8 July 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: Caitlyn Osborne: Wednesday, Thursday and every second Friday
Social Worker: Isabel Casey: Tuesday, Thursday and every second Friday
School Chaplain: TBA
School Health Nurse: Dave Mackay: Monday

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Here we are, already half way through the 2022 school year and what a successful year it has been so far. One of the highlights for me has been to see how our school continues to be a calm and settled environment and this allows our teachers and students to go about their core business of teaching and learning in an uninterrupted manner. This is on display on a daily basis, and it fills me with pride as I visit classrooms and witness the amazing lessons our teachers have planned and are delivering and the way our students are thriving due to the outstanding work of our teachers and teacher assistants. I would also like to thank and acknowledge the work of our teachers who conducted parent/teacher interviews over two nights last week and have also been following up with phone calls and emails to those who were unable to attend these evening sessions. This reflects the dedication of the staff here at Exeter High School and the way they are willing to do whatever necessary to keep parents informed about their child’s progress.

We will continue with the policy of phones being switched off and away for the remainder of the year. I would like to praise our students for the way they have accepted this decision but also for the feedback they have given me. Students and staff are all noticing much more face to face discussions happening in the yard, and this has been very positive to see. Can I please remind parents that if you need to contact your child, to call the administration office and your message will be passed on.

Our new farm building is now open and students from across the grades are benefitting from these amazing new facilities. We are also continuing to progress the planning for the redevelopment of the main campus and I will keep the community posted in Term 3 about timeframes and further progress with this initiative to help bring our classrooms into the 21st Century.

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN YEAR 7 ENGLISH?

In English, Year 7 students have been very busy finalising their Spirited Away assignments. Earlier this term, they watched Spirited Away, an animated feature film in which the protagonist, 10-year-old Chihiro, develops the courage and perseverance needed to rescue herself and her parents from the witch Yubaba. The assignment included three components:

1. Describe how each of the stages of the Hero’s Journey is expressed in Spirited Away
2. Discuss how Chihiro is transformed by her adventure
3. Identify lessons from the film that might inform your attitude and achievement in English

For many students, this was the first time they’d prepared a comprehensive response to a text. They’ve done a great job, writing detailed assignments of 1500+ words. They’re very proud of their efforts. Students have also enjoyed completing craft activities related to Spirited Away. Next term, Year 7 students will study Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. We look forward to sharing their learning with you.

Mrs Fox, Mr Lendvay and Dr Shorter

ARTWORK BY CONNOR

Connor from 7C has been working on this amazing creation of Ribbon Dancer the Ring-tailed Lemur, inspired by one of his artworks. Ribbon Dancer is currently on display in the school library. Well done Connor!

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:

Zoe from 7A: Zoe is an outstanding student who consistently applies herself across all subject areas and always endeavours to produce work to the best of her ability. She sets an excellent example for her peers with her exceptional behaviour and conduct. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Cayne from 7D: Cayne is a polite and friendly student who works co-operatively with his peers. He always tries his best and has impressed his teachers with his positive attitude towards his learning and the way he conducts himself at high school. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Dominique from 8A: Dominique is an exceptional role model and a highly valued member of our school community. Since arriving in Term 2, Dominique has demonstrated confidence, consideration and kindness in her interactions with students and staff alike. She has consistently displayed a conscientious approach to her studies and is a co-operative and productive group member. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Chelsea from 8D: Chelsea is a polite and respectful student who is being recognised for her conscientious attitude in class. A quiet achiever, Chelsea avoids confrontation and manages her learning effectively. Her artistic skills are excellent and she has put them to great use in recent tasks in English and HASS. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Cameron from 9A: Cameron is consistently trying to improve across all subject areas by asking for feedback. He is respectful and always shows a high level of motivation. Cameron is a role model to his peers and always has a positive attitude. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Quinn from 9C: Quinn has been using his time effectively in class to complete tasks on time. He has been diligent with following task requirements and taking responsibility for his learning. Quinn is always a polite and respectful student. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Jennifer from 10C: Jennifer is part of our student leadership team and demonstrates her capabilities on a regular basis. She gets along well with others, with her friendly and respectful manner reflected in the way she is treated by staff and students. Jennifer has represented the school in community events, and takes pride in wearing her uniform. She works to a high standard consistently across all subject areas and participates with a positive attitude. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

Mason from 10C: Mason is to be congratulated for his consistency and positive approach to his work including taking on board constructive feedback. He has applied himself conscientiously in all subject areas. Mason is to be commended for his respectful nature and willingness to help others when needed. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity & Acceptance.

