What's On?
- Tuesday 27th May - 3rd June: National Reconciliation Week
- Monday 2nd June: Sports Academy Years 8-11 2026 Applications Open
- Tuesday 3rd June: Reconciliation Assembly - 'S Block'
- Tuesday 3rd June: Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening
- Monday 9th June: Public Holiday
- Thursday 19th June: Year 8 Focus Day
principal's message
Dear Students, Parents, Carers and Staff,
As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a dynamic and productive few weeks at Hunter Sports High School. Despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather, our students, staff, and broader school community have demonstrated remarkable resilience, commitment and adaptability—especially during the recent Sports Academy Trials. I sincerely thank everyone involved for your patience, dedication, and efforts in ensuring these events ran smoothly.
I continue to be immensely proud of our school community. The spirit of cooperation, eagerness to grow, and genuine care our students show for one another reflect the strength and depth of our school culture.
Term 2 began with a meaningful ANZAC Day service, honouring those who have served and sacrificed. Shortly after, our annual Athletics Carnival brought a vibrant display of house spirit and teamwork. It was fantastic a reprieve from the rain so our students could participate, and that they did so with such enthusiasm, cheering each other on and celebrating shared success.
We recently welcomed many families to our Year 8–10 Parent Teacher Interview Evening. Thankyou to all who attended and engaged in valuable conversations about student progress and pathways. Your involvement is a vital part of each student’s educational journey, and we appreciate your ongoing support.
Another standout moment this term was a visit from the Big Picture International Conference guests, where educators from around the world visited our school. This was a proud and inspiring occasion, showcasing the innovation and dedication of HSHS and our Big Picture team. A message I was incredibly grateful to receive was from an American school leader, who described our school as a “guiding light” in education, and was a powerful reminder of the meaningful impact we are making - both locally and globally.
We're are also thrilled to have received a record number of applications for our 2026 Year 7 Sports Academy intake. It has been a significant effort to welcome and assess hundreds of Year 6 students from Newcastle, the Hunter region and beyond-made all the more challenging by the weather. I extend my sincere thanks to all those involved in managing this complex process. Our next trial period for current Year 7–10 students will be held in early August 2025. Applications open on 2 June and close 25 July, with full details available on our website.
Looking ahead, I encourage all Year 10 students and families to attend our upcoming Subject Selection Evening on Tuesday, 3rd June from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. This event will support students as they begin to consider options for Year 11 in 2026, including curriculum pathways, external programs through the University of Newcastle and TAFE, as well as School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. It’s an important step in preparing for the future, and we look forward to supporting families through the process.
As we move into the second half of the term, I encourage everyone to maintain the strong momentum we’ve built, and to also remember the crucial role attendance plays for our students and their education. While challenges may arise, they offer opportunities for growth. Let’s continue to strive for personal excellence, lift one another up, and approach the remainder of the term with positivity and purpose.
Finally, thank you once again to all our parents and carers for your ongoing support. Your engagement, particularly through events like Parent Teacher Interviews, reinforces the strong partnership we share in your child’s education. We deeply value your trust and collaboration.
Let’s continue working together to ensure Hunter Sports High remains a place where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Wishing everyone a productive and positive remainder of the term.
Warm regards,
Ms. Rachel Byrne - Principal
Congratulations Hunter Sports High School
This year Hunter Sports High School has been recognised as an Excellence Awardee in two catergories at the Australian Education Awards 2025: Australian Government Secondary School of the Year and Australian Government School Principal of the Year.
Hunter Sports High School strives everyday to do amazing work and deliver excellence in education and support for all our students. Receiving this recognition is a testament to the dedication and tireless effort of Hunter Sports High School's entire staff, who remain deeply committed to the highest of standards in both teaching and learning.
The winners of the Australian Education Awards 2025 will be announced at the awards dinner, to be held in Sydney on August 8, 2025. This event brings together the leading educators and schools from across the country to celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication in the Australian education sector. Hunter Sports High School are proud to stand alongside other exceptional schools and educators who are making a real difference in the lives of students across Australia.
