21 December 2023
Assistant Principals
Paul Stevenson
Andrea Saville
Grade Leaders
Grade 7: Elle Fox
Grade 8: Lenny Towns
Grade 9: Allison Stone
Grade 10: Sharon Parish and Dave Shorter
Support Services
School Psychologist: Caitlyn Osborne: Thursday and Friday
Social Worker: Trent Williams: Thursday, Friday
School Chaplain: Bec Cameron: Tuesday and Friday
School Health Nurse: Julie Edrich: Monday
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
As Principal, and on behalf of the Exeter High School community, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our parents, family members, staff, invited guests, students and especially our 2023 Year 10 graduates, to their final presentation assembly. It only seems like yesterday that the young adults who sit in front of me today, first entered the yards and classrooms here, back on Wednesday the 5th of February 2020.
It is also a pleasure to invite our wider community to help celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and reflect on these throughout this assembly today.
It is absolutely wonderful to see so many of you here today as we celebrate and recognise the successes of our students. This assembly is our opportunity to reflect on the positive contributions we have all made to our school this year, celebrate many of our successes and honour our 2023 Leavers. Schools are always busy places and 2023 certainly has been an incredibly busy but exceptionally rewarding year. I can proudly say, we have had an exceptional year in so many different areas, including academic, sporting, and artistic achievements as we continue to strive to be the absolute best we can be. Our 2023 NAPLAN data is something that I have been tremendously proud of, and our outstanding results reflect the amazing work we continue to do here. These achievements by our students here at Exeter High School reflect the amazing community we are all a part of.
As most of you would be aware, each year, I choose a theme to focus on and talk to our graduating students about. For 2023, I have chosen Acceptance as I believe that this word reflects a quality that all people within our community should aspire to have as one of their own.
In researching this speech, I found two phrases that best describe what I see Acceptance as being. The first is “to have agreement with or belief in an idea or explanation”. The second is “willingness to tolerate a difficult situation”. I believe that it is vitally important that each and every one of the students in front of me, to not only accept those around them but to also expect to be accepted, as this is something that we all fundamentally deserve on a daily basis. It is so vital that people realise the importance of accepting one other – even though we may disagree at times with other people’s view, beliefs or opinions, everyone has the right to those beliefs and to be accepted for them.
Likewise, please make sure that as you leave Exeter High, you understand that you not only have the responsibility to accept others but to also expect them to be accepting of you for the wonderful person that you all are, as you continue life’s journey.
The Work Experience Program has continued to see a large number of our Year 9 and 10 students working with a myriad of businesses and support people to increase their skills and abilities. In 2023, this program has continued to be a valuable, authentic, and engaging learning opportunity, as well as forging strong working partnerships with all these businesses. Good luck to our numerous students who will transition from school-based work placements this year to entering the workforce on a full-time basis in 2024 across a number of vocational areas. We are very grateful for all the support we receive from businesses who support our students who undertake work placements throughout the year.
Coming back to the theme of today’s assembly – “Acceptance”, I hope that every student in front of me today, but especially our graduates, takes some time to reflect on how they have shown Acceptance to others in their time here at Exeter High School, and maybe even set some individual goals in relation to how in the future they can ensure that Acceptance of others is a quality that is a part of their everyday being.
The following quote from Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, around Acceptance resonate with me: “Understanding is the first step to acceptance” and from this, my message is that do not judge another person without knowing their circumstances, without knowing them as a person and without taking the time to find out these things.
As always, the most important partnership we have though, is most certainly with our families. As a school underpinned by strong relationships, it is at our core to work alongside families to support the learning and development of every student and I thank all families for their support. These strong relationships allow each and every student the opportunity to grow both in an academic sense and on a personal level.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff-including the teaching and support staff, ancillary team, and the administration staff, all who have once again been so diligent, professional, and committed to our wonderful school, ensuring that it hums along beautifully, providing the opportunity for all to work in a safe, friendly and calm environment. I would also like to acknowledge several staff who are moving on from their time here at Exeter High School.
