DEPUTY PRINCIPALS' MESSAGE

Well done to everyone in our school community for a busy and productive Term 1. We wish our whole school community a safe and relaxing holiday break. Hopefully there is a lot of chocolate involved! Staff return to work in Term 2 on Monday 20th April and Tuesday 21st April to complete Department of Education professional learning on disability, neurodiversity and inclusion. Teachers will also be preparing lessons and programming for the term ahead. Students return on Wednesday 22nd April at 8.45 am. The school uniform changes to our winter uniform from this date.  If you need to purchase uniform over the holidays, please contact School Locker for details of their North Sydney shop. They will return to our site on Wednesday 22nd April at 1 pm. We will commence the term with a number of events including:

• Wednesday 22nd April - Anzac Day Assembly
• Thursday 23rd April - Annual Cross Country
• Friday 24th April - P&C Mother’s Day Stall

Over the holidays, carpets will be replaced in several classrooms in A Block. Assets have provided us with this information to pass onto the school community. This is included at the end of this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you all next term. Ms Wallwork and Ms Gilmore - Deputy Principals

YEAR 9 MONEY MATTERS

Students of Year 9 participated in a highly informative workshop called Making money Work by the Talk Money Foundation. They learnt about employee rights, how to read a pay slip, creating a TFN, superannuation and many more real life financial guidance. The students will be able to use their new knowledge and independently apply it to their financial decision making in their lives moving forward. 

US Consulate Sydney School Leaders Lunch

Dear Principal Briggs,   I would like to extend my sincere thank you for your participation in our recent Sydney School Leaders Lunch. It was a pleasure to welcome you and to have the opportunity to connect with so many dedicated leaders from the local education community.   Your insights and engagement made the event a meaningful exchange, and we greatly appreciate your willingness to share your experiences and perspectives. We are especially grateful for the important role your school plays in supporting both local and international families and the support you have provided the U.S. Consulate and EducationUSA over the years.   As discussed, we look forward to exploring further opportunities for collaboration—whether through EducationUSA, STEM initiatives, student mobility, or programs that prepare students for the workforce of the future. We are committed to supporting your efforts and to working together to benefit students, schools, and the broader U.S.–Australia alliance. Thank you again for joining us and for your ongoing commitment to educational excellence. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have ideas for future engagement or if there is any way we can support Hornsby Girls’ High School community.   With best regards, Cora Lavin Education Outreach Manager US Consulate, Sydney

SHAPE exhibition at UTS

SHAPE presents a selection of outstanding major projects by HSC Textiles and Design, Design and Technology, and Industrial Technology students in NSW. NESA nominated a total of 1599 projects from across NSW from the 2025 HSC.  HGHS graduate, Rishona Frances was not just nominated, but made the final selection as one of only 54 projects across all disciplines, 12 of which were textiles projects. This is a phenomenal achievement to have made it in to the exhibition that is showing now in the main building foyer at The University of Technology, Sydney.  The exhibition opened last week with a ceremony at UTS that was addressed by Mr Paul Martin, CEO of NESA, The Hon Steve Whan MP, Prof Kylie Readman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor UTS and Prof Brad Haylock, Head of Design UTS. Aimee Graham, Rishona's textiles teacher attended the event as a representative for Hornsby Girls High School.  The exhibition is open to the public until the 11 April. 

WATER POLO

Congratulations to Charity, Eva and Erica, proud members of the Sydney Uni Water Polo Club, who once again won gold over the weekend at the NSW Summer Metro Grand Finals in the women's U14 Division 2 competition. This outstanding achievement means they have secured back-to-back gold medals in both the 2025–2026 Winter and Summer Metro seasons, with an impressive record of 42 wins from 43 games. We are incredibly proud of their growth throughout the year, particularly in their water polo IQ, tactical understanding and teamwork. Their determination, commitment and hard work have truly paid off. We wish them all the very best as they prepare to compete at the Australian Water Polo Youth Championships in Brisbane this April. Keep shining, girls! 🌟

Term 2 Extracurricular Sport Programs

Term 2 Extracurricular Sports programs are now confirmed, and we’re excited to share the range of activities available below. To ensure a timely start next term, sport selections will take place during the holiday period on the 18th April 2026 at 9:00am. This allows you and your child extra time to consider the options and choose what suits them best. Please make sure to carefully read all key information included in the email sent to parents and students this week. Best of luck with your sport selection choices for Term 2 programs. Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable break. Ms Hoang (Extracurricular Sport Coordinator, 2026

