19 November 2021

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: TBA
School Chaplain: Paul Burton: Wednesday/Friday
School Health Nurse: Dave Mackay: Thursday

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Already, we are halfway through Term 4 of 2021 and the year is certainly flying by. Teachers are working tremendously hard in writing reports that will provide both students and parents with an accurate reflection of the year that each child has had, both in an academic sense, as well as in the way they have applied themselves to their studies. Please take the time to go through your child’s report with them and start to set goals for 2022 in areas they can continue to improve in.

After many very rainy days, the new building on our school farm is taking shape with the slab and metal framing now complete. We are looking forward to our students being able to use the building in the new year.

Two of our students have recently been recognised for their outstanding successes in their chosen sporting fields. Chloe White was awarded the Female Rising Star award for her hockey endeavours. This award also recognised Chloe’s exceptional leadership qualities – qualities that she also continues to demonstrate as the West Tamar Junior Mayor. Damon White, continued the family success by being named the Male Rising Star for his immense talents in hockey and Little Athletics. Congratulations to both on these outstanding achievements.

I was very impressed with the behaviour and participation of our students at the Term 4 social that was held on Wednesday night. A big thank you to the staff who supervised the night – without the commitment of these teachers, these nights could not go ahead. Congratulations to all of the students who made the night such a success.

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

YEAR 10 ABSEILING

Currently, Year 10 PE classes are experiencing the challenge of abseiling with a qualified instructor at Brady’s Lookout. Students had their first sessions on Tuesday 9th November, with a second opportunity to extend their skills last Tuesday, 16th November.

Here are some photos of students stepping outside their comfort zones to walk backwards down a cliff face.

Grade 10s Abseiling at Brady’s Lookout

9/10 PHOTOGRAPHY EXCURSION

On Wednesday, 10th November the 9/10 Photography class attended a photography workshop at Newstead College. Students were introduced to the concept of a pinhole camera to see how a traditional style darkroom operated. Students worked alongside Jen Dickens, Newstead College’s photography teacher. It was a great experience for the students to step away from the digital world and apply their photography skills to a more traditional style.

YEAR 9 HASS EXCURSION

Looking back to the start of the year, one of our first units was focusing on WW1, looking at the different battles on the Western Front as well as the affect the ‘Great War’ had caused. Deciding it would be an interesting and relevant excursion while also being able to pay our respects, the whole of Year 9 attended the 2021 Remembrance Day service at the Launceston Cenotaph on Thursday, 11 November. The service was well presented and full of interesting history, talking about and telling stories of the war from veterans and relatives of the fallen or survivors, while also keeping it engaging with a piece sung by the City of Launceston Choir. Of course, there was a minute of silence held at 11am after listening to the Last Post, followed by wreath laying from the public and schools, putting an end to the ceremony.

Some other activities were included to round out the day, including The First Tasmanians exhibition at the QVMAG where we learnt about the Indigenous and their ways of life, finding many unknown and fascinating facts, as well as a trip to the STEAM NGN block of Launceston College, showing the Year nines the courses available if you’re interested in those paths. Such courses included object design and textiles, their space experience was also kindly shown to us as well as some of the equipment used throughout these classes, including laser and 3D printers. Lastly the day was concluded with some time at the Riverbend Park, which students enjoyed thoroughly.

By Jennifer Johnstone

Grade 9s at Remembrance Day service, Launceston College and walk to Riverbend Park

EXCELLENCE AT EXETER

These certificates are awarded to Grade 8 students 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 Grade 8 students:

Brodie from 8B: Brodie has demonstrated a significant improvement in his attitude and application in class since mid-year. He is to be commended on his improved efforts to complete work to the best of his ability. Values demonstrated: Respect & Learning.

Lincoln from 8D: Lincoln is being recognised for his excellent “have-a-go” attitude in the Athletics Carnival and willingness to participate in multiple events over the two days. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Sophie from 8A: Sophie is being recognised for her excellent “have-a-go” attitude in the Athletics Carnival and willingness to participate in multiple events over the two days. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Zanna from 8D: Zanna is to be commended on the maturity and empathy she has shown in the second half of the year. She is making some very positive choices with her learning. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

FASHION PARADE - EHS CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE

FESTIVAL SOCIAL

A whole school social was held on Wednesday this week with a Festival theme. Students enjoyed a fun night which included the Conga & the Limbo dance.

