Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time HSC students at Loreto Normanhurst gather on the school’s oval They form a circle and lightly bounce up and down before a countdown begins two students each release a white bird which flies up into the sky above Loreto says the end-of-school tradition signifies freedom and “letting go” But animal rights advocates say it puts the birds at risk of death from starvation Students releasing the white birds at Loreto Normanhurst in 2017.Credit: Loreto Normanhurst “The absolute entitlement of the school to think that their traditions are more important than animal welfare is sickening,” one school community member said in an anonymous letter Loreto Normanhurst’s tradition of releasing birds began in 2001 Nearby girls’ school Ravenswood usually releases three birds each year while Pymble Ladies’ College also uses birds who has operated White Doves R Us with husband Russell since 2000 Denis said her birds are white racing pigeons Students release white pigeons as part of their graduation tradition “Our return rate is 99 per cent,” Denis said they’re always flying around the neighbourhood – that’s their training but she also services schools and weddings She refuses to release her pigeons anywhere outside the Sydney basin nor will she release them when it is too hot or if there is any smoke haze because the birds find it harder to get home Denis says critics “should be more concerned about balloons” They should have outlawed balloons a long time ago [Schools] have gone from balloons to something environmentally friendly and recyclable.” PETA senior policy advisor Mimi Bekhechi said the schools should end the practice “These birds are typically raised in captivity and unprepared to navigate and fend for themselves in the wild,” she said But National Pigeon Association president Chris Schultz said evidence suggested pigeons used stars and the moon to navigate it is not an issue regarding animal welfare,” he said NSW Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst said: “Many of these birds may never make it home as they are exposed to threats such as dehydration Harming these sentient animals and putting them at risk is no celebration There are many environmentally friendly ways that schools can celebrate their graduates that do not involve animal cruelty Pymble Ladies’ College and Ravenswood declined to answer questions regarding the use of white pigeons Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Each spring, HSC students at Loreto Normanhurst gather on the school\\u2019s oval. They form a circle and lightly bounce up and down before a countdown begins. At zero, two students each release a white bird which flies up into the sky above. Loreto says the end-of-school tradition signifies freedom and \\u201Cletting go\\u201D. But animal rights advocates say it puts the birds at risk of death from starvation, dehydration or predation. \\u201CThe absolute entitlement of the school to think that their traditions are more important than animal welfare is sickening,\\u201D one school community member said in an anonymous letter. Loreto Normanhurst\\u2019s tradition of releasing birds began in 2001, the school says on social media. Nearby girls\\u2019 school Ravenswood usually releases three birds each year while Pymble Ladies\\u2019 College also uses birds. It released 30 of them in 2017. Denise Denis, who has operated White Doves R Us with husband Russell since 2000, has supplied all three schools with birds. Despite the dove reference in their name, Denis said her birds are white racing pigeons, which are trained to fly to their home. \\u201COur return rate is 99 per cent,\\u201D Denis said. \\u201CThey\\u2019re the best-kept birds, they exercise every day, they\\u2019re always flying around the neighbourhood \\u2013 that\\u2019s their training, that\\u2019s their exercise.\\u201D Denis\\u2019 main business comes with funerals, but she also services schools and weddings. A pigeon release starts at about $250. She refuses to release her pigeons anywhere outside the Sydney basin, nor will she release them when it is too hot, too overcast, or if there is any smoke haze because the birds find it harder to get home. Denis says critics \\u201Cshould be more concerned about balloons\\u201D. \\u201CThey fall into the water, that is my beef. They should have outlawed balloons a long time ago. [Schools] have gone from balloons to something environmentally friendly and recyclable.\\u201D Asked about releasing the pigeons, PETA senior policy advisor Mimi Bekhechi said the schools should end the practice. \\u201CThese birds are typically raised in captivity and unprepared to navigate and fend for themselves in the wild,\\u201D she said. But National Pigeon Association president Chris Schultz said evidence suggested pigeons used stars and the moon to navigate, as well as Earth\\u2019s electromagnetic field. \\u201CAcross Sydney, it is not an issue regarding animal welfare,\\u201D he said. NSW Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst said: \\u201CMany of these birds may never make it home as they are exposed to threats such as dehydration, starvation, disease, or predation. \\u201CAnimals are not props. Harming these sentient animals and putting them at risk is no celebration. There are many environmentally friendly ways that schools can celebrate their graduates that do not involve animal cruelty, such as music, planting trees and flowers, and environmentally friendly bubbles.\\u201D Loreto Normanhurst, Pymble Ladies\\u2019 College and Ravenswood declined to answer questions regarding the use of white pigeons. Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. . Picture by Elka Devney.It was a day of celebration for the Corkhill family who marked 60 years of breeding at the 20th annual Normanhurst Border Leicester sale All articles from our website & appThe digital version of This Week's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other agricultural news sites in your areaContinueJamie Croake Sired by NH200097, the 2024 Sydney Royal grand champion ram recorded Australian Sheep Breeding Values at +9.31 for post weaning weight and +107.76 for the Border Leicester Index Dick Croake purchased the ram on behalf of his son Jamie and said they had seen the ram at Sydney "Jamie breeds his rams for ourselves and the neighbours He also runs about 3000 sheep and 300 head of cattle." The Kelly family run a mixed operation with 1500 ewes and have used Normanhurst genetics for about 20 years "[I sought] good bodied rams with great structure "We cross the Merino ewes with the Border Leicesters and we like Normanhurst because they perform well on our country." secured a draft of eight rams to a top of $1500 Normanhurst stud co-principal Ashley Corkhill said they were pleased to see a number of return clientele "They're very loyal and support us through the good and tough years purchased three rams to $1500 to average $1416 The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders with auctioneers Rick Power and Aaron Seaman Elka Devney is The Land’s Dubbo-based journalist, originally from Moree. She covers everything from cropping and cattle to sheep and rural affairs. Get in touch with her on 0477 822 081 or elka.devney@theland.com.au. Newsletters & AlertsView allDaily Today's top stories curated by our news team Our twice weekly wrap of the latest in rural property sales Our twice weekly wrap of the big news in the red meat sector Industry news from Australia's dairy sector The week's top stories curated by our news team Construction has commenced on the new Loreto Normanhurst Boarding School a state-of-the-art facility designed by AJC Architects The project aims to provide accommodation for 216 boarding students from Years 7 to 12 offering a range of room configurations to suit different age groups and needs The innovative design includes six-bed dormitories for younger boarders as well as two-bed and single rooms for senior students secure storage to ensure ample space for students’ belongings At the heart of the facility is a large dining room capable of serving all 216 boarders in one sitting This central space connects to various study areas and music rooms through a series of tiered gathering spaces emphasised the firm’s commitment to the project stating:”We are dedicated to delivering a facility that meets the highest standards of design and functionality ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all students.” The boarding school’s design takes advantage of its location on a steep escarpment using terraced level changes to create privacy and security while maximising views of the oval and surrounding bushland This approach also helps reduce the building’s scale as it descends the hillside integrating with existing trees to preserve the site’s natural beauty highlighted the forward-thinking nature of the project: “As we boldly look to the future we know that what has been right for boarding for the last 125 years “Our new state-of-the-art Boarding School has been designed with the needs of current and future Loreto Normanhurst boarders in mind and ensures we can continue our mission to shape women for our times.” The construction of this new boarding facility marks a significant milestone in AJC Architects’ ongoing commitment to creating innovative and sustainable educational environments You must be logged in to post a comment Construction industry ready as Queensland hospital expansion review concludes Boroondara opens nominations for 2025 Urban Design Awards Construction industry leaders to take part in 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout New leadership team appointed to overhaul QLD’s construction regulator Engineers Australia calls for target of 60,000 additional engineering graduates by 2035 Willmott Dixon selected to lead construction of Northern Roots Visitor Centre in Oldham New York state launches US$16.6m road resurfacing initiative on Long Island Foster + Partners unveils design for luxury green community on Laheq Island Victoria Tower Adelaide celebrates topping out milestone Plus Architecture secures DA approval for landmark build-to-rent project in West