LEAP Senior Leaders Camp
by our Senior leaders
This term, Hunter Sports High School’s senior leadership team went on a leadership camp to Kangaroo Valley along with Mr Tait and Ms Hammond. They completed a range of different activities building their teamwork skills, discipline and connection to nature. The group kayaked through rapids, hiked into underground caves and learnt about significant indigenous landmarks and traditions. The students participated in a range of both team and individual activities aimed to test their persistence and leadership skills throughout the three days.
On arrival, the students were set with the challenge of setting up a tent. Without instruction and lots of communication, their homes for the next two nights were set. Over the next two days they learned a lot about indigenous culture and native animals through exploring bush and rock formations. A massive shoutout to Haysey for his engaging personality, knowledge and passion allowing us to engage in hands - on learning experiences that taught us new skills and information about our country.
The highlight of day two was kayaking down rapids deep in the bush, where some of us were better than others, and some of us ended up capsizing (poor Patty). A large challenge for us (mainly Anika) was having to be silent for 30 seconds to wait for the platypuses to emerge.
On the final day of camp they were taken into the bush, by the instructor. Once they were in deep, the instructions were to lead themselves out by using the river as their handrail. It took them about an hour, not knowing whether they were nearing the end or completely lost. But when they started to hear the cars, that’s when they knew they had made it. However, as much fun as it was to complete them, the most valuable parts about it was listening to each other's suggestions and building the trust in order to work as a team.
After an exhausting few days, the students had a quiet bus ride home, exhausted from 3 days full of challenges, learning and new experiences they will remember forever. Thank you to Ms Hammond and Mr Tait for taking us and for the opportunity!
English Write Now
This term, students across all year levels have been engaging deeply with a range of texts and ideas as part of their English studies.
Year 7 are currently exploring poetry. They are learning how poets use language, rhythm, and structure to convey emotion and meaning. Students are beginning to experiment with writing their own poems, gaining confidence in both analysis and creativity.
Year 8 have commenced a novel study, with a strong focus on understanding the context in which the texts were written. They are examining how social, cultural, and historical influences shape characters, events, and themes. This deeper focus on context is helping students develop a more thoughtful and informed approach to reading.
Year 9 are undertaking a poetry unit, where they are analysing a variety of poets and styles. Students are developing their ability to unpack poetic techniques and explore how meaning is created through form and language.
Year 10 are also studying novels this term. Their work is focused on more complex themes and interpretations, encouraging them to engage critically with character development, narrative techniques, and author intent—important preparation for the senior years.
Our Year 11 students have now begun their Stage 6 courses. The increased workload and higher expectations require students to develop strong time management and organisational skills. It is important that students stay on top of their reading and assessments and reach out for support when needed. These skills will not only serve them well in English but across all subject areas.
As Year 12 approach their final terms of high school, we want to take a moment to recognise their continued dedication and resilience. They are managing a challenging workload with maturity and focus, and we are incredibly proud of the commitment they are showing as they work toward their final exams and post-school pathways.
Well done to all students for their efforts this term. We look forward to seeing their progress continue.
From the Innovation Centre
CBCA Shadow Judging Group - Every Week in The IC:
Week B, Tuesday, Lunch 2: Book Group. A small group of students has begun reading some of the notable titles and finalists for the 2025 CBCA Book Week Awards. They will challenge themselves to read several books between now and Book Week, with the goal of deciding which title they believe should win. This is a great opportunity to talk about books, explore Australian literature, and read outside our usual genres. If any students are interested in joining, please see Ms Hamilton in the IC.
Every Thursday, Lunch 2: Chess Club. Come along and challenge Chess Master Oprea and other students in the Game of Kings. Beginners welcome!
Every Friday, Lunch 2: Trivia. This week’s theme is General Knowledge.
HUNTER ACADEMY
With Term 2 now underway, Hunter Academy is buzzing with energy, curiosity, and a fresh focus on new challenges and goals!
In our classroom, students have embraced with enthusiasm our new numeracy focus: Probability. Through interactive, hands-on activities, they’ve been exploring key concepts such as likelihood, events, complements, and sample space. The classroom has been alive with collaboration, curiosity, and even a touch of friendly competition, making for a vibrant and engaging learning environment filled with both laughter and learning.