Students enjoying the activities at the Festival Social

STUDENT BUS TRAVEL IN 2022

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR FREE TRAVEL?

Eligible students can receive free travel to and from school with Tasmanian bus services. To see if you are eligible to apply for a student bus pass for free travel, or renew your expired free travel entitlement, visit at the link below.

Existing students with free travel expiring in 2021 will be sent a renewal reminder in November 2021. Students who apply for a free travel bus pass between 22 November 2021 and 5 January 2022 should receive their bus pass before the start of the 2022 school year. Applications received after 5 January 2022 may take up to 4 weeks to process. Students who currently have an expiring free student bus pass and will be travelling on Metro or Tassielink in 2022, should not throw away their current card. If eligible for free travel in 2022, this entitlement will be applied to their existing card – they will not receive a new card.

TELL ME MORE! For more information on student fares and free travel, visit Student bus pass for free travel – Transport Services or call 1300 135 51.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (STAS)

The Student Assistance Scheme (otherwise known as STAS) was changed and broadened to provide more assistance to families in 2021 and this will continue in 2022.

If you are a current concession card holder (Centrelink Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession card or a Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card) you can apply using the STAS form at:

You will receive a letter confirming the outcome of your application approximately 14 days after it is submitted.

If you need access to a hard copy form, please contact your school, mail: stas@education.tas.gov.au or phone 1800 827 055.

Please note: if you are already receiving assistance, you don’t need to apply again.

Calendar – Term 4

November

December

2022 TERM DATES

COMMUNITY CORNER

TAMAR DEMONS - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR COACHES AND PLAYERS FOR THE 2022 SEASON

2022 EXETER SHOW

We are excited to get the show back up and running, and back to our community – this will be the 108th Exeter Show!

We will again have some exciting events for children. They are yet to be confirmed but, due to the successes in 2020, I would imagine they would be similar categories again in 2022 including:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Cooking
• Photography
• Floral Art
• Handicraft and Novelty

We would love to see as many children involved as possible.

It would be fantastic to get children growing and creating this school year as the show will be quickly upon us in the new school year (26th February 2022).

EXETER COMMUNITY CAROLS

Exeter Community Carols will be held on Sunday 12th December at the Exeter Show Grounds from 5.00pm till 8.00pm. This is a free event, but everyone must have a ticket to attend.

NILS TASMANIA – NO INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM

2021 has continued to be a year of challenges for us all, and we would like to extend our thanks to the school community for supporting students and families while they navigated the uncertainties associated with COVID 19. With our state boarders opening next month, many of us have begun planning for what the next school year may bring. Unfortunately, we also know this means many parents and carers are going to struggle to cover the cost of essential school items, and this additional stress on families is especially difficult for those already experiencing financial hardship.

I am writing to let you know of a wonderful microfinance initiative available locally with NILS Tasmania, where we offer No Interest Loans (NILs) with no interest, no fees, no charges, ever.

Every year, NILS Tasmania helps parents and carers on low incomes (in particular those on Centrelink) to apply for a loan of up to $1,500 to cover the cost of essential school items such as uniforms, textbooks, laptops, and school camps (as well as other essential items such as washing machines, fridges, car repairs, medical and dental expenses).

What is a NILs loan?

NILS Tasmania is a community organisation supported by not-for-profit Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, with funding from the State Government in partnership with NAB, Bank of Us and Aurora Energy.

A NILs loan is a safe, affordable alternative to high-interest payday loans or rent-to-buy leases. It’s not a payday loan or a bank loan but a form of ‘circular community credit'. This means when a borrower makes a repayment to NILs, the funds are then released to someone else in the community.

To help raise awareness of NILs

The following QR Code is a link to the NILS Tasmania website,

The following QR Code is a link to a video explaining the process of applying for a NILS loan for educational purposes:

Exclusive pricing and extended warranties on Bring-Your-Own-Device program with JB HI FI and The Good Guys:

NILs Tasmania have access to exclusive pricing and extended warranties on educational laptops and devices for clients who take out a No Interest Loan for this purpose through Good Shepherd’s partnership with The Good Guys and JB HI FI. Kids can have a new device that is covered under an extended warranty and will last them for many school years.

Parents and Carers can find out more information about NILs by contacting: NILS Tasmania on 1300 301 650