Secondary News
- Mrs A Neale
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
T3, Week 4
This week has been a full week in Secondary, with many opportunities for our young people. The week consisted of Year 12 Trials, Year 11 headed off to the snow and Stage 5 met and were encouraged by our Year 10 students around elective choices for 2026. Thank you also to our young people for the warm welcome, hospitality, and friendliness they extended to our Japanese students.
Japanese Cultural Visit
We were delighted to welcome our friends from Ota Daiichi Junior High School, Japan, to our school community this week. Staying with host families from across Port Stephens, the students quickly became part of our local life and enjoyed a warm Australian welcome. They joined us for lunch and the final periods of the day alongside their school buddies, building friendships and sharing experiences despite the rainy weather. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students and the visiting group to learn from one another, celebrate cultural exchange, and create lasting memories together.
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Year 11 Snow Camp
Our Year 11 snow camp has been an incredible experience this week, as students spent three days learning to ski and snowboard, and challenging themselves on a variety of graded slopes.
Beyond the fun on the snow, they gathered for meaningful devotions, exploring themes of unity in Christ (exercising humility, gentleness, patience and love), leadership, the importance of encouraging one another and the value of persevering when learning a new skill. It has been a time of growth, both on the slopes and in our relationships, as Year 11 supported each other and built deeper connections as a year group.
The highlights from the slopes were hearing the buzz and seeing the smiles as students recounted their growth and successes at each break. Students were linking turns, carving down blue runs and generally pushing themselves to succeed – right up to the last minute.
Some memories from our Year 11 students from the snow:
"It's been a very fun camp." - Luisa
"It's been a really challenging and fun experience and when you get to do it amongst friends, that's even better." - Annika
"On this trip we learned that the best adventures happen when you step outside your comfort zone. Between the cold, the fresh snow and the laughter, we all had fun." - Lillyarna.
"God has been so good to us on this trip, He has helped us with humility, gentleness, patience and love - His unity in action."
"Outside of boarding, it was great to get together during the breaks and in the evenings, chilling out and playing games." - Sam
"Can we do another week?" - Franswa
"I definitely want to go to the snow again - it was so much fun! Thanks for the opportunity." - Evie
"Learning to snowboard at Blue Cow has been insane. After two days, I was actually linking my turns and making it down blues. The whole experience of falling, getting back up and finally nailing it with my mates has been the highlight of the year." - Joe
"Honestly, the best part has been the feeling of accomplishment. Today, I made it down a run I thought I'd never be able to do. Having the support of my friends and Miss Crockett riding with me made this the best camp ever!" - Beth
"Camp was good. I got to make new friends from Heritage Christian School. Sending it down the side of Kamikaze with Mr Gill was sick!" - Noah
Our time on the snow culminated with an epic snowball fight instigated by none other than our own Mrs Cocking.
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Secondary Awards
Congratulations and thank you to our many Stage 4 students who were presented with awards this fortnight in recognition of their effort, commitment, and achievements across a range of areas. We are proud of the way these students continue to model perseverance and a positive attitude towards their learning.
Stage 4 Awards | |
Charlize | Harper |
Mpilo | Isla |
Alice | Micah |
Cameron | Elouise |
Bailey | Liviya |
Kora | Jocelyn |
Ellah | Rupert |
Harry | Charlie |
Lucille | Kel |
Lylah | Olivia |
Jaylen | Isabelle |
Amira | Isaac M |
Tima | Luca |
Asher |
Mrs A Neale
Head of Secondary
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Secondary | Key Dates: |
Wk 5 27th Aug | HRIS U15 Girls Basketball Gala Day |
Wk 5 27th Aug | Cybersafety Performance The Lighthouse |
Wk 5 27th Aug | Year 7 2026 Orientation Morning 9:30am - 11:30am |
Wk 5 27th Aug | InterCru 3:10pm - 6:00pm in The Lighthouse |
Wk 5 3rd Sept | HRIS U15 Boys Basketball Gala Day |
Wk 5 5th Sept | Catch up Year 7 and Year 10 Vaccinations |