6 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

Assistant Principals

Paul Stevenson
Andrea Saville

Grade Leaders

Grade 7: Sharon Parish
Grade 8: Naomi Cartledge
Grade 9: Liam Fox
Grade 10: Allison Macpherson

Support Services

School Psychologist: TBA
Social Worker Esther Fleming: Mon & Tues
School Chaplain Robin Shearer: Mon/Tues/Wed
School Health Nurse David Mackay: Friday

Principal’s Report

As we conclude another term at Exeter High School, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the positives that I have witnessed over the past 10 weeks. Our school has maintained its extremely high expectations in relation to student behaviour and academic excellence and these attributes are now firmly entrenched in our everyday business as a school of learning excellence. Every day when I walk around classrooms and indeed the school yard during break times, I am proud of how settled and calm our school is. This allows me to assure every parent that their child is attending a school that has the best possible learning conditions in place.

We have had much to celebrate this term at Exeter High and one of the exciting aspects of this is that our students have had the opportunity to participate and excel in so many varied experiences. Students have taken part in sporting endeavours such as the Cross Country, Wednesday afternoon sports roster, mathematical and science academic competitions and excursions such as the hugely successful Grade 7 Camp and the Science and Engineering Challenge.

I would like to wish all of our students and families a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to seeing all families next term as we continue to support all students to achieve the best possible academic and social outcomes possible. A reminder as well that the first Monday next term (July 23rd) is a Professional Learning day for staff therefore students commence term 3 on Tuesday 24th July. I have included below information in relation to the upcoming parent/student/teacher interviews to be held in week two of term 3.

Reports & 3 Way Interviews

The process that we have at Exeter is following the department reporting requirements which state:

Timing of Reports to Parents (Prep – Year 10)

The key recommendation of the Reporting to Parents Taskforce is that students should be issued with at least one comprehensive written report supported by two short statements. It is also recommended that parents be given the opportunity to attend face-to-face interviews. The full written report should be at mid-year and be supported by a progress statement early in Term 1 and a summary report at the end of the year.

Report Timeframe (2018)

Full written report.

A report providing clear, detailed information about their child’s progress and any matters that need attention.

Issuing this report at mid-year allows time for teachers and parents to assist students with problems they may have with their learning.

This report should be given to parents at either a three-way (teacher-parent-student), or a two-way (parent-teacher) interview.

In exceptional circumstances, the report may be sent home and a telephone interview arranged.

Schools should seek to minimize the time between report writing and conducting interviews.

Recommended

Report writing completed and face-to-face interviews held by end of Term 2.

Report writing completed by end of Term 2.

Face to face interviews held during first four weeks of Term 3.

2018 Reporting Exeter High School

Staff are nearing completion of mid-year reports and these will be shared with students and parents in the second week of Term 3. The report is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of how the student is progressing in key curriculum areas. Each subject report contains an overall assessment and ratings for work habits (behaviour, attitude, organisation and task completion).

The process to share reports with students and parents will be through a 3 Way Interview involving the student, core teacher and parent in a discussion. Dates and times for the conversations are as follows:

Week 2

Monday 30th July 3.30pm – 7.00pm
Tuesday 31st July 3.30pm – 7.00pm

This year, the booking system for Parent/Teacher nights will be online and you will receive information in the post explaining the process for making appointments.

Parents will collect student reports prior to the interview and will have the chance to read through these before participating in the 3 Way Interview. This year, we are requesting that every student be supported by a parent/carer or significant adult at their interview. In circumstances where parents are unable to attend 3 Way Interviews, they will be contacted by teachers to nominate others dates and times that are more suitable. In exceptional circumstances, where appointments cannot be facilitated, reports will be distributed at the conclusion of these meetings. At Exeter High School, we value learning and development and want to connect with parents/carers about the high quality learning opportunities that students participate in every day. We want to be flexible in meeting parents’ needs.

