Devonport High School Newsletter - 25 September 2014

SCHOOL

CALENDAR

From the Acting Principal ……

I would like to thank all students and staff for an incredible term’s work. It is

always challenging to remain focussed and productive during our winter term. This

year saw a significant number of staff and students affected by winter ailments. I

look forward to longer daylight hours and warming weather as we prepare for a

hectic last term.

My message heading into term four is particularly simple. Our focus is to remain

engaged and settled right through to the end of the year. Often Grade 10 students

begin to project themselves into year 11 at the expense of application to their

work here at school. I ask all families to support your sons and daughters as we

approach the end of the year, reminding them that all learning time is precious and we don’t have the luxury of time that allows any of us to switch off before the last

day of the year.

We will celebrate at the end of the year with the graduation of our year 10

students and wish them well as they head to a suitable post year 10 option. Until

that time we expect our year 10’s to be working at maximum capacity, producing

the demonstrations of understanding necessary to leave Devonport High with the

very best assessment they can achieve. This last term will be a final opportunity for

them to be well prepared heading into further education next year.

The end of grade 10 isn’t about “leaving” but rather about setting yourself up for

the next stage of your learning journey, whether that be at College or in a

structured workplace learning environment. The skills you learn at Devonport

High School will help support your ongoing success next year, and beyond. Value

the time you spend at our school, value the friendships you have made with both

students and staff and make sure you undertake to make every minute count for

the remainder of the year.

Rob Fleming

Acting Principal

Depar tment of Educat ion

Wednesday 22

October Don Parent Information @ Don

College

Please Note : date change from previous

newsletter

Tuesday 21 October -

Thursday 23 October Sheen Machine - Art

Workshop

Monday 13 October Term 4 Commences

MOD (Dance Workshop)

Friday 24 October Student Free Day

Monday 20 October TAPPS Interviews

Tuesday 28 October

Whirlpool Cooking Competition

Grade 8 Amazing Race UTAS

Thursday 16 October MOD (Dance Workshop)

Wednesday 15 October School Association Meeting

On 4 September Devonport High School’s year 9 and 10 dance students attended the Devonport

Eisteddfods, performing in the 16 years and under Dance Drama section. We had three groups

compete; a dance involving the point of Body Image, a dance about Abusive Love and a dance about

Nightmares. The items presented by Devonport High School were all about very meaningful topics and

all three groups very clearly portrayed their storyline with great results.

It was a new experience for the majority of the students and the outcome was excellent. Devonport

High School took out First, Second and an equal Third from a field of seven competitors including

students from Reece High School and St Brendan Shaw College. Placing was a bonus and an exciting

experience. All of our time, effort and perfecting of the dances to make them enjoyable and presentable

enough to compete, took a lot of hard work and commitment from all of the students involved. This

would not be possible without our awesome teacher and choreographer, Kellie Gossage.

The adjudicator was impressed with all three Devonport High School groups and the commitment that

was shown. She said that each group was well rehearsed and technically strong with good story

development and interesting choreography.

Being in a dance class is fantastic fun. We learn how to choreograph sections for dances which are used

for group dances, including eisteddfods. We learn about the body, stretching/warm ups, technique,

projection, confidence, history of dance, different dance styles, dance etiquette, respect and team work.

Overall the eisteddfods were a great experience and I am sure all of the dance students would do it

again in a heartbeat.

Alexandra Seaton

Grade 9

The first Monday of term 4 will see about forty students from grade 7 through to grade 10

participate in a full day dance workshop by two teachers from Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.

Troy Phillips is a highly sought-after dancer and has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Guy

Sebastian and Rhonda Burchmore and has also performed in a number of major musicals including

Chicago, We Will Rock You and Singin’ in the Rain. He will be working alongside Simon Fairweather

who has danced professionally on the Royal Caribbean Cruises and was dance captain in the musical

Hairspray, Chicago and Saturday Night Fever. These two very talented teachers will be helping the

students develop their skills and confidence in audition techniques and musical theater skills.

We are looking forward to this exciting opportunity and will have a full detailed report later.

Kellie Gossage

Dance Teacher

The Ice Bucket Challenge has been running now for three weeks and today was the last day! We have

had many people volunteer to be ‘iced’ and we would like to thank Mr Armitstead, Mr Thompson, Mr

Jago, Mr Hughes, Mr Wilson, Shou and Mr Oliver for their support in this endeavour. All money will go

towards the Paediatric Ward at the Mersey Community Hospital (‘Koinz for Kids’ Appeal)

Other events this term include :

‘Jeans for Genes’ Day was held on October 12 and raised $306.70 for the Genetic Foundation.