Mr Jack Upson, Miss India Bates, and Miss Neve Ringk are all moving onto the next phases of their careers, and we wish them luck in these endeavours. Mrs Deb Cooke has been a valuable staff member for a number of years and Deb has recently retired from the Education Department. I would like to thank Deb on behalf of the many students she has assisted and supported over the years and wish her the best in her retirement.
I would especially like to thank Mrs Parish, Dr Shorter, Mrs Pratap, Miss Bell, Mr Cooper, and Mr Clarke for their ongoing guidance of our current Year 10 cohort. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of all of the other teachers and staff who have supported and guided our current Year 10’s over the past 4 years. I’m sure that each and every one of the Year 10 students sitting in front of me today would be able to identify at least one of our staff members who has been a significant adult in their lives.
Each one of you will forever be a part of Exeter High School. Keep in touch and dare to be the best you can be as you move forward with your lives “Towards the Future.” Good luck with everything you choose to do in the future – aim high, accept that there will be challenges and always reflect on your time here at Exeter High School with fond memories.
Mr Benjamin Frerk
Principal
2023 YEAR 10 PRESENTATION AWARDS
Academic Excellence in:
Adventure Tourism | Damon White |
Agricultural Inquiry | Cameron Gilley |
Agricultural Science | Rachelle Plapp |
Automotive Studies | Riley Hodgetts |
Baking | Lakeesha Geale |
Creative Writing | Reegan Crooks |
Design in Metal | Angus Hunter |
Design in Wood | Cameron Gilley |
English | Amber Jacobs |
English Extended | Ciara Williams |
Fitness & Weights | Jayden Lockhart |
Food Technology | Lakeesha Geale |
Forensic Science | Cameron Gilley |
Health | Lily Champion |
HASS | Reegan Crooks |
Mathematics | Olivia Worley |
Music | Charlotte Leary |
Physical Education | Avery Thomas |
Photography | Charlotte Leary |
Science | Cameron Gilley |
Sport Education | Kayde Savage |
Visual Art | Olivia Gethin |
2023 Student Leaders
President | Damon White |
Treasurer | Isabella Topperwien |
Community Officer | Avery Thomas |
Community Officer | Ciara Williams |
Sports Captain | Jessica Butler |
Excellence in Manner, Conduct & Courtesy Awards
Quinn Barker | Rachelle Plapp |
Jessica Butler | Avery Thomas |
Cameron Gilley | Jessica Turmine |
Lily Champion | Ethan Wallace |
Kiera O’Leary | Olivia Worley |
Sporting Awards
Australian Olympic Change Maker Award | Jessica Butler |
Excellent Sporting Performance | Avery Thomas |
Sportsmanship Awards | Avery Thomas |
Exeter Golf Club Community Partnership Awards | Tyrell-Justin Collins |
Outstanding Citizenship Awards
Jessica Butler | Erykah Pridmore |
Lily Champion | Lakeesha Geale |
Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards
Jessica Butler | Charlotte Leary |
Lily Champion | Avery Thomas |
Reegan Crooks | Damon White |
Lakeesha Geale | Ciara Williams |
Cameron Gilley | Olivia Worley |
Major Awards
Vocational Award | Angus Hunter |
Outstanding Service Award | Olivia Gethin |
UTAS Irene Phelps Charitable Trust Springboard to Higher Education Bursaries | Sophia Donovan-Eaton |
ADF Long Tan Leadership Award | Jayden Lockhart |
ADF Future Innovators Award | Olivia Worley |
Allan Ray Award for Outstanding Manner, Conduct & Courtesy | Kiera O’Leary |
Eric Mullen Memorial Award for Creative Ability | Olivia Gethin |
Yolla Co-Op Vocational Education Support Sponsorship | Kyler Evans |
Enterprise Award | Jessica Butler |
Resilience Award | Tyrell-Justin Collins |
Ampol Award for Best All Rounder | Ciara Williams |
Lions Club of West Tamar Award for Outstanding Community Spirit | Cameron Gilley |
Encouragement Award | Rachelle Plapp |
Young Leader’s Award | Charlotte Leary |
SLC Award for Excellence | Travis Herne |
True Blue Award – Mid-Year | Charlotte Leary |
True Blue Award – End-of-Year | Olivia Gethin |
Minister for Education’s Respectful Student Award | Lee Kingston |
EHS Leadership Award | Avery Thomas |
Principal’s Award | Lily Champion |
Dux of 2023 | Ciara Williams |
Sponsors of our 2023 Award recipients
We wish to acknowledge the sponsorship of the following organisations, representatives, and individuals in supporting the achievements of Exeter High School students in 2023.