Melbourne Why concrete carbon sequestration could revolutionise the construction industry Adoption of AI in construction remains low with widespread concerns CFMEU investigation uncovers bad behaviour in building industry Sector hones in on sustainable building elements to meet efficiency standards Concrete surface treatments still improving after decades of innovation Selling a house can be a time-consuming process homes are flying off the market in just eight days on average according to new report from MortgageBroker.com.au “The competition is fierce,” with 431 buyers eyeing the eight available houses Leda’s appeal lies in its affordability Despite offering some of the most affordable housing in Perth at $485,000 Brookdale attracts buyers with its green spaces and future infrastructure plans Hillman and Darling Downs, both in Perth with homes on the market for an average of 12 days In Sydney Normanhurst and Dean Park round out the top five with homes averaging 15 days on the market Normanhurst’s homes sell for nearly double the price of those in Dean Park The report also highlights the fastest-selling suburbs in each major Australian city reflecting the dynamic nature of the country’s housing market Get the hottest and freshest mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter In the final hit-out before the Schoolgirl Head of the River the 2025 IGSA regatta will be a fascinating insight into this field’s form in the season’s final two weeks Loreto Normanhurst will have a point to prove on Sunday after a quiet last few races The girls from Normo shocked many at the start of the season placing second in the first three events at the end of 2024 Since returning to Sydney after their traditional January camp on Lake Burley Griffen failing to reach the A-final at the NSW Championships by the performance of stroke seat Patricia Boland who took a bronze in the U19 single and gold in the U19 double at that regatta With a young but certainly talented combination it remains to be seen whether this programme on the rise is waiting to peak at the right time or has perhaps shown its speed too early in the season Pymble Ladies College took the 2025 season by the scruff of the neck with a pair of dominant victories at the first two races of the season It was surprising to some that we saw Pymble finish on the third rung of the podium at the NSW Championships The girls from Sydney’s upper north shore will arrive at the IGSA regatta with an unchanged lineup but a revised seating order New head coach Harry Randell is known for building throughout the season who started 14 seconds off the pace last year and ended with a brilliant silver at nationals If they’re choosing to peak at this regatta they will be right there contesting for the win with only two weeks until the Schoolgirl Head of the River I suspect they may not be ready to reveal their hand The only school to have podiumed at every Head of the River since 2009 Queenwood are an interesting prospect in this matchup The girls from Mosman had a slow start to the season but showed some speed at State Championships finishing fifth in a very competitive field ahead of Loreto Normanhurst and third out of the crews entered in this race convincingly won the U19 coxed four at that regatta in what was an absolute clinic in the skill of mid-race rhythm their closest competition was half the Pymble crew who led out of the blocks but were no match from the 750m onwards if Queenwood can build upon their last outing they could trouble some of the leading crews at this event The reigning national champions in this boat class St Catherine’s are undoubtedly the crew to beat in IGSA rowing at the moment St Cath’s experienced an uncharacteristically slow start to the season trailing behind Pymble and Normo in the opening exchanges this can be explained by a longer 2024 season culminating in a Henley Royal Regatta quarterfinal race the Waverley girls have returned from camp in Canberra firing on all cylinders Whilst they couldn’t match Kinross at States they led the remainder of the field by four seconds after reigning in a fast-starting Pymble With five returners from last year’s all-conquering combination these girls will be comfortable coming into this race with momentum behind them The schoolgirl eight field was turned on its head at the NSW Championships where we saw St Catherine’s re-emerge as the dominant crew in the competition While I think we are set for more twists and turns in the lead-up to nationals I can’t see anyone finding a sudden turn of speed at this point in the season With Schoolgirl Head of the River so close I suspect most crews will still be a few days out from beginning their taper and may carry heavy legs into this race I can’t see anyone overcoming St Catherine’s at this event Pymble are the most likely winner in that contest but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a challenge from Queenwood or possibly Normo Involved in the sport of rowing since 2012 Chris has found himself more at home in the finish tower commentating major Australian regattas since 2019 Chris joined the JRN team in 2024 covering all things Australian rowing Chris launched ‘Rowing Down Under’ a JRN Podcast to cover all things Australian Rowing Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email In preparation for their historic showdown on the tideway Oxford and Cambridge have been taking on top competition from across the country I was both excited and a little sad about her recent announcement to leave rowing behind Following a successful first series in 2024 JRN is delighted to announce the second season of Sharing the Podium About Contact  Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Sydney without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Sydney Thanks to Sydney’s housing market being the second-most unaffordable in the world buying a house in the Harbour City isn’t easy But selling a house here can be pretty darn challenging too which is why it’s interesting to learn where Sydneysiders are having the cruisiest time shifting their abodes While the average Aussie home is on the market for 30 days houses in some Sydney suburbs take less than two weeks to sell To determine the fastest-selling suburbs in Sydney, the people from MortgageBroker.com.au took a look at sales data to work out where the average sale time was the smallest Two suburbs shared the top spot as Sydney’s fastest-selling suburb: the north shore suburb of Normanhurst This south-west Sydney suburb’s excellent public spaces have been credited with its popularity Nearby Wetherill Park is another Sydney suburb where shifting your listing should be a little easier with homes listed for an average of 18 days According to data from Mortgage Broker’s research each house on the market in Wetherill Park has an average pool of 132 interested buyers.Next on the list is western Sydney’s North St Mary’s where the average house costs $820,000 (around half the Sydney average house price) The fastest-selling suburbs in Sydney are: Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitterinstagrampinterestAbout us Contact us Mission accomplished with the successful control of robots on the International Space Station by Australia's first Zero Robotics finalists from Normanhurst Boys High School As part of its STEM outreach activities the University of Sydney sponsored 10 Sydney metropolitan teams in Zero Robotics an international computer programming challenge that sees high school students from across the globe solve real problems with NASA research robots The competition culminates with a final run on the International Space Station (ISS) with assistance from the astronauts on board “Zero Robotics requires teams to work with Star Wars inspired ball-like robots called SPHERES that conduct tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS),” says Benjamin Morrell Aerospace PhD candidate at the University of Sydney and co-ordinator of the Australian contestants  “The online competition is tied to actual space research and student teams are asked to program the SPHERES to solve a problem of interest to NASA,” Ben says “The Zero Robotics challenge this years was  ‘SpySPHERES’ which required two spheres to collect simulated space junk while competing against each other to take photographs of the other satellite and beam them back to Earth whilst avoiding being photographed themselves,” states Ben which began in August last year and progressed through multiple rounds of increasing complexity challenged participants to test and improve their code Finals were held on the International Space Station the crew from Normanhurst led an alliance with teams from Europe to fine tune their code that took control on the SPHERES on the International Space Station and then watched live as the astronauts set up the SPHERES for them to control Head Teacher Technological and Applied Studies at Normanhurst Boys High School says the space robotics journey has been an invaluable experience for the team “In the lead-up to the finals our students participated in several phases of virtual competition with teams in Germany and Romania,” Mr Davis says “They needed to work across time zones and language differences to progress towards the finals The competition finished with a live broadcast back to earth with the team’s ISS astronaut conducting the championship competition in microgravity “Being involved in a program like Zero Robotics shows students that with some dedication and hard work they can achieve great outcomes with real impact The experience can then help show students that they can go on to do amazing things “If you programmed NASA’s research robot on the International Space Station in High School there are no limits to what you can do next!” says Davis mark 2: 9 Normanhurst homes for auction with $1 reserveSam Murden It’s like The Block is coming back to Sydney Nine properties are set to come up for sale at a charity auction with a price guide of just $1 The properties in Normanhurst consist of eight freestanding four bedroom brick houses and a vacant block of land – reminiscent of the type of auctions seen on The Block While the properties are being marketed