School Improvement

Each year our staff work tirelessly to make sure we are doing everything possible to ensure we are making the greatest possible growth in student learning. If a student doesn’t understand a concept, then we put in place the appropriate support to give the student the best possible chance of educational success. We have put an extensive number of resources into staffing two WINN blocks per week, where students are placed in focused groups, based on their learning needs. WINN stands for What I Need Next/Now.

The staffing for WINN in 2025 is outlined below.

Year 7 - 6 classes – 12 staff

Year 8 - 5 classes – 12 staff

Year 9 - 5 classes – 11 staff

Year 10 - 5 classes - 11 staff

NAPLAN

This week has seen the start of the two-week testing period for NAPLAN. NAPLAN is a nationwide measure that supports parents/carers, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments, and the broader community to further develop an understanding of the progress in literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. Our students in years 7 and 9 will participate in four tests across the two weeks. Our biggest focus over this time is for our students to give their best effort during the tests to ensure they get a clear understanding of their learning progress in this space. Along with other regular formative and summative assessments, NAPLAN helps our teachers understand what our students need now, and what they need next.

SURF CARNIVAL

Week three saw our whole school Surf Carnival. This is a culmination of our “Beach Week and Water Safety” program in HPE. It was great to see so many students giving their best effort, stepping outside their comfort zones, being inclusive of others, and just having fun. A big thank you to our HPE department for all their work on both carnival day and its preparation, as well as for the fantastic learning opportunities they provide throughout the entire program. We live on an island state, with water safety knowledge such an important part of our lives.

PROGRESS REPORT

A Progress Report will arrive home towards the end of term. The purpose of the report is to inform parents about how their child is settling into school and to advise them of any early areas of concern.  We are dictated to by the reporting template in how much information we can provide. If you would like to discuss information from the report, please contact the office and organise an appointment with your child’s teacher. 

CAMPS

School camp season is well and truly upon us. Things kicked off last week with year 10 Outdoor Education taking an overnight trip to Narwantapu National Park. The group trekked over 20km from Greens Beach to make their campsite. Talking with some of the students on their return, they were clearly very tired but had such a sense of achievement in what they had accomplished. Final preparations for the year 8 camp at Port Sorell are taking place as they head out early next week to Camp Banksia. We look forward to all the great things that they have in store. Week 9 will see the year 9 Outdoor Education class head out on their first camp of the year at Kelsey Tier. Finally, in week 10, year 7s head to Camp Banksia for their camp, where the Prefect Board will also support them.

Camps provide so many amazing opportunities for learning, connection, fun, and new experiences. I am extremely grateful to our teaching staff for all the time and effort they put into organising and running these camps for our students.

Australian Government School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) over the NBN

The Australian Government has made a commitment to deliver access to free broadband for up to 30,000 families with school-aged children who are not connected at home currently via the NBN network. SSBI is a targeted affordability measure to help boost education opportunities.

To be eligible for the SSBI, families must have at least one child studying in a Tasmanian school in grades K-12 and live at a premises with no active broadband service over the NBN network.

The NBN will install connection equipment at the premises of the student. The internet connection will be a standard unfiltered NBN internet connection, which will need moderation of use by the student by their parent or carer.

The student will need access to a device for use on the NBN service. This may be a device 'loaned' to the student from their school where available.

Information to include in newsletters for parents and families is attached.

We have had a dynamic and productive start to the year in the kitchen.

Year 7 students have been developing fundamental cookery skills while expanding their knowledge of culinary terminology and cooking methods. So far, they have successfully prepared golden syrup dumplings, savoury toast, egg and bacon muffins, and fruit parfaits.

Year 8 students began the year exploring yeast-based cooking, where they learned that yeast is a single-celled microorganism essential in bread and pizza dough. They gained hands-on experience in activating yeast and kneading dough to achieve the desired texture and consistency.

Year 9 and 10 students started the year by obtaining their Safe Food Handling Certificate, a valuable credential for those seeking employment in the food industry. They have been actively involved in preparing meals for our canteen, adhering to strict food safety and hygiene protocols while learning new recipes. Additionally, they have focused on food presentation techniques, including piping cream and creating chocolate garnishes.

Our canteen, operated by our Year 9 and 10 students, is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A variety of meal options are available each week, with the menu typically announced in student notes on Monday mornings. Tuesdays and Fridays feature an extensive menu, while Thursdays offer a more simplified selection. Students can pre-order their meals by visiting the kitchen before school or during recess.

Greens Beach to Bakers Beach  

At the end of lunch last Thursday, 22 Outdoor Education students embarked on the Coastal Traverse Walk that involved walking 25km from Greens Beach to Bakers Beach. Students were walking with pace in the beginning, but as the hours went on, some started to really slow down, especially when it got dark. Some highlights were the views and spending time with mates, but a few downsides would be the lost phone, the ring top not opening on the Bundaberg Ginger Beer and Josh listening to Mr Wilson for far too long (in his mind). Thank you to all that attended, it was great!

Surf Carnival was all yellow this year… Well done Mersey! 

