However, our current context also informs us that we need to place a greater emphasis on academic achievement and effort which can be met through an intentional focus on scholarship. By that I mean cultivating a powerful culture of learning that encourages intellectual rigour, independent thinking and highly valuing both academic study and achievement. We want our students to be challenged and to develop a love of learning so they can harness the intellectual habits that will allow them to be independent and confident.

It is our intention that scholarship is what our students will take from Northholm Grammar School and leadership is what they will give to the world.

We know that education is more than grades, but by one’s influence on the world. The willingness and ability to learn, to lead and to serve are what enable a life to be both well-lived and worthwhile. This is encapsulated explicitly through our holistic approach to scholarship with excellence and character development. However, academic success is the product of mastering the ‘residuals of a true education’ which includes hard work, preparation, resilience, responding to feedback, a positive attitude, organisation and striving to achieve our personal best. Achieving good academic results in examinations increases one’s options in life and a vibrant learning environment helps students to capitalise on their talents, leading in many to professional careers. At Northholm we seek to achieve these outcomes through our positive relationships with students, staff and parents.

In achieving a culture of scholarship, our staff have embraced a framework on ‘Responsive Teaching’ that highlights the key features of classroom practice that have been linked to improved student outcomes which include:

• Professional practice that is fundamentally based on promoting high expectations of intellectual rigour
• Professional practice that is soundly based on explicit teaching creating a quality learning environment
• Professional practice that is informed by data through a coherent structure of formative assessment and deliberate practice
• Professional practice that provides effective feedback for continuous improvement
• Professional practice that allows teachers to build strong positive relationships with students
• Northholm is driven by a deep belief that every student is capable of successful learning. A high priority is given to building and maintaining positive and caring relationships between staff, students and parents. There is a strong collegial culture of mutual trust and support among teachers and school leaders. The school works to maintain a learning environment that is safe, respectful, tolerant, inclusive and that promotes intellectual rigour. This is at the heart of our focus on scholarship.

Christopher Bradbury, Principal 15 February 2019

All Year Eleven parents/carers and students were invited to attend the Year Eleven HSC Information Evening last night, where much of the important information about the HSC was provided. Parents and students were also given the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to their Year Eleven Studies.

Year Twelve were involved in a Study Skills session for their first day. This opened with an address by Mr Bradbury, where he spoke of the intention to embed scholarship into every student here at school, and leadership that they can take to the rest of the world. Again the vision of Northholm as a Centre of Excellence was shared and students were encouraged to “aim for the top” in everything they do.

We were privileged to hear from a panel of HSC “experts”, including the Dux of 2018. These past HSC students all had their own strategies that they found most effective in preparing for the HSC, but a common thread emerged from all of them; that you need to know the content (knowledge) and you need to have the skills to show you know the content. Much focus was on the cohort working together, whether it be through peer lecturing, explaining and teaching concepts to each other or simply respecting each other’s learning environment. Making the most of feedback from teachers was also a focus, as well as attending HSC workshops, completing “time trials” and using exam booklets in practise, especially for essay-type subjects. Enjoyment was also mentioned – not necessarily that you love every subject you are studying, but that there is no greater satisfaction and enjoyment than the feeling of knowing that you have done a good job. I am encouraged by these students, as they indicated through their participation in these sessions, that they want to work hard and be the best they can be. As educators and parents, we are here to support them.

My door is always open and I am very happy to talk to parents/carers and students about their individual pathway to the HSC and beyond. Over the coming weeks, I will keep you updated with Curriculum matters, report on fabulous learning activities and opportunities, share advice for maximising learning and provide research that backs up our practice here at Northholm.

CATHERINE MANALILI

Director of Learning and Teaching

Mr Christopher Bradbury, Principal

Mr Bradbury is a highly qualified and experienced educational leader. He has been awarded a NSW Quality Teaching Excellence Award in recognition of outstanding teaching practice by the NSW State Government and was a recipient of both the Gandel Holocaust Studies Program for Australian Educators Scholarship and the NSW Premiers Westfield’s History Teacher’s Scholarship. In 2018, he has been selected to participate in the NSW AIS Leadership Centre Flagship Program which is a rigorous, holistic program for experienced school leaders in schools. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University.

Since joining The King’s School he has held a number of senior roles including Head of History and Legal Studies. He has co-authored Year Eleven and Twelve History texts, has been awarded a number of teaching awards and scholarships, and outside of school has been a junior development coach for both Parramatta Eels and West Tigers Rugby League clubs.

Mr Bradbury steps into his new role with a high level of enthusiasm and energy, keen to get to know his staff, students and the parent community. 2019 for Northholm will be a year of renewed energy, focus and enthusiasm.

With over 800 projects submitted this year, the judges spent many hours reading all entries and making preliminary and then final decisions. Projects were double-marked by trained judges and the winning projects went through further stages of judging.

Mr Stephen Byrne, Ethan’s Design and Technology teacher, said he was not surprised. “Ethan was very thorough in his development, spending hours testing and re-developing his designs. His portfolio was amazing and I am thrilled that he has been recognised for the work he has done.”

Ethan told the school, “Mostly I felt it was unreal. I never expected my project to get to this point.” It was not until Mr Andrew McMillan, another Northholm Design and Technology teacher, saw his major work that he suggested that Ethan enter the STANSW Young Scientist Awards.