by Ray White Upper North Shore agent Thomas Merriman alongside Saliba Estates Agents’ Josh Saliba with a $1 guide and $1 reserve their total value could be in excess of $12m when they sell The properties are currently owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church “The exciting thing about this is that we’re going to have a block of land with a $1 guide and a $1 reserve Ideal for those interested in buying a house to live in or a block of land to create something on,” Mr Merriman said The winning buyer will also be offered the chance to work with Deb and Andy from Season 15 of The Block for styling tips Deb and Andy were featured on Season 15 of The Block “We are offering the successful purchasers of each property a design consultation for two hours to discuss renovation or redevelopment ideas interior design and furniture selection,” the pair said in a statement “We are always eager to get involved in anything property or design related but the thing we loved most about this project is the admirable cause behind the sale.” Acquired by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1898 the properties are part of a 64.2 hectare parcel of land The pair will offer successful buyers the opportunity to help style their home Adventist Healthcare CEO Brett Goods said the new accommodation would provide housing closer to the hospital and would replace the ‘very old and unappealing’ current properties “The Seventh-day Adventist Church remains committed to maintaining the bush reserves around the hospital and behind some of these properties making it available to the community for recreational and leisure activities,” Mr Goods said “We are all very conscious of the high cost of housing in Sydney It is one of the challenges to recruitment and retention of health workers.” Auctions for the properties will be held on-site on the 1st December MORE: Aussies who take their holidays home with them ‘Invisible Man’ home voted NSW’s favourite Buddy Franklin scores epic new $9m Gold Coast home third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. 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CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) As Loreto Normanhurst’s Director of People and Culture Zihlmann’s overarching responsibility is to lead the management and development of staff towards the achievement of the school’s Strategic Plan As well as sitting on Loreto’s leadership team and being afforded the opportunity to develop and implement strategic initiatives across the school Zihlmann oversees all operational aspects and elements of human resource management across a campus with 1,200 students and 250 staff “This includes overseeing recruitment and participating in interviews with potential new staff which is always exciting,” Zihlmann told The Educator “The breadth of my day is hard to define and I rarely get through my to-do list as unpredictability and change is constant.” Zihlman says she’s very fond of the variety that this dynamic role brings “My role allows me to interact with staff on engagement teams project manage the implementation of a Human Resources Information System and actively participate in the day-to-day operational running of a school,” she said “What brings me the most professional satisfaction is being the HR Business Partner to the Leadership Team and Managers and working with them to hone and build their leadership skills and capabilities.” Zihlmann said the school saw minimal movement of staff and retention levels were high in the post-COVID landscape this has shifted dramatically “This has placed emphasis on purpose flexibility in roles and greater work-life balance – our staff want more time to balance their busy lives and continue their ongoing professional development,” Zihlmann said “As such we have implemented several programs around flexible working arrangements We have intentionally pivoted our staffing and recruitment practices and profile to accommodate staff desire for flexibility in their professional and personal lives with the creation of additional part-time teaching staff and job share roles.” Loreto Normanhurst implemented its first job share role within its Primary School for a staff member returning from maternity leave who wanted the flexibility to return to work in a part-time capacity “We have developed several programs to support professional learning and leadership including our Open Learning Circles [OLC] professional development program which provides two periods for teachers in a teaching cycle to prepare and attend OLC professional conversations with teachers across faculties,” Zihlmann said The school also created its St Omer Program for Early Career Teachers and has focused on continuing to develop its new and middle leaders through the Rathfarnham Leadership Program “We run workshops for our managers in non-teaching roles to further build their leadership capabilities and continued growth across our school staff network We have recently implemented a work from home policy for staff in non-student facing roles with staff responding very positively to the flexibility this affords them.” Zihlmann said it is important to recognise that staff wellbeing is a shared responsibility “We must work collaboratively to create an environment and culture where all members feel supported and can grow and flourish,” she said “Prioritising shared discourse around wellbeing is crucial and needs to be accompanied by engaging people who are reviewing structures and processes to minimise work-related stress modelling positive wellbeing from the executive or leadership level is critical.” Zihlmann said having defined initiatives in place where staff are meaningfully engaged and consulted is key to building engagement and ensuring schools meet their staff’s needs “You cannot simply roll something out without consultation Be honest and upfront about what can and can’t change and what can and can’t be done,” she said “Supporting staff wellbeing is an ongoing process that requires continuous focus and collaboration across all levels of the organisation.” A passionate educator with global experience joins the Junior School to champion student growth The program will help Year 7-9 students develop healthy screen habits and make better decisions online Don't miss the chance to spotlight your school's success and impact Copyright © 2025 KM Business Information Australia Pty Ltd An elite private school is embroiled in a row with its neighbours who are calling for a halt to its ambitious expansion plans until parking and traffic headaches during pick-up and drop-offs are fixed Residents near Loreto Normanhurst School say parents are breaking the law by parking illegally around the school which aims to almost double its student numbers in the next two decades The council says the school must comply with the original conditions of planning approval for its expansion plans Hornsby Shire Council said it regularly received complaints about parking on surrounding roads “in particular vehicles parked ‘nose first’ across the nature strip in front of the school.” which wants to increase enrolment from 1150 to 2000 by 2047 should not be permitted to admit more pupils until it completes infrastructure upgrades to alleviate existing traffic congestion and safety issues on the surrounding streets “The traffic both morning and afternoons and even on Saturday mornings is already horrendous” “This is a danger to all the residents since it is a one way in Normanhurst resident David Greenwood said he was opposed to the entire redevelopment “I would also ask why Loreto feels like it can bully local residents without recourse,” he said A council spokesman said 12 warnings had already been issued for illegal parking around the school after just one week of the new academic year “Council rangers regularly patrol these streets and issue warnings; however the parking issues continue,” the council said in a submission to the Planning Department School Principal Marina Ugonotti said Loreto planned to change the design of a proposed new boarding house and modify other building works that will allow it to boost student numbers to 1650 “The design refinements have resulted in revising the enrolment staging in association with the approved student population,” she said The modification would have “no additional impact” to the approved school population the surrounding road network or approved parking numbers Ugonotti said improvements to student drop-off and pick-ups and parking were completed last October She said staff supervised school pick-up and drop-off on all internal roads while traffic controllers were deployed on public roadways for major school events “Loreto Normanhurst works with skilled traffic engineers to review the management and operation of its pick-up and drop-off to ensure updated operational improvements are regularly considered and implemented” The new boarding house is a key part of the school’s 30-year master plan The council wants Loreto to stick to the conditions imposed by the Independent Planning Commission of NSW when it approved the redevelopment in 2021 It also wants a review of the impact of the school’s Saturday sport activities on parking and upgrades of roads bordering the school including student pick up/drop off facilities and parking should be in place prior to an increase in student numbers to alleviate congestion and safety issues,” a spokesman said Ugonotti said the school took pride and great care in maintaining open honest and collaborative relationships with its neighbours “Loreto Normanhurst continues to communicate with parents and students about the importance of avoiding parking in streets surrounding the school,” she said NSW Police said it patrols high-traffic areas to ensure drivers comply with road rules “This would include school zones during drop off and pick up times,” a police spokesman said dozens of residents have submitted objections to the Planning Department about Loreto’s building plans Traffic chaos during around schools is an ongoing source of tension between schools and residents in other areas, with police deployed to monitor parents at SCEGGS Darlinghurst in response to complaints from its neighbours \\u201Cin particular vehicles parked \\u2018nose first\\u2019 across the nature strip in front of the school.