‘Footy Colours’ Day was held today – it was fabulous to see all the students dressed in their ‘footy’

gear! We are still waiting on the final amount raised but all donations will go towards the local

hospital.

The Social was a huge success with many students turning up in their brightest clothes and danced

the night away.

Futsal has come to an end with the Grand Final being held yesterday. Thanks to all who played or

came and supported the games.

Reece came on Wednesday for our last game of Dodgeball for the year. It was a fantastic game and

thanks again to all who came and supported us with your loud cheers!

Ryan and DJ are continuing (with the help of a few others) in their quest to beautify the courtyard.

The painting of the mural will begin next term.

Mentors were involved in the Grade 7 afternoon last Friday. All Mentors joined different Grade 7

groups and further developed their relationships with Grade 7s. A fabulous afternoon was had by

all!

Thanks to all for your support during Term 3. We are looking forward to a massive Term 4.

Happy Holidays!!

Helen Russell

AST

Mr Hughes Mr Armitstead Mr Jago

Last Friday the Science Extended cheese makers attended the ‘Big Day Out’ cheese competition

where their cheeses and "Benefits of Dairy" advertisements were judged alongside the work from

nine other northern Tasmanian schools. With over one hundred and fifty students in attendance,

the event provided an excellent opportunity for the students to meet and compete against other

schools in a range of novelty dairy games, as well as the more serious competitions.

The video advertisement made by Will Ertler, Matt Beuermann and Logan Howell won the

advertisement competition. The boys collected $250 for their achievement.

International cheese judge, Russell Smith was in attendance to judge the cheeses against formal

criteria. The best cheese from Devonport High was awarded to "Devil's Cheese", made by Liam

McKenna, Ryan Irvine, Hollie Lindsay and Ben Denholm. They scored 17 points for their cheese

which was the second highest score overall in the competition.

Andrea McQuitty

Teacher

On Tuesday 16th September three representatives from Defence Force Recruiting visited

Devonport High and delivered a presentation to some of our year 9 female students.

The presentation demonstrated the various career opportunities that are available in the

Australian Defence Forces and the positive benefits that these careers can provide.

Applying for the Australian Defence Forces can be a long and difficult process, this presentation

has provided these students with an in depth understanding of what is required to complete the

application process.

Norm Symmons

Pathway Planning Officer

On Wednesday17th and Thursday18th six Year 10 girls participated in a Career Awareness

Program that gave these students an insight into the early childhood sector.

Day 1 began at Stepping Stones Children’s Services at Miandetta where students were given a

tour of the facility and information on centre protocols and procedures.

Students then travelled by bus to TasTAFE where they were given an overview of Certificate

111 in Education and Care and Certificate 111 in Education Support before completing some

practical activities. After lunch students then travelled to Don College where they were given

information on Certificate 11 in Community Services (Children’s Services).

On the second day students spent the full day at Elanora Child Care Centre were they assisted

staff in their daily work procedures and activities with the children.

These students will now have a greater knowledge of what is required to gain employment in

this sector.

Norm Symmons

Pathway Planning Officer

On Friday 19th September four year 10 students attended a Health Science Taster Day at the

School of Health Sciences in Launceston.

The aim of the taster day was to provide students who have an interest in health science to find

out more about degrees offered by the School of Health Sciences and future career paths.

The following degrees were covered on the day:

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Health Science

Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science

Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Health)

Bachelor of Exercise Science

These workshops were conducted by academic staff teaching in the related areas and were very

much “hands on”. These students have come away from this day with a greater understanding of

what is required to pursue a career in health.

Norm Symmons

Pathway Planning Officer

Plans are underway to put together a team to make this project

happen. The main focus for this trip is to provide humanitarian aid to

impoverished Cambodians but there will also be a strong educational

and cultural emphasis as well as opportunities for recreation.

There are three equally

important phases to

Creating Hope: preparation

and fundraising; travel; and

sharing the experience of the

trip to advocate for the needs of the Cambodian people.

Travel will be in the third term holidays, 2015 for

approximately 10 days.

