Having spent two most enjoyable nights with the boys at the first two Peer Support camps, I continue to be convinced about the quality of young people today. In fact a number of activities involving students in our School over the past weeks reinforce this view.

The Peer Support camps are an opportunity for senior boys to establish a buddy system with younger students. Not only does it have an impact upon the individuals but it also permeates throughout the School and continues on during the year. The program establishes friendships and destroys hierarchies as well as provides a sound foundation for the School’s anti harassment policy. To see senior boys challenging and nurturing their younger colleagues in a manner that was character building for both parties reinforces my views about the potential of the younger generation. I would like to thank all those staff who effectively worked twenty-four hours a day for three days to make the camps a possibility. I’d also like to thank those parents who went down to Orana to help with cooking.

I have also had the privilege last week to welcome several new students from Sudan. These boys join a group of ESL (English as a Second Language) students who I believe are very important in our School. Their presence creates a climate of tolerance and understanding that is not possible without them. Many of these students have faced difficulties beyond our comprehension yet their patience, understanding, respect, tolerance and demeanour are indeed humbling. They possess fortitude beyond their years. Not only am I impressed with the quality of the ESL boys, I appreciate the efforts of all New Town High School students to welcome all people into our School regardless of their background. I only despair that the tolerance and climate of trust and acceptance that we promote is not as widespread in the general community. New Town High School would be a poorer place without its multi-cultural heart and it is my aim to promote New Town High School as such a school – one that welcomes everyone, particularly its students from overseas. In particular I welcome John and Joseph from Sudan and thank them for the contribution they have already made to our School.

The Swimming Carnival two weeks ago was a great success. In particular the work of the house captains and their deputies were most impressive. This was yet another example of real leadership being displayed in a spirit of friendship and healthy competition. We wish the inter-high team every success next week.

Early this week we held the assembly in which we recognised our peer support leaders, peer tutors and prefects. Each year ten boy walked before his peers to receive his badge, the symbol of leadership within the School. Together they numbered over 100. Any school that can produce over 100 senior students who can take on a significant leadership position has much it can be proud of. I am pleased to be part of such a School and can only say the future of our School and the community is in good hands.

Finally I have been to feeder primary schools this week and witnessed the Prefects talk of their School to year six students. They have been outstanding ambassadors for the School.

After witnessing such events, I can only repeat my earlier statement; the future is in good hands.

Last week three Grade 8 Science classes travelled to Woodbridge Marine Studies Centre on day trips. They did a variety of activities on shore based around the marine environment. They heard a talk on water safety, patted sharks and observed many animals in several acquaria.

Students also had a short boat trip where they set long lines, did some hand lining and examined the contents of a dredge hauled across the sea bed.

All Grade 8’s will visit Woodbridge this year.

On Thursday 15 March New Town High School had their Inter-HouseSwimming Carnival at the Glenorchy Pool.

All boys who participated in the ninety six event program earned valuable points towards their respective houses, with the following boys champions of each grade:

The following boys have been selected to represent New Town High at the Inter High Swimming Carnival to be held on Tuesday 3 April at the Hobart Aquatic Centre.

Three of our students have been successful in receiving Education Department Music Scholarships. These students are Sam Holmes (trumpet), Caleb Wilson (trombone) and Carlin Murrell (cello). Scholarships are awarded statewide through an audition process and the students’ commitment to school musical activities is also considered. The scholarships are highly competitive and it is rare for three to be awarded to students from one school. Congratulations to these boys.

Mr. Howe and members of the guitar ensemble performed with great skill and professionalism. This performance was the result of many early morning rehearsals with Mr. Howe. The boys capably displayed their fine musicianship, as well as looking impeccable in the school uniform.

This year’s camp will be held at Orana, Roches Beach. We will have some new members of the band with us this year, as several grade 8 boys have decided to have a go in senior band. It will be a new experience, as we have always been to Coningham or Wirksworth in the past. We anticipate that this year’s camp will as successful as those in the past have been, and all boys will return as better musicians.

