29 May 2024
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Term 2 has started extremely well with students engaged in learning and the majority of students attending school every day. We have already had a group of Year 9 students attend a Future Leaders activities day as well as a Work Inspirations tour for selected Grade 10 students.
The next batch of our new school Hoodies and Leavers Hoodies have arrived, and both are proving to be a huge hit with students, as an essential uniform item as the temperature starts to drop.
At the end of Term 1 we were able to acknowledge a wonderful group of students through our Values certificates. These certificates recognise the way in which our students have upheld our school Values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility. A list of the recipients is included in this newsletter.
There were several highlights in Term 1 that reflect the great work we do together as a community.
Firstly, it was fantastic to see our Grade 10 Leaders and our Grade 9 future leaders participate in leadership camps on the Tasman Peninsula. The camps were a huge success, and I am proud of all of those who attended for their engagement in the planned activities. A special thanks to the staff that attended the camps, drove buses and stayed overnight to enable the camps to go ahead. We also had our Grade 10 leaders attend the GRIP Leadership conference earlier in the term to connect with other school leaders and to generate ideas for our school.
I am looking forward to the Grade 10 Camp coming up which will be held in week 6 of this term Blue Lagoon.
The introduction of Peer Support into the school has been a great success with our Grade 10 Peer Support leaders working each week with Grade 7 students forming quality relationships and connections through a specific learning sequence. There are significant benefits not only for Grade 7 students in their learning but also for our Grade 10 leaders who gain valuable experience in managing and leading small groups as well as the planning and delivery of the activities.
At the end of March, we were visited by Geoff Goodfellow - a poet who delivered an interesting and emotional story of his life. He read several of his poems from his book Blight Street and several students participated in a writing workshop, using inspiration from their own lives to write poems. It was a pleasure to be able to hear some of those inspiring stories which provided the motivation for student writing.
Our House Day event was a huge success and I would like to thank the PE team who did an outstanding job putting the day together. We will look to have more of these days in the remainder of the year as they provide a great opportunity to develop relationships between students and teachers outside of the classroom.
We had a small team participate in the Reclink football day with some students from other schools helping us out to field a team and enjoy the day. Thanks to Mr Arnold for his organisation of that experience. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with Reclink in the various tournaments throughout the year and thoroughly enjoyed the football day in Term 1.
We raised over $500 toward new play equipment and seating through our election day BBQ. Our new Teacher Assistant, Stuart, is working with different groups to build new seats and to also install seats we have bought for the school. Thanks to those Grade 10 prefects and Grade 8 future leaders who attended and helped with the BBQ and gave up their Saturday. We have more seating and construction works to undertake this term.
Our Children's University students from years 7,8 and 9 attend the Climate Leaders Conference in March at the University of Tasmania where they learnt from mentors and made plans for what we can do in our school community.
The support and intervention programs have been brilliant with theHard Yakka team maintaining the grounds fantastically, the Coffee Club doing great coffee for staff and visitors, the gardening group preparing the garden beds for planting, the construction crew fixing a number of things around the school, the fitness classes have been a hit and very hot during those warmer days early in Term 1, and the Chess Club has been a buzz of excitement throughout the year.
In classes we worked hard to focus on improving our Reading and have participated in PAT testing and NAPLAN testing to help us to support students in a number of ways with their learning. I have been pleased with the engagement we have had in class with learning and the generally settled nature of the school during class time. The majority of students have followed our behaviour expectations. We certainly have come a long way in a year from the start of 2022.
We have lots to look forward to in Term 2 with another House Day planned for May 31, many excursions for students including Hospitality and Construction tours for our Grade 10 students, Waterworks Excursions for Grade 7 students and our whole school cross country.
Our Learning Conversations will occur in Week 9 on the June 25 and we look forward to sharing the evidence of our student learning on this occasion.
YEAR 7
This term in Year 7 we have been focusing on being Resilient and applying this to our learning.
In English we’ve been reading a book called Percy Jackson. We recently have been learning about the different characters and their traits. As well as different sentence types, such as simple and complex sentences and emotive language.