The team will include 10-12 students who will be selected by an application process and confirmed by

the end of 2014. Successful students will need to be adventurous, resilient, compassionate, flexible and

resourceful. There will be around 7 adults accompanying students.

An Information Night for interested parents and students will be held on Tuesday, 21 October, 7pm in

the DHS Music Suite. The selection process starts with this event so you will need to be there if you’re

serious about being included in this amazing opportunity. Please register your wish to attend this event

by emailing angela.polden@education.tas.gov.au or

phoning the DHS office, 64249461.

Opportunities to create positive futures in the lives of

impoverished Cambodians.

Opportunities to engage the community of

Devonport High School in making a difference in

Cambodia.

Experiences which provoke a readjustment of

perspectives on the value of life and the use of

resources.

Ashlee Langford, Sophie Argent and Jake Hughes at TLC school, Happy Village

Josie Brett, Georgia Gale, Sophie Argent and Phebe Webber de-lousing at Happy

Village

Creating Hope: DHS in Cambodia 2011 team with well, Jak Village

This week our students have been trialling the Mangahigh web program in their Maths classes. Students

have been allocated codes to explore the maths games and challenges on this web based program and

can continue to use these at home and in the holidays. Students so far have been thoroughly enjoying the

Australian Curriculum content and have been focussed and engaged with the variety of challenges and

practices.

As part of this trial our students have been involved in the Mangahigh Tasmanian Maths Challenge, which

compares points earned during this week with other schools across the state. At the end of the chal-

lenge, our school finished on top of the leader board. Well done to our talented students!!

Lisa White

Maths Teacher

TAPPS (Trainee and Apprenticeship Pathway Program)

Term 3 has definitely been busy for those stu-

dents in the TAPPS program. Early in the term

students prepared a proposal to update the

classroom with a splash of new paint, new blinds

and possibly a new interactive whiteboard or

data projector. This was submitted to the

school management for consideration and sub-

sequently approved.

After perusing paint charts and blind samples

the task of painting was underway. Every stu-

dent in the class has had the opportunity to be

involved and have been able to use their skills in

a practical environment. With the painting pro-

ject drawing to a close, the room has undergone a complete facelift; the bright yellow walls are

now gone, replaced with a splash of blue, green

and white which has definitely brought some

much needed light to the room.

We were fortunate to have some assistance

from Sam and Kynan, two people who have

connections with the school mentoring pro-

gram. They gave up some of their own time and

came in and helped with the final cutting in so

that the finish was neatly achieved.

Last week students had a visit from representa-

tives from the Business and Employment Centre

who offered advice about apprenticeships and

traineeships. This visit was timely as local busi-

nesses have begun advertising for their appren-

tice intake for 2015 and as a result some of our

students have already begun applying for these

positions.

Djaan Heathcote

Teacher

When : Wednesday 22, 29 October and Wednesday 5 November

Location : Nixon Street Primary School Pool

Time : 3.30pm to 4.45pm

If you are experienced at kayaking or a complete novice, come along and learn new skills in the warm

environment of the Nixon Street Primary School pool. Bathers and enthusiasm are all that is

necessary! This is a free activity. Please bring a completed Medical Form to the first session.

Medical Forms are available from the Devonport High School office and must be completed prior to

participating. Sessions are run by Mr Bruce Cameron.

Car Boot Sale

Planning a clean-out during the holidays? Bring your surplus stuff to sell from your car boot on Saturday, 8 November, starting 8am. Site price

is $20 and you keep the proceeds.

Contact angela.polden@education.tas.gov.au for more details or to

make a booking. Bookings are essential.

DISCLAIMER: Parents should note that advertisements for educational services, companies, activities or similar events are published as a

‘community service’. Devonport High School is in no way liable for the quality, supervision or integrity of the provider and strongly suggests that

parents make their own enquiries before engaging with the advertised event. Rob Fleming, Acting Principal

Devonport High School Ph.: (03) 6424 9461 Fax: (03) 6424 6621

91 Best Street Email: devonport.high@education.tas.gov.au

It’s Cricket Time!!!

Devonport Orions Cricket Club are holding their Junior Registration Day on

Wednesday 24th September from 4pm to 7pm.

MILO T20 Blast, U13’s, U15’s & U17s registrations will take place.

Come along to Devonport Oval and sign up for an exciting season of cricket!!

Contact: Tony Brown (0438511499) for more information.