TERM 4 Week 5 2025
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Celebrating Our Year 12 Graduates and Accelerated Year 11 Students As the 2025 academic year steam rolls ahead towards the end of Term 4, we joyfully celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students and Year 11 accelerated learners who have completed their HSC exams. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence have been truly inspiring. We extend our warmest congratulations to these students as they await their HSC results, which will be released on 18 December. We are incredibly proud to share the wonderful news that 65 of our graduating students have received early entry offers to university—a testament to their hard work, comprehensive goal setting and transition planning and the quality of education they have received at Whitebridge High School. Beyond university admissions, we acknowledge the diverse and meaningful pathways our students pursue. Whether aspiring to careers, apprenticeships, travel, or further learning, we are confident they are equipped with the skills, values, and knowledge to navigate successful and fulfilling lives. Having our young people learn and grow in an environment that values kindness through respect, responsibility and a commitment to learning, we know that whatever they do and wherever they do it, they will leave a positive and kind impact on the world and the people around them. We thank all our students for their valuable contributions to the vibrant fabric of Whitebridge High School. A Wonderful Day at our Swimming Carnival and Novelty Day Recently, our school held a fantastic swimming carnival and novelty day, which saw amazing participation from both students and staff. It was a pleasure to witness such joyous school spirit and enthusiasm, led by our committed senior students who certainly bought colour and costumes to the day. I must give a special shout out to our young year 7 student - DJ Merget for bringing the party atmosphere to the day. He kept the crowd bopping and didn’t miss a beat, he even dropped in some strategically timed tunes at critical moments, highlighting the events of the day. Congratulations must go to our student relay team who took out the staff V students relay, they were certainly a classy team on the day and took out the race with enough time to turn and cheer on the remaining teams. It appears our staff team might need to get in a few more training laps before next year’s event. We all had a great day of fun, celebration, and community, creating lasting memories for all involved. Well done to our organising team from the PDHPE faculty for a great day. Looking Ahead: Year 7 Orientation and Uniform Shop Reminders We also look forward to welcoming prospective Year 7 students from our partner schools in the Wiyellai Koa community to our upcoming Orientation Day - a special opportunity to experience a day in the life of a high school student and for students to begin their exciting journey at Whitebridge High. Families are encouraged to take advantage of our uniform shop opening hours to get ahead of the game and ensure uniforms are ready for the new school year. Preparing early helps make the transition smooth for all students. Acknowledging Our P&C and Long-Standing Supporters At this time, we would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our Parents and Citizens Association for their unwavering support throughout the year. In particular, we thank Madelon Sculley, a long-standing member who has been actively involved as her children progressed through our school. With her children now graduated, Madelon has indicated that this term will be her final P&C meeting. We deeply appreciate her dedication and the vital voice she has consistently offered on behalf of students and parents in enhancing school programs, events, and improvements. Our P and C meet during week 5 of each Term with parents invited to come along to the 4 meetings a year. This is a great opportunity to be involved and contribute with only 4 meetings a year. The P and C welcome new members at all meetings. Honouring our Dedicated Staff Congratulations are in order for our outstanding staff members who have recently been recognised for their service milestones. Mrs Walker, Mrs Hepple, and Mr Ryan each celebrated 20 years of exemplary teaching, while Mr Tripney marked an incredible 30 years of teaching excellence and commitment to public education. Their professionalism and passion greatly enrich our school community. 2026 Curriculum Planning Underway As the year draws to an end, we are well into the complex and rewarding work of constructing our 2026 timetable. This significant task coordinates 76 teaching and an additional 30 support staff to maximise curriculum choices for our 950 students. Our school offers over 47 courses of study in both Years 11 and 12, alongside 28 core classes and numerous electives in the junior school, and to deliver on this, our timetable team is piecing together a curriculum puzzle that supports excellence across all classrooms. We extend our thanks in advance to the dedicated timetable team working diligently to ensure a smooth and successful start to the 2026 school year. SRC Christmas Charity Event This week our SRC have hosting a fun and festive Christmas fundraising event, where students are encouraged to come dressed in festive attire and give generously, supporting the school community and people in need. We aim throughout the year to continue to foster kindness and global citizenship across our school. We do this to help students recognise the importance of contributing to the world around us in whatever way we can. This term funds raised through the out of uniform and activities across the school day will be donated to a Christmas hamper program. In our next newsletter, we will wrap up the term and celebrate many of our significant events, including Presentation Day and the Year Group Award Assemblies scheduled for Week 10. We still have so much to pack into this term and only a few weeks left to do it. Nadene Harvey Principal, Whitebridge High School
LAPTOP RETURNS
It is a requirement that any loan laptops (along with the charger and case) be returned to school by Friday of Week 7 (28th November) so that our technology team can service and prepare them for next year.
