PROSPECTORWeekly News and Views from Prospect High School – 14 March 2014

Principal: Mr C StocksAssistant Principals:Grade 7: Ms S De Paoli (Acting) Grade 8: Mr G JamesGrade 9: Mrs R Bingley (Acting) Grade 10: Mrs J Everson

Grade Leaders:Grade 7: Ms C Burnett Grade 8: Ms J CouchGrade 9: Ms R Brain Mr J Shepherd Grade 10: Mrs W Green Mr D Potter

Support Staff:School Chaplain: Mr P GarwoodSchool Psychologist: Mr G Colgrave Social Worker: Ms K DunkleySchool Business Manager: Mrs D Chancellor

Prospect High School

From the Principal

I hope that students, staff and families enjoyed the holiday last Monday. Before we know it we will be at the end of the term. As we are now into the second year of the four term model, this year the Easter break flows into the first term holidays. The final day for students will be Wednesday April 16, as the Thursday is Moderation Day (student free day) and then it is a holiday for Good Friday.

Each year the Department of Education conducts two censuses. One in February/March and then one in the middle of the year. The number of students that we have forms a key component of our resourcing. Our recent census indicated an enrolment of 451 students which equates to approximately 100 to 120 students per grade. Ideally, we would like the enrolments to be about 525 – 550. We currently have 37 teaching staff and 23 non-teaching staff.

Bullying, including cyber-bullying, is certainly a very high profile issue within all communities. As a school we do everything we can to both prevent and respond to bullying. Bullying can have very damaging effects on students and therefore, in conjunction with students and their families, we must endeavour to build students’ social and emotional well-being to ensure they are resilient and equipped to handle any situations they may be confronted with at school, in daily life or in their future workplace. The best way of tackling bullying is through a strong partnership between students, parents and school staff. Bullying is certainly a commonly used term in our society today and it is important that it is not confused with discrimination, harassment or other relationship issues that may occur during adolescence. Bullying is NOT a single episode of rejection or dislike; single episodes or acts of nastiness or spite; random acts of aggression; or intimidation or mutual arguments, disagreements or fights. I have taken this list from the Department of Education document, Respectful Schools - Respectful Behaviour. When we bring nearly five hundred people, most of who are going through the changes associated with adolescence and puberty, there will inevitably be some conflicts, disagreements and break downs in relationships. Sometimes these things involve bullying and sometimes they do not. Nevertheless, they are all important issues and we certainly want to work in a respectful and constructive manner with students and their

parents to ensure they are safe and supported. As a result they should feel happy and respected at school therefore enabling them to focus on their learning to the best of their ability.

Next week teachers will start preparing the interim reports for this term. This is the first of three reports for the year and these reports are designed to provide a snapshot of how a student is approaching their learning rather than the achievement standard or result they have achieved. When writing these reports teachers will be considering attitude, task competition, effort and organisation. Students should be ensuring they are completing all tasks requested of them, (including homework), following classroom expectations, trying their best on all activities, coming to class with the correct equipment, meeting deadlines and generally working and behaving to the best of their ability. This will not only ensure a positive report but these things are fundamental to success in learning at all times.

Regards,

Cary StocksPrincipal

School Uniforms Wanted

‘Orphan and Widow Care Initiatives for Africa Incorporated’ is a registered charity set up by a local couple who were themselves refugees and now live in Launceston. Over the last 4 years the charity has been working to assist in providing schools, homes and clean drinking water to orphans and widows in the refugee camps in Africa.A school has recently been constructed in Liberia. The children are extremely proud of their new school and eager to learn.Many of the orphans have an extremely poor selection of clothing available to them and have expressed a desire to have a “uniform” to wear to school. For these children it doesn’t matter if they don’t all match but those who attend school can be identified because they have a school uniform.Can you donate a second hand uniform to this great cause? A collection box has been set up in the Admin Office. Any donated items will be given to the representatives from the OWCIA, on 28 March, as they are travelling to Africa shortly thereafter and would be delighted to take uniforms with them for the children. Thank you for your anticipated consideration for this worthwhile cause.

PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER2

Launceston College Production

Launceston College is proudly presenting Suessical the Musical at the Princess Theatre in June. Over 200 students are involved in this high energy, meaningful, magical and fun quality production. Some of PHS’s ex-students are also involved. They are:

names omitted for privacy.

Couchy’s Clan

Couchy’s Crew 8-1 have designed some healthy message posters to be displayed within the school.

Congratulations

This student of 7-4 has been selected as one of just eleven girls to represent the state in the National Little Athletics Championships in Melbourne in May. Good luck, :)

From the School Office Validation Forms: If families have not updated student details for 2014 during book sales days please call to the office to do so, this will assist us in case of an emergency for your student/s. SMS Absentee System: The main contact will receive an SMS if your child is absent from Pastoral Care class. To avoid receiving an SMS please phone the school office. The mobile/txt number is 0427 016 460.

Community news, Information and Events

This workshop is for parents and other family carers only. For professional development opportunities, please contact your state/territory Autism Association.

Introduction to ASD

Understanding Behaviour – A Step by Step Guide for Parents March 31, 9:30-2:30pm During this practical workshop you will learn:

How to understand your child’s behaviour Ways to select and teach your child new behaviour How to promote positive behaviours

REGISTER TODAY! Email: Launceston workshops robynt@autismtas.org.au Phone Robyn Thomas (Northern facilitator): 0458 375 604 or Hobart: 1300 288 476

Autism Tasmania are proudly supporting families by providing

workshops for mothers, fathers and other family carers of children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD).

