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

Once again, a busy couple of weeks with students attending excursions to Utas (Yr 10) and the Planetarium (Yr 7).  There have also been presentations by representatives from the Speak Up Stay Chatty Organisaton (Yr 9) and visits from Launceston City Council Environmental Health Officers (Yr 8). In the sporting domain, Prospect High School was well represented by 18 students at the State Athletics Competition and the 9/10 boys cricket team playing in the Northern High Schools final. We also had three basketball teams make the Northern High Schools Basketball Grand Final. I had the pleasure of seeing the 7/8 Boys team coming from behind in their game to take out the final. Well done to this team and to all who made the finals. Thank you to Ms Teesdale, Ms Wilson and Mr Andrews for coaching the teams.

NAPLAN IMPROVEMENT

I am delighted with the recent news that Prospect High School was acknowledged for achieving improvement with NAPLAN results over five years. There was a 6.48 percent lift in Year 9 results, the most improved secondary school in the Launceston region which currently sees ratings above Tasmanian mean scores for all domains – reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy. Along with hard work, it has been a team effort from teaching and non-teaching teams. I am appreciative of Prospect High School parents who are very supportive and send their children to school to learn. Teachers of all subjects have been working hard and have a focus on improving learning outcomes for students. As a result, students know they come to school to learn and want to improve. Well done to all.

Trivia Night

Congratulations to Ms De Paoli and the 2022 SLB for a very successful Trivia Night held last Wednesday. Thank you to families and community members for your support either by participating or donating such generous prizes. There was fierce competition for each round of questions and very enthusiastic bidding with the auctions. Riley and Cooper were very entertaining MCs and other SLB members very helpful throughout the night. Thank you to Mrs McMahon and the catering crew for delicious refreshments.

Year 10 Activities

Year 10 students are about to embark on a very busy and memorable couple of weeks, and for many, this will be their final weeks at Prospect High School. Events include:

• December 13th   PHS Presentation Assembly
• December 15th   Yr 10 Celebration Dinner (Country Club)
• December 16th   Year 10 Picnic
• December 19th   Year 10 Activity Day at PHS
• December 20th:  Year 10 Farewell Assembly.

Important upcoming Year 7, 8 and 9 Events

• December 20th:   Grade 7,8,9 Celebration of Achievement Assembly.
• December 21st   Gr 7, 8, 9 Picnics and PLEASE NOTE this is the last day for Students.

Studentworks Celebration

This year two students who underwent a rigorous selection process, were fortunate to be accepted into learning programs at Studentworks. Studentworks is a real-life industry environment where students work to assist with producing products for sale such as furniture, water tanks, packaging, and catering. These programs often lead directly into employment. Brock and Riley studied automotive and technologies respectively. At yesterday’s end of year celebration, I was able to see certificates presented to the boys and also work they had produced. Congratulations Brock and Riley.

COVID-safe behaviours reminder

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.

If you need support translating or interpreting this information, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Student success

Congratulations to:

• Shane for his success with fishing.
• Will for his success with soccer.
• Jono for his success with motor sport.
• Matilda on her selection in the Tasmania State Triathlon Team

Finally, I have been impressed with the positive attitude and good work ethos shown by students over the last couple of weeks and encourage this to continue for the next two weeks until the last day for students, December 21st. Thanks to parents in advance for your support.

Kind regards

Lee Barker

Principal

You may recall that Prospect High School student Charlotte was the winner of the Tasmanian Brain Bee Challenge, a test of knowledge about the brain and its functions, specifically for high school students.

As the Tasmanian representative, Charlotte participated in the Australian Brain Bee Challenge held in Melbourne on the 5-6^th December. She pitted her knowledge about everything brain against those of student winners from every state as well as New Zealand. To prepare for the challenge, Charlotte took part in weekly tutorials with a leader in Australian neuroscience and then spent countless hours undertaking individual study on each topic.