In Maths this term we have been learning about fractions. We have learnt how to add, subtract and multiply fractions. This week we learnt about equivalent fractions which was fun.
We have been finding out interesting things about Ancient Rome and still learning about archaeology. To demonstrate how we are good archaeologists one lesson in history we got to dig out the choc chips from the choc chip cookies. If we were good we got to eat the remains of the cookie. We also got to listen to interesting videos and stories about Ancient Rome and what life was like.
This week we all got to go on a Science excursion to the Waterworks Reserve. All of the classes split into 2 groups and did lots of fun activities, including making food webs, looking at similarities and differences between dry and wet forests, a bushwalk and enjoying the wildlife.
This term Year 7’s have been participating in clubs. This is where students opt into an activity every Wednesday that interests them. This has been a fun way to learn different skills and be with different people that aren’t in your class.
By Izzy and Shayla
YEAR 8
Term 2 has started off as a busy one for the Year 8’s with new timetables to get used to, some teacher changes, new students and of course practicing for the cross country. Students have an upcoming Science incursion called the Engineer Turbine Program run by Generation Hydro in Week 6.
Maths
We started the term off looking at angles. Currently we are working on irrational and rational numbers, and we are about to start order of operations.
Science
This term we are looking at a biology unit where we are investigating cells, starting off with using microscopes to look at microorganisms.
English
In English this term students are learning about the power of persuasion and the various ways we see persuasion in our everyday life.
Wellbeing
In Wellbeing, students are learning all about resilience. They have been looking at several famous people and how they demonstrated resilience. Over the coming weeks, there will be a guest speaker coming in to talk to the students about the challenges they have faced in their life and their resilience in dealing with these challenges.
Raise Mentor Program
A small group of Year 8’s and 9’s have started the process to participate in the Raise Mentor Program. This is a program where volunteers from the community come in each week and act as mentors to the students. It provides the students with an opportunity to talk about things they normally wouldn’t, build on their confidence and people skills as well as looking at various other things like writing resumes and applying for jobs. I look forward to seeing the progress for these students over the 20-week program.
YEAR 9
What's Coming Up This Term in Grade 9: Exciting Weeks Ahead!
As we start a new term, our Grade 9 students have a lot to look forward to! Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in different subjects and activities.
Wellbeing this term will focus on our school value of Resilience. In our wellbeing program, students will learn how to be resilient and have a growth mindset. This means they’ll learn how to deal with challenges, see failures as learning opportunities, and stay positive. Alongside this, in Health classes, students will focus on mental health. They’ll learn why mental health is important, how to understand their emotions, and how to support others. They’ll also look at how mental health is shown in the media.
This term, Maths lessons will start with decimals, fractions, and percentages, then move on to financial math. This will help students use math in real-life situations, like handling money. In History, students will study the early days of Australian migration and settlement. They’ll learn about the people and events that helped shape the country.
For our options classes in Visual Arts, students will study Op Art. This type of art uses design elements to create optical illusions, which can be very eye-catching and fun to create. In Ceramics and Sculpture, students will learn about artist Andy Goldsworthy. They’ll make art using natural materials they find outside, which helps them connect with nature.
Finally, we are in the process of organising some hospitality work placements and a barista course. Students interested in hospitality can explore work placements this term. They can also take a barista course to learn how to make coffees. This will hopefully assist some students in obtaining a part time job and always looks great on a resume! A massive thank you to Miss Young for organising these opportunities.
We hope all Grade 9 students are excited about the opportunities and challenges this term. With so many different activities and subjects, these weeks will be both fun and educational!
YEAR 10
This term Year Ten students have several opportunities to engage in work-based excursions or incursions/visitors. The purpose of this is to give our students as many opportunities to explore different working environments, explore different interests and have as much knowledge of future pathways as possible.