Australian Defence Force | Mr M & Mrs P McCausland |
EXCELLENCE AT EXETER
These certificates are awarded to two students in each grade in recognition of their efforts in upholding the school values and helping to make our school an excellent learning environment.
Congratulations to this fortnight’s students:
Kasey from 7A: Kasey is experiencing a very settled and successful conclusion to Year 7. She has impressed teachers with her positive attitude toward learning, especially in English and PE, and has been rewarded with some pleasing marks. Kasey has set herself up for a smooth and successful transition to Year 8. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning & Maturity.
Rjay from 7C: Rjay has made excellent progress in Year 7. In the second part of the year, especially, he has applied himself to his learning with greater determination leading to positive end-of-year marks. Rjay has set himself up for a smooth and successful transition to Year 8. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning Maturity & Acceptance.
Deizal from 8B: Deizal consistently demonstrates a mature approach to his learning. He is a conscientious student who displays initiative and can prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Deizal recently shared an item from his Poetry Anthology in a Whole School Assembly, and he is to be commended for stepping outside his comfort zone. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.
Rylee from 8D: Rylee is being commended for her improved commitment and dedication to her schoolwork. She has demonstrated independent work habits and has consistently produced a high standard of work, particularly in Term 4. Rylee willingly shared an item from her Poetry Anthology in a Whole School Assembly – Well done! Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.
Eva from 9C: Eva has demonstrated a mature and sensible approach to her learning this term. She was a great help in organising and packing Christmas hampers. Values demonstrated: Respect, Maturity & Acceptance.
Aidan from 9C: Aidan has had a mature a positive attitude towards his learning this term. He has been polite and respectful in his interaction with staff and peers. Values demonstrated: Respect, Maturity & Acceptance.
Lee from 10C: Lee has been nominated for an Excellence and Exeter Award following his outstanding attitude and work ethic in Baking. Mrs Stone has acknowledged Lee’s attentiveness, thoroughness, and polite demeanour, describing him as “an absolute gem”. Values demonstrated: Respect, Maturity & Acceptance.
MY EDUCATION DAY
My Education at Exeter High School is a supportive and inclusive approach encouraging engagement and participation that inspires and guides students from Year 7 to Year 11, as they undertake a journey of discovery in identifying who they are and what they want to become. It supports students to identify their personal interests, values, strengths, opportunities, and aspirations, and teaches them how to use this knowledge to make decisions about their future learning, work, and life opportunities.
YEAR 10
Lesson 1 - John from Civil Construction presented information regarding civil construction in Tasmania, specific examples of projects and roles, and pathways into the civil construction workforce. Students learnt how to write a response to a formal invitation.
Lesson 2- Students researched the fundamentals of dining etiquette and how this will relate to their upcoming Graduation Dinner.
Lesson 3 - Students continued work with RYDA (Rotary Youth Driving Awareness), focussing on approaching driving as a social responsibility and recognising when they’re tired, their use of peripheral vision and reaction time impacts their driving.
YEAR 9
For the final My Education Day of 2023, Year 9 students received some information on how to plan for their future education and careers from the Year 10 teachers, they then spent some time researching these requirements.
The middle session allowed students to participate in a range of health and wellbeing activities, including fitness and weights and walking. They revisited their letters to self from Year 8 and wrote new letters to themselves for next year.
All classes watched the WW1 film Beneath Hill 60 as part of their HASS class.
YEAR 8
The Term 4 Year 8 focus for My Education Day was around relationships. In lesson 1, students reflected on their year and set new goals for their future selves as they prepare to enter the senior school. In lesson 2, they unpacked the difference between positive and negative relationships, and identified the qualities, values, and skills necessary for a healthy relationship. They also learnt how to establish boundaries and stand up for themselves. In lesson 3, students completed a variety of tasks that focussed on teamwork, co-operation and leadership. The students engaged in the activities with a positive attitude and had an enjoyable day.