CAREERS

Canaries in the Coal Mine,  The impact of AI on the labour market & education. "How do we determine what is coming with what is now", Reflections from a Careers Advisor A question I am increasingly asked by families is: How will artificial intelligence shape my child’s future education and career opportunities? The honest answer is that no one can predict this with certainty. However, emerging research and expert insights are beginning to provide important signals that can help guide our thinking. At a recent conference at the University of Sydney, Professor Danny Liu explored this topic, drawing on research titled “Canaries in the Coal Mine.” One of his key messages was that the area of study a student pursues may become more important than the specific degree title, reflecting a shift toward adaptable, transferable skills. The research—while based in the United States—has clear relevance for Australia. It suggests that early-career workers (typically aged 22–25) are acting as indicators of how AI is beginning to reshape the labour market. Since late 2022, employment in AI-exposed entry-level roles has declined by approximately 13–16%. These roles often rely on structured, “textbook” knowledge—precisely the type of work that generative AI can now perform efficiently. Key Insights for Families 1. Changing Entry Points to Careers  While overall employment levels remain relatively stable, traditional entry-level roles are shrinking. These positions have historically provided essential training and experience, and their decline may make early career progression more challenging. 2. Automation vs Augmentation  AI is more likely to replace routine, codified tasks than to enhance them. Roles such as basic coding or customer support are particularly affected, while positions requiring judgment, creativity, and interpersonal skills remain more secure. 3. Evolving Hiring Practices  Employers are increasingly using AI to complete tasks that were once assigned to junior staff. Rather than reducing salaries, organisations are hiring fewer entry-level employees. 4. A Growing Experience Gap  More experienced professionals are, for now, less affected. In fact, employment among older workers in some sectors has increased, widening the gap between novice and expert. Implications for Education These trends raise important questions about how we best prepare students for the future. A Shift Beyond Content Knowledge  Traditional models of education—focused heavily on knowledge acquisition—are being challenged. AI can now replicate many of these outcomes, prompting schools to place greater emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. The Value of “Productive Struggle”  There is concern that students may miss out on the foundational learning that comes from practising routine tasks. This “productive struggle” is essential for developing deeper understanding and expertise. New Priorities: Evaluation and Judgment  Increasingly, the most valuable skill is not simply producing work, but evaluating it—questioning, refining, and verifying AI-generated outputs. Cognitive Development Considerations  There is also emerging evidence that over-reliance on AI tools may reduce deep engagement and independent thinking. As educators, we must ensure that technology enhances learning without replacing it.   Looking Ahead If pathways into careers continue to narrow, there is a risk of long-term skill shortages, as fewer young professionals gain the experience needed to become future leaders. This research serves as an important early warning. For our students, the key message is not to avoid AI, but to learn how to work alongside it effectively. Skills that are adaptable, human-centred, and resistant to automation—such as communication, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and critical analysis—will be increasingly valuable. As a school community, our role is to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the mindset and capabilities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.   If you would like to read the full research article, it is available here:  Article Women in Aviation On 6 March 2026, a group of our students had the wonderful opportunity to attend a special event hosted by Qantas at their headquarters in Mascot, held in recognition of International Women’s Day. This inspiring initiative focused on highlighting the diverse and exciting pathways available to young women interested in careers within the aviation industry. The excursion came about through a valued colleague’s connection and was offered to a small group of students who have demonstrated a genuine interest in pursuing careers in aviation and related fields. It proved to be a highly rewarding experience for all who attended. The day began with an engaging keynote address, followed by a dynamic career panel featuring professionals from key areas of the aviation sector, including pilots, engineering, technology, and other STEM-based roles. Students gained valuable insights into both the challenges and rewards of these careers, as well as the varied pathways that can lead to success in the industry. A highlight of the day was the interactive career fair, where students had the chance to connect informally with Qantas staff from a wide range of business units—not only within STEM, but also across broader operational and corporate roles. Equipped with a worksheet, students were encouraged to explore each booth, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of the many opportunities available in aviation. The experience concluded with a collaborative group activity back in the auditorium, allowing students to reflect on their learning and share their experiences. Overall, this excursion was an enriching and empowering experience, providing our students with meaningful exposure to the aviation industry while celebrating the important role women continue to play.   Dr D. Turner - Careers Counselor

🐣Make the Most of the Easter Break 🐰

The Easter school holidays are a great opportunity to take a break from school routines and do something different, but they can also bring a familiar question from your teenagers: “What should I do? There’s nothing to do!” Whether your teens like relaxing at home or heading outdoors for an adventure, parents and carers can encourage them to enjoy a balance of rest and relaxation, social activities, and quality family time during the break.   One option is to encourage creative projects at home. Creative activities can be relaxing, screen-free, and a wonderful way for teens to express themselves. These can also be a fun way for friends to spend time together. Here are some ideas: ●     Painting DIY tote bags or T-shirts ●     Making Jewellery or friendship bracelets - fun while chatting ●     Making soaps, candles or bath bombs - for a mini “self-care craft” day ●     Creating a scrapbook or starting a journal   Baking and cooking can be an enjoyable activity for teens that parents and carers can get involved with. Easter is a perfect opportunity for teens to try baking cupcakes, brownies and other delicious treats. They could decorate them with festive toppings for the whole family to enjoy. Cooking is not only therapeutic but also a practical life skill that can help young people build confidence in the kitchen and beyond.   If the weather permits, why not enjoy a picnic outing or bushwalking? Spending time outdoors can be a refreshing break from study and help reset their busy minds. This is another way some families can spend quality time together away from screens.   Other activities that teens might look forward to could be movie nights, catch-up coffees/lunches, or others may enjoy playing sports. There may be some fun local community events they might like to participate in. See this link for more information.   See this link for more fun ideas: -       Easter Activities for Teens: 6 Festive Games and Crafts | Mum Junction   Wellbeing Team