Any bond already paid to-date, will be credited as 'fees in advance' (unless a refund is specifically requested) as long as everything is returned in the same condition it was in as when lent out to your child.
All staff will be made aware that some students may then not have access to a laptop from this date. We will, however, have a small number of computers available for daily loan if students are still required to complete work online. Please contact the library if this is required.
WELLBEING
The teenage years can come with some pretty big emotions and new challenges for everyone in the family. Our Tuning in to Teens™ program is designed for parents and caregivers to feel more confident in supporting their teen. You’ll learn skills to help you better understand your teen, communicate more effectively, and navigate the emotional ups and downs. This program focuses on helping you learn to manage your own emotions, communicate more effectively, and manage conflict in a healthy way.
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
CAPA
MADD NIGHT
Our Music, Art, Drama and Dance (MADD) Night has come and gone for another year — and what a night it was! Over 80 students from Years 7 to 11 performed a range of acts, from emotive dance pieces to Metallica covers, and everything in between. As people entered the venue, they were immersed in a visual arts display featuring Mulga works, ceramic forms, and much more from our talented artists. The night was hosted by Rex Wardle and Jeremy Cooke, two of our Year 11 Drama students, who entertained guests as they introduced the wide variety of Dance, Music, and Drama performances that students have been practising and perfecting within our Creative Arts program. The night couldn’t have gone ahead without the support of our amazing CAPA and Hospitality teachers and, of course, the friends, family, and school community who filled the hall to support our students. Keep an eye on our school’s Facebook page for more photos from the night and announcements about the planning of our 2026 school musical production.
VISUAL ARTS SPOTLIGHT
YEAR 10
Year 10 elective students have been learning about photography and digital media. Students have developed skills in long exposure photography experimenting with light painting in the darkroom.
YEAR 9, 10, 11
Year 9, 10 and 11 Visual Art and Design students had a fantastic day in Week 2 at the Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition walking from Tamarama to Bondi Beach. Students explored contemporary 3D artworks with environmental, political, interactive and site-specific focuses.
SCIENCE
MARINE STUDIES
YEAR 10 MARINE STUDIES - FOOD FROM THE SEA
Our Year 10 Marine Studies students have been diving into their Food from the Sea unit, exploring where our seafood comes from, how it’s sustainably sourced, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. These students had the incredible opportunity to learn firsthand from a local fisherman with decades of experience fishing recreationally. He shared his deep knowledge of sustainable fishing practices and brought along freshly and responsibly caught green-eyed squid. A delicacy and a perfect example of sustainable seafood. They were fascinated by his insights into how fishing methods have evolved to reduce the environmental impact, and they even got to see how squid is prepared and cooked. The classroom was filled with curiosity (and the delicious aroma of freshly cooked calamari!). Experiences like this help students connect their learning to real-world sustainability and foster a genuine appreciation for the ocean’s resources, and the people who depend on it. 🌿🐙
Year 10 Marine Studies – Coral Reef Ecology Project
Our students have just completed their Coral Reef Ecology unit, diving deep into the wonders of reef ecosystems! They explored topics such as coral polyp structure and the vital role of zooxanthellae, compared hard and soft coral species, and investigated how reefs like fringing, barrier, and atoll reefs form. Year 10 also examined the fascinating interrelationships between plants and animals, the importance of coral reefs for biodiversity and coastline protection, and the threats these delicate ecosystems face from pollution to climate change. Everyone showcased their findings creatively in the format of their choice, from infographics, posters, dioramas and models to documentary videos and digital presentations. It’s been incredible to see their passion for our marine world shine through! 🌏💙 Here is an outstanding model created by CHASE INMON and JETT NEWMAN.
Year 10 Marine Studies Dive Into Learning! 🐠
Our amazing Year 10 Marine Studies class recently took their Coral Reef Ecology unit to the next level with an exciting trip to the Sydney Aquarium! 💙 Students had the chance to get up close with coral reefs and marine life, seeing firsthand the incredible biodiversity they’ve been learning about in class. From brightly coloured corals to tropical fish, rays, and sharks, there was no shortage of “wow” moments! 🤩 It was the perfect opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences sparking curiosity, deepening understanding, and reminding us all why it’s so important to protect our oceans. 🌏💦 What an unforgettable day of hands-on learning and ocean inspiration! We even found Nemo and Dory.