\\u201D \\u201CThe traffic both morning and afternoons and even on Saturday mornings is already horrendous\\u201D \\u201CThis is a danger to all the residents since it is a one way in \\u201CI would also ask why Loreto feels like it can bully local residents without recourse,\\u201D he said \\u201CCouncil rangers regularly patrol these streets and issue warnings; however the parking issues continue,\\u201D the council said in a submission to the Planning Department \\u201CThe design refinements have resulted in revising the enrolment staging in association with the approved student population,\\u201D she said The modification would have \\u201Cno additional impact\\u201D to the approved school population \\u201CLoreto Normanhurst works with skilled traffic engineers to review the management and operation of its pick-up and drop-off to ensure updated operational improvements are regularly considered and implemented\\u201D The new boarding house is a key part of the school\\u2019s 30-year master plan It also wants a review of the impact of the school\\u2019s Saturday sport activities on parking should be in place prior to an increase in student numbers to alleviate congestion and safety issues,\\u201D a spokesman said \\u201CLoreto Normanhurst continues to communicate with parents and students about the importance of avoiding parking in streets surrounding the school,\\u201D she said \\u201CThis would include school zones during drop off and pick up times,\\u201D a police spokesman said dozens of residents have submitted objections to the Planning Department about Loreto\\u2019s building plans Traffic chaos during around schools is an ongoing source of tension between schools and residents in other areas with in response to complaints from its neighbours London: Aleksandar Vukic’s journey to a Wimbledon debut at 27 has been a long but not lonely road Along the way he’s had some loyal fellow travellers it might appear like Vukic has made a rapid rise But the path to his dream has tested his patience and provided doubts who at 27 is playing at his first Wimbledon at the weekend.Credit: AELTC/Edward Whitaker After an impressive 6-3 7-6 (7-1) 3-6 7-5 opening round victory against world No.66 Daniel Altmaier he meets big-serving Frenchman Quentin Halys in the second round most probably on Thursday after rain ruined the second day’s play And two decades after he first picked up a racquet at just 4½ years old fled Sarajevo during the Balkan wars in the early 1990s with his elder brother They left everything behind to make a new life in Australia The young family had little money to their name and struggled to find jobs on arrival They worked their way up from next to nothing all to give their children the best chance at life Aleksandar Vukic outside the famed All-England Tennis Clubhouse this week “There were moments where I doubted whether I could do it and it’s more special to share these type of moments with those who are there with you day-to-day and they definitely are those type of parents.” Having grown up on Sydney’s upper north shore he’d watch Wimbledon on television as a child but never really imagined he’d play there his progress was hampered by injury and then He went to Spain as a 17-year-old to progress his game then to the United States at the University of Illinois Monday’s win was his second career grand slam main-draw victory and his first since reaching the second round at Australian Open 2022 as a wildcard he qualified at five tour-level events in the opening half of the season and also contested three ATP Challenger finals gaining him a direct acceptance for the first time in his career at a grand slam “I’m still trying to figure out where everything is,” Vukic said Among his fans is 15th seed Alex de Minaur “[He’s] playing some great tennis at the tour events as well as beating some really high-quality players,” the Australian top-ranked men’s player said at the weekend is among those offering their support for his first outing at SW19 Dancer heaped praise on his former charge as a student And there’s a competitive stubbornness too more than likely inherited from his father “His parents are great people – they’re tough people,” Dancer said at the time “I can’t say enough superlatives about him [Vukic]” he said “I think he’s probably the only guy I’ve ever coached who I feel like across the board at the top has checked all three boxes.” Vukic seems realistic about where things are at Like many professionals outside the top dozen But he admits that money won’t be a driving factor this week News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter London: Aleksandar Vukic\\u2019s journey to a Wimbledon debut at 27 has been a long but not lonely road Along the way he\\u2019s had some loyal fellow travellers Outside the world\\u2019s top 200 in February most probably on Thursday after rain ruined the second day\\u2019s play And two decades after he first picked up a racquet at just 4\\u00BD years old I wouldn\\u2019t be playing,\\u201D Vukic says \\u201CThere were moments where I doubted whether I could do it and it\\u2019s more special to share these type of moments with those who are there with you day-to-day and they definitely are those type of parents.\\u201D Having grown up on Sydney\\u2019s upper north shore he\\u2019d watch Wimbledon on television as a child but never really imagined he\\u2019d play there Monday\\u2019s win was his second career grand slam main-draw victory and his first since reaching the second round at Australian Open 2022 as a wildcard \\u201CI\\u2019m still trying to figure out where everything is,\\u201D Vukic said \\u201C[He\\u2019s] playing some great tennis at the tour events as well as beating some really high-quality players,\\u201D the Australian top-ranked men\\u2019s player said at the weekend And there\\u2019s a competitive stubbornness too \\u201CHis parents are great people \\u2013 they\\u2019re tough people,\\u201D Dancer said at the time \\u201CI can\\u2019t say enough superlatives about him [Vukic]\\u201D he said \\u201CI think he\\u2019s probably the only guy I\\u2019ve ever coached who I feel like across the board at the top has checked all three boxes.\\u201D But he admits that money won\\u2019t be a driving factor this week \\u201CYou\\u2019re playing at Wimbledon,\\u201D he says If you can\\u2019t get yourself up to play here then you shouldn\\u2019t be playing tennis.\\u201D results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday With an award-winning model of education at its core Loreto Normanhurst’s 125-year legacy of excellence in girls’ education is well established It is a legacy built from the vision of Loreto foundress Mary Ward who 400 years ago was a dangerous innovator who shared the view that – “women in time to come will do much.” Loreto Normanhurst embodies this vision through a profound commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation in girls’ education It is the school’s holistic focus on student growth and outcomes beyond the classroom that has cemented its position as one of Sydney’s leading independent A passionate advocate for the opportunities afforded by girls’ education sheds light on the common misconceptions about girls’ education and how girls’ schools shape the next generation of female leaders Ugonotti counters the frequented stereotype that girls’ schools are merely princess factories with an insight into the recognition and celebration of cultural diversity and student backgrounds within a combined day and boarding girl’s school environment we do not attempt to create cookie-cutter versions of other girls and celebrate the diversity that is drawn together through the sharing of each girl’s unique gifts and values This is what makes us interesting as individuals and brings us together as a community,” Ugonotti said It is this focus on fostering the positive development of girls who are unapologetically themselves that allows Loreto Normanhurst to instil the values of self-confidence and self-assurance to prepare well-rounded graduates who are ready to do great things in the world.  “we also focus on the wellbeing of students from a girl’s perspective This ensures our academic and pastoral care programs are tailored and delivered in a way that supports the growth of girls in and outside of the classroom.” 2 - We provide the tools and confidence for girls to take a seat at the table Building on the attributes nurtured within the girl’s school environment Ms Ugonotti acknowledges the impact this has not only as students progress through their education but also “Our girls develop a strength of gentle feminism This allows them to bring perspectives of their diverse background into the discourse of the world around them and confidently take their seat at the table even if it is not offered,” Ugonotti said the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM) emphasises collaboration and independence to nurture students who are agile and resilient thinkers equipped to succeed as they enter the workforce “at Loreto Normanhurst we focus on the holistic growth of the whole person encouraging each student to fulfil her academic and personal potential in an atmosphere of freedom It is this atmosphere which creates a safe space for our girls to take risks in their learning and to grow as individuals and as members of a community It is what thereby empowers and motivates our students to use their individual gifts with confidence creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service We gently guide them as they grapple with change and challenge to find opportunities for growth all within the safety of a single-sex environment.” 