YOUNG CURATORS

On Monday 30th March, Year 11 Visual Arts students left school at the start of lunch to visit Clayton Utz Law Firm in the city, where the “Country” Exhibition was hung by 3:33 Art Projects in collaboration with Utopia Art Sydney. Works from both indigenous and non-indigenous artists were hung in this beautiful building, bringing vibrant colour and a sense of place to the walls. This is part of the Young Curators Program, where students were able to select works under the guidance of Gaibrielle Germanos from 3:33 Art Projects for their own exhibition at Grace Cossington Smith Gallery next term. They learnt about curation, marketing and came to an agreement on which works they would like for the exhibition. After this, we walked across the road to the Bank of America, where we got an exclusive sneak peek and the Joanna Braithewaite artworks displayed in their offices. Her human-like depictions of exotic animals were startling realistic and whimsical and such fun to look at. At both places, the girls got to discuss art and curation with stunning views of the harbour. We look forward to updating you with more of our adventures in curating! Stay tuned! Ms Farnon, Year 11 Visual Arts Teacher

Notes from the OLD GIRLS UNION

Dr. Jackie Newcomb (nee Hansen) ….. Whilst gathering notes for the 2030 ‘Magical Moments 1990-2030’ sequel, I read of Jackie’s scholarship in her HSC Year of 2001 to study music. I asked her to write a few words on her life-after-HGH especially focussing on her music career. She very kindly has done that, with accompanying photos of her time in the HGH Orchestra with her bassoon and now in performance with her contrabassoon. There will be quite a lovely file going into the archives. There are fascinating old instruments in her group called Unholy Rackett Introducing Dr Jackie Newcombe Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jackie could return to HGH for the 100th celebrations and play her instruments? Perhaps she might be in Sydney for a Speech Day address – and mini performance!

P&C NEWS

🐣 A Heartfelt Thank You: Our Easter Market Day Success!

Dear Parents, Staff, and Students, What an incredible day! We are still buzzing from the energy of our Easter Market Day on 31 March. On behalf of the organizing team, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event such a resounding success. To our amazing Parent Volunteers & Donors:  A huge thank you to those who donated money, delicious food, and wonderful goods for our stalls. To the parents who rolled up their sleeves and volunteered your time on the day—we couldn’t have done it without your hard work and smiling faces! To the Easter Market Day Committee:  A special shout-out to our dedicated committee members. Thank you for the countless hours spent planning, coordinating, and organizing every detail to ensure the day ran smoothly. Your commitment to our school community is truly inspiring. To our School Leadership & Staff:  Our sincere thanks to Dr. Briggs for your unwavering support, and to the teachers and school staff who helped us behind the scenes. Your guidance and cooperation were essential in bringing this event to life. To our Parents & Students: Thank you to the parents who provided the girls with pocket money to support our cause, and most importantly, thank you to the students! Seeing you all at the COLA enjoying your lamb skewers, gingerbread milk teas, and blind boxes was the highlight of the day. Your enthusiasm and support at the stalls helped us reach our fundraising goals. Every dollar raised today goes directly back into supporting our school and providing better opportunities for our girls. Thank you all for being part of such a vibrant and generous community. We wish you all a wonderful and restful Easter break! With gratitude, The Easter Market Day Committee *Here is the link to the internal stories and photos from this event. 

P&C Merchandise We invite you to pre-order our P&C merchandise and help support our school community. We have a range of useful items available, including bucket hats, lanyards, tote bags, umbrellas, raincoat, notebooks and more. Every purchase contributes directly to supporting school initiatives and activities. Please place your pre-order by via the link or scan the QR code on the form below. Thank you for your continued support

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Lions Club of Berowra is holding a craft and art show – Heart of Craft and Art - on Sunday 26 April 2026. It will be held at the Berowra District Hall, corner Berowra Waters Road and Crowley Road from10.00am to 4pm. Lions will be supporting the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation on the day and with its raffle.  Berowra Lions Club is seeking stallholders for the day and hopes that you may be able to place the attached Application form into the school’s newsletter and/or on your website. As well, some of your students studying the creatives arts might like to consider showcasing the items they have produced and could band together to have one stall. Many thanks for considering our request.