12 November 2024

A Word from the Principal…

I hope this newsletter finds you well after a well deserved long weekend. As we begin week 5, I wanted to share some important updates and reminders.

On the SPL day staff worked with Diana Cohen (Inclusive Practice Coach) around our school priority – calm and inclusive learning classrooms. The focus of our work has been using evidence-based research and inquiry processes to focus on strategies to improve relationships, positive behaviour management and teacher practice. The work was centred around identifying focus behaviours, aligning these to high expectations that are consistently followed through by all staff and supporting each other through the journey. We will continue this work with Diana next week where more information will be shared with students and families.

PAT testing ended recently, and I can say that student results have been pleasing with many students improving from the last testing phase in 2023. Participation has been pretty good, and students are taking more time to focus on the tests rather than rushing through them. This persistence in practice is certainly paying off.  You will receive a generic text letting you know if your child has improved their results from last year in Reading and Maths. Well done everyone for your effort and persistence!

Outdoor Education Camp to Cradle Mountain was last week with students returning Thursday afternoon. I believe many of the students had never been to Cradle Mountain and the surrounding area and many had little to no experience bush walking. The Dove Lake round trip was a great way to introduce the students to an easy, extended walk in the great outdoors. The weather was awesome, and the students got to see Cradle Mountain in all its glory (this is not always possible due to changing weather conditions). A huge thanks to Jaime Messias for organising the trip and Cheryl Kay for assisting with supervision. I’m sure there will be plenty of pictures posted over the rest of the week – keep a close check on our Facebook page.

Year 11 and 12 End of Year Dinner was held at Blakey’s Bites last Friday evening. This is a celebration of the end of senior secondary school for the year. Our Year 12 students were farewelled and other awards and certificates were presented to students who have achieved excellence during their time at Southside. The Year 11/12 staff team worked extremely hard to prepare for the evening and it was well supported by staff, students and their families.  Again, keep a close eye on our Facebook page for photos from the celebration

Key Reminders and Notices:

1. Phones are expected to be handed in during Core classes every morning. If a student is using their phone during school time, they will be asked to take it to the office; we expect this to happen straight way. If a student doesn’t follow the request and the phone doesn’t get to the office, a suspension will be issued to the student for the following day. Phones are to be off and away (stored in our office) every day. This is a requirement of all state Tasmanian Schools. We appreciate your understanding around this issue and your support to ensure your child is at school to learn without the distraction of a mobile phone. Please contact the school if you need clarification about the information on 64529222.
2. Year 10 parents – You should have received a few letters outlining the important information for Year 10s for the rest of the term (hardcopies have been given to your child to take home). Please read the information and complete the permission forms and have your child return them to us as soon as possible.
   

Lastly, I wanted to share with you the contact information for our school:

Smithton High School
Mill Road
Smithton TAS 7330

• Phone: 6452 9222
• School email: smithton.high@decyp.tas.gov.au 
  

We encourage you to save this information in case you ever need to reach out to us.
Thanks for your ongoing support and involvement in your child's education. Together, we can make a positive difference in their lives.

Warm regards,

Nikki Clark
Principal

Year 7 News

Celebrating student success in Week 1.

Week 2 achievements

Week 3 student success

Student success in Week 4

Year 7 PE

The Year 7s completed their tabloid sports session, a series of 24 challenges testing a range of skills in 3-minute intervals. Students worked with a partner, competing against others to get the most points. Congratulations to Kye Moore, Judd Ryan and Eli Fisher who won with a whopping 1400 points! 

Year 9 News

Congratulations to the Year 9 students who received awards around our school values of LARF.

Year 10 News

It’s a busy and exciting Term for our Year 10s. There is lots happening from exams, Work Experience, the Rotary RYDA Program, end of year picnic & of course the celebration dinner. Please remember to return all permission forms for all of these events to ensure students can participate. Payments for the dinner can be made via the QKR app or at the main office with cash or card. If you have any questions around any of the above activities, please contact the office on 64529222.

Ambulance Visit

Last Thursday afternoon some of the Year 9/10 students were lucky enough to have a visit from local paramedic, Corey who came in to talk about his journey to becoming a paramedic, his role as a paramedic and a bit about mental health.

The students were able to have a tour of Smithton’s 4WD ambulance and have a look at some of the tools Corey uses every day.

Massive thank you to Corey for coming in and spending some time with these students and introducing them to the world of ambulance!

Work Placement

Last Wednesday, the Year 9/10 Work Placement class met with Kasun, a Manager at Tall Timbers, and were given an in-depth tour of the facility. The tour included viewing the kitchen, dining room, function rooms, accommodation and pool facilities. The students really appreciated the opportunity to find out what careers they can pursue in the hospitality industry and thank Kasun for his time. 

Outdoor Ed

The Outdoor Ed students used the new under cover area to provide them with shelter in windy conditions. The students cooked some pancakes and used their team skills and creativity to block the wind. 

Woodwork in Year 9/10

Well done to Year 9 student Ashton and Year 10 student Zarna on completing their projects in Woodwork. Don’t they look fantastic!

Spanish

The Spanish students have been engaging with the language in different formats. From playing board games in Spanish, such as codigo secreto, bananagrams, Tabu and Mexicopoly to reading books in Spanish.

Footy Colours Day

At the end of Term 3, we held a Footy Colours Day to raise money for children’s cancer research. Thankyou to everyone who donated on the day, we raised $96.40.

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Community News

Dates to Remember…

Term Dates 2024

Student Free Days 2024

Year 7-10
Friday 7th June
Friday 1st November

Years 11/12
Thursday 28th March
Friday 6th 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@decyp.tas.gov.au
Web: http://education.tas.edu.au/smithtonhigh/Pages/Home.aspx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smithton-High-School/219062138251149