NICS News Week 7 Term 4 From the Principal’s Desk

A huge congratulations to Isabella Randall who received the ‘Vocational Student of the Year Award’ from the Cairns School of Distance Education. Isabella was presented with the award which was held in Cairns on Thursday night. Isabella prepared a video to accept the award and to thank her distance education teachers. Congratulations, Isabella, for being recognised across the state for your hard work and dedication to Business Studies.

This week on assembly, the junior nominees for School Captain presented their speeches to the school and community. Congratulations to Rylai Barandino, Arlo Robinson, Theo Reid and Veda-Betty Greenwood. I look forward to hearing the results and presenting the badges at the Induction Assembly next Wednesday, 20 November, at 1.45pm.

The PBL focus for Week 8 is “be inclusive of all.” These messages will be repeated across the week and discussed during wellbeing lessons. Congratulations to Year 5 and Year 9 for receiving the STAR Award at assembly this week. Congratulations to this week’s “Gotcha” award recipients, Storm French and Timmy Ratulevu, who both received a canteen voucher sponsored by the NICS P&C.

At this time of the year, there are a lot of assessments being finalised in class. A general reminder for secondary students to ensure that they check their timetable and have the necessary equipment for each lesson each day. This includes their laptop charged for the day and general stationery, such as a pencil case and calculator. If there is upcoming planned travel, please collect and complete the travel approval forms. Notes for excursions need to be signed by parents and returned to the front office. If your children are not returning to NICS in 2025, please let the office know so we can ensure our planning for 2025 is accurate. Likewise, if you have family enrolling, please let us know.

A big thank you to NICS students for hosting the fundraiser on Friday to raise funds for new and improved house signs for 2025. Thank you to the newly nominated house captains for leading this event.

Thank you also to the Administrator, Mr Plant, Mrs Plant, and the wonderful staff at Government House for hosting Year 10 on Thursday for lunch. The students were very appreciative of the opportunity to dine at such a beautiful, historical house; be provided with such a delicious lunch; and be taken on an impromptu tour of the House (thank you Meliame).

Carnival dates for 2025:

All carnivals for 2025 will be in Week 3 of each term as follows:

• Beach Carnival: Wednesday, 12 February, 2025
• Back up date: Wednesday, 26 February, 2025
• Cross Country: Wednesday, 14 May, 2025
• Athletics Carnival: Wednesday, 30 July, 2025

HELMET HEROES: Keeping Kids Safe!

Thank you to Tim Thompson from the Norfolk Island Police, for attending the assembly on Wednesday launching the Helmet Heroes initiative. Did you know that wearing a bike helmet is one of the best ways to protect your little ones while they ride? Research shows that:

• Head Injury Reduction: Helmets can cut the risk of head injuries by up to 60%!

• Serious Injury Prevention: They help prevent serious head injuries, reducing traumatic brain injuries by about 53%.

• Fatality Reduction: Wearing a helmet significantly lowers the risk of fatal head injuries too!

That’s why it’s super important for kids to wear helmets every time they hop on their bikes. Plus, it’s the law on Norfolk Island under Section 38(3) of the Traffic Act 2010 (NI)!

We’re excited to announce that the Norfolk Island Police and the Health and Wellbeing Team (NIHRACS) are teaming up to keep our children safe. To help out, we’re offering vouchers for parents to purchase bike helmets for their kiddos! You can redeem these vouchers at either Fenua and Moana (Land and Sea) or Rabbit’s.

Here’s how to be part of our HELMET HEROES pilot program:

1. Stop by the Health and Wellbeing office in the Smithy’s building to register and collect your voucher (1 per child).

2. Take your voucher to Fenua & Moana (Land & Sea) or Rabbits to buy a helmet for your child!

But hurry—there are limited vouchers available! For more info, feel free to contact the Health and Wellbeing Team at 22687 or email healthandwellbeing@health.nlk.gov.nf.

Let’s keep our little heroes safe while they ride!

Russell Moore

Principal