From the Senior School

A message from Patricia Gallardo, Acting Head of Senior School

The cold weather has certainly set in — winter has arrived! We hope you all had the chance to enjoy some family time over the long weekend.

As the temperatures drop, we remind families of the importance of staying warm and looking after their health. If students are feeling unwell, it’s best they rest and recover at home to ensure they can fully engage in learning when they return. A day of rest supports their wellbeing and helps protect the health of our entire school community.

With the change in seasons, we also ask students and families to ensure uniforms are worn correctly and with pride. Skirt lengths should align with school expectations, and jerseys should not be worn as the outer layer when travelling to and from school. Year 12 students must wear a blazer over their jersey. Thank you for your support in maintaining these standards.

Annual Wrap with Love Knit-In – Friday 13 June

We look forward to welcoming you to our annual Knit-In tomorrow, Friday 13 June. The Wrap With Love organisation has held a special place in the heart of the Senior School for over 15 years. We are proud of the many knitted squares contributed each year by our students and their families, all helping to bring warmth and comfort to those in need.

If you have not yet responded, you are still very welcome — please arrive at the Senior School Office where we will sign you in.

Senior School’s Sir David Martin Foundation Week

Inspired by one of our Year 12 students, Ellie Hennessey’s, role as a member of the Youth Advisory Group for the Sir David Martin Foundation, the Senior School has chosen to support this important cause during The Senior School’s Sir David Martin Foundation Week, running from Friday, 13 June to Thursday, 19 June.

The Sir David Martin Foundation is dedicated to helping young Australians in crisis by providing support for youth experiencing drug and alcohol addiction. As the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, the foundation helps young people aged 16-24 access specialised treatment, including detox, rehabilitation, and life skills training. Through these programs, the foundation works to give vulnerable youth safety, hope, and opportunity to create a brighter future.

We look forward to participating in activities that raise awareness and contribute to this important mission. The Senior School Leaders, along with Ellie, have organised a variety of events for senior students to participate in throughout the week, including initiatives to raise funds to assist with Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm. More details are in the poster below.

Nourish and Flourish from Mr Heggie, Acting Deputy Head of Senior School

Get ready to warm your soul and fuel your body next Friday, 20 June (Week 8), with our Nourish and Flourish initiative! We’re serving up hearty, wholesome chicken soup and bread — made with fresh, nutritious ingredients — to inspire healthier habits and show how simple, delicious choices can make a big impact.

This initiative is all about encouraging you to nourish and flourish in a way that’s satisfying and full of flavour. So come along, grab a bowl, and let your lunch do something good for you. Orders can be made through Flexischools.

Yr 12 Geography Excursion.

Day One: Kooragang Wetlands, Ash Island

Our excursion began with a visit to the Kooragang Wetlands on Ash Island. As we were guided through the wetlands, we learned practical fieldwork techniques, including using turbidity tubes, pH testers, and thermometers, helping us learn the different natural systems influencing the functioning of the wetlands.

We spent the day collecting data on water quality, temperature, and topography, applying the skills we had learned in class to a real-world context. We examined the four interrelated systems that influence natural environments: geomorphic, ecological, hydrological, and atmospheric. As we walked through the wetlands, we learned about the natural formation of Ash Island and discussed how human activity, both past and present, has shaped the environment. It was especially inspiring to hear about the current rehabilitation programs, which aim to restore the delicate wetland ecosystem and promote biodiversity.

The day ended on a high note with a shared three-course dinner. Sitting together and reflecting on our day gave us the chance to consolidate what we had learned, discuss our observations, and relax after a day of hands-on exploration.

Day Two: Viticulture and Regional Studies

After waking up to a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Tamburlaine Winery, where we had a tour through the vineyards learning about the sustainability practices of the global Viticulture and wine making industry. Our host at the winery guided us through the intricacies of viticulture. We were fascinated by their innovative approaches to sustainability, including their recent introduction of lightweight plastic wine bottles designed to reduce environmental impact. It was a powerful example of how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to support environmental responsibility.

Later in the day, we visited the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre, where we investigated the social, economic, and political interconnections that shape the region of Cessnock. Exploring the regional dynamics in person allowed us to apply our classroom learning to the case study. We gained a deeper appreciation of how regional communities function within broader systems, from tourism and agriculture to environmental management and infrastructure planning.

Overall, the excursion was a great opportunity to see how what we’ve learned in class connects to the real world. From studying the natural systems of the Kooragang Wetlands to exploring sustainable farming practices and regional development in the Hunter Valley, we gained valuable insights into the way environments and communities interact. It was also a chance to spend time together outside the classroom, ask questions, and experience geography in a practical way that made the content engaging and memorable.

Lauren Gibson, Tessa Newitt and Maya Atkinson (Year 12 Geography students)