Hunter Sports High News Term 1 - Week 5 - 2026

EPP Talk Money Workshops In Week 4, students participated in the EPP Talk Money workshops. They explored different ways to earn money and build financial independence, while gaining a better understanding of the world of work. Students examined their rights and responsibilities as employees, including understanding workplace conditions, superannuation, and tax. They also discussed how to have constructive conversations at work and the importance of being informed and confident in professional settings.

EPP – Year 10 Information Session EPP presented to Year 10 students about upcoming events, opportunities and pathway options available to them. This included information about School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs), TAFE pathways and future career planning. Students gained a clearer understanding of how they could begin preparing now for senior study and post-school transitions. Students currently undertaking SBATs participated in a Q&A session where they shared their experiences and reflected on balancing school, training and employment. The session provided valuable peer insight for other students considering this pathway and highlighted the skills and confidence gained through workplace learning.

UPCOMING: EPP Start Your Future TAFE Courses The TAFE NSW Start Your Future initiative gives students the opportunity to experience a TAFE-style learning environment while exploring vocational education pathways aligned with their interests. Students attend a TAFE NSW campus one day per week over several weeks, gaining practical skills and insight into potential career areas they may wish to pursue after school. Please see Canvas for more information.  

ENGLISH

The English faculty have had a great start to 2026. This term our Year 7 cohort are completing a unit on creative nonfiction, Year 8 are focused on film. Year 9 are further developing skills in reading and writing creative and persuasive texts. Year 10 students are undertaking an auteur study, focusing on the style of directors such as Christopher Nolan and Taika Waititi. Our dedicated teachers have been busy preparing lessons to engage students with new syllabus content for all Year 11 students, who are working through the Reading to Write module. There have been some staff changes at the end of 2025. Everyone’s favourite, Mr Horne, is taking leave in 2026 to pursue his dream of travelling the world. While we will miss him dearly, we applaud the courage he has shown in following his heart. We welcome back our beloved Mr Cousin, who has recently spent time in Vietnam with his family and are very pleased to have the delightful Ms Doherty with us again this year, sharing her expertise and imbuing us all with her infectious energy. Our reading programs will be running in the IC again this year for students in Stage 4. Our devoted librarian, Ms Hamilton, does a fabulous job of facilitating these programs and goes above and beyond to locate texts for students which appeal to their varied interests. Our experienced Languages teacher, Ms Hewitt, is focusing on greetings, farewells and numbers in Year 7 Japanese and is impressed by the enthusiasm students have shown for her subject. She has some great experiences planned this year that will immerse students in Japanese culture. A reminder that NAPLAN will take place for Year 7 and Year 9 students in Weeks 7 and 8 of Term 1, and we trust that our students will do their best to demonstrate their capabilities in these standardised tests. We wish everyone an amazing 2026 and hope that your evenings are spent in a comfortable chair with a great book.

GEM

We are excited to welcome 13 new Year 7 students to the GEM Academy this year. They have settled into high school life with confidence and enthusiasm, forming positive friendships and engaging well with their learning and school routines. The smooth transition has been strongly supported by last year’s Transition to High School program, which played a significant role in helping students feel confident, connected, and ready for this new chapter. Several students had the opportunity to attend the Year 7 Aussie Bush Camp, where they thoroughly enjoyed a range of fun and adventurous activities. The camp provided a valuable chance for students to build friendships, develop independence, and strengthen teamwork skills in a supportive and engaging environment. As the year continues, we are very much looking forward to seeing our Year 7 students grow in confidence, develop their skills, and embrace new challenges. We are excited to support them as they continue to learn, build resilience, and make the most of the opportunities high school has to offer.

