Newcastle Grammar School

NGS students recently took part in the TEDxNewy Youth Futures Lab at the University of Newcastle's NUspace City Campus.

Throughout the day, students tackled a real-world challenge facing young people in Newcastle - they developed an app designed to make our city more accessible, connected and welcoming for young people, and ultimately pitched their idea on stage to a panel of judges.

Their innovative solution impressed the panel, including Tim Crakanthorp MP, and was awarded 'Smartest System Idea' – fantastic recognition of the students' creativity, critical thinking and ability to develop a practical solution with genuine potential to improve the experiences of young people across Newcastle.

A huge congratulations to our students who represented NGS so brilliantly!

Year 8 students enjoyed a day of dynamic creative experiences with the annual Arts Immersion Day. Inspired by the passion and talent of the Creative and Performing Arts team, students explored the disciplines of Drama, Music, Musical Theatre and Visual Arts. They created striking animal artworks, delivered improvised theatre performances, composed soundtracks for picture books, and mastered the choreography to You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray! An amazing day exploring the Deep Learning competencies of Communication and Collaboration.

Congratulations to Rosie on her outstanding performance at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships in Sydney, earning a silver medal and qualification to represent New South Wales at the School Sport Australia Championships in September.

This is an exceptional achievement and a testament to her dedication, perseverance and passion for running. We wish Rosie every success as she prepares to compete against the nation's best.

Our Little Learners are well underway!
Designed to support preschool children as they prepare for Kindergarten at NGS, our Little Learners sessions are helping to build important pre-literacy skills, including listening, attention and awareness of sounds in spoken language.

Through hands-on learning, play, stories and rich language experiences, our future students are developing the strong foundations they need for reading and writing success. Along the way, they're becoming familiar with school routines, making connections, and building confidence as they take their next steps towards Kindergarten.

We love watching our Little Learners explore, grow and thrive as capable, curious and engaged learners.

Year 12 came together for their Retreat Day this week, taking time to reset after the Trial HSC Examinations and refocus on the final stage of their HSC journey.

The day was centred on connection, perspective and moving forward together, with Pilates, a relaxed Paint and Snack session, reflection on the weeks ahead, and House activities to finish the day.

It was a wonderful opportunity for the cohort to regroup, reconnect and look ahead with renewed focus and confidence, knowing they have the support of NGS behind them.

Our Year 9 Visual Arts students have been exploring Australian native birds through observational drawing this semester.
Using graphite, pen and charcoal, students experimented with texture, tone, line and detail, creating their artworks directly onto timber to incorporate the natural qualities of the surface – a wonderful combination of traditional drawing techniques and Australian environmental themes, resulting in unique and engaging artworks.
Well done Year 9 - these are outstanding!

100 days brighter, bolder and full of fun! 💯
Our Kindergarten students celebrated their 100th day of school packed with exciting challenges and smiles. From counting and skip counting to 100, building towers with 100 cups, creating colourful 100-dot masterpieces, reading 100 words, completing 100 exercises, and enjoying 100 delicious treats, there was no shortage of fun!

This was a chance to look back on just how much our youngest learners have grown over their first 100 days. They reflected on everything they've achieved and set new learning and friendship goals for the semester ahead.
Here's to 100 days of curiosity, courage, kindness and learning – and to many more adventures as our Kindergarten students continue to RISE as confident, capable learners!

HEAD OF PRIMARY
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Belinda Nichols as the permanent Head of Primary at Newcastle Grammar School.
Over the past twelve months, Mrs Nichols has led our Primary School with warmth, care and purpose. She has built strong relationships with students, families and staff, while demonstrating a deep commitment to ensuring every child feels known, valued and supported to flourish.
Following a comprehensive national and international recruitment process, Mrs Nichols was the outstanding candidate. Her experience, relational approach to leadership, deep understanding of NGS and clear vision for the future of our Primary School were evident throughout the process.
Her appointment brings wonderful continuity for our Primary community and recognises the exceptional leadership she has already demonstrated in the role.
Please join us in warmly congratulating Mrs Nichols on her appointment. We are excited for this next chapter of NGS Primary under her leadership.

In honour of NAIDOC Week, our school community came together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements. Students across both campuses participated in smoking ceremonies, damper making and shared learning, deepening their understanding of Country, culture and community.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dhinewan Mentoring for generously sharing knowledge, stories and culture with us.

Eight NGS students recently volunteered at the RUN DIPG Heels to Heal Ladies Lunch at Merewether Surfhouse, helping with sales, guest support and the smooth running of this important fundraising event. The day was a wonderful success, and our students were warmly thanked for the energy, kindness and professionalism they brought to the event. We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced the opportunity to serve their community and contribute to such a meaningful cause.