Here are a couple statements from students sharing their experience so far in numeracy:
In numeracy my favourite thing is when we get to work together in small groups playing probability games like Alphabet Soup. This term I feel like I am improving my understanding and my confidence to answer questions out loud is growing.
Zack New (Year 8)
We are currently learning about probability. My favourite activity so far has been the dice game. In this game we rolled the dice and saw if we would receive any points depending on the rules. By doing this I learnt about the probability of getting points compared to not and how it wasn’t a fair game for all, but luckily for me I won every game.
Jesse Presbury (Year 7)
This term in Literacy, we are learning about more complex spelling patterns and exploring the art of short story writing. Students have been immersing themselves in character development where they are crafting unique protagonists with rich backstories, distinct personalities, and vivid traits. It’s been wonderful to witness the creativity and imagination on display. In parallel, they are now beginning to design the settings where their stories will unfold, ranging from eerie shopping centres to haunted schools and deserted beaches. We can’t wait to see how these imaginative worlds come to life on the page!
As part of our class project on Aboriginal Cultures and Histories, students have been thoughtfully exploring the rich traditions, stories, and experiences of Australia’s First Nations peoples prior to colonisation. Through hands-on learning, they’ve created visual artworks using traditional Aboriginal symbols and experimented with natural painting tools such as: leaves, sticks, and even their own fingers to produce meaningful and expressive pieces. Alongside their creative work, students have been researching the diverse customs and daily practices that shaped Aboriginal life for thousands of years. It has been a deeply respectful and enriching journey into one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Here are some statements from students about their learning:
This term we are learning about the Aboriginal culture, traditions and way of living before colonisation. In this project we got to create paintings with Aboriginal symbols to tell a story. So far I am really enjoying learning about this as it links to my culture and the past.
Marlon Ellis (Year 7)
This term we are learning about Aboriginal culture, Colonisation, the Stolen Generation and Government Policies of the past. From the start of the project we have learnt about all the different artworks and their meaning, researched different traditions and the way that Aboriginal people lived prior to colonisation. I researched the tradition Weaving. My highlight so far is when we got to create our own Aboriginal artwork and paintings. I created an aboriginal artwork of the land and painted a whale. Both symbolise our connection to the land and everything within it.
Khalifa Ahoy-Bates (Year 8)
Passion Project news
For the past 12 weeks in Passion Projects, Minimbah has been teaching students cultural knowledge through traditional games, history, art, song and dance. This week, the students took the lead, running activities for all other Passion Project groups to share what they have been learning.
The student leaders: Chayse Bridges, Cade Brain, Shiara Clarke, Charli Finley, Bayah Gresham, Cooper Pittman, Jeremiah Green, Gracie Shaw, Maleah Simon, Jirra Ridgeway, Harley Rothero, were exceptional, with fantastic support from Bree and Lauchlyn. Everyone enjoyed participating in the activities and things got quite competitive during the Cultural Knowledge Jeopardy game; created by the students themselves!
GEM
The GEM students have had a busy few months, ending Term 1 with Harmony Day and the Colour Run—always a highlight of the year. A number of GEM students and staff ran laps around the back ovals at school, finishing the event covered in colour and smiles!
Earlier this term, our students also participated in the school Athletics Carnival, held at the Fearnley Dawes Athletic Centre in Newcastle West. They particularly enjoyed the track events and were motivated by Mrs. Gilmore, who ran alongside several of our students. A special thank you to Sarahkay in Year 12, who assisted with the BBQ and in the canteen throughout the day.
Ruby Class: Learning Beyond the Classroom: This term, students in the Ruby class have truly embraced Leaving to Learn, stepping beyond the classroom to engage with the incredible natural and cultural environments across our region.
Their learning adventures included a community walk to Harold Wesley Knight Reserve in Whitebridge, they also took on the Tomaree Head Summit walk—a challenging but rewarding 2.3 km return trail that offers breathtaking views over Port Stephens and Fingal Island. Another highlight was a visit to the historic coastal village of Catherine Hill Bay, where students explored the area’s unique heritage and landscape.