Students in the Diamond Class are excited to be taking part in an Outdoor Education program as part of their learning this year. This hands-on program is designed to build practical life skills while encouraging teamwork, confidence, and a love of the outdoors. Throughout the program, students will learn essential camping skills, including safety procedures, required equipment, basic first aid, and how to prepare for time spent outdoors. They will also take part in mountain biking, where students will develop riding skills, learn about bike safety, and build fitness while navigating outdoor environments in a safe and supported way. Recently, students had a “taste” of camping by learning how to put up a tent. They jumped into the activity with plenty of enthusiasm, working together and showing great teamwork. It was fantastic to see their confidence grow as they supported each other to complete the challenge. As the program continues, students will further develop their outdoor knowledge and practical skills through engaging, hands-on activities. We look forward to seeing the Diamond Class continue to grow, challenge themselves, and enjoy all that Outdoor Education has to offer.

The Pearl Class has had a wonderful start to the year, welcoming two new Year 7 students who have settled in beautifully. It has been fantastic to see them getting to know their peers, building friendships, and becoming confident members of the class community. This term, the Pearl Class has also taken on the exciting responsibility of running the Hidden GEM Cafe, with the support and guidance of Mrs Stewart. This hands-on experience allows students to develop valuable life skills, including teamwork, communication, organisation, and responsibility, while contributing positively to the wider school community. Looking ahead, students from the Pearl Class will be joining with the Jet and Opal classes to take part in Leaving to Learn excursions. These outings will provide meaningful opportunities for students to practise independence, social skills, and real-world learning in a supportive and engaging environment.

The Ruby class has started Term 1 off with a bang. The students from our class have booked in 4 sailing experiences with Making Waves. This is a program run by volunteers, giving students the opportunity to sail on a 40ft yacht from Newcastle Harbour. It teaches students resilience, courage and confidence on the water. Students have also returned to the Windale Hub. We will be visiting the Hub once a fortnight during Kicking Goals lessons to read and borrow books and use the facilities. As part of our PIP lessons, students have welcomed our 2nd Worm farm. We are collecting Worm Tea to sell to staff. Students in the Ruby class are involved in feeding and watering the worms, collecting the tea, designing the labels, and selling to staff.

The Getting Creative program provides students in Jet, Opal, and Pearl classes with a wide range of hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and develop practical skills. Through engaging tech rotations, mini electives, and the exciting $20 Boss challenge, students have the opportunity to explore new passions and discover hidden talents. Our mini electives include Art & Illustration, Film, Drumming, and Drama, each encouraging students to experiment with different techniques, express themselves in unique ways, and develop confidence in their abilities. These sessions not only nurture creativity but also provide a fun and supportive environment where collaboration and self-expression are celebrated. A standout feature of the program is the $20 Boss challenge, where students are tasked with designing and producing their own products to sell at our Market Day in Term 4. This exciting activity blends creativity with entrepreneurship, allowing students to learn valuable skills in planning, budgeting, crafting, and presenting their creations. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the process of turning ideas into tangible, marketable products—all while working within a small budget. The Getting Creative program builds confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that will serve students well in both school and everyday life. We can’t wait to see the amazing creations our students bring to life at Market Day—stay tuned for some innovative and inspiring work!

Leaving to Learn for 2026 has commenced for the Ruby and Sapphire classes. Week 3 saw the Ruby class visit Swansea Heads on the National Apology Day. This site is culturally significant to the local Awabakal people, and it was a great opportunity for students to discuss the importance of a culturally significant site. Week 4 saw students from Ruby and Sapphire combine to tackle the Yuelarbah walking track at Glenrock. We have lots of adventures planned for this term. The Opal, Pearl and Jet classes will be combining for Leaving to Learn, beginning on Fridays in Week 6 of this term, and the Diamond and Emerald classes will be heading out together on Tuesdays, also beginning in Week 6. Please make sure to get permission notes in prior to these dates.