I would like to stress the value and importance of these conversations in reflecting each student’s learning, including celebrating positive progress, reviewing learning goals and discussing any areas where improvements can be made. Each year, we are impressed with the number of parents and students who participate in this valued process. Essentially, learning is a partnership between school and home and we value your support in working with us by attending these interviews. We look forward to seeing you at your child’s 3 Way Interview in early Term 3.

Mr Benjamin Frerk
PRINCIPAL

Grade 8 Drama Students

Two Children’s Theatre Plays by Exeter High School

On Monday 2nd July, Grade 8 Drama students performed two Children’s Theatre plays: The Princess and the Pea and A mixed up Fairy tale to five Infant school classes (prep to grade 2) from Exeter Primary School.

The Princess and the Pea was a short, but fascinating tale written by the famous Hans Christian Andersen. A prince wanted to marry a real princess but had not found his true love. Luck smiled upon him, and sent a girl that claimed she was precisely that, right to his front door.

A mixed up Fairy tale was an entertaining tale involving a variety of our favourite fairy tale characters. Cinderella was imprisoned by the Wicked Stepmother. Rumpelstiltskin came to the rescue only to be confused by his own name. Little Bo Peep was still trying to find her sheep while the Frog was helping Cinderella.

Although it was nerve wracking waiting to perform, once things were underway, it was an exhilarating experience for the grade 8 students. The children thoroughly enjoyed the two performances and asked many questions at the end of it. The grade 8 Drama students would like to thank the Exeter Primary School children for attending, and being such a fantastic audience.

Grade 8 Biology

During the first half of the year Grade 8 students have been studying Biology in Science looking at the structure and function of cells and the digestive system. To finish off the unit, students had the opportunity to participate in a rat dissection to compare the similarities and differences between the digestive systems of an animal and human. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and made some excellent connections between the theory they had studied and the practical experience.

Year 10 – Parent Information Evening – Launceston College

Tuesday 14 August 2018, 7:00pm in Main Hall (off Paterson Street)

Launceston College invites all parents to a Year 10 Parent Information Evening. Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday 14 August, no RSVP required.

Year 10 – Parent Information Evening – Newstead College

Wednesday 29th August from 6:30pm (for a 7pm start) – 8:30pm

Items to be covered will include: general introduction about the College, Subject Specific Information and TCE and ATAR explanations and examples.

Congratulations

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following students for their outside school achievements during the term:-

Grade 9 student Merran who competed in the Launceston Competitions this term. Merran won the 16 and Under Solo Woodwind section and the 16 and Under Woodwind Duet section. Merran’s other achievements this year are Tasmanian Junior Flute Champion, Tasmanian Open Flute Champion and National Junior Flute Champion at the Australian National Band Championships which were held in Melbourne in April.

Grade 8 student Jasmine who competed in the Launceston Competitions in the Piano Solo 14 and Under section placed Highly Commended, Modern Piano Solo 14 and Under placed 2nd and Piano Solo classical style placed 2nd. Jasmine also played in the Open band section where they placed 1st.

Football success for Grade 9 student Sam. After initial try-outs, then being picked in a North/North West squad to play against the South, Sam was successful in being selected in the Tasmanian U15 State Football team. He will play in Adelaide from 21 July – 28 July. We wish Sam all the very best and look forward to hearing about his experience on his return.

Calendar Dates – Term 3, 2018

July

August

COMMUNITY CORNER

Second-hand computers for sale

The school has a small number of decommissioned student Netbooks now available for purchase via the school office.

These are offered on an “as is” basis with no warranty or ongoing support.

Hardware Specifications: (Minimum)

• 12” laptop
• Intel i3 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 160GB Hard Drive
• Carry Case

Please Note: These units are not fitted with DVD drives

Software:-

Units only have Windows installed (no other software is included or installed)

• 10 Units have Windows 10 installed
• 12 units have Windows 7 installed

Unit Price: $100.00 (Inc. GST)

Note: Purchase limit of 2 units per person

Please make payment at the school office or phone us on 63944366 between 8.30am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday to register your interest or pay over the phone.