YEAR 7
The Term 4 focus for Year 7 My Education Day was around aspiration, teamwork and building relationships. In lesson 1, we again highlighted the importance of starting the day well and kicked things off with a grade breakfast outside in the Year 7 area. We were lucky enough to have a team of representatives from the Coles Wellington Street store in Launceston come and assist us with some of the supplies and the cooking of the barbecue. We are very appreciative of their ongoing support of us putting on events such as our grade breakfasts – thank you! During lesson 2, students reflected on their first year at high school and set goals for themselves in Year 8, composing a letter to their future self that they will read this time next year. Students then completed a series of ‘minute to win it’ challenges in groups where there was some excellent teamwork and plenty of laughter on display. To finish the day, there was a physical education aspect outside, and students worked together in groups to play a variety of team-based strategy games. The Year 7 students engaged well with the activities on our final My Education Day and demonstrated again their capacity to work positively with a range of students in their year group.
YEAR 8 CHILDREN’S THEATRE
On Tuesday 5th December and Friday 8th December, Year 8 Drama students performed two Children’s Theatre plays, Santa and the Naughty Gnomes and The Santa Interviews to Grade 3/4 and Prep - 2 students from Exeter Primary School.
Santa and the Naughty Gnomes was written by Olivia Arieti. Santa Claus and the Naughty Gnomes is a wacky tale about the kidnapping of Santa Claus! The gnomes are angry that children are happy and not visiting their cave, so they decide to stop Santa and Christmas all at one time. When the angry gnomes kidnap Santa right before his Christmas flights, it will be up to his elves, some fairies, and a regretful gnome to save Christmas Day! Will the presents get delivered in time? Will Santa be a prisoner of the gnomes forever?
The Santa Interviews by Wade Bradford. With his assistant and two favourite elves, Santa makes his way through one failed interview after another. Prancer wants the job because she’s tired of pulling the sleigh. Frosty the Snowman melts before he is even interviewed. A creepy elf who is running from the law applies and even Scrooge wants a position!
Many hours were spent editing/writing script sections, developing characters, blocking scenes, memorising lines, designing sets, sourcing costumes/props, making lighting, sound and sound effect decisions, and rehearsing. Although it was nerve wracking waiting to perform, once things were underway, it was an exhilarating experience for the Year 8 students. The children thoroughly enjoyed the two performances and asked many questions at the end of it.
The Year 8 Drama students would like to thank the Exeter Primary School children for attending and being such a fantastic audience.
Year 8 Drama class
Snippets from Theatre shows
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Kayla, Corban, Tiffany and Riley getting into the Spirit of Christmas, making clay decorations!
NEWS FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT
In the second half of the year, senior Art students commenced a mural at the Exeter Childcare Centre. This mural will be finished by senior students in Term 1, 2024. What a great opportunity for our students.
Students from 7A have been using recycled materials to create some excellent sustainable sculptures.
CALENDAR
TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS 2024
Term 1 – Students return Thursday 8 February – Friday 12 April – Easter Break Friday 29 March – Tuesday 2 April – Holidays 13 April – 28 April
Term 2 – Monday 29 April – Friday 5 July – Holidays 6 July – 21 July
Term 3 – Monday 22 July – Friday 27 September – Holidays 28 September – 13 October
Term 4 – Monday 14 October – Thursday 19 December
COMMUNITY CORNER
TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKET AT GRINDELWALD – 23 DECEMBER 2023 FROM 5-00pm – 8.00pm
WEST TAMAR DANCE ACADEMY – 2024 ENQUIRIES
TS BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY ACADEMY
WESTERN STORM NETBALL CLUB – JOIN OUR CLUB FOR THE 2024 SEASON
ST HELENS’ HEROES – FREE KIDS HOLIDAY CLUB
LEGO HOLIDAY CLUB
FAMILY CAMP NORTH – 18-22 JANUARY 2024
LIFE UNDER THE SEA HOLIDAY PROGRAM – EAST DEVONPORT
2024 DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Tickets now on sale!