HSIE

This year we welcome Mr McCarter to the HSIE Faculty. Mr McCarter will be joining us for the year as he covers for Miss Bryant while she takes leave. We are very pleased to have him as part of the team and know students will benefit from his experience and enthusiasm in the classroom. Year 7 students are currently studying Interconnections. In this unit, students investigate how people, places and environments are connected at local, national and global scales. They explore trade, transport, technology, and communication networks, and consider how actions in one place can have consequences elsewhere. Year 8 students have begun their Stage 4 History studies with Investigating the Ancient Past. This foundational topic introduces students to the work of historians and archaeologists and the methods used to uncover and interpret the past. Students analyse sources, evaluate evidence and examine features of ancient societies. The unit builds essential historical skills that underpin all future History learning. In Year 9 Geography, students are learning about Sustainable Biomes. This topic focuses on the characteristics of the world’s major biomes and their capacity to sustainably produce food and fibre. The study of Sustainable Biomes supports students to think critically about environmental management and the importance of sustainability for future generations.   Year 10 students are studying Australia and Asia: Making a Nation. This unit examines the key political, social and economic developments that shaped Australia from Federation through the early twentieth century. Students explore the development of Australia’s democracy, migration patterns, and Australia’s historical relationships within the Asia-Pacific region. Senior students are reminded of the importance of maintaining consistent study habits. Stage 6 courses require regular revision and consolidation of classwork, and we strongly encourage students to keep up to date with their notes and complete summary sheets for each lessons and topics as they are taught. With assessment tasks scheduled throughout the term, early preparation is key. Breaking tasks into manageable steps, reviewing syllabus outcomes and seeking clarification from teachers where needed will greatly support student success.

MINIMBAH

Our AEOs, Shaun and Brooke, are joined again by Lachie, and we're excited to welcome two new SLSOs, Cahleb and Abby, to the team this year. It has been a busy and positive start as we welcomed new enrolments, our new Year 7 students, and enjoyed seeing familiar faces across all cohorts. We began the year by getting to know our new students and coming together for our annual Apology Day Assembly, marking National Apology Day. Congratulations to our student leaders who did an outstanding job running the assembly: Year 9 - Indi T Year 10 - Willow M and Latiah M Year 11 - Tai T, Kulan P And Koby and Cruz delivering the Acknowledgement of Country and flag bearers Avarley and Miesha. Our Passion Project classes have commenced each Wednesday morning under the program: Shared Voices: Giants in the Making This term, we have been delivering Aboriginal art perspectives and hands-on learning experiences to Hunter Academy Connect and will begin sessions with our Opal class this week. These sessions provide meaningful opportunities for cultural learning, creativity, and connection. PLPs are now underway, with our first mini lesson held last Thursday. FOCUS Fridays also commenced last week. These mini catchups give students dedicated time with their mentor to reflect on their goals, track progress, and build aspirations for the year ahead. It has been a fantastic start to what promises to be a year filled with special calendar events, cultural initiatives, educational opportunities, and many memorable moments. We look forward to an exciting and successful 2026 together!

BIG PICTURE

2026 has welcomed the new Year 8 Advisory to the Big Picture Academy. They are warmly known as ‘The Trees’ and are under the expert guidance of their advisor, Tim Mallon. This group of excitable young go-getters has been getting involved with everything and everyone across the school. Not only are the students developing their understanding of the Big Picture Learning Cycle, but they are also creating an advisory that is uniquely their own. As one of their first meet and greet sessions in the program, The Trees met with the Senior Advisory students in Year 11 Advisory ‘Be Water’, and the Year 12 Advisory ‘Dodgy Coins’. All students worked through 5 rounds of asking questions, telling stories, and giving advice on how they can take control of their learning journeys. By the end, it was getting them to stop talking that was the real tale about the relationships established by the students. As we move into the halfway point of Term 1, ‘The Trees’ are finalising their research and preparing themselves for their first Big Picture exhibitions. We wish them all the best and hope that other members of the Hunter Sports High School community make it to these wonderfully enthusiastic presentations.