“Both Mr Byrne and Mr McMillan have been very supportive throughout the year. My design used materials and techniques I had not used previously and I needed the guidance of both my teachers. It was really interesting and I thank them for their support.”

Ethan was studying for his upcoming HSC exams at home when we talked to him about this excellent achievement. “I’m really interested in technology and design and hope to study Architecture after school.”

Activities included several meditation activities including Tea Chan (a tea ceremony), Tai Chi, learning about living in the Temple as a Venerable (Buddhist monk) and more. Students were also blessed in a special ceremony in the main Shrine by a Venerable, and were able to witness the dawn ceremonies – a privilege that very few get a chance to see.

Overall, a wonderful experience which provided a deeper insight into Buddhism and its teachings of compassion and empathy for all.

At the end of last year, a group of Year Nine students were involved in visiting the residents of Rowland Village in Arcadia. “We were completely blown away by some of their stories and life experiences and finished that week feeling extremely rewarded and happy. From then on, my class mates,  Emma Mercieca, Denique Shai-Hee and I have been going back to visit Rowland residents one Sunday a month” says Ella Cotrona, Year Ten student. “During those visits, the residents told us about groups who had performed to them and how much they enjoyed it. We knew there were so many talented music and drama students at Northholm who could really make a difference and entertain the residents. We wanted to make more of an impact on their lives, and saw music and drama as things that they could all connect to in some way.” So when these students were asked if they could perform at Rowland Village’s Family Fun Day, held in June 2018, they went into action. After gaining approval from the School, they met weekly to work on plans as to who would be involved, how long to perform for, where to perform, who would set up, how we would get the equipment to and from the Village, liaising with Rowland Village staff and many more things not to mention organizing rehearsal times. “So much organization went in from everyone involved and Emma and I are extremely grateful for this” said Ella.

“The day ran perfectly, all of the residents that came and watched the Northholm students were amused, delighted and excited to see such young talented people.” Ella reflected. “but without the help of Mrs. Plüss (Acting Principal) , Miss Barlow (acting Head of CAPA) and Mr. Turbott (Head of Drama), the small idea that Ella and I had, would not have become a reality. Events like this, show how kind and selfless so many Northholm staff and students are and give the school a chance to make a real difference within greater community.”

“We are looking forward to future events at Rowland Village, as we have now locked in one afternoon a term to perform music to the residents,” said a rightfully proud Ella.

The School is extremely proud of the work from these Year Ten students and very happy that a week-long service program opened their eyes to consider other and now is an ongoing part of their lives.

We also take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their commitment and support for the delivery of the Year Twelve program. We also thank the parents and families who have supported our Year Twelve students throughout their schooling.

Of the 2017 cohort 44.7% of students achieved at least one Band 6 result and 76.3% achieved at least one Band 5 result.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

Carina Sirolli is to be congratulated on being recognised in the All-Round Achievers list which celebrates students who scored 90 or above in 10 or more units in the HSC.

DUX of School 2017 – we congratulate Carina Sirolli on achieving this award.

Band 6 Achievers:

• Lucas Allen for Engineering Studies
• Jordan Borg for Ancient History and Mathematics
• Madeleine Brown for Ancient History, Drama, English (Advanced)
• Harrison Bush for Drama
• Marco Carpino for Mathematics
• Emily Jamgotchian for Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
• Henry Lakin for Society and Culture
• Regan Leatch for Design and Technology and Mathematics General 2
• Sean Meyer for Society and Culture
• Sam Morrison for Drama and Mathematics General 2
• Macy Reen for Mathematics
• Conor Reynolds for Ancient History, Modern History and Society and Culture
• Oscar Saran for Music 1
• Carly Saunders for Drama
• Charlotte Scholey for Business Studies, Legal Studies and Mathematics
• Alicia Scott for Drama
• Carina Sirolli for Drama, English (Advanced), Legal Studies and Modern History

Extension Band 4 Achievers:

• Jordan Borg for History Extension
• Henry Lakin for English Extension 1
• Conor Reynolds for English Extension 2 and History Extension
• Carina Sirolli for English Extension 1 and History Extension

90+ ATAR Achievers:

Jordan Borg 94.3
Madeleine Brown 94.25
Marco Carpino 91.25
Macy Reen 90.15
Conor Reynolds 95.05
Charlotte Scholey 93.65
Carina Sirolli 99.1

Major Work Nominations:
Regan Leatch’s Design and Technology major work was nominated for SHAPE 2017.
Sam Morrison’s Drama major work was nominated for OnSTAGE.

The Class of 2017 now look forward to making their own mark in the world as they demonstrate what it means to Learn with Purpose and Live with Passion. We wish them the very best in their future pursuits.

The theory and practical skills taught in the program aim to develop the critical qualities of leadership, self-discipline, initiative and team work.

But a program like this doesn’t run itself. Teacher and Dural Brigade member, Dr Michelle Gleeson, who led the students, praised the Volunteer Instructors and their Brigades for providing their time, expertise and trucks to enrich the student’s experience. “We calculated there was over 130 years’ worth of RFS Volunteer experience on hand to guide the Cadets.” said Dr Gleeson. At the assembly she also thanked the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire Service, for their logistical support, and Hornsby Shire Council for their wider logistical and funding support of the Hornsby Kuring-Gai Rural Fire Service.

In the past, some school cadets have gone on to join their local Brigade, a tradition that Northholm is sure will continue in the future.