HSIE/LANGUAGES
As another busy term speeds up, it’s time to reflect on a few highlights from Term 4 so far. Thanks to Ms Bell and Mr Felkai for organising an excursion to Luna Park so that Year 9 and 10 Commerce students could investigate how a very special and unique business operates effectively and markets itself to the community and wider world. Good luck and congratulations to our graduating Year 12 students who have recently concluded their HSC examinations. We wish all of you success in your future lives wherever they may lead you. It has been a pleasure for us seeing you mature into young independent adults. We are also happy to see our new Year 12 students commence their HSC studies and look forward to seeing them progress into next year. Some have already started planning their major works including the History Extension projects and the Personal Interest Projects for Society and Culture. These students also recently finished their last zooming session for the year with a class of students in South Korea. It was a very special moment recently when gifts were exchanged including lots of interesting food items and a wonderful example of traditional dress.
Thanks as always to our dedicated team of teachers in our faculty. Aside from our permanent staff, we really appreciate the work done by our temporary teachers: Ms Blatchford and Mr Wicks and we look forward to seeing them back at Whitebridge High School in 2026. Thanks also to Mr Felkai for his technological support amongst other assistance and Mr Mackintosh for continuing to bring Toby the support dog into our staffroom. This has been a wonderful experience for all of us and is often a highlight of our week. As this may probably be the last newsletter report that I write before my upcoming retirement at the end of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish every member of our school community the best of luck for the future. I have really enjoyed my eleven years at Whitebridge High School after spending the rest of my teaching career in Sydney plus one year on a teacher exchange to Canada. It is a particularly welcoming staff and I am very fortunate to work with a wonderful faculty and a hard working executive team led by our principal and deputies. Thanks also to our ancillary staff in their various roles around the school who also make our lives so much easier. A special thanks to Mr Jubb for all his organisation and support. I look forward to hearing about the ongoing achievements of our students into the future and the continuing success of public education which has always been a constant presence in my life. Best wishes Ms Sue Nunn - HT HSIE and Languages
TAS
TECHNOLOGY
YEAR 8
The students have been working on a serving tray and used technology such as the laser cutter to imprint designs on the tray base. As an extension project TALLIN POTTS has been building a robot (see below the orange and blue robot head) using the 3D printer and extending his knowledge of robotics construction.
ENGINEERING
YEAR 9
Year 9 have been studying Earthquake Engineering and have built a shaker table and model tower for testing in groups. They have used balsa wood for the model and learned about different tower designs and how they strengthen the structure. In the process of learning about earthquake engineering students have also been asked to design Seismic Dampers to absorb shock waves and this has made them think more creatively about how engineers protect buildings in earthquake prone areas.
SPORT
ATHLETICS
Whitebridge High took a young team to compete in the Hunter Schools Athletics Relay Event. This event is open to all students from 7 to 10 and our team was made up mainly by a core group of year 8 and 9 students. Our school placed 11th out of 17 schools with the highlight being our performance in the 4 x 400m girls relay who were placed 4th. Well done to LACY BARNES, AMELIA PHILLIPS, LUCY KING and MAEVE KENT. The mixed 800m team also placed 4th with a solid performance from LACY BARNES, AMELIA PHILLIPS, LUCAS HOBBS and WILL DAVIES. Other notable performances where JACK CAMPBELL with a powerhouse run in the 4 x 400m and MAEVE KENT who displayed blistering speed in all sprint races. Looking forward to doing it all again next year. Mr Steve Hobbs
WHOLE SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL
The whole school swimming carnival will be on Friday, 28th November. This event is a fantastic opportunity for all students to build school spirit and enjoy a fun-filled day with their friends. We’re excited to announce that the carnival will be held at Charlestown Swim Centre, providing the perfect setting for a celebration full of music, activities, and both competitive and novelty events. We encourage all students to attend, get involved, and make the most of this memorable day.
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
ATHLETICS
Congratulations to AVA ROSS who recently won the U17s 100m sprint at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships. Ava will now be off to Melbourne in early December to compete at the Australian All Schools Championships. What an incredible achievement!