Stories and highlights

Student Achievement – Minister’s Award for Excellence

One of the standout moments for Inverell High School this year was the recognition of our Year 12 School Captain, Joshua Cathie, who received the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement. This award is presented to a small number of students across New South Wales who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and commitment to their school and community.

Joshua attended the ceremony at Sydney Town Hall, representing Inverell High School with pride alongside Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support, Karina Hutchings.

Joshua’s recognition stands as a proud highlight for our school this year and reflects the strong values, opportunities and high expectations we continue to uphold at Inverell High School.

Public Education Week – Celebrating Excellence at Inverell High School

Another major highlight for Inverell High School this year was our the Sapphire Community of Schools 2025 NSW Public Education Awards, held as part of Public Education Week. These awards recognise excellence across the entire public education community, celebrating outstanding achievements by students, dedicated service from teachers and staff, and the invaluable contributions of community members who support our schools.

This year’s awards showcased the strength and spirit of public education, and Inverell High School was proud to see our school community acknowledged among the recipients. The recognition reflected the commitment, effort and excellence demonstrated daily by our students, staff and supporters. Being part of these celebrations remains an important reminder of the outstanding work happening in public schools and the strong culture of pride, resilience and achievement we uphold at Inverell High School.

Our Student Representative Council

The SRC plays an important role in strengthening student voice within our school, ensuring that young people have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decision-making and school improvement.

The SRC’s work reflects the values we promote at Inverell High School — respect, responsibility and active participation. Their leadership not only enhances the experiences of students across the school, but also contributes to a positive, inclusive and connected school community.

We are proud of the commitment and teamwork our SRC has shown this year, and we look forward to seeing their leadership continue to grow.

Community Contribution – Year 12 Charity Fundraising

A remarkable community highlight for Inverell High School this year was the handover of a Cuddle Bed to the Palliative Care Unit at Inverell Hospital on Monday 10 November. This important donation was made possible through the extraordinary charity efforts of our outgoing Year 12 students, who raised an outstanding $15,406.00 in support of the Belinda McGowen Foundation.

The Belinda McGowen Foundation plays a vital role in improving end-of-life care across rural, remote and regional Australia by providing Australian-made cuddle bed combinations to hospitals. These beds have transformed the experience of countless patients and their families, allowing loved ones to share meaningful comfort, closeness and connection during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

What Year 12 has achieved is truly inspiring. Their compassion, generosity and commitment to community service reflect the very best of Inverell High School. Their efforts will leave a lasting impact, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable local residents are supported with dignity, comfort and care.

Performing Arts – CAPERS Dance Showcase

One of the creative highlights of the year for Inverell High School was the outstanding performance of our student dance group in the CAPERS Showcase. This event brings together talented performers from across the region, celebrating creativity, teamwork and the vibrant spirit of public education.

Our dancers represented Inverell High School with confidence and professionalism, delivering a polished and energetic performance on stage. Their dedication throughout rehearsals, commitment to teamwork and enthusiasm for the arts were evident in every moment of their routine.

Participating in CAPERS provides students with valuable opportunities to develop performance skills, build connections with other schools and experience the excitement of a large-scale production. Our dancers embraced every part of the journey, making this year’s showcase a standout moment for our performing arts program.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented our school in such a positive and creative light.

Harmony Week – Celebrating Diversity at Inverell High School

This year, Inverell High School celebrated Harmony Week in vibrant style, with students and staff dressing in shades of orange and teal to mark the occasion. The day brought our school community together to recognise and appreciate the rich cultural diversity that strengthens and enriches our learning environment.

Students and staff enjoyed a shared lunch and traditional food tastings, featuring delicious Mexican and Indian dishes. The celebrations provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect, learn from one another and acknowledge the importance of inclusivity, respect and belonging.

Harmony Week remains a valued part of our school calendar, and this year’s celebration was a standout—full of colour, connection and community spirit.