Prospect High School is incredibly proud of her and her dedication to pursuing her passion for neuroscience. Although not the ultimate winner, Charlotte has had an amazing experience and met many like-minded people. The organisers of the Challenge were impressed with how Charlotte conducted herself and for her part in developing a camaraderie with other finalists, “so that instead of being a competition, it was a group of young people doing what they enjoyed enormously – indulging in their passion for discovery and science”.

No doubt, Charlotte will continue to follow her passion and we look forward to hearing about her future science journey.

If you are in Grade 10 in 2023 and would like to participate in the Brain Bee Challenge,  speak to your science teacher.

Four Grade 10 students, Amos, Christian, Angus and Jordan, were given the opportunity to spend three days at The University of Tasmania, this is their story.

“The Science Experience was designed to provide students who are passionate about science with the opportunity to enhance their understanding about science based career pathways that are offered at UTAS upon completion of college. Over the three days of the experience, we were caught up in a whirlwind of chemical, biological, zoological, agricultural, physiological, and technological sciences. Actively participating in a broad range of interaction-based activities, we got the chance to experiment with fire chemistry, chemical chemistry, making chips with an air fryer, a case study in the med lab, slip & slide in the gym, pinning bees to a block of foam, and looking at boats. Through our adventure we were exposed to possible science-based pathways and occupations, including tasting wine and cheese for… science? A favourite part of the experience was when we entered the future through the exploration of augmented and virtual reality. This opportunity was one that not everyone gets to experience often, maybe ever.

As well as being fun, there was a lot to learn from this experience. Most of the people who ran the programs and lessons had interesting stories to tell about their life from Grade 10 onwards, including going to Uni. Some didn’t even achieve much in school; they just had an interest or passion for science. Some stayed and did Uni for years. We weren’t the only ones there, over 50 students from many northern Tasmanian public and private schools from grade 9-10 participated. Everyone was passionate about science, and it was great being with like-minded peers. The Science Experience certainly did not lack science, it covered quite a broad range from agriculture to nursing and some chemistry in between. It is definitely worth doing, especially if you think science is just about blowing things up.”

What an amazing opportunity from UTAS. If you have a passion for science and are interested in related careers, speak to your science teacher about participating in the UTAS Science Experience 2023!

Last Friday 2nd December, our international students John, Riko, Christian and Jenny, joined by their EAL friends Amir, Ilias and Hajar, spent an enjoyable day away from school as a reward for their hard work and dedication to their studies especially their English.

First stop Tailrace Park, Trevallyn for some early snacks, a drink and some fun in the morning sun.  Then on to Tasmania Zoo, talking to the animals and making some new friends.

Next stop Grindelwald for a delicious picnic lunch by the lake prepared by Mrs Tatiana, followed by an hilarious round of mini golf, a couple of lost balls but just one in the lake. A ball, that is, not a student!  On the trip home there were more snacks of course with an ice cream back at the Tailrace and some more exercise to help it go down.  Back to school in time to catch buses home, it was certainly a great way to finish the school week.

I know everyone had a great time and we are already looking forward to our next trip away from school.

Mrs Tatiana Hinds – International Student Support Teacher

On Friday December 2^nd Prospect High School had 18 students selected to represent the NHSSA at the Intra State Athletics Carnival held at St Leonards Athletics Centre. All students participated with enthusiasm and pride, by not only fulfilling their selected events but filled in where necessary. Over the course of the day there were some fantastic results with Zoe, Jakeb, Rowan, William, Henry, Max, Josh, Khalil and Jack all winning an event over the course of the day. As we all know winning isn’t everything and every student should be extremely proud of their efforts, I know I am of each and everyone of you.

Not only did the students participate so magnificently, but there were 3 records broken either individually or as a member of a team.

Record Breakers:

Jakeb         Gr 10 Boys        Triple Jump           12.83 New Record

                                                                             12. 57 Previous Record

Max          Gr 7 Boys           Triple Jump           10.76 New Record

                                                                             10.43 Previous Record

Rowan was a member of the 4 x 100m Relay record.      New Time 45.98

                                                                                          Previous Record 47.18

The day was capped off with the announcement that NHSSA had won the day and presented with the overall shield for the second successive year.

