11 April 2025

Assistant Principal

Paul Stevenson
Andrea Saville

Grade Leaders

Grade 7:   Skye Champion / Lenny Towns
Grade 8:   Allison Stone / Elle Fox
Grade 9:   Eve Hall / Sharon Parish
Grade 10: Catherine Yole / Stefan Lendvay

Support Services

School Psychologist: Louise Marlin
Social Worker: Jodi Crerar
School Chaplain: Bec Cameron: Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30am-2.15pm
School Health Nurse: Julie Edrich: Monday

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits as we approach the end of Term 1.

There are many positive things that our students are continually doing at EHS. Our SLC is constantly organising fundraisers to support various causes. Some students are participating in clubs and organisations that promote cultural diversity and inclusion, while others are taking part in science and engineering challenges, career days, party safe programs and camps, which demonstrate the rich learning opportunities that are afforded to our students at EHS. Additionally, many students are excelling academically and creatively, pursuing their passions and achieving their goals. It is inspiring to see students making a positive impact on our school in their own unique ways.

Respectful behaviour is vital for maintaining healthy relationships and creating a positive environment. It is a behaviour that shows consideration, kindness, and empathy towards others. Respectful behaviour promotes positive relationships where people treat each other with respect, which leads to the creation of positive relationships based on trust and support. It is a behaviour that should be practiced by everyone, regardless of age, gender, or culture. When people feel respected, they are more likely to communicate openly, share their thoughts and feelings, and work together to achieve common goals. As a school community, we want to create a respectful and inclusive environment by not tolerating any form of disrespect such as the use of offensive or derogatory language, or any kind of racism. We should all strive to treat each other with kindness and respect, regardless of our differences.

Wearing a full school uniform is an essential aspect of school life. It is not merely a dress code; it is a symbol of identity and pride as well as fostering a positive school culture. Wearing school uniform creates a healthy school environment. As the principal, I look forward to working with the students, staff, parents, and carers to create a positive and engaging learning environment in Term 2. I very much look forward to seeing next term, students of EHS achieving their academic and personal goals and developing into positive contributors to our school community. I am committed to promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and diversity, where everyone feels valued and supported. I hope that together we can create a school community that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

During the term holidays, students are encouraged to take a break, enjoy their time with family and friends, and recharge for Term 2. Finally, we would like to thank all our parents and guardians for their continued support and involvement in our school community. We value your feedback and suggestions, and we look forward to another successful term where all students feel included and welcomed. Have a great break!

Benjamin Frerk
Principal

CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

We are proud to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of students who received a Certificate of Recognition for their interim reports. These certificates recognise students whose learning behaviours have been identified as Outstanding, Excellent, Highly Commendable, or Commendable by their teachers.

Congratulations to all recipients – your hard work, focus, and positive approach to learning are valued and celebrated.

A list of award recipients is included below.

HANDS ON LEARNING

This year, Exeter High is launching Hands-on Learning (HoL) – an alternative learning program designed to engage students through practical and meaningful projects, with a focus on building teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Supported by two teachers, a small group of students have commenced in HoL every Monday.  Working outside their normal classes for the full day, HoL students have begun with constructing their own toolboxes, a courtyard upgrade, and designing a series of murals. A rotating team from the group prepare and serve lunch each week so that we have time to check in on what we have achieved and make plans for future projects.

Students enrolled in HoL will generally participate for at least 6 months. Projects are undertaken by the group collectively, based in the school and in future, within our local community.

For further information, check out the Information for Parents flyer below  or visit https://handsonlearning.org.au/

If you would like to enquire about your child joining HoL at Exeter High and you have not yet completed an Expression of Interest, please contact the school on (03) 6394 4366 or email Tori Bell & Patrick Kerrison: victoria.bell@decyp.tas.gov.au; patrick.kerrison@decyp.tas.gov.au

Thanks to our HoL students and all involved in the successful first term of Hands-on Learning at Exeter High School!

GRIP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

GRIP Leadership is an Australian organization dedicated to nurturing and developing student leaders, primarily through its engaging "GRIP Student Leadership Conferences." These events provide vibrant and interactive opportunities aimed at strengthening student leadership within the educational landscape. Known for their impactful conferences, GRIP focuses on equipping student leaders with essential skills and insights for effective leadership. The emphasis is on practical, experiential learning that motivates students to take prompt action in their leadership roles. GRIP embodies the values of Generosity, Responsibility, Integrity, and People, which are central to their leadership training initiatives.

