Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Friends of Prospect High School,

Surveys

Student Wellbeing Survey

Students in our school have been invited to take part in a wellbeing survey over the next two weeks.  We are doing this as part of the Department of Education’s 2018 – 2021 Child and Student Wellbeing Strategy. Young people’s sense of wellbeing is an important part of how they learn at school. The purpose of the survey is to seek students’ views about their wellbeing and their engagement with school. Students’ answers will be kept confidential and help our school, the Department of Education and our school community to support young people’s wellbeing to ensure that all our learners are safe, feel supported and are able to flourish, so they can engage in learning.

School Satisfaction Surveys

The Department of Education conducts School Satisfaction Surveys in Tasmanian Government schools to gain feedback on what schools do well and where improvements can be made. There will be a number of Prospect High School parents randomly selected to participate in the survey. They will receive a letter within the next two weeks. We encourage this feedback from parents, as it is important to help inform school planning and decision-making. A small number of additional questions have been included in the 2020 Survey to seek your feedback on the support provided during the COVID-19 period. All survey responses are anonymous. All feedback goes to the school in a report with no individuals identified. Please contact the office if you wish to use a school computer to complete the survey.

Transition

Grades 10/11/12 Transition

The Government has a long-term plan to provide young Tasmanians with every opportunity to complete their senior secondary education by extending more schools through to Grade 12. This has provided more choice for Grades 11 and 12 students by enabling them to undertake education at their local secondary schools.

In September 2019, the Northern Urban Collective was formed consisting of the eight secondary (extension) schools and two Colleges in the Launceston region.  The offerings at Prospect Senior Secondary Campus for Grades 11 and 12 were outlined in the last newsletter and shared with parents on Tuesday at an information evening. Further enquiries can be made to Jennifer Pollard jennifer.pollard@education.tas.gov.au.

Other high schools offering programs, called Designed Learning Programs, include:

English as an Additional Language (EAL) – Brooks High School

Agriculture – Certificate II in Rural Operations – Exeter High School

Agriculture – Certificate II in Agriculture and Certificate II in Horticulture – Lilydale District High School

Advanced Manufacturing – Launceston Big Picture School

Students have been given information about the above courses and also about offerings at Launceston and Newstead College. Both Launceston and Newstead Colleges have upcoming orientation days on Monday 7^th September and Thursday 3^rd September respectively, which all Grade 10 students will attend.

Grade 6/7 Transition

Grade 6 students from our feeder schools (Hagley, Summerdale, West Launceston, Glen Dhu and Bracknell) have enjoyed taking part in activities, touring the school and talking with Prospect High School teachers and students when participating in our Connections Days. There was a real buzz around the school with their visits. It was wonderful to see the engagement in all activities: dance, bike riding, science, art, and HPE. A huge thank you to Mr Bergamin and Mr Poke for organising the days, and to Mr Colson, Mrs Derbyshire, Mr Reynolds, Ms Couch, Mr Brooke, Mrs Dawkins, Ms Jensen, Mrs Slore and Chaplain, Sam for running the activities.

End of Year Activities – Grade 10

I am pleased to be able to provide dates for Grade 10 end of year activities.

Friday 11December – Grade 10 Presentation Assembly (guests by invitation only)

Monday 14 December – Whole School Assembly and Celebration Dinner (Country Club Tasmania)

Tuesday 15 December – Grade 10 Picnic/Mystery Bus Tour

Wednesday 16 December – Grade 10 Final Assembly

It should be noted that some differences in proceedings will occur due to COVID-19 restrictions. Grade 10s will receive further information in the coming weeks.

Lee Barker (Mrs)
Principal

The Tasmanian Government has announced the expansion of the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS), which waives the cost of Tasmanian Government levies for eligible students for the 2021 school year onwards.

The eligibility for STAS will move to using the Health Care Card or equivalent as the assessment mechanism, replacing previous income thresholds that applied.

A set of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed to assist with any questions you may have. 

Further questions about STAS or Levies and Charges, in general, can be sent to the Department of Education’s Financial Services Unit at stas@education.tas.gov.au or by calling 1800 827 055.

A large number of Grade 10 students have had the opportunity to go on work experience this year.  This week Dylan did work experience with Marine Solutions.

After familiarising Dylan with policy and procedures, he was shown the sediment particle size analysis processes. On Tuesday, Dylan went out on the boat down the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and assisted with sediment sampling. On the boat, on Wednesday, he did some water sampling on the Derwent River. The rest of the time was focussed on desktop-based research.

Students in Grades 7 to 10 study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health and Physical Education as compulsory subjects.

Students in Grades 7, 8, 9 also need to select two full year and two half year option courses for 2021 by 5:00 pm, Thursday September 10^th.

This year, due to COVID-19 protocols, course information will be provided online. The course selection form will also be online instead of hard copy. All information, relevant to 2021 Prospect High School course selection, will be posted on the Prospect High School internet page (please choose the School Information tab, then the 2021 Course Selection Folder).

The following steps are involved in selecting option courses:

1. It is a good idea for students to talk with parents/guardians about their interests, skills and possible future pathways. Resources to assist with these discussions will be posted on the Prospect High School internet Page by 5:00 pm on Friday, August 28th. These resources show future pathways to Grade 11/12 courses and particular careers.

2. Information about 2021 Prospect High School courses will be posted on the Prospect High School Internet Page by 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 3^rd. 

3. Course information will be shared with Grade 7, 8, 9 students during Lesson 1 on Friday, September 4^th. 

4. Students/parents/guardians need to submit the online course selection form by 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 10^th. 

Questions from students about course selection information or processes can be referred to Care Teachers, Grade Leaders and Senior Grade Leaders. 

