9 December 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 (fortnightly), Thursday and every second Friday
Social Worker: Isabel Casey: Tuesday, Thursday and every second Friday
School Chaplain: Bec Cameron: Wednesday & Friday
School Health Nurse: Dave Mackay: Monday

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

As we approach the end of 2022, I would like to remind parents/carers that they are warmly invited to attend the End of Year Graduation assembly for Year 10 and 12 students. The past few years have made this important event challenging; however, I am happy to report that this year’s protocols are back to pre-Covid days. The assembly commences at 11.00am on Friday 16th December and I look forward to seeing as many families as possible there to celebrate this special event.

Our Year 10 students have been participating in abseiling and golf activities over the past few weeks. The community feedback about how our students have conducted themselves during these times has been very positive and reflects so well on our school, as we have come to expect.

The 2023 Student Leadership Council has been announced and I would like to congratulate the current Year 9 students who put themselves forward for this role. I was very impressed with the speeches that I heard from each of the successful candidates, and I look forward to seeing the positive contributions they make throughout the course of next year.

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

REDEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

As you may remember, last year we undertook extensive consultation with our students, staff, and the broader community about what they would like to see from the redevelopment of our school.

Through this process, we got valuable feedback that has informed the scope of works that has been developed over the last 12 months.

The Tasmanian construction industry is currently buoyant, which means there is strong competition for labour and building materials, and this has resulted in high construction industry cost escalations. As a result of this, we won’t be able to deliver every element that was envisaged. However, we will still be delivering a major transformation for the school, and many of the key priorities that were identified through the consultation process.

These include a new Years 9-10 hub with outdoor breakout/learning areas, refurbished student bathrooms, new Years 7-8 hub with new outdoor break out/learning area, new outdoor courtyard beside the library, kitchen upgrade, new bus shelter, new visual arts facility. and replacement of uneven paved areas.

Visit the link below to view the redevelopment plan and the new Years 7-8 hub internal layout.

You can email any feedback on the redevelopment plan to getinvolved@decyp.tas.gov.au from now until the commencement of Term 1 2023.

CONTINUING COVID-SAFE BEHAVIOURS

COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are still circulating in Tasmania. The official COVID-19 risk level has been raised to ‘Moderate’.

Together, we need to keep practising our COVID-safe behaviours to manage the risk. These should be considered and promoted when planning any end of year events or activities.

Simple things we can do:

• do not come to school or work if unwell – stay home and test
• stay at home while you have symptoms, regardless of the result of a rapid antigen test (RAT)
• if you have been in close-contact with a person who tested positive to COVID-19, be alert for symptoms
• cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitiser
• maintain physical distance of 1.5 metres from others where possible
• continue to keep learning areas well ventilated using natural airflow where you can
• wear a face mask in crowded indoor areas, where you can’t physically distance, and when working directly with students at risk of severe illness.

Public Health continues to recommend COVID-19 positive cases and close contacts do the following:

• stay home if unwell
• wear a face mask indoors (for 7 days)
• avoid high risk settings (for 7 days)
• avoid large gatherings and indoor crowded spaces (for 7 days)
• avoid people at risk of severe illness (for 7 days)
• inform Public Health and your workplace of your positive RAT result

If people are unwell, a face mask is not a sufficient risk mitigation. Staying home will protect others.

All staff and students should ensure they have access to a quantity of RATs. These are available from your school and should be in your home ready for use if symptoms develop.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to me about this.

END OF YEAR REPORTS

A reminder to families that end of year reports will be sent home on Wednesday December 14 (Year 7-9) and Friday December 16 (Year 10).

You can learn more about school reports by watching the video accessed through the QR code or view the links below:

• School Reports FAQs
• Understanding the 9-point scale
• Visit the Department of Education’s website at: Reporting - The Department for Education, Children and Young People Tasmania (decyp.tas.gov.au)

On Monday 19th December, 3:30pm – 5:00pm, there is an opportunity for you to discuss your child’s report. Please contact the office on 6394 4366 to make an appointment with specific teachers.

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:

Deizal from 7A: Deizal 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 and Acceptance.

Mikayla from 7B: Mikayla is experiencing a very settled and successful conclusion to Year 7. She conducts herself maturely and is approaching all tasks in all subjects diligently. Mikayla consistently upholds our four school values. She is an excellent role-model and is setting herself up for a smooth transition to Year 8. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Amber from 7C: Amber is finishing Year 7 very strongly. She has impressed her teachers with the way she conducts herself at high school and her application across all subject areas. Amber is regarded by her peers as a supportive class member who consistently upholds our four school values. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Keira from 8C: Keira is being acknowledged for the tremendous growth in confidence and resilience that she has shown throughout the year. She is aspirational in her learning; often completing homework and has recognised the value of seeking and acting upon feedback to improve her work. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Keira from 8C: Keira is being acknowledged for her conscientious and mature approach towards her learning. She has demonstrated aspiration and growth throughout the year and always gives her best. Keira is also being recognised for her willingness to involve herself in extra-curricular activities. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Aliayah from 9C: Aliayah has made a conscientious effort to apply herself to core subjects in the classroom. She has worked hard to meet deadlines and produce work of a high standard. She is respectful in her interactions with staff and peers. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Lakeesha from 9B: Lakeesha has had a more focussed approach to her learning during Term 4. She has had a positive attitude towards all aspects of her learning. Lakeesha is respectful to staff and peers and demonstrates leadership qualities within the classroom. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning and Maturity.