This year, our Student Leadership Council attended the conference. The day was truly exhilarating and exceeded our expectations. The team behind GRIP was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. We all agreed that this experience was valuable, fostering team cohesion while broadening our understanding. Our team made great connections with other schools and grew the connection further within our own team. We were able to collaborate positively with other school leaders and share ideas. The conference helped us with direction and ways we can build a positive culture at Exeter High School.

YEAR 8 VIKING WEEK

This term in Year 8 HASS, students have delved into an in-depth study of the Vikings. In Week 8, they brought history to life through hands-on learning. Emphasising student agency, students had the freedom to explore their interests and showcase their creativity by choosing how to represent Viking life. Over the course of a week, they worked creatively to construct Viking-inspired models, selecting from a Viking shield, a Viking longhouse, a Viking Lego creation, or an entire Viking village in Minecraft.

These impressive creations are now proudly displayed in the Year 8 Open Area, showcasing the students’ creativity and understanding of Viking craftsmanship. ‘Viking Week’ was a highlight for many, sparking enthusiasm and deepening their appreciation for the Vikings’ remarkable building skills and way of life. This experience, combined with their study of Viking history, society, and culture, will serve as a strong foundation for their upcoming persuasive discussion essay at the beginning of Term 2. Well done Year 8 students!

Check out our school Facebook page to see a video compilation of student work in ‘Viking Week’!

EHS FARM TERM 1 ROUNDUP

As we wrap up the first term of this school year, it's a great time to reflect on the diverse and enriching activities our students have participated in. From safety inductions to hands-on management, our students have developed their knowledge, understanding, and skills through various projects on our school farm.

Our Year 7 students began the term with a farm induction, ensuring they are well-prepared to participate safely in farm activities. They then focused on our egg production, learning about poultry care and management, and taking responsibility for maintaining a productive egg enterprise.

Year 8 students have been supporting our Year 7 students in caring for our hens while also learning more about managing sheep. Their hands-on experience and theory work will be valuable when we pick up another mob of wethers for the annual Merino Wether Challenge next term.

Students in Years 9 and 10 took on the challenge of managing our sheep and beef cattle. Their hard work has been crucial in keeping our farm safe and productive. Additionally, the farm has been a valuable resource for the 9/10 forensic science and photography classes, who were welcome visitors throughout the term.

Across all year levels, students have not only built their skills and knowledge in agriculture but also developed a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork. Their efforts in managing livestock and ensuring the farm's productivity have been commendable. As we look forward to the next term, we are excited to see how our students will continue to grow and apply their knowledge in new and innovative ways. Well done to all for a fantastic first term!

EXETER EXCELLENCE

These certificates are awarded to two students in each grade in recognition of their efforts in upholding the school values and helping to make our school an excellent learning environment.

Congratulations to this fortnight’s students:

Mitchell from 7A: Mitchell is a polite, respectful and engaged learner who strives to achieve his academic goals. He willingly accepts feedback and consistently strives to produce work that is reflective of his best effort. Mitchell is also being recognised for his representation of Exeter High School at the recent Inter-High Swimming Carnival where he competed in many events. Well done Mitchell! Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Taylor from 7C: Taylor has made a positive start to her learning at Exeter High School. She is respectful of all her peers, teachers and other members of our school community. Taylor displays maturity with her approach to her learning and her acceptance of others. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Elsie from 8A: Elsie is being recognised for her excellent work ethic in class. She has demonstrated excellent commitment and effort to ensure that all tasks are completed to a high standard. Keep up the great work! Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Marli from 8A: Marli is a quiet, respectful and courteous student who applies herself fully in class. She consistently produces a high standard of work and endeavours to extend herself where possible. Marli is to be commended on her exceptional attitude towards her learning. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Lily from 9D: Lily has consistently demonstrated outstanding qualities in politeness, punctuality, focus and respect to her peers and teachers throughout term 1. Her dedication to her personal and academic growth makes her a valuable member of the classroom. Values demonstrated: Respect, Learning, Maturity and Acceptance.

Jessie from 9A: Jessie is a hardworking student who is being acknowledged for his efforts in the classroom. He actively participates in discussions and demonstrates a strong willingness to learn. Additionally, he is kind and supportive of his peers, often offering to help others when needed. Values demonstrated: Learning, Respect, Maturity and Acceptance.

Madelyn from 10A: Madelyn has been working exceptionally well in class. Beyond her positive classroom behaviour, Madelyn has played a key role in a student-led initiative, inviting and welcoming others to join the Pride group. Her involvement in establishing this group reflects a high level of maturity, respect, and a genuine commitment to fostering acceptance within the school community. Values demonstrated: Learning, Respect, Maturity and Acceptance.