Greg James
Assistant Principal

This week and last week, Prospect High School had a number of Young Tassie Scientists visit our classrooms virtually via a zoom conference. The scientists had also created some short YouTube clips entitled, "A day in the life of a Young Tassie Scientist", to show the students. The clips show some of the innovative and interesting work that they do in their field of study. You can view the YouTube clips by searching "Young Tassie Scientists", and the name of the scientists you want to find out more about. The scientists were:

• Alyce Hennesy, a zoologist and ecologist who works with Tasmanian bats
• Shasta Henry, an entomologist who studies insects and has a passion for beetles
• Silvia Vicenzi, a neuroscientist who has travelled the world and is conducting her research here in Hobart
• Matthew Fielding, an ornithologist who studies birds and has a passion for emus
• Svenja Halfter, a marine biologist and bio-geochemist who loves the polar regions

We are very grateful for the time that these scientists have taken to visit our classrooms to enable students to ask questions about their work, passions, and what they look to do in the future. So many students asked fantastic questions and learned a great deal about what it is like to be a scientist. Thank you to Adele Wilson from the University of Tasmania’s Community Engagement Team for enabling this experience to be possible for our students.

In Grade 7, we have made a very conscious effort to uphold the Prospect High School Expectations. The new PHS expectations posters have been displayed all around the school with the words: Respect, Fairness, Integrity, Empathy and Optimism. Each fortnight, in our Grade 7 assembly, we are recognizing students who are keeping these expectations within class and at break times!

In our first fortnight we focussed on Respect, and we congratulate Tiquiri, Zahra, Bailey, Erik, Isabella, Wade, and Flynn.

This fortnight we are focussing on Fairness. All teachers around the school will be keeping an eye out for Grade 7 students demonstrating this expectation and nominating them for an award at our Grade 7 assembly.

Mr Hume and the Grade 7 Team

This week, a group of Grades 8 and 9 students attended an Industry Live session. Students heard from Jo from Fox Sports News, Nick from BodySystem and Sarah from Launceston Tornadoes. The session was insightful, as students were able to see possible careers to be explored and each of the presenters' journeys. A big take away from the session: there’s much more to the job than expected!

Last week we set our Grade 9 care classes a challenge – who could get their cup the furthest? Students weren’t allowed to throw the cup or use any other resources, just their body weight!  It was great to see some teamwork and problem solving happening in Grade 9.

Grade 10s will be having Orientation Day sessions at Newstead College and Launceston College on Thursday the 3^rd of September and Monday the 7^th of September respectively. The Grade 10 students were all given a transition pack last week which contained information about their options for transition days, school-based apprenticeships and opportunities to study at Prospect Senior Secondary Campus for Years 11 and 12. There are so many amazing courses on offer and the Grade 10s are very excited about their up and coming transition visits.

On Tuesday, 25^th August, there was an Information Evening for interested parents and students about studying Years 11 and/or 12 at Prospect Senior Secondary College (PSSC). The information covered TASC courses that will be offered in 2021, the PSSC Designed Learning Programmes of Japanese Language Focus and Electronics, Engineering Design and Robotics, shared enrolments, Virtual Learning Tasmania, including VET courses in Tourism and Community Service, transition planning, and the importance of finding the best fit for students to help them achieve their future aspirations and goals.

If you missed the evening and would like to learn more or explore 11/12 options, please contact Jennifer Pollard (11/12 Coordinator) on 6345 7405. If you would like a copy of the Prospect Senior Secondary Campus Year 11 and 12 Student Handbook 2021, please contact Jennifer on the number listed above or email: jennifer.pollard@education.tas.gov.au

Grade 9

Baylee has been nominated as a Working Wonder for making positive choices both academically and socially.

Lockie has been nominated as a Working Wonder for being empathetic and for his enthusiasm in TIER 2 programs.

Grade 10

Abbie and Logan are to be commended for their continued high level of commitment to their studies throughout this year, and their respectful, empathetic and optimistic natures. These students are often mentioned as being caring and work well with all students, often helping others out both in class and around the school.

Badminton Tasmania are holding a 'come and try' coaching session for any learners/beginners wanting to try the sport of Badminton, the session is being conducted by a former national coach.

WHEN: SUNDAY 30th AUGUST

WHERE: DELORAINE COMMUNITY COMPLEX (Alveston Drive, Deloraine)

TIME: 9:30am-11:00am

WHO: ANYONE AGED 8 YEARS AND OLDER 

COST: $15.00

COVID19 regulations will be in place.  For more info contact Lynette 0409 191 382

School Executive

Principal
Mrs Lee Barker

Assistant Principals
Mr Mario Bergamin and Mr Greg James

School Business Manager
Mrs Debbie Chancellor

Grade Teams

Senior Grade Leaders
Grade 7 Mr Brendan Poke
Grade 8 Mrs Anna Musovic
Grade 9 Mrs Carmen Slore
Grade 10 Mr Scott Brewer

Grade Leaders
Grade 7 Mrs Katrina Dawkins and Mrs Hannah Derbyshire
Grade 8 Mr Will Reynolds and Mrs Leonie Smith
Grade 9 Mr Steve Andrews
Grade 10 Sonya Matthews

Support Staff

School Psychologist
Mr Gene Colgrave
(Mondays, every fourth Tuesday and Fridays)

School Social Worker
Mr Brendan Dixon
(Wednesdays, alternate Thursdays and Fridays)

School Health Nurse
Mrs Dani Seadon
(Mondays and alternate Thursdays)

Chaplain
Mr Sam Cogger
(Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Aboriginal Education Officer
Gareth Holt
(Wednesdays and Thursdays)