30 September 2022

Newsletter Articles

A Word from the Principal…

It has been a busy term and with the holidays approaching it is a timely reminder that the use of social media increases as students may not see their friends. As a parent, grandparent, carer or friend, it is important to understand healthy patterns of behaviour when it comes to the amount of time kids spend on their devices, the platforms they use and what they are doing online. We have noticed that cyberbullying is occurring more frequently, and it is affecting our students. This typically involves students posting pictures (often without consent) of other students and writing nasty and abusive comments. As a result, we are seeing these incidents come into school and students are being bullied here. We all have a responsibility to ensure that people are safe from cyberbullying and bullying. Do you know what your child/children are doing when they are using social media? Do you know if your child is being bullied or is bullying other children? What would you do? Yesterday, Rural Health spoke to our Year 10’s and some Year 8’s about Mental Health and the services they provide in our community. They distributed a very informative handout with plenty of practical tips to access for free if your mental health is low. The handout has been included in the newsletter and I recommend reading and sharing it with your child. Bullying and cyberbullying significantly affect a person’s mental health. Below is important information about bullying and cyberbullying for anybody connected to young people. I wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday!

Nikki Clark
Principal

Mental Health Resources

During Pastoral Care this week, students in Years 8 and 10 were presented with a talk by Kylie and Mikayla from Rural Health around supporting students and their Mental Health. They provided students with some valuable information and excellent resources.

Outdoor Education Camp

In week 6, the Outdoor Education classes at Smithton High School participated in a camp at Ben Lomond National Park. The four Outdoor Ed classes were split into two groups, and each spent two nights on the mountain, in the Rover’s Lodge. Students spent majority of their days hunting for the best toboggan slopes, making jumps in the snow and learning very quickly how to put their brakes on, to avoid any collisions. A highlight was getting every student to summit Ben Lomond’s highest peak ‘Legges Tor’ - a short, but rocky and challenging hike in the snow. It was so rewarding seeing students accept the challenge and push themselves out of their comfort zone to reach the peak. Students were able to utilise skills they’ve learned in their Outdoor Ed classes, including understanding weather, snow safety/first aid, as well as applying the life skills of preparing and cooking lunch and dinner. On the final night we were graced with our first snow fall for the week, providing us with one last opportunity to enjoy the magical environment. The squeals of excitement and awe of those students who had never seen snow before, reminded us to be grateful of the environment we live in, and the opportunities we have in front of us.

School Netball

Last Friday some of our Year 7/8 students travelled with Mrs Wade & Miss Anderson to Ulverstone to take part in the school netball championships.

They played so well, particularly those who have never played before. We just missed out on making finals, winning two of our games. Top effort everyone!

Our Year 9/10 team play in their championships this week at Spreyton. Goodluck girls!

Football Colours Day

Last Friday was Footy Colours Day at Smithton High School. We all wore our favourite sports colours for a gold coin donation and sold savs and pies from the canteen. All money raised is going to support kids with cancer. Thankyou to everyone that participated - even though student numbers were low, we made an AMAZING $219.40

Year 8 SRC News

Tuesday 13th September, staff and students at Smithton High were treated to a Waffle Day.

This was run by the Year 8 SRC to raise funds for their end of year celebration. The waffles were absolutely divine, well done Mrs Owen and the Year 8 team.

School Lunch Program

Our School Lunch Program has been attracting some great media interest lately with ABC turning up to both Oatlands District and Smithton High School to film their lunch days, interviewing both staff and students. The children were very excited to be on camera – the cameraman received plenty of high fives! The staff talked about how much they love being involved with such a valuable program. We thank the ABC for their support of the program providing coverage. Look out for the story coming soon on TV and online.

Drama

In Drama this term, students have been learning about the Elements of Drama, culminating in a performance or analysis task. As the term has drawn on, it has been great to see our young performers beginning to explore Drama in increasingly active ways.

Year 8 Drama students preparing the stage for their end-of-unit unit performance.

Year 7 Drama students getting into character with their scripts.

Circular Head region youths create film to change past perceptions

Young filmmakers are showing a different side to the Circular Head region.

Please click on the link below to view an article and short video recently published by the ABC News.

Community News

Dates to Remember…

Term Dates & Student Free Days for 2022

Terms

Student Free Days

Year 7-10
Thursday 14th April
Monday 25th July
Friday 4th November

Year 11/12
Tuesday 15th March
Friday 2nd September

Office Hours

8.30am – 3.30pm daily
School Starts: 8.50am
School Finishes: 3.00pm

School Office Ph: 6452 9222
Trade Training Centre Ph: 6452 9288

SMS: 0418 220 201
Email: smithton.high@education.tas.gov.au
Web: http://education.tas.edu.au/smithtonhigh/Pages/Home.aspx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smithton-High-School/219062138251149