16 December 2022

Newsletter Articles

Our Average Daily Attendance Rate so far this year is

A Word from the Principal…

This is our final newsletter for 2022 and it is hard to believe we are nearly at the end of what’s been an exceptionally challenging year. Despite the challenges, there have been many highlights and I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work that has been achieved by students and staff over the year. At our last assembly, 168 certificates were presented to students from Years 7-10 to Peer Support Leaders, Student Representative Councillors (7-9), for ICAS academic certificates, musical performances, Applied Science awards, North-West Basketball Champions, State and National Representatives, Volunteers for Meals on Wheels, Flag monitors and Inter-High Athletics. It was tremendous to celebrate the achievements of so many students and it put into perspective the great support our staff and members of the community have provided so that our students shine and achieve their very best. It was very inspiring!

At the end of each year, I announce staff changes. Matt Woolnough will join the Maths/Science teams next year. Matt was successful in the central recruitment process supported by the Department of Education. Steve Poulter is returning to SHS after working for a year in a remote community in the Northern Territory. He will teach Maths, Science and HPE. Jaime Messias is a Teach for Australia teacher who has lived in Smithton for the last two years and will be teaching HASS and Foods. We look forward to working with our new staff next year.

We say farewell to Aidan Quinn who is taking up a position in the private education system; Annabel Dixon who will be working at Wynyard High School next year. Melinda Billing, one of our EFA’s will be finishing up at the end of the year and Dani Quilliam will be taking up a position at Sea FM which is based in Burnie. Lindsey Blake will be the Assistant Principal at Smithton Primary for 12 months and Emily Wynhoven, our School Chaplain is relocating to Melbourne to be with her family and attend University. Selina Maguire our Aboriginal Education Worker and Youth Mentor will be taking leave for 12 months and Ali Dennison, our School Business Manager is taking up a position in the Department of Health. On behalf of the remaining staff and students at Smithton High School I would sincerely like to thank the staff who are leaving us at the end of the year for the dedication and professionalism they have demonstrated in their roles whilst at Smithton High. Our school community will miss your contribution to the important job of teaching and working with our young people. All the best for the future!

Years 7-12

Next year we will have four classes in Year 8 with some class changes. There will be three classes in Year 7, 9 and 10 with some class changes. The numbers across 7-10 will be roughly the same as this year at 280+ students. Year 11 and 12 numbers will be about 30 FTE.

Year 6 into Year 7 for 2023

We know transitioning into high school can be a daunting time. It takes some adjustment to learn new routines and expectations, get to know other students and work together in different groups. Our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders will support Year 7 students next year as will the Year 7 team. Mrs Watts and her team deserve acknowledgement for the organisation of the Transition Program over the year and they can be contacted about anything in relation to Year 7 for 2022. Please don’t hesitate to do so before the end of the year. Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations to the students who will complete their Year 10 studies on Wednesday the 21st of December. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours, whether that be further education and training or moving into full-time employment. I also congratulate the Smithton High School community on the wonderful effort you have demonstrated over this year. We have made it to the end! I hope you all enjoy a Merry Christmas, have a Happy New Year and a relaxing holiday break.

Nikki Clark
Principal

Hillcrest Primary School Tragedy Anniversary

As the end of the school year approaches, we want to acknowledge the impact of the tragedy that happened at Hillcrest Primary School in December 2021. We extend our thoughts and condolences to the families, staff, and community at Hillcrest and in the Devonport area during this difficult time.

Student Behaviour Management Policy

Smithton High along with all other Tasmanian Government schools, is committed to providing your child with a learning environment that supports them to be the best they can be. We work hard to provide safe, supportive and inclusive environments where your child can engage positively with their learning.

To strengthen the way that schools prevent and respond to bullying, a new Policy and Procedure will be in place in Term 1, 2023. The new Policy is known as the Student Behaviour Management policy. It replaces the existing Respectful Student Behaviour Policy.

The important change between the old policy and the new policy is that now all schools will have the same minimum standards for preventing and responding to bullying. The new policy also has a clear definition of what bullying is and sets clear expectations for how we support students impacted by bullying.

These changes mean that the way Smithton High School prevents and responds to bullying will meet the same standards as all other Tasmanian Government Schools. Some schools may incorporate different programs or measures to respond to bullying, but all will have the same foundation.