Adding to the excitement this term was celebrating Mrs Cottrill’s successful completion of her LR driver training. Her new qualification means she can now drive the larger school buses—helping make these enriching, real-world learning experiences possible. These experiences have not only expanded our students’ knowledge and confidence, but also helped build stronger connections to their community and environment. We’re so proud of their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning beyond the classroom!
Exploring Together: Diamond, Emerald, and Jet Classes: The Diamond and Emerald classes have also ventured out, enjoying some wonderful excursions together. Last term, they visited Swansea Channel for a day of fishing, and this term the adventures continued with a day out at Blackbutt Reserve. There, they enjoyed a BBQ and plenty of interaction with the various animals they encountered throughout the day. The Jet class also had the opportunity to visit Blackbutt Reserve and are looking forward to heading out more often in the future.
GEM Students Attend the Hunter Disability & WorkAbility Expo: Earlier this month, teachers from the GEM team took five of our classes—30 students in total—to the Hunter Disability & WorkAbility Expo at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. This event offered an invaluable opportunity for students to explore a wide range of disability services, assistive technologies, and inclusive employment pathways. By engaging with exhibitors and participating in interactive presentations, students gained deeper insights into accessibility, inclusion, and the diverse support networks available within our community. The expo not only broadened their understanding but also sparked meaningful conversations about how we can contribute to a more inclusive society.
Ruby Class Featured on ABC’s Behind the News: The Ruby Class have continued to showcase their talents and dedication through a range of community opportunities and activities. A recent highlight was their proud appearance on ABC's Behind the News (BTN) School Shout Out segment, where they shared their classroom experiences with a national audience. The class submitted their entry earlier this year and were selected from hundreds of submissions—an exciting achievement! BTN is a popular weekly program watched across all GEM classes, making this moment even more special for Ruby students.
Work Experience at Avenue: Real-World Learning for Ruby Students: Three students from the Ruby class have gained valuable insights into the workforce through their participation in work experience at Avenue—a social enterprise that supports people with disabilities. Over five sessions, students have engaged in a variety of activities involving ‘Earn and Return’, cleaning, and sensory play. These hands-on experiences allows them to explore their interests, develop valuable skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
Additionally, the class demonstrated their sporting prowess by participating in the NSW Department of Education's state-wide boccia tournament. With over 470 schools and approximately 3,400 competitors involved, it was one of the largest events of its kind in the world!
Healthy Living with FEAST: A Recipe for Learning and Sustainability.
Mrs. Cottrill and Mrs. Gilmore were successful in securing funding to implement FEAST—a program run by OzHarvest that focuses on food education and sustainability. This initiative was further supported by the generous donation of a classroom cooking set from Lake Macquarie City Council, allowing students to get hands-on in preparing healthy meals.
The collaboration has not only enriched students' learning but also fostered a strong sense of community and gratitude for local support. We are focusing on purchasing, preparing, and enjoying sustainable meals—skills that students can take home and share with their families.
These achievements highlight the Ruby Class's commitment to learning, community engagement, and inclusive sportsmanship.
PE picks
Cross Country Age Champions
Hunter Sports High School Cross Country
The HSHS cross country event took place on the final day of Term One. Below is a table showcasing the age champions from the competition. Hunter Sports High would like to extend its congratulations not only to these exceptional athletes but to all students who participated in the event. Your effort and dedication are truly commendable.
Some incredibly fast times were recorded, and the competition for the top spots was fiercely contested across many age groups. A big congratulations to all participants on their efforts and we wish all students who have advanced to the regional cross country event the very bet of luck!
Snapshots from the HSHS Athletics Carnival
HSIE
Students across Years 7–10 have been actively engaging in their HSIE classes, developing a deeper understanding of the world through History and Geography.
Year 7 students are exploring water as a vital and unevenly distributed resource, learning about water scarcity, environmental hazards, and the importance of sustainable water management. This unit helps students understand the global significance of water and their role in protecting it for future generations.
In their study of ancient societies, Year 8 students are investigating historical sources and learning how early human communities developed culture, technology, and governance. This builds their understanding of the foundations of modern civilisation and strengthens critical thinking skills.