3 - We offer an opportunity for girls to participate in every role and leadership position “Girls’ schools help to shape identity and confidence in adolescent years to encourage girls to pursue roles of leadership girls are not required to split leadership positions 50/50 with their male peers providing greater access to leadership opportunities during this critical developmental phase,” Ugonotti said benefits from the leadership of a highly capable It is this daily modelling of women in leadership positions that normalises this to a point where it is barely noticed by students girls are set on the pathway to pursue every leadership opportunity “I am immensely proud of the opportunity afforded as principal of Loreto Normanhurst to model just one of many leadership roles young girls can aspire to achieve.” Ugonotti became Principal of Loreto Normanhurst in 2019 having been an integral part of the school’s leadership team since she first joined the Loreto Normanhurst community in 2015 in the role of Deputy Principal Her passion for girls’ education extends far beyond her time at Loreto Normanhurst with a substantial career as a teacher and school leader at three Catholic independent schools for girls she has provided mentorship and guidance to the Loreto Normanhurst community robust pastoral care program and diverse boarding community in reflection of the school’s profound commitment to empower girls that are unapologetically themselves This article originally appeared as a media release from Loreto Normanhurst When Sabine Walton enrolled at a boarding school in Normanhurst three years ago almost all the girls in her shared dorm room were from the state’s north-west so I definitely stood out among the boarders who are mostly from farms and regional towns,” says Sabine about a 50-minute drive in peak hour from the all-girls private school Year 10 boarding students Sabine Walton (left) in a dormitory at Loreto Normanhurst.Credit: Louise Kennerley but boarding saves so much time commuting,” she says The year 10 student at Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney’s north-west is one of about 5900 boarding students across the state They include about 1000 students whose families are from metropolitan areas but are enrolled in boarding schools Australian Boarding Schools Association chief executive Richard Stokes said city-dwelling parents who opt to send their children to boarding school – either as weekly or full-time boarders – are attracted by the lack of travel time and the extra academic support that schools can provide with supervised study time boarding provides great structure for kids and that study time with tutors or homework helpers,” he said Sabine Walton and Sophia at Loreto Normanhurst.Credit: Louise Kennerley Across Australia there are about 20,490 boarding students and while the number of boarding schools has grown from about 150 a decade ago to about 200 last year enrolments have remained consistent since 2012 The impact of the pandemic meant international boarding student numbers halved and are yet to recover “International students are just not returning as energetically as we would have hoped,” he said adding that three boarding schools in Victoria and Tasmania were forced to close in the past three years when overseas students disappeared most being high-fee private schools that charge up to about $73,000 for boarding and tuition at schools such as Kambala and King’s At the co-educational Red Bend Catholic College fees are about $25,000 to board in the senior school The NSW state president of the Isolated Children’s Parents’​ Association said the cost of boarding school was now “out of the realms” of what most families could afford Mitchell said of three public boarding schools in regional NSW which generally charge about $13,000 for the year two are co-educational and one is an academically selective all-boys school in the state’s north-west “Especially for families from the north-west of the state there are no public all-girls boarding options And some fees are making it difficult if families want or need a boarding option “Families are telling us they really would like that public all-girls boarding school option,” she said schools including Loreto Normanhurst and Knox Grammar both of which charge upwards of $60,000 for tuition and boarding principals claim that demand for living on campus is on the rise the school is planning a $130 million redevelopment as part of its 30-year master plan that will include a new four-storey boarding house Knox Grammar principal Scott James said most boarders at the all-boys school were from rural NSW or overseas “Even though boarding is declining in some countries and from families with current day students wanting to change to boarding,” he said “It generally reflects the busyness of parents.” All-boys St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill was a boarding-only school until about 25 years ago the school began to enrol day boys to remain viable The school now opens to day students with extracurricular activities until 8pm,” he said About half of the 1000 students at St Joseph’s are boarders “But there are boarders from Hunters Hill too .. there are some whose bed at home is less than 100 metres from their bed in the dorms,” Blake said she was just one of two boarders who were from the city “We now have girls from the Central Coast area and even the inner city from Roseville and Paddington.” “I enjoy having the independence; the only downside is homesickness The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. This story has been updated to say that Loreto Normanhurst is building a new boarding house that will be four storeys, not six, as part of its 30-year master plan. When Sabine Walton enrolled at a boarding school in Normanhurst three years ago almost all the girls in her shared dorm room were from the state\\u2019s north-west. \\u201COur family home is in the city, so I definitely stood out among the boarders who are mostly from farms and regional towns,\\u201D says Sabine, whose family home is in Dulwich Hill, about a 50-minute drive in peak hour from the all-girls private school. \\u201CIt was daunting at first. I definitely could have been a day girl, but boarding saves so much time commuting,\\u201D she says. The year 10 student at Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney\\u2019s north-west is one of about 5900 boarding students across the state. They include about 1000 students whose families are from metropolitan areas but are enrolled in boarding schools. Australian Boarding Schools Association chief executive Richard Stokes said city-dwelling parents who opt to send their children to boarding school \\u2013 either as weekly or full-time boarders \\u2013 are attracted by the lack of travel time and the extra academic support that schools can provide with supervised study time. \\u201CEspecially in year 11 and 12, boarding provides great structure for kids and that study time with tutors or homework helpers,\\u201D he said. Across Australia there are about 20,490 boarding students and, while the number of boarding schools has grown from about 150 a decade ago to about 200 last year, enrolments have remained consistent since 2012. The impact of the pandemic meant international boarding student numbers halved and are yet to recover, said Stokes. \\u201CInternational students are just not returning as energetically as we would have hoped,\\u201D he said, adding that three boarding schools in Victoria and Tasmania were forced to close in the past three years when overseas students disappeared. There are 47 boarding schools in NSW, most being high-fee private schools that charge up to about $73,000 for boarding and tuition at schools such as Kambala and King\\u2019s. At the co-educational Red Bend Catholic College, in the state\\u2019s Central West, fees are about $25,000 to board in the senior school. The NSW state president of the Isolated Children\\u2019s Parents\\u2019\\u200B Association, Tanya Mitchell, said the cost of boarding school was now \\u201Cout of the realms\\u201D of what most families could afford. Mitchell said of three public boarding schools in regional NSW, which generally charge about $13,000 for the year, two are co-educational and one is an academically selective all-boys school in the state\\u2019s north-west. \\u201CEspecially for families from the north-west of the state, there are no public all-girls boarding options. And some fees are making it difficult if families want or need a boarding option. \\u201CFamilies are telling us they really would like that public all-girls boarding school option,\\u201D she said. But in Sydney, schools including Loreto Normanhurst and Knox Grammar, both of which charge upwards of $60,000 for tuition and boarding, principals claim that demand for living on campus is on the rise. At Loreto, where there are about 200 boarders, the school is planning a $130 million redevelopment as part of its 30-year master plan that will include a new four-storey boarding house. Knox Grammar principal Scott James said most boarders at the all-boys school were from rural NSW or overseas. \\u201CEven though boarding is declining in some countries, there is still demand from parents, and from families with current day students wanting to change to boarding,\\u201D he said. \\u201CIt generally reflects the busyness of parents.\\u201D All-boys St Joseph\\u2019s College in Hunters Hill was a boarding-only school until about 25 years ago, with more than 900 students, principal Michael Blake said. \\u201CWith numbers declining, the school began to enrol day boys to remain viable. The school now opens to day students with extracurricular activities until 8pm,\\u201D he said. About half of the 1000 students at St Joseph\\u2019s are boarders, many from Dubbo, Hunters Hill, Tamworth, Gladesville and Mudgee. \\u201CBut there are boarders from Hunters Hill too ... there are some whose bed at home is less than 100 metres from their bed in the dorms,\\u201D Blake said. When Sabine started at Loreto in year 7, she was just one of two boarders who were from the city. \\u201CWe now have girls from the Central Coast area, and even the inner city from Roseville and Paddington.\\u201D \\u201CI enjoy having the independence; the only downside is homesickness, but I go home most weekends, which makes it easier,\\u201D she said. