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

Grade 4 and 5 Gala Day

Yesterday, Grade 4 and 5 students from feeder primary schools Hagley, Summerdale and Glen Dhu participated in a Gala Day. Students were given the opportunity to opt into activities offered at Prospect High School. These include science activities, soccer, netball, lawn bowls and cricket. Students were treated to fruit platters, milkshakes and biscuits cooked and prepared by Prospect High School catering students. Congratulations to Grade 4 and 5 students, who were excellent representatives for their schools and were excellent participants in all activities. Thanks to Mr Poke and Mr Bergamin for organising the Gala Day and to Mrs Hay and catering students for organising the delicious treats. Thanks also to Mr Brooke, Tasmanian Cricket Development, Launceston City Soccer Club, Northern Hawks and Cavalier players, Rachael Stebbings (DoE Sport and Rec Officer), and the student helpers for running the sessions. The Gala Day offered a wonderful opportunity for younger students to make new friendships and familiarise themselves with the facilities of Prospect High School. The feedback we received from parents and the greater community has been very supportive. This is one strategy for alleviating anxiety about high school, and these activities, together with building strong connections with the primary and high school, assist in making the transition smooth and transparent. We look forward to welcoming these students back next year.

2021 Student Leaders

Congratulations to the following Grade 9 students who have gained leadership positions for 2021. The Prospect High School Community are looking forward to your leadership and guidance.

GRADE 10 PRESENTATION ASSEMBLY

Parents/Guardians and Family members are invited to the Grade 10 Presentation Assembly on Friday, 11^th December at 10:25am at Prospect High School Gymnasium. Important information;

• Due to current restrictions the school can only invite two family members to attend the assembly on the day.  Today parent / guardians will receive a text message requesting the names of family members attending the assembly requesting a reply text by next Wednesday, 25^th November. 
• In addition to this text message your child will bring home next week further written communication confirming arrangements for the assembly and a Covid Safety Screen Form which MUST be returned on the day when attending the assembly.  (A Safety Form is required for each person attending).   You will be required to check in at the entrance to the gymnasium with your Safety Screen Form so we ask that you arrive early around 10am.  Once checked in family members will be seated together.  
• This presentation assembly is strictly by invitation and we ask for your support in adhering to capacity requirements by following the invitation detail. This assembly will adhere to gatherings/events guidelines from the Department of Health and we request that adults social distance at this event. 
• Parking will be at the rear of the school. 
• Should you have further questions please contact the administration team.

school levies

Levies form a significant portion of funds to support the school and are one of the many ways that families contribute to our school community. 

Levies support student learning by contributing towards the cost of essential items and services.  The authority to charge levies is provided under the Education Act 2016 in consultation with the School Association. https://www.education.tas.gov.au/parents-carers/parent-fact-sheets/fees-levies/

A detailed 2021 Levy Policy is available from the school administration office or school website.

2021 inclusive levy - Ratified by School Association on 27^th October 2020.

• Grades 7 and 8        $550.00 
• Grades 9 to 12         $575.00 

Changes to Student Assistance 2021

The Department of Education recently announced that we would be expanding the Student Assistance Scheme for 2021.

Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:

• Services Australia – Centrelink Health Care Card
• Service Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
• Services Australia – Pensioner Concession Card or
• Department of Veteran Affairs – Pensioner Concession Card.

Please note that if you are already receiving student assistance you do not need to complete a form.

For 2021 a new on-line form has been developed to assist with processing applications for new applicants.

The online form can be completed here: 

 https://stasonlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au/ 

Once a validated form is completed the Department of Education will confirm the outcome of your application in writing, this process takes approximately 14 days.

We understand this online option may not be possible for all families, so if you require a hard copy form please contact us at Prospect High School or stas@education.tas.gov.au or 1800 827 055.

Finally congratulations to the students who have been selected to represent Prospect High School in the Inter-High Athletics carnival at St Leonards today. Good luck.

Mrs Lee Barker
Principal

Drama News!

Last edition we looked at some scenes being produced by the Grades 8 and 9/10 Drama classes. This week, I thought it would be good to share what the 7s have been up to! In Grade 7 Drama, we have begun interpreting scripts. As their first task, the groups were given an ‘Open Scene’ (a script with no stage direction or setting – only dialogue) and asked to come up with a performance to share with the class. All of the scripts featured the same dialogue, but it was up to the groups to come up with the characters and story. The class were told that they could use limited props, their voices and movement – but not change or add to the words! I was so impressed by the variety of ideas and interesting set designs! We had Nannas doing a puzzle, a post-apocalyptic war scene, an important news programme, a murder (a few actually!), and a rescue at sea! A lot of fun! Here are some photos to record these moments! Our next scenes will incorporate lighting and sound – I wonder what they will come up with next?!

