School News Term 2 Week 4

This week at NICS we have exciting news to share in relation to some of our outstanding senior students.

Queensland Training Awards

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Isabella Randall has made the final three in the South-East Region Queensland Training Awards for School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. Isabella has already made history as the first ever school-based trainee from Norfolk Island, and now she’s also the first Norfolk Island finalist in these prestigious awards. With 2,214 eligible school-based apprentices and trainees in the South-East Region, making it to the top three is an outstanding achievement! The Queensland Training Awards have been celebrating excellence in vocational education and training since 1962, recognising the incredible dedication, skill, and innovation,n of individuals like Isabella. The regional awards will be held on the Gold Coast on 11 July 2025, and if successful, Isabella will go on to represent Norfolk Island at the State Awards.

Scholars to scholarships

After completing Southern Cross University’s ‘Scholars Program’, a six-week university course, Aly Miller and Isabella Randall have both been offered University entry and scholarships for SCU. Aly, achieving High Distinction throughout the course, was ranked in the top five of the entire ‘Scholars’ cohort and offered a $20,000 scholarship and invitation to apply for early entry into a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Psychological Science. Isabella, also achieving High Distinction, was among the top 15 of the program, and offered a $10,000 scholarship and an invitation to apply for early entry into a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. These students were not only studying alongside other senior students but also university students. Their achievement is a testament to their self-determination and academic drive.

QUT Future You Summit

The QUT Future You Summit is a selective, university-immersion program aimed at high-achieving Year 11 and 12 students from Queensland and Northern NSW. This week, Abby Dixon, Siena Menghetti and Isabella Randall all received the news that they have been offered a position in the competitive program. During the program, students engage in hands-on workshops, seminars, and activities led by QUT academics, researchers, and industry professionals, providing insights into future career pathways. Abby, Siena and Issy will attend this program during the next school holidays, and we know they will represent Norfolk Island and NICS with pride.

Reading Instruction Training

This week, our entire teaching staff was immersed in a full day workshop focused on the teaching of reading. The workshop was delivered by senior teaching and learning trainers from Department of Education's Education Futures Institute. These professional development opportunities are vital for teacher reflection, collaboration and skill development. We look forward to implementing our learning back in the classroom.

Regards,

Tom Black

Principal