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. boarding and day school for girls in Years 5 to 12 All articles from our website & appThe digital version of This Week's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other agricultural news sites in your areaContinueThe school offers full-time boarding from Year 7 and is a ‘home away from home’ for more than 150 young women the school is also welcoming city-based students and will offer more flexible boarding options for all boarders Loreto Normanhurst principal Barbara Watkins said maximum flexibility and optimum use of facilities would confidently support the education of students into the future “As we look forward with our strategic plan and a new 30-year master plan it is timely that we review our current practices,” Ms Watkins said “This includes diversification of our current model of boarding while our traditions at the heart of what we do.” The full-time model is still at the core of Loreto Normanhurst boarding but now incorporates full flexibility on weekends this means boarding all week with greater access to weekend time with family and friends This model of boarding can also take some of the pressure off busy family life and help students meet their academic and extra-curricular commitments boarding has been an integral part of Loreto Normanhurst.  THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY Back to Latest News back 6th August 2019 - ASSA announces latest inductees to Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame 16th July 2018 - IQ Pool Solutions introduces ‘code brown’ treatment solution 23rd June 2018 - AUSTSWIM awards excellence in aquatic education in NSW 18th June 2018 - Significant anniversaries for Pierce Pool Supplies and International Quadratics 13th February 2017 - S.R.Smith completes SwimWall installation at Griffith University Gold Coast campus 30th December 2014 - Calls for water safety and swim lessons to be mandatory in NSW schools 4th September 2014 - IQ and Pierce Pool Supplies appointed exclusive distributor for S.R.Smith products 20th January 2014 - S.R.Smith appoints Anti Wave Australia General Manager 4th November 2013 - Parents value swimming and water safety lessons above other out-of-school activities 10th October 2013 - International Quadratics and Pierce Pool Supplies back Royal Life Saving Society NSW 23rd August 2013 - International Quadratics’ achievements recognised with twin awards we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news Click here to view our subscription options Click here to view our subscription options product and event updates delivered right to your inbox The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services See more see more See the directory see all Get your business noticed in our targeted directory Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week Website by the first typical quad since the lead up to 2016 The 2025 Acropolis Swim Open hosted in the 2004 Olympic Aquatic Center will bring over $50,000 in prizes to a usually-elite international field Breaststroke specialist Landry Liston has announced her commitment to continue both her academic and athletic careers at George Mason University Olympic champion Florian Wellbrock put on a show in the men’s 1500m freestyle joined by fellow Germans Sven Schwarz and Oliver Klemet in the exciting race Anna Elendt lowered her own German national record in the women’s 200m breast hitting 2:23.54 to take gold at the national championships June 28th, 2019 Australia, Coaching Changes, International, News Loreto Normanhurst, on the upper North Shore of Sydney, Australia, has appointed former Australian World Champion, Bobby Hurley as Head Swimming Coach of Loreto Normanhurst Swimming Loreto Normanhurst Swimming will welcome swimmers of all ages offering three streams of swimming programs; learn to swim and the formation of the Loreto Normanhurst Swimming Club The Club will provide a competitive swimming pathway for students and swimmers within the local community beginning at the development and junior level 2012 Short Course World Champion in the 50m Backstroke and former World Record holder in that event leading South Africa’s Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh to gold and bronze medals at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest In 2019, Hurley coached rising star William Yang to two gold medals (50m Fly 50m Back) and one silver medal (100m Back) at the Australian Championships rendering Yang onto the 2019 World University Games roster Loreto Normanhurst has appointed Hurley to use his proven experience in planning and monitoring swimming performance in both team and individual athletes to achieve performance progression Hurley has proven success in utilizing strength and conditioning knowledge for planning periodizing and managing swimmers across multiple seasons and campaigns to support performance Hurley is ready for a new challenge at Loreto Normanhurst Swimming and is looking forward to working with all members  “I am very excited to be appointed Head Coach of LN Swimming and will use the same energy and determination forged from my own swimming career to provide the best possible performance pathway for all students and swimming club members.” Press Release Courtesy: Loreto Normanhurst Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Loreto Normanhurst is a Catholic girls school situated in the northern suburbs of Sydney Squads using the facilities of prominent private schools is far from unknown in AUS with the likes of Brisbane Grammar (which accepted a squad that had been “evicted” from another school The Southport School on the Gold Coast and a number in Sydney including Knox Pymble which has received attention in the past year by becoming a major training hub for NSWIS (NSW Institute of Sport) and the relocation of the Campbell sisters Why were they evicted from Nudgee originally That’s (so NSWIS partnership) because facilities at Pymble are almost are as good as Sydney Olympic Pool but on a smaller scale and in a local area Knox Pymble has been one of the biggest club in Sydney for decades so attracting current performing athletes would be draw attention to NSWIS In the same area there is Ravenswood which collaborates with swimming organizations Also private schools aren’t public pools so they don’t have to have other aquatic related businesses and can operate on their own accord rather than abide by extra policies like a council operated pool needs to follow Even a business pool with layers of management which slows the operating process thus hindering swimmers development (e.g We know that you will be a great leader for the athletes of this new team Did he quit his job as head basketball coach at Arizona State More from SwimSwamSee All Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates! © 2025 Swim Swam Partners, LLC. All rights reserved. boarding and day school for girls in year 5 to 12 All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe school offers full-time boarding from year 7 and is a "home away from home" for over 150 young women mainly from country NSW and the Sydney basin While full-time boarding is still at the core of Loreto Normanhurst boarding the school provides a holistic and dynamic education experience helping boarders to learn and grow as young confident women of sincerity The award-winning Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model is a holistic model of education that is innovative and dynamic curiosity and joy in learning - an education that prepares a Loreto girl for life in the 21st century Boarders are provided with excellent support networks to help them reach their academic goals including tutors and extended opening hours in the Learning Resource Centre says she loved being part of the boarding community and appreciated the encouragement and support she received it was not only my school but my 'home away from home' for five years and the community that surrounded me encouraged my academic and personal growth," she said Loreto Boarding has been an integral part of Loreto Normanhurst The boarding community is close and has a strong sense of identity and connection with the school the boarding school is the "heart of the school" Meet Loreto Normanhurst principal Marina Ugonotti and director of boarding Kate Kovacs on the Principal's Country Road Trip from May 14 to 16 in Griffith and Wagga Wagga Visit www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au for details Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy. Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe Sydney girls school Loreto Normanhurst has popped the bonnet on its digital learning management in a radical overhaul of how it delivers student feedback and performance updates to parents says Loreto Normanhurst director of learning Kieryn Bateman SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. 