a range of engaging classroom activities, including thoughtful discussions, collaborative tasks, and a fun Kahoot quiz that tested their understanding of cultural diversity and global connections. Winners received canteen vouchers and had the opportunity to choose songs to be played during both lunch breaks, something enjoyed by both students and staff alike. Adding to the celebrations, staff and students worked together to serve a variety of delicious food stalls. Mininbah also organised a series of vibrant cultural dances from various traditions, giving students the opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultural expressions. Our school community came together for a colourful and energetic Colour Run (organised by PDHPE) , promoting teamwork, positivity, and school spirit. We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced the values of Harmony Day, demonstrating respect, kindness, and inclusivity throughout the day. Events like these remind us that our diversity is our strength.

PEER MENTOR Our Peer Mentoring Program has recently begun, with selected Year 10 students taking on the important role of mentoring our Year 7 students. This initiative aims to support younger students as they transition into high school, helping them feel more confident, connected, and supported within the school community. Throughout the program, students have been participating in a variety of teamwork games and in-class activities designed to build trust, communication, and positive relationships. These sessions have focused on developing leadership skills in the mentors while fostering a sense of belonging and friendship among the Year 7 students. The program has already created a positive and welcoming environment, strengthening connections across year groups and encouraging a culture of support, respect, and collaboration within our school. 

BREAKFAST CLUB AND OZ HARVEST   Our Breakfast club runs every Friday morning, providing students with delicious, freshly toasted bread from TASH Kitchen/Café. Led by our dedicated Year Advisers and staff, this initiative ensures students start the day nourished and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful to Mount Hutton Bakers Delight for their generous bread donations, and to Oz Harvest for supplying a variety of fruit, bread, and tasty treats to support our students at HSHS.

FOCUS DAY - YEAR 8 Our Year 8 students recently participated in a highly engaging focus day, centred on inclusion, wellbeing, and teamwork. The day began with an Inclusion Workshop led by Mrs Workman, Mrs Wade-Philipsa, and Mrs Smith, encouraging students to reflect on respect, diversity, and belonging within our school community. Students then took part in a fun and interactive team-building workshop, strengthening their collaboration and communication skills. In the “Exploring Wellbeing Through Culture” session, students created bracelets and developed their own Acknowledgement of Country, fostering cultural awareness and personal reflection. Thank you to the Minimbah staff for organising. A highlight of the day was a lively trivia challenge, where students tested their knowledge against the Deputy and Year Adviser, four groups emerged victorious! All students were rewarded with Zooper Doopers to cool down! The day concluded with a range of student-selected wellbeing sessions run by Neverfold, including DanceFit, Pilates and Nutrition, mindfulness art, Understanding Anxiety, Regulating your emotions, Power of thoughts, mindfulness and art  and outdoor strength and cardio activities. Overall, the day was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect, learn, and focus on their wellbeing in a positive and supportive environment.

COMMUNITY NOTICES