3 July 2020

Newsletter Articles

Assistant Principals

Paul Stevenson
Andrea Saville

Grade Leaders

Grade 7: Naomi Cartledge
Grade 8: Elle Fox
Grade 9: Skye Champion
Grade 10: Allison Stone

Support Services

School Psychologist: David McCormack: Wednesday & Friday
Social Worker: Lauren Brown: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
School Chaplain: Paul Burton: Wednesday/Friday
School Health Nurse: Dave Mackay: Wednesday only

Principal’s Report

As I have previously mentioned, I can honestly say that I have never experienced a school term like this past one in my teaching career. Together, we as a school have faced many unique challenges over the past few months and as the Principal of Exeter High School, I have been extremely proud of the way our entire school community has supported each other throughout these challenging times. Students have returned to school, eager to learn and it has been fantastic to once again see the positive relationships between students and teachers, as we continue to provide rich and meaningful learning experiences. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our amazing school staff who have ensured students have been supported throughout this term, whether it be by providing hygienic environments, engaging lessons or extra support to those students who have needed it.

Teachers have now completed mid-year reporting and these will be arriving home with students the second week of term 3.

Term 3 will also see our school introducing the ability for parents and carers to respond to SMS messages they receive in relation to their child’s absence from school. This will be an additional avenue for parents to notify us when their child is away. Simply reply to the text message, stating the reason for your child’s absence so that we can update our records.

When students return in term 3, the winter months will well and truly be upon us. If any families are finding the purchasing of winter uniform items challenging, please contact the school as we can support families during these trying times.

I have also included an article about Helicopter Parenting. I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break and I look forward to seeing students return to school on Tuesday 21 July.

The Effects of "Helicopter Parenting"

How you might be increasing your child's anxiety.

We live in an increasingly competitive world. Even university graduates who excelled in school may struggle to get jobs and may need to save for several years just to be able to afford an apartment. It’s no wonder that so many parents find themselves micromanaging their children. They’ll do anything to give their kids an advantage.

As it turns out, so-called helicopter parenting does kids no favors. It can be challenging to watch a child fail—or to wonder if they will succeed—but this is a necessary ingredient in the recipe for successful adulthood.

Nurturing Independence in Children

It’s challenging to send your child out into a hostile world, knowing he or she may fail, face ridicule, and struggle. Rest assured, children must struggle to grow and learn. Saving your child from consequences and challenges now only ensures he or she will face more challenges down the road. A few guidelines can help you avoid becoming a helicopter parent by nurturing independence in your child:

• Listen to your child, rather than imposing your goals and wishes on him or her. -Listening to your child encourages independent thought and critical thinking. It also helps you avoid a common downfall of helicopter parents: imposing your values on your child.
• Don’t manage your child's relationships or communications for him or her.
• Don’t try to help your child escape consequences for his or her actions. Don’t try to get your kid out of detention or berate another parent who talks to your child about problematic behavior.
• Don’t raise your child to expect treatment that is different from, or better than, the treatment other children receive. Every child deserves an equal chance at a sports team or scholarship. Your child shouldn’t expect to get something they don’t deserve or didn’t earn.
• Encourage your children to solve their own problems by asking them to contemplate potential solutions.
• Don’t do your child’s work for them or keep track of deadlines for them. Even school-aged children can learn to remember test dates and classroom projects. By middle school, your child should be managing their schoolwork largely on their own, with only as-needed help.
• Support your child’s teacher and encourage your child to respect the teacher’s opinions.
• Allow your child to face natural consequences for their actions. Don’t allow a child to stay home sick just because she or he didn’t timely complete a school project.

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

Year 10 Transition

On Thursday 25th June, Grade 10’s suspended their normal curriculum to focus on Transition. The day involved students exploring their personal likes, skills, abilities and interests and matching these to career pathways. After recess, an online Q and A session was held by the Northern Regional Curriculum and Transition Team looking at information relating to their pathway after year 10, subject selection, types of courses and areas relevant to their choice of subject. Students finished the day exploring subjects currently on offer for Years 11 and 12 at a number of sites and began the first stage of planning their pathway for Year 11.

Student comments regarding the day:

• It was a really good day where we learnt a great deal about ourselves and possible future pathways.
• I learnt about TCE, ATAR, VET and TCEA and what these mean.
• The Myfuture site is a great resource regarding careers.
• I was able to explore information regarding subjects and what I need to pursue my career path.
• I didn’t realise until we did the audit of our own abilities, that I actually possess a variety of skills.
• I explored areas that were highlighted in the quiz that suited my interests and skills.
• I didn’t realise that Exeter High School were offering Year 11 and 12. The courses that are on offer are pretty exciting.
• I now have an understanding of what courses would best suit my needs and interests, and these will inform my subject choice for 2020 and 2021.
• It gave me a broader understanding of the subjects on offer and the path that I can take.