29-37 Pennant Hills Rd in Normanhurst is for sale It makes sense to always seek out the neighbour when vendors come to a decision to list their property That’s because there are a surprising number of sales to the next door neighbour which could be anything from them needing an extra car space Of course it still requires some regulatory requirements and good counsel but banging two heads together can work out well for both parties at such a preliminary time in the sales countdown MORE: How much average Aussie has in bank Inside Karl Stefanovic’s new Sydney house Banging seven heads together is a little trickier but I see seven neighbours at Normanhurst have recently offered their homes through Saliba Estate Agents as a Pennant Hills Road development site The seven knockdown house blocks range in size from 555sqm to 728sqm so I’d imagine there has a process for dividing up the proceeds accordingly The seven blocks form a 4684 sqm horse shoe shape around two houses that are not participating in the sale 221-223 Newbridge Rd in Chipping Norton is another popular site Joining a site amalgamation is one of the best routes to real estate riches as adjoining house owners who have joined the trend secure an inflated price rather than just offering their home as a one off And there are signs of fresh sites coming to market Three single-storey Federation cottage neighbours in Willoughby have banded together through Di Jones to offer a 1839sqm amalgamated land holding at 6 8 and 10 Penkivil St with a 1655sqm allowable gross floor area and a 12m building height under the current council controls One of the cottages sold for $2.75m a few years ago A 2175sqm Chipping Norton site has been listed by three different owners through LJ Hooker agent Lush Pillay Two of the homes on the Newbridge Rd corner site have been tightly held for over three decades McGrath estate agent Peter Sutherland has two owners on Mahony Road offering a 2752 sqm four-lot subdivision with duplex potential are also back looking for a developer buyer “We have experienced a substantial increase in activity from developers who are needing to fill their pipelines in the short to medium term,” said Knight Frank development site sales executive Cameron Fitzgerald “While Covid-19 had a dramatic impact on the appetite for development sites in 2020 the two years prior to 2020 also experienced little market activity due to the softening residential market Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for amalgamated sites “As a result there has been over three years of minimal acquisitions from developers and a large majority of their projects are either nearing completion or have been completed,” Mr Fitzgerald said The process is often thwarted with difficulties that can dash the high hopes of would be sellers In 2016 some 62 neighbouring owners in Frenchs Forest failed in their hope to secure an anticipated $200m windfall Ditto 46 neighbours who joined forces in Baulkham Hills in an attempt to woo developers The NSW Planning Department forecasts construction of 132,800 to 171,200 new homes in Greater Sydney through to 2024-25 Horrifying CCTV footage has captured the moment a man was almost killed after being pulled onto train tracks. The man was seen getting on a train at Sydney's Central Station with mates before getting off at Normanhurst in the city's upper north shore. The man appeared to put his hand on the train's doors as it departed, before the force of the train sucks his body down the side and onto the tracks.   His feet can be seen flying into the air as he fell head-first.  Surprisingly, the man appeared to be uninjured and was helped back onto the platform by shocked fellow commuters.   The man is one of 1,800 commuters who trip or fall at stations on the Sydney Trains network each year. Fortunately, none have been fatal and only a handful required medical treatment or hospitalisation. Of those 1,800 incidents, 250 involved children, who, along with the elderly, are most at risk. 'It's distraction. People are on their phones, they're rushed, aren't paying attention to the environment they're in and they lose their bearings,' Sydney Trains customer service executive director Susannah Le Bron told 7 News. Around 317 people fall onto the tracks each year, according to Sydney Trains. This is despite repeated safety messages broadcasted at stations every day warning commuters to mind the gap between the train and platform. 'Yes, we have more than a million people on our trains each day but one incident a day of people falling through the gap isn't good enough,' New South Wales transport minister Andrew Constance told 7 News. The new Metro trains will have glass barriers to prevent falls between the platform. In the meantime, Sydney Trains reiterated its plea for commuters to mind the gap at all times. 'Hold children's hands and stay behind the yellow line,' Ms Le Bron said. Major terror attack 'was just HOURS away' before it was foiled by the special forces and police:... 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Man lucky to be alive after falling onto a Sydney train trackCommenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}} Teenagers from Sydney's Normanhurst Boys High School have been competing in one of the world's biggest computer programming competitions Link copiedShareShare articleA group of Sydney schoolboys have taken on the world and outer space in one of the world's biggest computer programming competitions team Apoapsis from Normanhurst Boys High School computer programming club jockeyed with 170 other teams from 18 countries to win the opportunity to control robots inside the International Space Station Run by NASA and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and locally facilitated by the University of Sydney the competition tests students' problem-solving skills by having them code the flight path of robots head-to-head battle hosted by ISS astronauts The spheres must complete a number of tasks such as collecting points and taking observational photographs The program is designed to inspire secondary students who dream of careers in the stars "We are the first Australian school to be in the finals of this prestigious NASA and MIT competition," said Mr Peter Davis Do you know more about this story? Email 7.30syd@your.abc.net.au The Zero Robotics competition is hosted aboard the International Space Station. (Supplied: Zero Robotics) The Australian team took an aggressive strategy as it competed with Romania and Germany in the final rounds of the competition. Unfortunately, the sphere they had programmed drifted out of bounds in zero gravity and team Apoapsis was robbed of a victory. "We didn't come into this expecting to get this far to be honest," said team member, Declan. "To win would be, like, really crazy." Their teacher Mr Davis said the team would take the loss on board. "It's really more about sitting it, regardless of whether they win or lose — it's really more about the experience." Normanhurst Boys High is a selective state school which traditionally was strong in ball sports and trade skills. Now, thanks to a change of focus to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, it is turning out a steady stream of tech alumni. "We have now three of our alumni from recent history working in Microsoft, Seattle," Mr Davis said. "We have another working for Facebook US and we've got one that's now at Google in Sydney. "At a selective school where there's so much importance placed on individual brilliance and the myth of the genius, the reality is, in the world people actually produce great work collaboratively." The all-boys team say that they would like to see more girls involved in programming. Why Trump wants to reopen an infamous US prison — and whether it's possibleTopic:Explainer Two decades before John Edwards murdered his two teenage children The Sun-Herald can reveal that Mr Edwards' children Jack and Jennifer, who he fatally shot in a bedroom at their West Pennant Hills home before taking his own life It is understood that Mr Edwards and his former wife who also continued to live in the  Normanhurst area separated in 2000 or 2001 after having a daughter and a son in the 1980s The family were well known in the leafy upper north shore before the marriage broke down and Mr Edwards left his wife and children A source said that Mr Edwards seemingly had no relationship with his first wife or children from the previous marriage after marrying Olga who is about the same age as his first two children "We knew he had older children from a previous marriage but we never saw them and they were never around," they said The backyard of the Normanhurst house where John Edwards while there were no apprehended violence orders in place against Mr Edwards at the time of the murder-suicide meaning he could lawfully obtain the two "powerful" handguns he used to end his children's lives he had previously been the subject of an AVO The protracted and stressful legal battle that was waged over two years between Mr Edwards and his former wife Olga ended with him being denied access to his two children who lived full-time with their mother in the Hull Road address where they died As residents of West Pennant Hills grieved people continued to place flowers and tributes to the slain teenagers and their mother at the front of the suburban home throughout Saturday Some were notes left by Jennifer's year 8 classmates May you both rest in peace," read the note attached to one bouquet Many of those who set down flowers were teenagers themselves said her teenage son used to play with Jack when both boys were very young People leave flowers and candles outside the house where Jack and Jennifer Edwards were murdered by their father The families were introduced through Sydney's Russian community "She's an amazing mum," Olga said "When I saw what happened I couldn't believe it." Mr Edwards' body was removed from his Harris Road address in Normanhurst on Friday after a siege throughout the night after the bodies of his children were discovered who lost her son Luke when her former husband murdered him at cricket practice "You have a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy who've been shot dead in a clearly highly barbaric "And their mother has come home to be greeted with this reality How the hell do you recover from that?" she asked rhetorically at a fundraiser in Adelaide The Sun-Herald can reveal that Mr Edwards' children Jack and Jennifer who also continued to live in the\\u00A0 Normanhurst area \\\"We knew he had older children from a previous marriage but we never saw them and they were never around,\\\" they said meaning he could lawfully obtain the two \\\"powerful\\\" handguns he used to end his children's lives Some were notes left by Jennifer's year 8 classmates May you both rest in peace,\\\" read the note attached to one bouquet The families were introduced through Sydney's Russian community \\\"When I saw what happened I couldn't believe it.\\\" Mr Edwards' body was removed from his Harris Road address in Normanhurst on Friday \\\"You have a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy who've been shot dead in a clearly highly barbaric \\\"And their mother has come home to be greeted with this reality How the hell do you recover from that?