Once again, Reece High School boarded the buses and headed off to Freers Beach, Port Sorell. Students gathered on the beach, sporting their house team colours to receive instructions for the day. Students then dispersed into grade and gender groups and rotated around various wet and dry activities designed to test skills, fitness, and teamwork. The BBQ lunch proved incredibly popular once again for students and teachers alike, providing much needed energy for the afternoon's rotations. The new location for beach volleyball proved a hit, and as always, the ‘free swim’ was well received, allowing students to rest and relax a little. Well done to all our students who were actively involved on the day and an ever bigger WELL DONE to the following grade champions. 

7 Girls 

Champion Maya M & Caprice C

Runner-up Mya H

7 Boys 

Champion Calvin R

Runner-up Jasper H

8 Girls 

Champion Asher W

Runner-up Harper B

8 Boys 

Champion Mitchell L

Runner-up Denver B

9 Girls 

Champion Sianna A

Runner-up Melanie S

9 Boys 

Champion Kayden R

Runner-up Reagan B

10 Girls 

Champion Erin B

Runner-up Abbie V 

10 Boys  

Champion Bailey C 

Runner-up James VE

House results: 

Mersey 1746 

Devon 1408 

Torquay 1370 

Formby 1351 

What's happening in Year 9?

It has been a busy and exciting time for our Year 9 students! First, a huge thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended our 'Meet and Greet' BBQ a few weeks ago. It was fantastic to connect with you and share in a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Your support is always appreciated!

Meanwhile, NAPLAN has been well underway in Weeks 6 & 7. If students have been absent for any of the tests, we have a brilliant team working to provide as many opportunities as possible to get all students caught up on these tests when they return to school. We encourage all students to continue putting in their best effort as they work through the remaining assessments this week. Remember, these tests are just one way to showcase your learning progress—so stay focused, do your best, and be proud of your achievements!

Whilst NAPLAN has been a huge focus in these past few weeks, learning in classes has not slowed down ...

MATHS - The first unit in Maths that Year 9 have engaged with requires them to consider and calculate both the surface area and volume of various 3D shapes, including rectangular, triangular and cylindrical prisms. Students have also considered real world applications for their answers, implications of incorrect measurement and understanding how to calculate the capacity of these objects.

ENGLISH - In their first English unit in Year 9, students viewed the documentary Blackfish. This follows the story of an orca named Tilikum, who is captured at two years of age, and sent to perform at various theme parks, including SeaWorld in Florida. Students are using this documentary, and some of their own research, to write an essay that persuades readers of their stance on the statement: Killer Whales should not be kept in captivity. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“Killer whales in captivity have a shorter life span than in the wild.” (Tristan S)

“In captivity, killer whales don’t have enough space to move, which causes their dorsal fins to ‘flop over’ when that muscle isn’t being used.” (Mia H)

“Killer whales should be in the ocean with their families, not in captivity.” (Tjay & Tyson S)

“The ocean is the natural environment where killer whales should be.” (Ruby K)

“SeaWorld punishes its Killer Whales in captivity when it cannot perform tricks, which is cruel.” (Eamon F)

SCIENCE - Year 9 Science has started the term focusing on some fundamentals of chemistry including basic atomic structure and how that relates to trends on the periodic table. We have explored the history and the scientists whose theories changed the atomic model and have introduced the students to radioactivity and nuclear decay. Students also had an opportunity to debate each other about the pros and cons of radioactivity.

HaSS - In the first HaSS unit for the year, students explore a series of mini lessons on the significant events from the 1750-1914 period. These events are examined through the lens of several historical key concepts.

These events include:

• The cause and effect of population fluctuations during the Industrial Revolution (with a focus on the Malthusian Trap)
• Understanding the significance of the Napoleonic Wars and Britain's rise to power
• Exploring changing political and economic ideologies
• Understanding differing perspectives of Tasmania’s Black War 
• Considering empathy through the Boxer Rebellion and the fight against imperialism
• Exploring the contestability of Ned Kelly's legacy
• Investigating evidence from the Battle of Beersheba

About Reclaim

Reclaim is a series of free events during Youth Week Tasmania and features: art, music and social activities for young people of all ages and their families.  This event gives young people the chance to experience new things, to be involved in their community, to have fun and to use their voice. 

Reclaim 2025 Youth Art Exhibition

For young artists, this exhibition showcases the artistic talent of young people from the North West. 

The exhibition will be shown at RANT Arts in their Community Space. Applications for this exhibition are open to young people aged 12-25 from North West Tasmania.

Entries must be received by 10pm on Sunday, 23rd March 2025. 

Applications can be submitted here: https://rantarts.smartygrants.com.au/Reclaimexhibition2025

For more information, follow this link: https://www.rantarts.com/reclaim-exhibition2025

Reclaim 2025 Youth Photography Exhibition

The exhibition will take place in our Project Space, where all works will be digitally projected, giving your photography the perfect platform to shine. This exhibition will run concurrently with the RECLAIM Youth Exhibition, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for all attendees. 

Entries must be received by 10pm on Sunday, 23rd March 2025.

Applications can be submitted here: https://rantarts.smartygrants.com.au/photographyexhibition2025

For more information, follow this link: https://www.rantarts.com/youth-photography-exhibition

Thank you for your assistance in supporting young people across the North West coast. For any inquiries, please pass on my email and phone number in my signature below.

Best regards,

Jakob

Administration Officer | RANT

Phone: 0458 911 496

Site: www.rantarts.com

Email: jakob@rantarts.com 

I'm in the office from Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.