Pippa-Rose from 10A: Pippa-Rose has been working exceptionally well in class. Beyond her positive classroom behaviour, Pippa-Rose has played a key role in a student-led initiative, inviting and welcoming others to join the Pride group. Her involvement in establishing this group reflects a high level of maturity, respect, and a genuine commitment to fostering acceptance within the school community. Values demonstrated: Learning, Respect, Maturity and Acceptance.

2025 REDEVELOPMENT PHOTO UPDATE

YEAR 8 PBS EXCURSION (AGFEST) – FRIDAY 2nd MAY

To celebrate a successful start to the year, Year 8 students are invited to attend an exciting excursion to Agfest at Quercus Park, Carrick, on Friday, 2nd May 2025. The bus will depart from the school at 9:10 AM and return by 3:00 PM. The cost of the excursion will be covered by the school; however, students may bring money if they wish to purchase items at the event.

Students must wear full school uniform. As the event is outdoors, students are encouraged to bring a warm jacket to wear over the top and wear appropriate footwear.

This excursion is designed to reward positive behaviour, students must consistently meet our school's expectations. Failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of their invitation to participate. An information letter was sent home with students with further details about the day.

If you have any questions, or you wish for your child not to participate in this activity, please contact Mrs Fox or Mrs Stone at the school on 6394 4366.

EXETER HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Our AGM has been held and below is our new Committee.

• Chairperson - Nicole Jones
• Vice-Chairperson - Kerrie-Lee 
• Secretary - Nicole Jones
• Treasurer - Samantha Ashwood
• Parent Members and Community Members are:
• Peter Kearney - Community Member
• Kathryn Liddell - Community Member
• Scott Filgate - Parent Member
• Kerrie- Lee - Parent Member
• Carrie Tasker - Parent Member
• Corrina Phelps - Parent Member

Exeter High School Association will be running a Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser on the 24^th May 2025. Please come and support us.

FOOD HUB – SCHOOL CANTEEN

After 280+ toasted sandwiches, 120+ egg and bacon muffins, 135+ big mc, 72 meatball and cheese, 72 Mexican chicken wraps, 60 salad rolls, 120 sandwiches, 200+ QKR orders etc, etc, etc, we have made it to the end of term one.

Time for everyone to have a well-deserved break, a great opportunity to put all those breakfast ideas into practice.

Thank you, once again to all the students who have helped in the canteen this term, it is always greatly appreciated.

Some chocolate facts for you to consider before Easter bunny time:

• Choose dark chocolate when you can, it has high amounts of fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, and other nutrients. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and could help decrease high blood pressure. Just remember that dark chocolate is also high in calories and fat.
• White chocolate is not technically chocolate as it contains no cocoa solid, its primarily made of cocoa butter, sugar, milk and vanilla.
• Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound like caffeine which can be dangerous to dogs.
• Caffeine is in chocolate but in smaller amounts than coffee.
• Chocolate is a source of antioxidants and can boost your mood by raising serotonin levels in the brain.
• It takes 400 cacao beans to make 424gm of chocolate.

Whatever the fact, chocolate has high sugar and fat contents, so indulge a little not a lot this easter time.

Happy Easter everyone!

Next term, an introduction into the traffic light system that is implemented in school canteens as a guide for choosing the better foods for healthier eating by students. It has been a great education tool for our canteen so there is plenty of delicious healthy foods available.

With choosing healthy eats, let’s go green...

Wendy

UNIFORM SHOP

Our uniform shop will no longer be carrying winter stockings. We do however have a supply of XTall size which we are selling for $5.00, but no other sizes.

CALENDAR

Term 2 – Monday 28 April – Friday 4 July

Please note: Calendar is updated every fortnight.

Term 2 Dates

COMMUNITY CORNER

AN AWESOME YOUTH FESTIVAL IS COMING UP ON SATURDAY 12^TH APRIL IN EXETER

Showcasing live young musicians from the West Tamar region!

Free fairy floss, Bollywood dancing, sideshow alley with prizes, super silly us circus, PCYC and more!!

Food vans and coffee vans - Don’t miss out

QVMAG HOLIDAY PROGRAM

WEST TAMAR YOUTH HOLIDAY PROGRAM

ANZAC DAY SERVICE BEACONSFIELD

LITTLE CIRCUS BIG IMPACT

BRIXHIBITION - 26^th and 27^th APRIL, LAUNCESTON CONFERENCE CENTRE