VISUAL ART

In Visual Art, year 7 and 8 students have been applying a process of research, planning, experimentation and reflection to create their own designs using a range of mediums. Grade 7’s have focussed on the elements of line and colour in their work, exploring painting techniques to create abstract portraits, surfboards and a collaborative locker project.

Grade 8 students have explored line, colour, blending and composition to create works using pastels, watercolour and acrylic paints, including a fantastic range of unique and considered skateboard decks. Grade 8’s have also explored ways in which art can be used to make their world a better place: they have applied principles of sustainable art practice to design and created functional boxes using recycled materials, and concluded the term with a ‘kindness project’ – creating mini-artworks and sitting them around the school for other students and teachers to find.

Artwork by Grade 7 & 8 students

PHOTOGRAPHY

Grade 9 and 10 photography students have been learning about how the elements of art, principles of composition and perspective can be utilised to capture quality images. Students have experimented with key manual settings of digital photography to gain greater control over their final images, and have concluded the term with a major self-directed project exploring a photography genre of their choice. The class has captured some excellent shots across portraiture, landscape, macro and nature photography.

Grade 9 & 10 Photography

GRADE 10 MOCK INTERVIEWS

STUDENTS GRILLED OVER FUTURE

Grade 10 students from Exeter High School underwent their mock interviews on the 28th and 29th of June facing a panel of interviewers to give them a sneak peek into the real world.

Over the two days, students were interviewed as if they were going for a real job and then marked on multiple criteria ranging from their tidiness through to their resume layout, so they could receive feedback and improve. The process was simple, yet helpful, with a timetable and four panels to distribute the students and make it a fairly quick process.

Students came prepared with questions, a resume, some certificates, and their most confident selves ready to get an idea of what to expect when applying for a future job. Members from the community were kind enough to lend us their time, coming in to create friendly and welcoming panels to put the Grade 10’s at ease. We had the pleasure of welcoming Chris Bamber from The Cabin; Adam Gore, Manager of the Tamar Valley Wine Centre; Neil Warnock from the Rotary Club; Andy Beeston and Kim Reynolds, Youth Development Officers, West Tamar Council; Phillip Parish, retired Assistant Principal; Matt Adams from Timbre Restaurant; Will Adkins, Manager of Brown Family Wine Group and Raylene Garwood, Senior Project and Policy Officer, MST/Vic/TAS Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling Service, along with Mandy Doyle who is the Exeter High School Business Manager. All of our guest interviewers offered their skills and a range of advice to students.

One such piece of advice was from Andy Beeston, who encouraged students to stand out from the crowd. “Be the unique candidate and give that edge to make you stand out and be remembered,” he said.

When asked, a common theme of feedback from our interviewers was to be yourself, be confident, share your passion and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This was repeated from all the interviewers, as personality and the way you present yourself play such a large role in an interview. Another common piece of advice from our interviewers was research.

“Research shows the employer your genuine interest toward their company and just how much effort you will put into something that you want, even if it is something just as simple as finding out the interviewer’s names beforehand.”

As the two days quickly came to an end, the grade 10’s all took away something from the experience. It was beneficial for students whether it be for future interviews, just simply putting themselves out there or collecting feedback. Overall, it was a great experience to be able to open-up and improve their skills. After initially being daunted by the face-to-face interaction with people they didn’t know, students left their interviews enlightened and confident.

by Jennifer Johnstone

Grade 10s experiencing the Mock Interview process

GRADE 10 COLLEGE OPEN DAYS

Grade 10 students will be attending the Launceston College Open day on Thursday, 25 August and Newstead College Open Day on Thursday, 1 September. Watch out for the information letter that will go home with students at the beginning of next term.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

Leading Image have advised that school photos should be available early in Term 3. They apologise but due to multiple staff changes they are behind with their production. We will keep you informed on a delivery date.

Calendar - 2022

July

August

September

Oct

November

December

COMMUNITY CORNER

NORTHERN EMPLOYMENT & BUSINESS HUB

Free assistance with resumes and being job ready - available at Beaconsfield Online Access Centre or Tresca Community Centre.

TASMANIAN COMMUNITY FUND – FREE WORKSHOP

CRICKET COACHING

There will be a Cricket Coaching Holiday Clinic running on Tuesday, 12 July and Wednesday, 13 July from 11am to 3pm each day. For more information visit the website below.

WINGS WILDLIFE PARK – KIDS FUN DAY

Wings Wildlife Park are holding a Kids Fun Day on Sunday, 24th July from 10:00am to 4:00pm in support of Koinz for Kidz Foundation.