Grade 8 students are working on their Statistics unit in the final weeks of this this term. As part of this work, we are using an online educational program called CODAP. It is a free open source software for data analysis, built for use in schools. With CODAP, students can explore, visualise, and learn from data in any content area. CODAP’s data exploration and visualization tools are based on research on learning, web application development and user-testing.

Students have explored data related to the periodic table which links to their science studies, rollercoasters and different types of muesli bars. Now they are familiar with the program, students will be collecting their own data to answer the question “How long can a grade 8 student stand on one foot?” and entering this data into CODAP.

This term in English we've been building and expanding our visual literacy skills. This has included an exploration of semiotics and reading positions. We are now applying these skills in a unit on Australian pop culture, with an overview of Australian music from the 1960s to present day, music lyrics as poetry, and the comedy genre. This latter focus is on Australian television and film comedy, and we will be laughing while exploring how Australian culture and cultural identity are represented through the genre. So don't be too surprised if students start saying things like, "look at moie, look at moie...I've got one thing to say to you...", "it's nice, it's different, it's unusual", "tell him he's dreamin'", "how's the serenity?", or "you're terrible Muriel". Classic oneliners are a prominent and endearing part of the Australian comedy model.  

Here is how 10.3 approached the music component of the unit:

In 10.3, students were asked to find a song that they enjoyed and present it to the class, providing background on the meaning of the song and the language techniques used. Students were creative in presenting their songs, making PowerPoint Presentations, creating their own video, and using YouTube. James Badcock invited in two teachers to present his song, Ms Lunsen and Ms Basalto. He had them read his song out word by word and included some improvised dance moves as well. This activity allowed students to use their creative skills while reflecting on and analysing songs within Popular Culture.

Congratulations to all of our track and field champions and record breakers from the recent Athletics Carnival. They, along with other students, will be representing Prospect High at the Inter-High Carnival today.

Records 

Long jump (5.25m) – Rowan  

Field Champions 

Grade 7  

Isabella & Rowan  

Grade 8 

Emily, Jada & Logan

Grade 9 

Alicia & Jai

Grade 10 

Tunisha & Xavier

Track Champions 

Grade 7 

Grace & Rowan

Grade 8 

Emily & Alexander 

Grade 9 

Sophie & Cy

Grade 10 

Porscha, Jack & Xavier

Grade 7 

Shondra deserves a working wonder this week for the thoughtful, intelligent and creative approach that she brings to drama. She works hard to support her peers – offering and accepting ideas and leading in the creation of scenes. Well done Shondra!

Preston has earnt his working wonder this week for the considered comments that he provides to other groups in Drama. His responses to work shared not only demonstrate a great deal of insight and skill, but also show him to be a supportive class member. Well done Preston!

Grade 8

Kiyana has been working hard across all subjects areas, showing respect towards her teachers and peers and persevering with challenging tasks. Congratulations Kiyana. Keep up the great work!

Grade 9

Shahab has been working well in classes, being consistent in his behaviour and work output and showing a positive attitude around the school.

Ashley has shown dedication and exceptional work in history and English, completing her assignments to a high standard and with a good attitude and work ethic in class.

Grade 10

Congratulations to Zoe and Sophie for continuing their outstanding work ethic and attitude to studies throughout this year. They are nominated for working wonders for their positive outlook and optimism in class, and the respect and kindness they show people around them, both staff and students. They are valuable members of the classroom and always work hard to complete all tasks.

Well done to Tunisha, who has shown conscientious effort in her studies in English this year. Not only has she worked hard to build her skills, but she also participates keenly in class discussions and shows respect and kindness in her conversations with others.

Tara is a thoughtful student who demonstrates a great depth of understanding and insight in class discussions. Her capacity to express her ideas has grown tremendously over the year, and this understanding is reflected in her writing. Well done, Tara, on your perseverance and commitment to your studies. 

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
Years 11/12 Ms Jennifer Pollard

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 Mrs Sonya Matthews  
Years 11/12 Mrs Jan Phillips

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)