Mrs Parish

Year 8 Term 2 Overview

English and History

During term 1, Year 8 students studied the Vikings in both English and History. Whilst working from home, Jack from 8A made a wooden shield, leather bag and knife sheath similar to the types of equipment the Vikings would have used in their everyday life, showing a great deal of technical skill – well done Jack!

Mrs Fox

Geography

While learning from home, year 8 students planned an Australian road trip visiting iconic Australian landmarks. An itinerary was created outlining their daily adventures, distances travelled and approximate costs as well a poster illustrating the road trip and iconic landmarks visited. We were so impressed with their creative presentation ideas.

Mrs Fox

English

Year 8 students explored the film “Matilda” as a part of their film study unit in English. While they were learning about the various camera angles directors use to portray characters, students created some very clever missing scenes from the film and presented them as storyboards.

Mrs Fox

Year 8 Table Tennis Tournament

Our Year 8 SRC recently conducted a Table Tennis Tournament for our grade. The competition was a “singles” event and attracted 16 competitors from across all four core classes. Students played matches during their lunchtimes and were well supported by their peers, especially as the rounds progressed and the competition became fiercer.

Congratulations to Danielle from 8B who ensured the smooth running of the competition by informing competitors when their matches were and maintaining the results on the competition board.

The semi-finals saw Chloe from 8C and Adam from 8B face off, with Chloe progressing to the grand final round. On the other side of the draw, Ben and Danielle both from 8B competed for the other grand final spot. On Wednesday 24th June, the grand final was played between Chloe and Ben and it was a one-sided affair with Chloe leading 11-4. With support from his “cheer squad”, Ben focused and “turned it on” to stage a remarkable come-back, levelling the score at 14-14. With a 2-point lead required to seal the match, Ben was successful in what can only be described as the come-back of the century!

Stay tuned for the next tournament in term 3 which will be a “doubles” competition. Are you up for the challenge?

Mrs Robinson

Year 8 and 9 Science

Year 9 students have been conducting their own inquiries exploring the topic of chemistry, specifically acids and bases. Some of the topics covered were the effectiveness of antacids, alternatives to universal indicators and the reactivity of metals.

Year 8 students have been studying energy and exploring the ways in which energy changes by conducting a series of investigations.

Mrs Stone

MDT Projects

Students from 7B have been making cheese boards during their MDT classes. Here is an example of their finished products. Great job by everyone.

Reporting Student Absences via SMS Messages

Starting in term 3, our school will be introducing the ability for parents and carers to respond to SMS messages they receive in relation to their child’s absence from school. This is will be an additional avenue for parents to notify the school when their child is away.

Mid-Year Permissions Update

Within the next week will be mailing home a mid-year permissions update form for all students. This form will ensure that the school has the appropriate permissions such as minor excursions, handouts and photos. We are asking for these to be returned by Tuesday 21st July which is the first day of term 3 for students.

It is particularly important that this form is returned by the due date, especially with school photo day approaching. Forms can the dropped in at the office or emailed to: exeter.high@education.tas.gov.au. Thank you in advance for your support with this.

Uniform Shop Update

We are pleased to advise that uniforms can now be purchased on a Monday to Friday basis between 8:30am and 3:45pm. In addition to this, there will be a parent volunteer, or a member of our administration team present in the uniform shop each Thursday afternoon.

It is our intention to place our uniform order form on the QKR! App shortly and we will provide further information soon.

There is a shortage on some spray jacket sizes and due to supplier issues, we are currently investigating other options.

Thank you to our parent volunteers and our admin staff for their ongoing work in providing quality uniforms at reasonable prices for our students.

School Photo Day – Friday 7th August

Have you organised you school photo envelope? If not, spares are available from the office or you can contact Leading Image Tas directly by visiting their website at the link below:

Important Dates 2020

Term Dates

Term, 2020

July

August

September

* Calendar is updated on a fortnightly basis.

Community Corner

West Tamar Youth Centres July School Holiday Program Cancelled

Something of Interest for the July Holidays

YAC Exciting Online Event – Saturday 11 July

YAC Mascot Headhunt

Mascot head has gone missing! Follow us online to participate in an epic treasure hunt (headhunt) on Saturday July 11.

If you find the mascot head (and return it to YAC), you win a prize pack that includes a $50 JB HiFi voucher, along with a backpack of local goodies! There will also be spot prizes to be won/found on the day.

Clues will be released live on social media during the day to the whereabouts of the YAC head. You may just strike gold and find the mascot head without any assistance!

Legana Youth Centre – Resuming Term 3 – Bookings Essential

Tasdance – Term 3 – Back in the Studio

Tasdance has it’s COVID-19 safe plan in action and starting July 20 we want you all back in the studio dancing with us.

Launceston Youth Theatre Ensemble (LYTE) – Enrolments for term 3