On Thursday Grade 8 Catering enjoyed a visit from the Launceston City Council Environmental Health Officers who explained their role and the varying duties they were responsible for and what qualification students need to become an EHO.

Clare and Brie enlightened students to some of the past cases they have dealt with and as caterers in a registered kitchen, the importance of safe and hygienic food handling.

A Q and A session followed with an activity in effective hand washing – which again highlighted the importance of correct techniques.

Thanks again to Brie and Clare for taking the time to share their knowledge.

Adrienne McMahon

Catering and Hospitality Teacher

Over the course of fourth term Prospect High had 9 teams involved in the NHSSA Thursday basketball roster and 4 Teams in the weekend championships. All teams have participated exceptionally well over the 2 events with 2 teams just missing a spot in the weekend championship grand finals by finishing third. In the NHSSA basketball roster Prospect have fared better with 3 teams making the NHSSA grand finals. Congratulations, to the junior 4ths boys team who won their grand final in a hard fought affair. All teams should be thanked for the manner and sportsmanship they displayed over the course of the roster.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors who made our Trivia night such a success. Over $2200 was raised from this event, that the SLB will use on school resources.

We had 16 tables, supported by students, parents, staff and friends. Many participants walked away with a lucky door prize, raffle ticket, under the seat prize or a purchase from our silent auction table.

The night ended in controversy, with the winning team being disqualified!

Overall everyone had a wonderful time!

Sponsor_list_for_pp.pdf

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Our kitchens are busy and smelling delightful, with an array of Christmas cooking underway. Grade 7 students have been working on some traditional Christmas recipes, with some delicious looking Kiss Biscuits (filled with jam the students made themselves) leaving the kitchens over the past week.

COVID-safe behaviours | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

2023 School Levies

Please be advised that the School Association have ratified 2023 Composite Levies. To support families levies will remain as per 2022.

Grades 7 – 8       $550

Grades 9 – 12     $575

Levy Payment

                The Department of Education will mail an invoice to you early February 2023.  Flexible payment plans can be arranged by contacting the School Business Manager.
                Preferred payment method is via BPay, details will be available on your invoice.

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance to low-income families towards the cost of levies.  Students approved for STAS will not receive an invoice. Please contact the school for further information or via

Levies and Charges - The Department for Education, Children and Young People Tasmania (decyp.tas.gov.au)

2023 Uniform Sales

Uniform sales will be from the school between 8:30am - 3:00pm from 18^th January 2023. The preferred option for purchase and payment is via the Qkr app. If you prefer to purchase onsite during January an appointment is essential and can be organised by making a booking online or phoning the school on 6344 4744.

Useful information for parents and carers with children attending Tasmanian Government schools.

SCHOOL EXECUTIVE

Principal
Mrs Lee Barker

Assistant Principals
Mr Mario Bergamin and Ms Bonnie Hall

School Business Manager
Mrs Debbie Chancellor

GRADE TEAMS

Senior Grade Leaders
Grade 7 Mr Brendan Poke
Grade 8 Mr Brendan Liddell
Grade 9 Ms Anna Collins
Grade 10 Ms Sandra De Paoli
Years 11/12 Ms Jennifer Pollard

Grade Leaders
Grade 7 Miss Kirsty Wilson
Grade 8 Mr Brad Colson
Grade 9 Mr Steven Andrews
Grade 10 Mr Will Reynolds
Years 11/12 Mrs Jan Phillips and Mr Thomas Leydon

SUPPORT STAFF

School Psychologist
Mr Gene Colgrave
(Monday and Friday)

School Social Worker
Mr Brendan Dixon
(Monday, Thursday and alternate Tuesday)

School Health Nurse
Mrs Mia Blair
(Monday and alternate Tuesday)

Chaplain
Mr Tobias Verhaegh
(Monday and Tuesday)