Students in Year 9 are examining the impact of population movements and urbanisation. They are considering what makes cities liveable and sustainable, and how they can contribute to better urban environments. This unit promotes active citizenship and awareness of global trends.
Students in Year 10 are exploring key events of World War I and II and how they shaped Australian identity and society. Students will soon begin to make their subject choices for Years 11 and 12. The HSIE faculty offers a variety of courses to cater to student interest, including Modern and Ancient History, Legal Studies, Business Studies and Aboriginal Studies.
Our senior students continue to demonstrate commitment and resilience as they work through the rigours of their studies. Students are encouraged to reflect on feedback from recent assessment tasks engaging in regular practice of past exam questions to build confidence and develop strong exam techniques.
WELLBEING
Towards the end of Term 1, Year 7 had their Wellbeing Focus Day which involved Peer Mentor sessions, a motivational speaker presentation from Nadine Champion, an in-class lesson on building trust and friendships, and team building activities at the end of the day. Tenzin (Year 8) was also a part of the Year 7 Focus Day, and spoke to the entire year group about her high school experiences so far. Thank you to Tenzin for sharing her experiences and challenging herself and leadership to present to such a large group. Year 7 students thoroughly enjoyed the day and highlighted their key learnings for the day involved developing their courage, confidence, teamwork and resilience. The presentation from Nadine Champion was incredibly inspiring and we thank Nadine for her time and sharing her story and strategies with us. Students particularly connected with her message about “10 Seconds of Courage” to overcome obstacles and reach potential. Nadine went above and beyond, allowing students to individually and personally meet her and ask questions at the end of her presentation. Thank you to Taylor, one of our amazing Student Learning Support Officers who was nominated by Year 7 to use Nadine’s coaching to break a piece of wood with his hands! Thank you to all staff involved in the organisation of the day.
Harmony Day also occurred at the end of the term and was a day that allowed for reflection and celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity with a focus on inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background. Students enjoyed a colour run and cultural performances as part of the day. Thank you to staff for their organisation of the day, particularly Mr Stocks and the Minimbah team.
Breakfast Club is up and running and is available each Friday morning before school. Thank you to Mr Horne for his organisation and to the dedicated staff who assist to make this program possible. Thank you also to Bakers Delight at Mount Hutton for supplying the bread each week. OzHarvest also provides food to the school and we would like to thank them for their assistance in supporting students who need this. Thank you to Sarah in the Wellbeing Hub for her tireless work around ensuring students requiring support access this.
The Peer Mentor program for Year 7 with selected Year 10 leaders will continue this term. Well done to Year 10 leaders for their incredible leadership and mentorship so far. This term, Year 10 will be challenging themselves to work with Year 7 as a whole group, rather than smaller groups they were working with in Term 1. Congratulations to Kira-Lee, Pearl and Cosette who were heavily involved in the running of the first Peer Mentor session for this term.
The Year 8 Focus Day is coming up soon and will be on the 19th June. The Wellbeing team is currently working collaboratively to develop activities and sessions to enhance student awareness around strategies to support their wellbeing and inclusion.
SCIENCE
This semester, Science students have had the opportunity to engage in a range of theory and practical experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Year 7 have been involved in some of their first high school science experiments, which have included the use of the very exciting bunsen burner.They have also begun problem-based learning projects in a Mystery Island setting. Students have continued experiences with problem-based learning throughout their Science classes from Year 7 to Year 12.
Stage 6 Biology and Investigating Science students have continued to enhance their science knowledge and skills with all classes working towards an assessment task submission towards the end of Term 1. Some of the highlights have included an excursion for Investigating Science students to collect and analyse data from a range of local beaches, while Biology students have been creating some amazing models of DNA structure. Some excellent submissions for the DNA task are shown below.
The Science Faculty team is currently working collaboratively to develop new, engaging programs that will meet the new science curriculum for implementation in 2026. This will continue to involve the team working together to evaluate past practices and create innovative and engaging learning tasks to prepare students for Stage 6, university, and careers in Science, as well as to foster an appreciation of science in their everyday lives.
This term, many 8E students will have the opportunity to attend the University of Newcastle for a STEM challenge against several other schools. We look forward to telling you all about it in the next newsletter!