\\\" she asked rhetorically at a fundraiser in Adelaide The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media This is the eerie brick house where a financial adviser shot himself dead after he fled the home where he murdered his teenage children in their bedroom The body of John Edwards was on Friday found at his property in Normanhurst and 13-year-old daughter Jennifer at the home they shared with their mother who one local resident says was known on Harris Road as 'the grumpy guy with the border collie' rarely left the neglected two-storey property Pictures on Friday showed the home's windows were lined with cobwebs with a bowl of fresh fruit and a straw hat visible from the garden and the pool had not been cleaned in so long it was filled with algae and frogs he always kept to himself and was very reclusive,' a neighbour told Daily Mail Australia She said there were shirts hanging inside a room visible from her garden which had remained untouched in the entire time he lived there Locals also revealed they felt sorry for his dog because they never saw Edwards take her out of the home They said the dog was constantly barking but the animal was 'sweet natured' Another of of Mr Edwards' neighbours expressed disbelief he murdered his own children in cold blood 'What a b***ard and what a coward,' the Normanhurst resident, Neil, told The Daily Telegraph 'He was known in the street as the grumpy guy with the border collie.'  a solicitor with North Shore law firm Brown and Partners was treated for shock after arriving at the harrowing scene at the home where she lived with the couple's children Police said Mr and Ms Edwards had been embroiled in a custody dispute over the past two years but the exact circumstances of their relationship are yet to be determined revealed that the 15-year-old had been discreet with his address for fear that his father might find out where he was living '(He) told me where he lived in case I ever wanted to go this house, but he told me not to tell anyone because he didn't want his dad to know where they lived,' the friend told The Daily Telegraph.  He further noted that Jack had always said his father was abusive.      Edwards registered two firearms earlier this year before using them to murder his teenage children at about 5.20pm on Thursday afternoon. The self-employed businessman, who owned a number of firearms, then turned one of the guns on himself at his own neglected home in Normanhurst. Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden described the killings as a 'heinous crime' which was 'premeditated and planned'. 'The 68-year-old male was the holder of a number of firearms, the two handguns located at the premises at Normanhurst were registered in his name,' he told reporters on Friday morning. 'Those handguns came into his possession lawfully earlier this year.' Mr McFadden said police were aware of John Edwards, but he 'did not have an extensive history', and there were no current AVOs out against him. 'This was a planned activity on the part of the 68-year-old male ... shortly thereafter he has attended the address in Normanhurst and taken his own life,' he said. 'It was a long term relationship, and there were some custody hearings over the last two years.' A 15-year-old boy and his 13-year-old sister were shot at the West Pennant Hills home they shared with their 36-year-old mother who was treated for severe shock after arriving at the scene. The children's father John Edwards, 68, who lived in nearby Normanhurst. Police say the parents' long-term relationship had broken down and a custody battle had been ongoing for about two years. Neighbours heard gunshots in Hull Rd, a quiet suburban street, about 5.20pm on Thursday and called police and paramedics. Emergency services found the children dead in their bedrooms. The father's body was found in his home in the early hours of Friday but police believe he took his life shortly after murdering his children. It's unclear exactly how, but he had at least four guns. Police say two 'quite powerful' pistols used in the murder and subsequent suicide were acquired legally this year and the murder was premeditated. 'I feel so shocked. Kids are innocent. Whatever the reason, kids shouldn't suffer' - a West Pennant Hills resident. 'The information we've gleaned ... leads me to believe this was premeditated and planned' - NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden. 'The nature of the relationship in recent times and level of access he had to the children ... is subject to the investigation' - NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden. 'When ambulance paramedics arrived ... we were confronted with an extremely distressing and stressful situation' - NSW Ambulance Inspector Kevin Sweeney. John Edwards was a certified financial planner who worked for insurance giant AMP and served as a volunteer firefighter, according to his Linkedin profile. His profile lists a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University and states Edwards has been aligned with AMP as a financial planner since 1995, but is believed to have ended his work with the company in 2016. Ms Edwards graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the University of Technology, Sydney, in 2008, according to her own Linkedin profile. She listed Brown and Partners Solicitors as her employer since 2008, and was a senior associate.   The children who lived next door described the teenage murder victims as friends with who they played with before they move to live with their mother two years ago. The 15-year-old boy was a 'funny and caring' person, while his younger sister was shy and preferred to keep to herself, the neighbours said. A woman who lived in the house at the front of Edwards' property said she spoke to him about his failing relationship with his wife. She would tell other neighbours how she felt sorry for Edwards, because he was alone without his two children.  She said that made her wonder if he ever did washing.  Jade, the dog, is believed to be going into the possession of the young boy who lives at the house in front of Edwards' old home.  'She just needs love and attention,' the neighbour said. Normanhurst, on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, is a leafy middle-class suburb with a median property price of just under $1.5million. The community is close to quality private schools and hospitals - and within 25km of the city. The tree-lined streets add to a safe, family-friendly feel and locals are regularly seen out walking their dogs. West Pennant Hills, slightly further from the city, has the same aspirational feel – hard-working families keen on the schools and safety. Residing in the local government areas of Hornsby Shire and The Hills Shire, the neighbourhood has abundant parks and reserves. Properties located in the tranquil suburb have a median price of $6.25million.  The 68-year-old spent so much time indoors before retiring his neighbours thought he worked from home, possibly online. Forensic teams came out of the Hull Road home shortly after 2pm Friday with several bags of equipment and a camera tripod. The shocking crime moved Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to speak out on Friday, and he described the death of the children as 'heartbreaking'. 'It's a terrible, terrible tragedy,' the prime minister told reporters on Friday. 'Our hearts go out to the mother and to all of the family. 'We mourn the loss of those young people and pray that those who have been so, so hurt by this shocking crime can find comfort in prayer and the consolation from friends and loved ones.' Daily Mail Australia contacted AMP for comment.  If you or anyone around you are struggling and/or seeking support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  How a bitter custody battle led to father murdering his two teenagersCommenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}} Texas sophomore Brayden Taivassalo has announced that he is transferring to Arizona State University for the next season Backstroker and redshirt sophomore JT Ewing has confirmed he will transfer from NC State to Arizona State for the 2025–2026 collegiate season Ando was a two-time finalist at the 2024 Futures Championship in Huntsville in July placing 4th in the 800 free and 6th in the 200 fly Bitel has the potential to strengthen Duke’s breaststroke group with 100 and 200 times that would’ve ranked second on the team this season July 09th, 2020 College, College Recruiting, NCAA Division I Mid-Major, News Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey “I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to Ball State University to further my athletic and academic career. I would like to thank my family, Coach Bobby Hurley the swimmers at Loreto Normanhurst Swim Club and everyone else who has helped me get to this point Coach J and the team made me feel so welcome I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of my life Hartshorne competed at the NSW Senior State Age Championships where she placed within the top 8 in 5 of her events She placed 5th in the prelims heats of the 200 fly she was seeded 5th going into the finals heats of the 50 free and dropped to 7th Hartshorne went into the meet with a 400 IM time of 5:15.81 dropping 6.43 second boy the end of the meet for a personal best time of 5:09.38 Her top finish at the meet came in the 200 free (2:05.27) where she dropped 3.06 seconds to earn the bronze medal placing fourth and earning another personal best time  She qualified for the Australian Olympic Trials in the 200 free and the 100 and 200 fly She also holds a Trials cut in the 50 free Hartshorne is nationally ranked amongst the 17 year old Australian women Hartshorne will be one of the Cardinals’ top swimmers when she arrives on campus in the fall of 2021 Her converted times rank her amongst the top 2 women in each of her best events Ball State University placed 8th at the 2020 Mid-American Championships Hartshorne’s times will give her a chance to make it back to finals and gain points for the team as they aim to move up in the conference rankings Ball State has already received a verbal commitment from Winter Juniors qualifier Gracey Payne The women will likely train alongside each other in the sprint group If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected] FFT SOCIAL Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour Facebook – @fitterandfastertour Twitter – @fitterandfaster More from Madeleine LepesantSee All Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates