18 December 2023

A Word from the Principal…

The end of the year is fast approaching and it's time to reflect as we wrap up 2023. I want to share some important updates and celebrate the achievements of our students and school.

Staffing has been a hot topic this year, and I have communicated with you that we have teachers transferring out and two leaving the profession. We say goodbye to Zak Barber, Linky Joubert, Claire Wade, Rohan Bones, Phil Keffer and Mel Watts who are transferring out. Matt Woolnough and Jamon Pennicott are leaving the teaching profession to pursue other interests. Support teacher, Tania Grey will fill the QTC role at Redpa Primary. We are grateful for their contribution and the positive impact they have had whilst at our school - we wish them all the best as they take up new positions or pursue new interests.

Our leadership team will change in 2024 with Lindsey Blake returning as a new AP. Lydia Brown will also take up our other AP position, with Tim Dunham returning to classroom teaching. Susan Bishop will join our teaching team from the Northern Territory and Erica Quinn will also join the team as a graduate teacher. I’m hopeful that we can fill our other vacancies over the holiday break.

I would like to congratulate our Year 10 students on their accomplishments over the past 4 years. They have shown remarkable dedication and resilience during their time here. Completing Year 10 is a momentous occasion that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another exciting journey ahead. We will celebrate their achievements at our final assembly on Thursday the 21^st of December at 10am.

As part of our commitment to providing fulfilling educational experiences, year teams have organized year group trips for our students. These trips are not only a chance for students to have fun and bond with their classmates, but also to expand their horizons and learning beyond the classroom.

Please take note of the following key date:

- Thursday, 21st December: Last day of term for 2023 and our final assembly.

Looking ahead, I want to inform you that 2024 will bring some changes to our school structures. We will be introducing a new leadership team (as mentioned above) and exploring new ways of working to enhance the overall learning experience for our students. We are excited about the positive impact these changes will have for our school

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. You can reach me by using the following number:

Smithton High School - 6452 9222.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in your child's education. I wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Nikki Clark
Principal

Senior Secondary Celebration Dinner

We held our Senior Secondary Celebration Dinner recently which was attended by award sponsors, staff, students, parents, and guests. The evening provided the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of our Year 11 and 12 students across all subject and program areas. We congratulate all those students who were awarded prizes, certificates and bursaries for 2023.

Major Awards:
* ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award- Jack Smith
* McCain Foods Support for Further Education Bursary - Lara Johnston
* Circular Head Sub-branch RSL Bursary - Thomas Randall-Ardle
* Smithton High School Academic Achievement - Lara Johnston
* Circular Head Lions Club Primary Industry Bursary - Jack Smith
* Circular Head Council Consistent Effort - Hannah Smith
* Tasmanian Seaweed Fertiliser Service to the School Community - Jack Smith
* Excellent Attendance sponsored by Keith Billing - Hannah Smith

Subject Achievement Awards:
* Essential Skills – English - Hannah Smith
* Essential Skills – Maths - Hannah Smith
* Computer Applications and ICT - Jack Smith
* English Inquiry - Thomas Randall-Ardle
* Essential Mathematics - Workplace - Annalise Hursey
* Biology - Paige Stokes
* Sport & Recreation and Outdoor Experiences - Zavier Heald
* Visual Art - Paige Stokes
* Career & Life Planning - Piper Stokes

Vocational Education & Training Awards:
* Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education and Training - Damon Joyce
* Achievement in Automotive - Damon Joyce
* Achievement in Construction - Piper Stokes
* Achievement in Hospitality - Hannah Smith
* Automotive Encouragement - Thomas Randall-Ardle
* Construction Encouragement - Zavier Heald
* Hospitality Encouragement - Montanna Harrex

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Surf Carnival

On Friday 1^st December we made our way to Stanley for the annual Surf Carnival. Unfortunately, the conditions of the water meant that we had to relocate to the bottom beach (Tatlow's). Despite the change in beaches, we had plenty of room to run our events and great facilities were available to run things as usual. We were lucky enough to have solid weather throughout the day and other than the occasional sunburn most students came away with no major injuries. 

Student numbers were slightly higher than expected which allowed most events to run smoothly and at a high standard. Several different students took out individual events for their grade and gender, showcasing a wide range of skills and abilities. A relatively tight race for top house throughout most of the day was the result of high student participation especially in Hunter and Perkins, our two top houses. Hunter managed to pull off the win on the day though, their first in over a decade, surprising even House Leader Mr Coombe!!

Well done to all students who attended and participated in events. We are all looking forward to the 2024 Surf Carnival and potentially a Hunter repeat!

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Inter High Athletics

On Monday 4^th of December, a small group of Smithton High Students travelled to Penguin to represent the School at the NWHSSA. All students are to be commended for their effort and attitude towards their participation at each event and their encouragement towards each other. As we were a small team this year a lot of students stepped up to compete in the age group above them, doing this successfully often coming away winning or close to. As always, it’s not an Inter High trip without a quick stop in Burnie for a treat which they all very much deserved. Smithton High came away second overall on the day being pipped by 130 points.

Year 7 Excursion

For our final Pastoral Care lesson, our Year 7s went on an excursion to the Somerset ANZAC Park. Our year is nearly over so what better way to celebrate one of our last PC sessions but to enjoy some play time. We all had a great time enjoying the awesome weather and great facilities! Safe to say the net swing and flying fox were crowd favourites. No sunburn today either as we were all reminded to slap some on.

Year 7 Science

This week, Year 7s have been exploring the wonders of Science in Ms Anderson’s Year 7.3 class. Students dove into the intriguing world of owl pellet dissection, unveiling the secrets of owl diets and honing our observation skills. A great hands-on class in the laboratory.

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Paddock to Plate excursion to Blue Hills Honey-

Many thanks to Nicola and the team for having us. Students were able to learn about the production of honey and the bees themselves. Followed by a tasting, virtual experience and lunch.

Drama Performance

On Wednesday afternoon of Week 9, the Term 4 Year 7 Drama class performed a scripted drama for an audience of family and friends. The 50-minute production showcased monologues, scenes and choral work and was performed in the school mini-theatre with sound and lighting, all run by the students. Five Year 8 students joined the class and together the team delivered an impressive production exploring the challenges and choices that come with growing up.

Blayze, Angus, Sophie, Hayleigh, Ruby, Audrey, James, Brodie, Hunter, Jalee, Kayla, Jorja, Lily, Savannah, Zane, and Jack delivered tight performances while some also worked alongside Stella and Noah in the tech box to bring the show to its full potential. Outstanding student leadership and cooperation saw team members putting in extra rehearsal time and supporting each other with insightful feedback, help and encouragement, which made the production all that it could be. Despite an incredibly short rehearsal period, this show was a wonderful success enjoyed by staff, students, family and friends, and it is just the beginning for many of these students and for a new generation of drama at SHS. Well done to everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing what 2024 will bring!

House & Vice Captains

Some of our House & Vice Captains, Mason, Ella, Sophie and Georgia, plus Year 7 student Macklen volunteered to help at Stanley Primary School’s Athletics Carnival recently. They had a great day helping with the track and field events & represented our school very well.

Outdoor Ed

On Tuesday 28th November, Mrs Bryan and Mrs Wade’s Outdoor Ed classes went on Country to Stanley Nut, with the support of CHAC. While walking The Nut, we learnt about the past events that would have taken place up there, as well as about the family structure and foods of the Indigenous people. A big thankyou to CHAC’s Ebony and Wak for also assisting us to make kelp baskets, which we got to take home.

Youth Mentors

For the past two terms during Pastoral Care, students had the opportunity to create a mural in the Youth Mentor area. Sahara, Zali, Montanna, Sidney, Bella, Amiee and numerous other students were all involved in the project. We are excited to announce that it has now been complete.

This term students have been painting rocks for the extended community. Over the coming week, students will be hiding these rocks around different locations within Circular Head. These will include Stanley, Smithton, Dip Falls, Rocky Cape, Montagu, Arthur River, Forest, Trowutta Arch & Balfour.

Please feel free to use this opportunity to bond with your families over the Christmas break and find some rocks.

School Basketball

Recently Smithton High School competed in the North-West High School Basketball Championships. Congratulations to our Year 10 boys' team who were runners-up in the Div 2 competition. In a fantastic Grand Final, they lost to Latrobe High School by 1 point. Thank you to coaches Dudley, Mr Dunham, Ms Brown and Alisha. Students should be proud of the results achieved and how they represented our school and community. Thank you to Sophie and Ella for umpiring and families for their support.

Student Bus Fare Increase

A message from Wells Waggons - From 1 January 2024 Department of State Growth - Passenger Transport will be increasing the full student fare by 10 cents to $2.00 per single trip.

• A sheet of 10 tickets will cost $16.00 and can be purchased from your bus driver or Wells Waggons bus depot in person or by phone 6452 2900.
• Some students are eligible for free travel using a Student Bus Pass (Green-Card). Students should check eligibility or renew their cards prior to start of school 2024.

Community News

Dates to Remember…

Term Dates 2023

Term Dates 2024

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