17 Date 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

It was absolutely wonderful to see so many people at our Presentation Assembly as we celebrated and recognised 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 grade 10’s. Schools are busy places and 2021 certainly has been an incredibly busy but 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. These achievements by our students here at Exeter High School, reflect the amazing community we have here. On top of this, we were also able to announce the upcoming $11 million schoolwide redevelopment that will commence in 2022, along with the $1 million new classroom buildings that have already started over at the school farm site.

As many of you would be aware, each year, I choose a theme to focus on and talk to the Year 10 students about throughout the assembly. This year I choose the theme around "Aspiration" as I believe that this word reflects not only what has occurred here at Exeter High School throughout 2021 but is also a quality you will hear me mention a lot in the coming years. Aspiration means to have a hope or ambition of achieving something and I believe that it is vitally important that each and every one of the students have hope and ambition to achieve not just something but the utmost best that they can be in every aspect of their lives.

The term Aspiration is also one of the Education Department’s Core Values and we as a school have certainly reflected this. We as a school continually aim to encourage our students to aspire to be the best they can possibly be, both in the academic sense, but also just as importantly, as valued contributors to our school and wider community. Our school allows our students to create positive pathways and opportunities into the future and I was extremely excited to use Friday’s assembly to share some of these with our school community. As a school we have a reputation as a place that produces not only students with outstanding academic results, but also young people who value and live by our 4 core values of Respect, Maturity, Acceptance and Learning. Aspire to be the best you can, Respect others but most importantly, respect yourself, have the courage to back yourself and also try new things and finally, continue to grow both on a personal level and in relation to whatever vocational avenue you choose to pursue.

The Work Experience Program has once again seen a large number of our grade 9 and 10 students working with a myriad of businesses and support people to increase their skills and abilities. What a wonderful authentic and engaging learning opportunity, as well forging strong working partnerships with all these businesses. Good luck to our students who will transition from being School Based apprentices this year to entering the workforce on a full-time basis in 2022. We are very grateful for all the support we receive from businesses but also from the amazing support staff who work tirelessly to ensure that all programs remain viable and sustainable.

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. Our School Association are also a direct reflection of these family partnerships and we sincerely appreciate all they have done and continue to do in the way they represent and continually support our school. This has been reflected through the input they and our wider community have had in the redevelopment plans for our school that will take us deep into the 21st Century.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff - including the teaching and support staff, ancillary team and the wonderful 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 especially like to thank Mrs Stone, Mrs Parish, Mrs Pratap, Mrs Yole and Mr Kerrison for their ongoing guidance of our current Grade 10 cohort. I would also like to acknowledge the work of all of the other teachers and staff who have supported and guided our Grade 10’s over the past 4 years. I’m sure that each and every one of the Year 10 students would be able to identify at least one of our staff members who has been a significant adult in their lives.

We also farewell Mr Paul Burton who has been an integral part of our Student Support team over the past few years and we wish him all the best in his new career. Miss Naomi Cartledge will also be taking up a new position as an Advanced Skills Teacher at Cressy High School and this promotion is a well-deserved recognition of the amazing work that Miss Cartledge has done here over the past 8 years.

Another area of Aspiration at Exeter High School has been the implementation of the Rural Operations course for our inaugural Year 11 students in 2021. This has seen a cohort of our 2020 Year 10’s continue their studies here and this has been a most exciting opportunity for both these students, as well as us as a school. These students epitomise the term Aspiration as they have set themselves clear goals and are clearly on the way to successful careers through the hard work, commitment and support of their teachers.

The following quote around Aspiration is from a famous golfer by the name of Jack Nicklaus. He said “Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one's level of aspiration and expectation”. Grade 10's, success comes from not what is on offer but how you embrace these opportunities and you have all most certainly embraced every opportunity over your 4 years with us, hence your successes! Well done and congratulations on this. You have grown into wonderful young men and women whom we are extremely proud of. Keep stepping up as you have done, have a positive attitude, be optimistic, accept challenges and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. As Jack Nicklaus said, continually raise your expectations of yourselves in every field of life.

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.

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you,

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

2021 Grade 10 Presentation Awards

Academic Excellence in:

2021 Student Leaders

Excellence in Manner, Conduct & Courtesy Awards

Sporting Awards

Outstanding Citizenship Awards

Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards

Major Awards

Sponsors of our 2021 Award recipients

We wish to acknowledge the sponsorship of the following organisations, representatives and individuals in supporting the achievements of Exeter High students in 2021.

Australian Defence Force
BA & EA Jordan Maintenance & Construction
Barratts Music
Bridget Archer MP
Ampol Australia
Cr. Geoff Lyons OAM
Cr. Peter Kearney OAM
Cr. Richard Ireland
D.G. & P.K. Scott
Exeter Child Care Centre
Exeter High School Association
Exeter IGA Everyday Supermarket
Exeter & Legana Medical Centres
Exeter Mower & Chainsaw Centre
Inner Wheel Club of Tamar Valley
IRIS Computing
Janie Finlay MP
Launceston Floorworld
Link Technologies Tasmania
Lions Club of West Tamar
Manion’s Coaches Pty Ltd
Michael Ferguson MP
Michelle O’Byrne MHA
Mr Peter & Mrs Lisa Goss
Petrarch’s Bookshop
Premier Peter Gutwein MP
Rotary Club of West Tamar Inc
RSL of Aust—Beaconsfield Sub-Branch
Senator The Hon. Eric Abetz
Senator Jacqui Lambie
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
Senator Wendy Askew
Tamar Demons Junior Football Club
Tamar Jets Netball Club Inc
Sarah Courtney, MP—Minister for Education
The Hon. Jo Palmer, MLC
University of Tasmania
West Tamar Council

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

NETBALL TOURNAMENT

On Monday, 5 December I attended a netball tournament in Burnie with some of our lovely students.

Attending the carnival was Hannah, Eve, Emily, Phoebe, Olivia, Lakeesha, Jessica, Maddison and Alana.

Although the team entered the Year 9/10 competition, we needed to include Year 8 students as we could not field a team otherwise.

The day was a tough one. The girls had to play teams with very experienced players, including State League and State Representative players. Well-oiled machines that play club level as a team.

Despite ending the day without a win to our name, I was incredibly proud of the girls. They played throughout the day with a level of maturity and respect. They gave a high level of support to one another, cheering each other on regardless of the score. They celebrated each goal, and they celebrated each intercept. They demonstrated a high level of sportsmanship, congratulating other teams on great passages of play and shots at goal, and when the final siren would ring, they were the first to jump up and shake their opponents' hands. They were polite and although some calls didn't go our way, they accepted the umpire's decision and moved on quickly. As they hit the court for their final game, they gave it their all. They were a credit to Exeter High.

Please congratulate them on their commitment, positive attitude, and maturity over the weekend. They represented our school with pride.

Mrs Yole

FAREWELL FROM CHAPLAIN

Dear Exeter High School Community,

There is an old saying, and I’m unsure who coined the phrase, that goes something like this: ‘life takes many twists and turns, so be ready to twist and turn with it’.

The boy scout motto is similar and is a great approach to circumstances and situations that you may find yourself in which may have come about from a bit of a twist or turn, ‘be prepared’.

Upon hearing the Scout motto, someone asked Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell the inevitable follow-up question.

“Prepared for what?”
“Why, for any old thing,” he replied.

Well, I have to say I wasn’t prepared for the past month, but I have twisted and turned as best I can, and the road is looking a bit straighter.

Let me give a bit of context.

Had you asked me a month ago if I was returning as Chaplain in 2022 the answer would have been a resounding yes. I love being a chaplain for a variety of reasons, being able to get alongside people who are struggling with school attendance, relationships, identity, family issues and a multitude of other reasons, and that’s just the teachers.

Jokes aside, I do take my role as chaplain seriously as I’m fortunate to be able to do something I love as a job.

As I said before, life has many twists and turns and a month ago I applied for a position at City Mission Launceston, working within the homeless sector, twist #1. A few days after an interview, I was offered the position, which I accepted, turn #1.

Twist and turn #2; Today, 10th December, is my last day at Exeter High School as your Chaplain. It has been a privilege to work with you all and to have the opportunity to support staff and students here at the school. I will certainly miss being here and I will look fondly upon my time at Exeter High.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Exeter High School Staff and Students and the wider community for your support over the past three years as Chaplain at Exeter High School and it is my prayer that the school will find a suitable replacement for 2022 and beyond.

I would also like to wish the graduating Grade 10 students a safe and successful future.

For returning students, staff and families, be prepared.

What for?
For any old thing

Have a wonderful & Merry Christmas and a safe & prosperous New Year,

Thank you,
Chappy Paul

Congratulations to Dylan & Shani

Dylan has taken a keen interest in gardening and had helped to clean up, maintain and plant herbs and flowers in the cooking garden. He has also currently worked on the 7/8 garden area to make it a nice place for students to relax. Thanks for all your help Dylan!

Shani has once again taken on board the role of assisting me spreading some Christmas cheer amongst the grade 7 and 8 students. During the month of December, a name is drawn from each grade and the lucky student gets to receive a lucky dip prize as they count down to the last day of school! Students could also read Christmas jokes and see Christmas recipes to try at home. Thank you Shani.

Liz Jordan

BEACONSFIELD SKATE PARK MURAL

On Tuesday 2nd December, 9 students and Mrs Champion worked with artist Josh Foley and the YAC members to help paint the Beaconsfield skate park. It was a hot but fun day and the students enjoyed giving back to the Beaconsfield community and contributing their artistic ideas to the mural.

ADVENTURE TOURISM – Year 9/10

The Adventure Tourism class visited Beta Park for Bouldering experiences three times throughout the course. All students approached this challenge with enthusiasm and had success across various difficulty levels.

SCIENCE - GRADE 9

During our Physics unit, the Grade 9 Science classes had a lot of fun dissecting cow eyes and making solar ovens!

COVID-19 UPDATE FROM SECRETARY

STAS (STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME) 2022

STAS 2022 application forms are now available. If you were approved and received STAS for 2021 you will be sent correspondence and are not required to apply again.

If your circumstances have changed and you may now be eligible, you can apply on-line at the link below or you can pick up a hard copy from the school office.

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

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 135 513

CALENDAR

Calendar – Term 1, 2022

January

February

March

April

Term 2 - 4 Term Dates

COMMUNITY CORNER

LEGANA CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET & OUTDOOR CINEMA

Friday, 17 December, 7:00pm. Bookings essential:

2022 EXETER SHOW

MISS B’s WORKSHOP, 20th January 2022

DEVONPORT GYMNASTICS - HOLIDAY TRAINING