For more information, see the Staying Safe in Tasmanian Government Schools parent fact sheet at the link below:

You can also talk to your child’s teacher, or Nikki Clark to find out more.

Continuing COVID-safe behaviours

COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses (like the flu) 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.

Simple things we can do:

• Do not come to school if unwell – stay home and test
• Stay at home while you have symptoms, regardless of the result of a rapid antigen test (RAT)
• Cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands with soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitiser
• Try to stay a reasonable distance away from others when you can
• Consider wearing a face mask if you wish to – they are readily available for use at the school.

All students should ensure they have access to a quantity of RATs. If you need RATs, please ask for them at the school office so they are in your home ready for use if symptoms develop.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. For any COVID-19 enquiries, please contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, or Department of Education COVID-19 Support Hotline at COVID19support@education.tas.gov.au or on 1800 816 057.

A safety message from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

The Australian Federal Police through the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is seeing a concerning global trend of teenage males being targeted to send explicit images of themselves and then blackmailed. This is called sexual extortion, or sextortion.

The AFP is urging families to have important safety conversations ahead of the school holidays to prevent young people from becoming victim. This crime can have serious wellbeing and psychological impacts.

How does sextortion start?

• Unsolicited friend and follow requests on social media
• Direct messages on one app and then being asked to keep chatting on a secondary app
• Conversations suddenly and quickly becoming sexualised
• Requests for sexualised images or content.

What can families do?

• Have open and regular conversations about your child’s online activities and interactions
• Know what platforms, apps and games they are using and who they are interacting with
• Remain open and approachable, victims will be reluctant to come forward if they feel they will be punished or blamed
• Ensure your child knows that it is okay to leave conversations if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• Support your child and know how to respond. The Online blackmail and sexual extortion response kit has been created to recognise sextortion and get help.

The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is here to keep young people safe from online sexual exploitation and abuse.

You can make a report via:

For further information, resources and advice visit the link below:

Surf Carnival 2022

Staff & students enjoyed a great day in Stanley last week for the annual Surf Carnival. Congratulations to Robbins House on taking out the shield in a very close battle with Perkins, with less than 50 points separating the two teams.

Well done to all the students on their participation, it was great to see everyone having a go! A big thanks goes to the PE staff for organising such a great day & to the other staff members who helped out in various roles.

Year 11/12 Celebrations

We held our Senior Secondary Celebration Dinner during November at the Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre.

The evening, attended by award sponsors, staff, students, parents and guests, provided the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of our Year 11 and 12 students across all subject and program areas.

Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who have enabled these awards and prizes - we really value your support of our students.

Major Awards:

• ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award -Paige Garton
• McCain Foods Support for Further Education Bursary - Paige Garton & Mia Yates
• Circular Head Sub-branch RSL Bursary - Jack Smith
• Smithton High School Academic Achievement - Lara Johnston
• Circular Head Lions Club Primary Industry Bursary - Ky Febey
• Circular Head Council Consistent Effort - Piper Stokes
• Tasmanian Seaweed Fertiliser Service to the Community - Paris Gregory
• Excellent Attendance sponsored by Keith Billing - Piper Stokes

Subject Achievement Awards:

• Essential Skills – English - Paige Stokes
• Essential Skills – Maths - Charli Grainger
• Basic Computing and ICT - Alyssa Kay
• English Applied - Ella Sharman
• Workplace Maths - Ella Sharman
• Introduction to Sociology and Psychology - Lara Johnston
• Life Science - Chayse Hunt
• Sport and Outdoor Experiences- Piper Stokes
• Visual Art - Paris Gregory
• Career & Life Planning - Ella Sharman

Vocational Education & Training Awards:

• Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education and Training - Paige Garton
• Achievement in Construction - Piper Stokes
• Achievement in Engineering – Lucas Lardner (Year 10 student)
• Achievement in Hospitality - Ashonti Miles
• Construction Encouragement - Dylan Brett
• Engineering Encouragement - Blake Lower
• Hospitality Encouragement - Paige Stokes

Congratulations to these award recipients and to all students on a great year!

Civil Construction

Recently we recognised a group of students from Years 10 & 11 who completed a Civil Construction/Renewable Energies Program earlier in the year. Deputy Mayor and new Chair of the Circular Head Education and Training Consultative Committee, Annette Dawes presented students with a Certificate of Recognition for having completed the program as well as Statements of Attainment for the VET Units of Competence they successfully completed.

Some students completed all 11 units in areas such as first aid, confined space, stop/slow Bat, hazard identification, working with issued permits, communications and workplace health and safety.

Students also participated in field trips which provided an insight into the renewable energies and civil construction industries and the range of jobs and career opportunities in each area.

These programs together with our regular on campus VET programs, are invaluable for students to gain skills and knowledge in preparation for work in the industry sectors which are relevant in our region. In fact, four of the Year 10 participants in this program have already secured apprenticeships. Some students couldn't participate today because they are already at work.

Congratulations to Jade, Georgia, Turri, Anton, Jaydan, Hunter, Lucas, Tyrone, Ryder, Bronsen, Jaxon, Marshall, and Logan.

Thank you to Damian Peirce from the NW Industry Training Hub for sourcing the funds and facilitating the establishment of the program and to Link Resources for providing the accredited training to our students.

Thank you also to Woolnorth Renewables, UPC / ACEN Renewables, Downer Group for hosting the group on the field trips. These industry insights are so valuable to our students.

Welcome Home Nash

Recently, Smithton High School student Nash Walker travelled to Guam to represent Australia in in the FIBA U15 Oceanic Championships. The Australian team, which Nash was captain of, came away with the Gold Medal after defeating New Zealand in a very exciting grand final match. Nash had a fantastic tournament individually and was rewarded by being named in the All-Stars team. What an achievement!

Emily, one of our lovely TA’s, made sure we were all kept up to date with Nash’s journey to Guam. Lots of photos, game results, his playing stats and general information was found on a board in the common room for all staff and students to see. It was great for Nash to see it too, then for him to recount parts of his trip to everyone. Sounds like it was a fantastic experience.

Congratulations again Nash. We’re all very proud of you and loved seeing you play for Australia. We can’t wait to see where your talent and love for basketball takes you. We will certainly be cheering you on.

School Basketball

It was fantastic to see four teams from Smithton High School compete in the North-West Regional High School Basketball Championships in Devonport recently.

A big congratulations to our Year 9/10 Boys team who finished Runners Up in the Division 1 competition, losing to Burnie High School by 1 point in a very exciting Grand Final match! Our Year 9 Boys team also played in Division 1 and finished the weekend in 7th place. Our Year 7/8 teams competed in Division 2 with our Girls team battling hard to come away in 3rd place and the Boys team finishing their tournament in 5th place. Thankyou to all parents and staff for helping over this weekend.

The Year 9/10 Boys team then qualified & attended the State Championships in Launceston from the 26th-27th November. From their weekend results they played against St Pats in a 3 V 4 final but unfortunately were defeated 86-67. What a fantastic effort for the whole weekend. Making State Championships and finishing 4th is a great result. Big thanks goes to Alisha for travelling with the team to Launceston & Mr Dunham for coaching.

Smithton High School are proud of all the teams that entered the school basketball competitions. Their effort, attitude and commitment throughout it all was great to see and you represented our school with pride.

Year 9 Community Project

The students of 9.4 over the last few weeks have been hard at work transforming the garden at the back of the CHAC Medical Centre. The students did a fantastic job tidying up, planting and spreading mulch. It was great to see the students work together and support each other to complete the project. A big thank you to Yvette Buckby for organising resources (plants, cardboard and support) for us to use and to help us clean up, the Council Depot for a donation of Mulch and to Krystle House for planting the idea to begin with.

What’s Up Stall

On behalf of the Year 7 What’s Up students, we would like to say a big thank you to the public for your support with our pop up stall on Wednesday 7th December.

With your help the group raised $380 for the ABC giving tree appeal. A fantastic effort!

A big thank you also to Smithton High School mentors from CHAC who assisted in helping to get this organised.

WBBL Cricket

In November, the Year 7 HPE Extended elective class travelled to Latrobe to watch a WBBL cricket match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars. Between face painting, purple giveaways, sideshow games, novel canteen food, and the nail-biting finish to the match (Hurricanes lost in the last over), it was an excursion to remember!

Community News

Dates to Remember…

Term Dates 2023