There have been a few changes to the running of Big Picture in 2026. Most notably, the entire academy is working on a restructured Masterclass schedule on Fridays. Masterclass includes whole academy activities to keep them engaged with students across the year groups, advisories, and passions. To start the year, the entire Big Picture Academy ran a scavenger hunt as a getting-to-know-each-other exercise to great success. Organised by the ever-wise Michelle Handyside, students were around the school piecing together clues towards their next tasks back in the academy. They were then put in a race against other groups to complete a puzzle before the end of the period. These students are living proof that anything can be achieved when you put your mind to it, because the winners (pictured) completed the entirety of the tasks before the bell.  The following week was met with students organising their thoughts on mass as they considered what it means to be part of a wider community. Big Picture students went through an academy brainstorm of ideas to engage in future Social Action Projects, projects which impact their communities on a school, local, state and national level. After a well-engaged session, students were then placed in groups of five and directed by the most joyous of advisors, Kellie Rose, in a highly competitive round of ‘Priest of the Parish’. If you ever want to see 77 students in the same space, smiling, and fully engaged in an activity, then get Kellie Rose to organise an event, because that is what ensued. Team Captain Emma McCallum delivered a riveting winner's speech at the end, thanking her competitors and claiming that “Teamwork does truly make the dream work.”  In the coming weeks, the Big Picture Academy will be taking a scenic walk through Newcastle to visit some of its wartime and sporting history, guided by Tim Mallon and Dave Staley. And, to really test themselves, students will be looking forward to joining local legend Dan Frodsham for a session at the Newcastle Surf School.

If you would like to know more about Big Picture and its success at Hunter Sports High School, please feel free to reach out and speak with our advisors. Michelle, Kellie, Tim, and Dave would be more than happy to discuss whether the program is right for your young person. Alternatively, you can check out the Big Picture Education Australia website at https://www.bigpicture.org.au/. Big Picture advisors have been teaching and networking in the local community for 15 years through Hunter Sports High School, and we appreciate the people who have supported students to find their passions at school and take them through to the wider world.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School Photo Day – Week 6 School Photo Day is scheduled for Thursday, 5 March 2026 (Week 6). Group and individual portrait photographs will be taken on the day. Ordering Your Photos Photos can be ordered online by:

1. Visiting: www.advancedlife.com.au
2. Enterting the online order code: GBQ CVV 56N

Important School Photography Information Sibling Photos

• Please pre-order sibling photos online up to 24 hours before Photo Day.
• The school receives a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography to ensure no one misses out.
• If you miss the online deadline, you may submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing on the morning of Photo Day so staff can arrange for siblings to be brought together.
• Sibling photographs are only available for children enrolled at the school.
• Please note: Not all schools offer sibling photos.

Late Fees A late fee will apply to each package purchased after Photo Day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately. Package Delivery School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after Photo Day. Please note this timeframe may vary depending on proofing and any additional photography days at the school.  

NEWCASTLE TRANSPORT

SERVICE CHANGES - NEW ROUTE 759

From Monday 2nd March, the new school route 759 will operate between Hunter Sports High and Charlestown Square. Charlestown students will be able to stay on the bus as it continues as a route 14 travelling to Kotara, Adamstown, The Junction and CBD. The new school bus route 759 will provide an alternative travel option for some students who rely on school bus route 860 and bus route 14.  

• Hunter Sports High 3.15pm
• Wiripaang Primary School 3.15pm
• Pacific Hwy near Hughes St 3.15pm
• Pacific Hwy before Oxford St 3.16pm
• Pacific Hwy near Warners Bay Rd 3.19pm
• Pacific Hwy near Carl Cl 3.19pm
• Charlestown Square Stand C 3.21pm
• Charlestown Square Stand A 3.23pm

We encourage parents and students to check their trip before the changes take place on 2nd March. You can plan their trip to school at https://newcastletransport.info/plan-your-trip/school-services/. From here you can type the school name into the search field and select your school bus route to download your timetable. They can also use the Trip Planner to see all the travel options to and from school by selecting ‘School bus’ under the ‘Options’ tab. To find out more about the changes visit https://newcastletransport.info/plan-your-trip/service-changes/

COMMUNITY NOTICES