Early Days is a national program funded by the Federal Government under the Helping Children with Autism Strategy

and is run by local facilitators.

Diagnosis: Autism? Where to now?

Early Days Introductory Workshop March 12, 9:30 – 2:30pm During this workshop you will learn:

About ASD and what it means for you and your child Practical strategies that can make a difference to your

child’s development How to select and maximise an intervention service

Free of charge to attend

Workshops are held in small groups and give you the chance to meet other parents

Light refreshments provided, BYO lunch

Childcare is not provided

Tips for Everyday Skills March 24, 9:30am – 12pm During this workshop you will learn:

Why everyday self help skills can be hard for a child with ASD

Strategies to help develop all skills Tips to specifically help with toileting Tips to specifically help with sleep

Prospect High School Association Inc.

The School Association invites parents and school community members to join the association. We are endeavouring to build the association and committee to work together for the benefit of Prospect High School. The association is involved in a variety of school activities, from policy and financial planning, overseeing the canteen and providing advice and support to the school on various topics including school uniform. The School Association is a forum where the school community can discuss their values, hopes and ideals for the school.

The Annual General Meeting – (AGM) Wednesday, 19 April at 4.30pm

D Block Meeting Room – followed by a General School Association Meeting.

A vacancy exists for one Community Member. A minimum attendance of 6 is required to conduct the AGM. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOMINATION FORM 2014

Nominations for committee positions should be forwarded to the Returning Officer before 3.30pm, Tuesday, 8 April 2014.

All nominations to be signed by the proposer, the seconder and the person nominated.

Community Member Parent Member Staff Member Additional vacancies will only exist if a current member of the Committee resigns from the Association or if a community member vacancy is not filled.

Nominated by: __________________________ insert name Signature: _________________________________ Date: _________________ Seconded by: __________________________ insert name Signature: _________________________________ Date: __________________ Nominee; _____________________________________ Signature: _________________________________ Date: _________________ forwarded to the Returning Officer: Cary Stocks Prospect High School, PO Box 563, Ralph Street, Prospect, Tasmania, 7250

Members of the School Association met last week. It was great to welcome a new parent to the meeting. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION; The School Association Committee would like to thank all parents who made a voluntary contribution at the beginning of the year. If you would like to contribute to the School Association, this can be done by forwarding your contribution via the school office. Contributions are primarily directed to supporting students in various ways; students who are selected to represent the State or Australia in a sporting or cultural academic activity, bursaries and end of year awards. FUNDING REQUESTS; Students who have been selected to represent the State or Australia in a sporting or cultural academic activity have the option to apply for a $50 contribution to assist with associated expenses. Application forms are available from the school office and from next week via the student intranet and school internet sites. https://education.tas.edu.au/prospecthigh/Intranet/SitePages/Home.aspxhttps://education.tas.edu.au/prospecthigh/Pages/Home.aspx

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 9 April at 4.30pm, see nomination information below.

CONTACT DETAILSAddress: Ralph Street, ProspectPh 03 63 44 4744 | Fax 03 6343 0482Email prospect.high@education.tas.gov.auProspect High School website https://education.tas.edu.au/prospecthigh/Pages/Home.aspxStudent Intranet site https://education.tas.edu.au/prospecthigh/Intranet/SitePages/Home

CALENDAR

Uniform Shop Open Thursday, 27 March - 3.15pm - 3.45pm Thursday, 10 April - 3.15pm - 3.45pm

Tasting and Touring Tassie Style Hospitality and Tourism Taster for Grade 10s for more info on either to see Rachel or Amanda in Pathway Planning. Tuesday, 25 March

First Immunisation Day Monday, 31 March

Parent - Teacher Evening Thursday, 3 April

School Association AGM and Meeting Wednesday, 9 April D Block meeting room

Access All Areas Program Launceston Airport Taster for Grade 10’s for more info on either to see Rachel or Amanda in Pathway Planning. Tuesday,15 April

Cross country 16 April

Senior Winter Sport starts 21 May Junior Winter sport starts 22 MayInter-high Cross Country 10 June

Link to term dates. https://www.education.tas.gov.au/About_us/Pages/Term-Dates.spxThe Minister for Education has approved the following term dates for students in 2014: Term 1 Wednesday 5 February to Thursday 17 April (The Easter break will extend from Friday 18 April to Tuesday 22 April inclusive) Term 2 Monday 5 May to Friday 4 July Term 3 Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September Term 4 Monday 13 October to Thursday 18 Dec.

The professional learning days agreed by General Managers (Learning Services) for 2014 are:Monday 21 July (the first day of Term 3); and Friday 24 October..

PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER4

Working WondersGrade 7

These students are our Grade 7 Working Wonders for the week. Both students are members of 7-2 and have started the year very well. They are helpful and are always willing to help other students in the Grade. They co-operate with their teachers and follow instructions. Well done boys on your great start.

Grade 8Within the classroom this students is pleasant, co-operative and polite in her interactions with others. She is a happy and motivated student. This students is very understanding and is always willing to give a helping hand where ever such is needed. Her effort and contribution to 8-1 is commendable.

Grade 10We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the house captains and the SLB team at the swimming carnival. Their enthusiasm, participation and encouragement of others was commendable. Their efforts for setting up for the carnival are also appreciated.