Sienna from 10A: Sienna is a polite and friendly student who consistently displays excellent work ethics and behaviour in accordance with the school values. She is punctual and prepared for all lessons and displays maturity through her willingness to work with others. She applies herself conscientiously in all lessons and consistently meets deadlines for task completion in all subject areas. Sienna demonstrates strong leadership qualities by being respectful and accepting of everyone and wears her SLC blazer with pride. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Klarissa from 10B: Klarissa is to be congratulated on her approach to learning during this year. Her willingness to participate in a range of activities and give her best effort at all times is to be commended. It has been great to see her tackling challenging tasks with a growth mindset and put herself out there regardless of the activity. Klarissa is quiet in her approach but is consistently respectful towards staff and peers alike. Klarissa has a skill set ready for the next step in her learning journey. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

TERM 4 MY EDUCATION

My Education at Exeter High School is a supportive and inclusive approach encouraging engagement and participation that inspires and guides students from Year 7 to Year 11, as they undertake a journey of discovery in identifying who they are and what they want to become. It supports students to identify their personal interests, values, strengths, opportunities, and aspirations, and teaches them how to use this knowledge to make decisions about their future learning, work, and life opportunities.

Year 10

Lesson 1 and 2

JCP Presentation and workshop - “Aspiration and Resilience”

JCP’s aim is to inspire and empower young people to become extraordinary leaders who positively contribute to our communities. Their purpose is to create better humans, by working with students through a variety of programs to become the best versions of themselves. Will Smith, founding member of JCP, presented a jam-packed program for lesson 1 and 2 that was thought provoking and engaging in its delivery of content and interactive sessions.  The purpose was to guide students to think about their capacity to be resilient – finding solutions and to think aspirationally. The program included:

• Emotive responses
• Resilience – your ability/capacity to overcome a problem
• Walking your own path
• Top 5 people who we are heavily influenced by
• What values am I giving to the people around me?
• The opportunity to be a person of influence
• Past – Present – Future - being in the moment
• Investing in your present self
• Aspirations – school, personal, life
• Setting a ‘big’ goal – being a tree or a stump
• Practicing what you preach

Lesson 3

Lesson 3 was split into two focus areas: Graduation Dinner etiquette and RYDA – Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program. As a grade, students looked at the appropriate manners that are used in formal situations and the ‘dos and don’ts’ of social gatherings.

Students also had the opportunity to complete a series of activities as a follow up to the RYDA program they were involved with at the end of last term. Students explored and participated in activities focussing on approaching driving as a social responsibility; understanding the new Graduated Licensing System; reflecting on the RYDA program and recognising when we are tired, our use of peripheral vision, our reaction time impact on our driving ability. Students were also asked to identify personal risks and develop strategies for these.

Year 9

Year 9 students were fortunate enough to participate in a workshop run by JCP Youth based around resilience and aspiration. They attended two sessions where they were asked to reflect on their choices in order to improve their futures and be the best version of themselves. Then they revisited the letters they wrote to their future selves last year and rewrote those ready for next year.

Year 8

The Term 4 Year 8 focus for My Education Day was around goal setting. In lesson 1, students reflected on their year and set new goals for their future selves as they prepare to enter the senior school. In lesson 2, students worked in groups to complete a series of challenges in an ‘Amazing Race’ to emphasise the importance of working co-operatively to achieve success. In the afternoon session, students were fortunate to experience an amazing presentation by JCP, which was thought-provoking and engaging. Students participated very well with the content and activities, making for an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all.

Year 7

The term 4 Year 7 focus for My Education Day was around resilience and aspiration. In lesson 1, we highlighted the importance of starting the day well and kicked things off with a grade breakfast outside in the Year 7 area. In lesson 2, we viewed the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Students were able to link the concepts studied in English this year, making connections between the lessons we can take from Harry’s transition from his first year to second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In lesson 3, students participated in a workshop by JCP on being their best selves which they thoroughly enjoyed. The Year 7 students engaged well with the content and activities making it a worthwhile experience for all.