We have been fortunate enough to receive some long-awaited new instruments this year. Mr. Monk in particular has finally taken possession of a beautiful new baritone saxophone – something we have been needing for many years! It won’t be too long before it will be seen in the stage band and concert band. We have also received some new brass instruments and guitars. We are also pleased to have received two beautiful digital pianos, to replace our three "old worn out bangers". No longer will we have to listen to out-of tune pianos.

SENIOR BAND
Rehearsals for senior concert band are now held after school on Tuesdays, from 3.20 until 4.20. We would like to request that Tuesday afternoons be kept free from other commitments, so that band can be a success. It was becoming increasingly difficult to achieve anything in the short lunch breaks, hence the change to the afternoon.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

J. Goldsmith

After discussion with a number of parents within the school community the Parents and Friends Association has decided to ask for a donation from parents as a method of fundraising for the Informaiton Technology Equipment that is needed for the upgrading of the School Hall.

This method of fundraising releases parents from the pressures of having to buy, sell or attend a function, but, allows you to support, in a positive way your boys’ education and the facilities the school provides for that education.

We value the fact that parents are all extremely busy and hope that this provides a way for you to show support without having to give up your valued time.

You can make a donation at any time during the year.

So far we have raised $3,000.00. Our target for fundraising this year is $8,000.00. Please continue to give generously and support your sons and their school.

Boys and girls aged between 5 and 14 in the New Town, Moonah, Lenah Valley, North Hobart and Mount Stuart areas are invited to register with the North Hobart Junior Football Club to play football in Season 2001. The object of the Club is to provide young people with an opportunity to get fit and learn valuable skills in a friendly team environment.

Training for junior teams (Under 8-12) is now underway at John Turnbull Oval on Sunday mornings. All new and returning players are welcome.

The popular Auskick will also be offered for younger boys and girls wanting to learn the skills of football in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Contact Ricky McCulloch on 6228 8262.

There are also vacancies in our under 13 and 14 teams. Rostered games commence soon.

Peer Support Camp 3 for 7.4, 5 & 6 will be held next Monday to Wednesday (2 – 4 April).

Camps 1 and 2, held last week, were very successful.

Congratulations to Jacob Cole and Mathew Calvert; joint Gr.7 Swimming Champions.

Elizabeth College had their prize night on 22 March with a number of our past students receiving prizes. The Guest speaker was David Close ex Head Prefect of New Town High School 1994 who was selected as Rhodes Scholar for 2001. He will take up his scholarship at Oxford later this year.

The following prize winners were:

Adam Purton

English C Stephen Monk

Physics B Peter Bevan

Physical Sc Stephen Monk

History Andrew Meijers

Electronics Stage 3-4 Andrew MacLeod

Computing Business B Craig Shirley

Working Towards 2001 Dragan Curak

Automotive Ben Griffin

Certificate of Work Ed Brendan Baker

Information Technology John Trethewey

Hard Furnishings Ian Ackerley, Andrew Karimalis

Work Placement C Andrew Karimalis

Skilled Engineering Andrew Daun

2^nd Peer Support Camp (3)

3^rd Inter High Swimming Carnival

Grade 10 Dancing lessons (1)

Peer Support Camp (3)

4^th Peer Support Camp (3)

9^th Grade 10 Dancing lessons (2)

12^th Newsletter

23^rd Grade 10 Dancing lessons (3)

24^th Grade 9 Social

Parents & Friends Meeting

1^st Grade 10 Dancing lessons (4)

Aussie Sports Day

2^nd Aussie Sports Day

4^th Newsletter

8^TH Grade 10 Dancing lessons (5)

Science Competition

Open Day/Evening

11^th Progress Reports home

15^th Grade 10 Dancing lessons (6)

Music Camp

16^th Music Camp

17^th Grade 10 Immunisation

Music Camp

18^th Newsletter

22^nd Grade 10 Dancing lessons (7)

24^th Grade 10 Social

29^th Parents & Friends Meeting

1^st Newsletter

Term 1 Concludes

I. Cordwell

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL