18 March 2022

Newsletter Articles

Assistant Principals

Paul Stevenson
Andrea Saville

Grade Leaders

Grade 7: Elle Fox
Grade 8: Lenny Towns
Grade 9: Allison Stone
Grade 10 AST: Sharon Parish

Support Services

School Psychologist: David McCormack: Wednesday and Friday
Social Worker: Isabel Casey: Tuesday, Thursday and every second Friday
School Chaplain: TBC
School Health Nurse: Dave Mackay: Monday

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

I continue to be impressed with the high levels of teaching and learning that are evident across our school every day. Our high levels of respect, maturity, acceptance and learning were also evident to me on Wednesday at the school’s annual swimming carnival. Participants gave their all in their events and the way students encouraged each other was also a highlight to me. Our students represented our school with pride, and they were truly outstanding ambassadors for our wider community to anyone who was also at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. I had several staff from the centre compliment me on the behaviour and attitude of our students. Thank you to Mrs Robinson, Mr Fox, Mr Stewart and Mrs Fox for their outstanding organisation of the event and smooth running of the day.

Reports for Term 1 are currently being written by our teachers and these will be sent home in Week 8 for parents/carers to read alongside their child/ren. Parent/Teacher evenings will then be held in the last week of the term on Monday April 11 and Tuesday April 12 from 3.30pm to 7.00pm for three-way conversations about the progress of students. Booking information will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Work Placements are an invaluable activity that many of our Year 9 and 10 students undertake throughout the course of the year. These provide students with the opportunity to participate in authentic workplace situations where they can see exactly what it would be like if they were to pursue a particular occupation as their career pathway. Take the time to talk to your child about where they see themselves heading in a vocational sense and get them to contact either Mr Stevenson or Mrs Saville about possible work placements in a field of interest to them.

Uniform continues to be worn with pride and this is something that contributes to the calm and settled learning environments we maintain here at Exeter High School. As the colder months approach, we have winter uniform options here so please ask our administration team about these. We can also assist families with the purchase of uniform items when necessary.

Attendance continues to be at a pleasing level, and it is important that we all work together to ensure each and every student is here every day. This allows students to learn lesson to lesson, without breaks in continuity. The research shows how daily attendance is one of the most important factors in students succeeding both academically and socially. It also sets students up to succeed in the workplace where attendance is an expectation and compulsory. Please make sure if your child is away from school for any reason, that you contact the administration team with the reason so that our attendance records can be changed to reflect this.

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 2022

In February the 2022 SLC students undertook a 2 day Workshop. The following positions have been confirmed. The students also attended the GRIP Leadership Conference today at the Tailrace Centre.

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:

Chloe from 7B: Chloe has begun high school very positively. She is a conscientious student who, when called upon, offers thoughtful responses to questions. She completes tasks to the best of her ability and is always respectful. Chloe has impressed teachers with her responsible attitude to learning and courteous disposition. Values demonstrated: Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Van from 7A: Van is a dedicated student who has started Year 7 in a positive manner. He applies himself across all subjects and produces work of a high standard. Van is a respectful student and, in turn, is respected by his peers. He has impressed his teachers with his committed attitude. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Katelyn from 8D: Katelyn has demonstrated excellence in all tasks undertaken. She is a motivated and aspirational student who is always willing to put in the extra time and effort required to achieve high standards. Values demonstrated: Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

William from 8A: William has demonstrated excellence in all tasks undertaken. He is a motivated and aspirational student who is always willing to put in the extra time and effort required to achieve high standards. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Angus from 9C: Angus is a polite student who has had an excellent start to the year. He consistently strives to achieve excellence in all learning areas. Values demonstrated: Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Quinn from 9C: Quinn has approached the start of Year 9 in a settled and respectful manner. He approaches all learning tasks to the best of his ability and has been a role model to his peers. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Macy from 10C: Macy has approached year 10 in positive manner and has applied herself conscientiously in all subject areas. In addition to achieving success with early assessment tasks, Macy is also to be commended for her respectful nature and willingness to help others when needed. She has demonstrated her leadership potential both within the classroom and the wider school community. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Layla from 10B: Layla has been outstanding across all areas of learning. She is self-motivated, shows initiative and demonstrates excellent skills in a range of subjects, and does so with a smile on her face. Layla’s progress, improvement and commitment to her learning is a true reflection to the values of our school. Layla is inclusive and respectful of her peers and shows personal attributes that are of the highest order. Values demonstrated: Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY - Monday, 28 March

Individual and Family photos will be taken on Monday, 28 March. Order online using the Access Key 5CAZ8XGC.

Note, Family Photos must be ordered before 4:30pm on Sunday, 27 March. Leading Image are unable to accept late orders for Family Photos. Individual photos can still be ordered online after photo day.

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic Science students have been studying the collection of evidence, including footprints and bitemarks. This week, they have been analysing blood spatter patterns to determine what they can tell us about a crime scene.

Forensic Science – Footprints and blood spatter patterns

YEAR 9 CHEMISTRY

Year 9 students undertook flame tests as part of their Chemistry unit. In doing so, they were able to see the change of colour indicating a reaction was taking place.

Chemistry unit - Flame testing

VALIDATION FORMS – AQUATIC FORMS – ICT FORMS

A reminder that all Validation Forms, Aquatic Forms and ICT forms need to be returned to the office as soon as possible. If you require another copy, please let the office know. It is important that all information is up to date and permissions are completed to enable your child to participate in all school activities.

YEAR 7 ENGLISH

In Year 7 English, students have been studying The Amber Amulet, a novella written by Craig Silvey and illustrated by Sonya Martinez. Twelve-year-old Liam Mackenzie (a.k.a. The Masked Avenger) and his faithful companion Richie the Powerbeagle patrol Franklin Street nocturnally, doing all sorts of good deeds. Liam derives his superpowers from his collection of gemstones. In readiness for reading the book, Year 7 students researched their birthstones and developed superheroes based on their findings. Their work is on display in the classrooms and looks great. The Amber Amulet addresses the importance of truth and honesty, and each student has received a small piece of amethyst as a reminder of these important virtues.

Mr Shorter, Mr Lendvay & Mrs Fox

BREAK THROUGH CORNER

Formerly The Den

Breakthrough Corner is a program facilitated by West Tamar Council Youth Development Officers. This year we are fortunate to have Kim Reynolds heading the program. It is held weekly on a Tuesday lunchtime. Students meet in the Drama area.

The aim of the program is to help students with their mental health and wellbeing and to help them navigate through High School.

It’s ‘Bully Free’ and anything discussed is confidential, which allows it to be a safe space for students to meet, be themselves and talk openly.

The Breakthrough Corner space is a place where students from all grades can come to:

Just chill out
Build character and confidence
Challenge themselves to new things
Get active playing fun games
Explore their creativity – Dream Big!
Build media, art and theatre style programs
Create films
Ask the important questions without being judged
Get advice on where to go for assistance
Share their stories of what it is like being in High School
Encourage and empower other young students
Be part of an awesome team
Above all else…have countless Belly Laughs

WORLD SLEEP DAY

Friday the 18th of March is

World Sleep Day
Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World

Sleep Well to Learn Well

Did you know that most of us spend 30% of our lifetime sleeping!

Just like your phone, your body and mind need to be recharged each day – for us it’s through a good night’s sleep!

When we sleep our bodies have time to repair and grow. This helps us manage our mental health, helps us learn better, boosts our immune system, and improves our memory.

How much sleep do our learners need?

Primary school aged: 9-11 hours
High School and College age: 8-10 hours

What happens if I don't get enough sleep?

Without enough sleep we can be more irritable, moody, aggressive, restless, impulsive, be more likely to have accidents, and longer term are at higher risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

School children may struggle with their learning, have poor concentration and memory, and have trouble staying mentally well.

For some great sleep tips and further information…visit these sites:

If you are concerned about your sleep habits and would like some support, contact Nurse Dave in Person or via your teacher.

Calendar – Term 1, 2022

March

April

Term 2 - 4 Term Dates

COMMUNITY CORNER

EXETER FAMILY FUN FAIR

Exeter Family Fun Fair

Exeter Showgrounds
18 – 20 March
Rides, games, Show bags and more

Limited tickets
For all information and ticket sales, see the “Exeter Family Funfair” Facebook page
$2.50 entry fee $25 unlimited ride wristband

DEVIOT COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST

BEACONSFIELD ROCK CHALLENGE

Situated at the Beaconsfield Mine Yard, this event will be amazing with loads of talented local musicians performing live on stage.

This is a free event however ordering tickets are required due to limited capacity. You can order your tickets and follow the Facebook event at the links below:

The event will have food, drinks (the non-alcohol kind) and a coffee van available for purchase with a few prizes between sets also on offer. Free photo booth and temp tattoos will be on site! This is a drug and alcohol free event and is supported by the Tasmanian State Government

Date: Friday 8th April
Venue: Beaconsfield Mine Yard
Time: 5-9pm (gates open at 4.30pm with bag check upon entry)
Cost: free entry
Featuring: Anara Carroll, Liv Van Dongen, Stupid & Dumb, Tastefully Lame, The Stingrays, World Class Cinema

WEST TAMAR SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

The West Tamar School Holiday program for April is now open. The program will feature archery, 10 pin bowling, trampolining, archery tag and foot golf! Spaces are limited and payments must be made prior to the activities. Bookings can be made at the below link:

BREAST SCREEN TAS

Breast Screen Tasmania will be visiting Exeter 15 – 25 March. Book your appointment now.