YEAR 12 REPORT

Our first ever Year 12 students have had a fantastic year, always making the most of the opportunities presented to them. Some of the highlights this year included:

• Workshop with John Deere & Silvan rep - Richard Palmer
• Variable rate fertiliser spreading with Marcus Plapp
• Ag-innovation Expo
• Lamb trading with Lauchie Cole at Woodbourn
• Agronomy field days with Hannah Cummins from Ben Lomond Agriculture
• Livestock work at Mitchelson Holdings
• Tour of Ag start-up X-Hemp with Andi Lucas
• Anything but a car day for muck up week

We congratulate Elise, Sarah and Amy on completing Year 11 and 12 at Exeter High School and wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Mr Fox

TREES ON FARMS EXCURSION

On 11th November, the year 9 and 10 full and half year Ag classes went on an excursion to Hagley Farm School to learn about the importance of forestry and the benefits of trees on farms. During our time there, we participated in activities such as examining an arboretum and discussed the benefits that windbreaks have on soil and water that are close to paddocks or crops. One of the activities was to measure the height of trees by predicting where they might land, then using a clinometer to get the angle to 45 degrees then measuring from the tree to where we stood with the 45 degree angle. Later in the day we discussed how to design a 400-meter area into a windbreak and a fun learning area with benefits to the farm.

The forest learning facilitators, Kate, Darcy, Tristan, and Mrs Beaumont, took us around and talked to us about the benefits of trees on farms. The benefits were that trees produce cleaner water and act as windbreaks to protect the crops or animals from harsh weather such as hot summer days and cold winter winds.

Highlights of the day were building our own farm with everything essential such as windbreaks, animals, crops, and water with items that were given to us. We also learnt why trees are so diverse, especially to agricultural properties. We then visited a neighbouring farm across the road to compare their tree placement to Hagley’s and what one is more effective. The facilitators made the day very enjoyable and educational for all. We are very grateful to have had the experience.

Jess, Rachelle & Seth

BAKING AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

On Friday 28th October, Mrs Stone’s baking class and Mrs Niekamp’s food technology class created some Halloween themed cakes and biscuits.

All students showed great creativity and some masterpieces were made and consumed.

Happy Halloween

Well done to all students involved, always fun to see your creative side.

Mrs Stone

COLES WELLINGTON STREET IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN FOUNDATION

For three weeks from the 31st August, Tasmanian Coles stores sold $2 donation cards and fundraised for their local partner schools in collaboration with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program. All of the donations raised at the partnered Coles stores will support the delivery of the program in our school through education tools including new gardening equipment, maintenance, and support services. Coles Wellington Street store manager Krystal and her team were on hand last week to present our students with a cheque for the amount raised to support their learning. Thanks again for your ongoing support!

SHELTER BOX – UKRAINE CONFLICT

The Year 9 SRC has been working hard to raise money and awareness for Ukrainian citizens who have been left homeless from the current conflict.

The Year 9 cohort was given the opportunity to examine the current situation in Ukraine through a range of short videos, including interviews with the Ukrainian President. This resulted in a large amount of empathy and understanding within the grade for how people feel when facing conflict and experiencing the horrors of war. The SRC then discussed the desire to do something more to show their support to Ukraine. Some research revealed an initiative supported by Rotary, the Shelter Box. A Shelter Box is a large plastic tub that holds a tent and items that would support a family in need, such as a light, water filter, cutlery, and plates. We could see that the boxes cost $1000 and knew that would be our goal.

We started fundraising for this in Term 3 when we hosted an AFL Handball Competition. We approached local businesses to match whatever money we could raise dollar for dollar. We had one business respond to this, and another that donated some money straight up.

The SRC then approached the West Tamar Rotary Club for support. Multiple meetings with Neil enabled us to meet Bill, who is an advocate for Shelter Box. He paid a visit to the school and the SRC got to put one of the tents up and have a look through the box. We also had the Examiner visit the school and following the publication of an article, we have received an abundance of community support, including various donations and offers of assistance.

We would like to thank those people very much for their kind donations and support to our leadership group.

We increased the goal of raising $1000 to $2000 and have almost achieved that. The goal is now to raise as much as we can to purchase possibly two Shelter Boxes as well as put together some resource packs for students in Ukraine unable to be at school.

We will continue our fundraising into 2023 and look forward, with excitement, to where our journey will take us.

YEAR 10 GOLF

The rescheduled golf session for 10A and 10C will be happening during their PE lesson on Monday the 12th December. Please contact the school if you do not wish for your child to participate in this activity.

Calendar – 2022

December

GERRIC FOR GIFTED STUDENTS PROGRAM January 2023

2023 TERM DATES FOR STUDENTS

Term 1,2023
8 February – 5 April

Term 2, 2023
26 April – 7 July

Term 3, 2023
25 July – 29 September

Term 4, 2023
16 October – 21 December

COMMUNITY CORNER

Sunday 11 December, West Tamar Carols

West Tamar Carols are happening again this year on Sunday 11th December from 5pm to 8pm. The event is free and designed for families to come along with a chair or picnic rug and join in the festivities. Food and coffee vans will be available throughout the evening.

West Tamar Lions Club Exeter Market Dates

Sunday 11 December 2022
Sunday 8 January 2023
Sunday 5 February 2023
Monday 13 March 2023
Monday 10 April 2023

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT MOBILE SERVICE CENTRE TO VISIT EXETER ON WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2022

WESTERN STORM 2023 NETBALL RECRUITMENT

Exeter Show Society announces dates for the 2023 Exeter Show - Saturday 25 February 2023.