We started the term with a group of 15 students engaging in the ‘Work Inspirations’ two day excursion, organised by the Smith Family. This was a busy two days which saw students visit four work places: Glenorchy City Council, SRT Logistics, RACT and Crowne Plaza. At each of these venues, students met key staff who explained what their roles and responsibilities are; explaining the different career opportunities within that industry and showing students the working environment. Students got to ask questions, complete hands on tasks and were also treated to making their own pizza lunch in the Crowne Plaza Hotel kitchen! It was a really valuable excursion and students are able to follow up possible career opportunities from visiting these places. Glenorchy Jobs Hub was also visited where students were able to meet the staff, find out what happens at the Jobs Hub and make connections so that if they need help writing resumes, making contacts in industries, exploring apprenticeships, then they can drop into the Jobs Hub for this support! We want to thank all those who were involved and gave up their time for this opportunity!
We are lucky to be able to offer an excursion to the Bridgewater Bridge construction site also this term. This is an opportunity to listen to a 30 minute presentation around the various roles involved in such a project whilst then visiting key areas of the construction. This excursion is available for those who are interested in a construction/engineering pathway.
Female students in Year Ten will able to participate in a White Card qualification course also this term. This will be done within the school and at the end of the session, students will have completed the qualification and will be able to apply for their white card certificate which allows them to work on any construction site. A great opportunity to complete this and something that is able to be added to their resume!
Our main event this term that students are looking forward to is attending camp. We will be heading off for a busy two days, one night at Blue Lagoon in Dodges Ferry. Whilst there, students will be able to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including rock climbing, archery tag and abseiling. There’s also access to the gym, the games room and an outdoor park area. We hope the weather is kind to us enough to do a beach walk and some fishing. Students eligible to attend camp must have: 80 dojos, completed the ‘Year Ten Extra Curricular Activities Agreement’ and have consistently behaved in a way that upholds the school values. Paperwork for camp needs returning asap as the date is approaching fast! We want as many students as possible to be able to participate in this memorable event!
Our focus at the moment is ensuring students are engaged in learning and not distracted by use of mobile phones. Students are required to hand their phones in if using them in class. Energy Drinks will also be confiscated if they are brought into school, these can be collected at the end of the school day. Water and cups are available for students within our learning area. We appreciate families support around these focus areas.
Respect, Responsibility and Resilience
I would like to congratulate all award recipients on your wonderful achievement. It is tremendous that we have been able to acknowledge those students who have upheld our values of respect, responsibility and resilience.
Please see below the list of certificate winners.
RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY RESILIENCE
Ryan 7A Mali 7A Zaylen 7A
Ebony 7B Kaycee 7B Indigo 7B
Ahmid 7C Rhys 7C Kiera 7C
Lebron 7D Harry 7D George 7D
Tyler 8A Trisa 8A Ella 8A
Melody 8C Jacob 8C Hamid 8C
Ella 9A Thomas 9A Jayger 9A
Skyla 9B Cooper 9B Matthew 9B
Nick 9C Melanie 9C Alin 9c
Ryelan 10A Xander 10A Sophia 10A
Joel 10B Skye 10B Lachlan 10B
Muhammed 10C Jenny 10C Batngom 10C
Prefect Accolade Junior Prefect Accolade Senior
Jesse Noah
Share your thoughts on school attendance
Help us better understand any barriers that may be in the way, and what supports are needed to help with getting to school.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People is doing statewide consultation on school attendance. 3P Advisory is independently running the consultation. Your answers are confidential, and you won’t be identified.
We want to hear from you. You can take part in an online survey, share or vote for suggestions, or join an online drop-in session via the 3P website. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
You can also share your thoughts about what you like or don’t like about our Every school day matters campaign.
As a parent or carer, please have your say. Please encourage your child/ren, too.
Every piece of feedback counts. Thanks for helping shape future DECYP initiatives, school-based engagement strategies and public awareness campaigns.
School Association
I have been inspired by the parent engagement this year and we have had significant interest in our School Association and as such we are now able to formally form a School Association for the first time in many years. Thank you to those parents who have expressed interest and nominated for the School Association. Details of our first meeting are below, and all members of the community are welcome to attend.
When: Thursday 13 June
Time: 2.00-3.00pm
Where: Cosgrove High School Staff Room
ANZAC Day services
During the school holidays, our Prefects and the Year Eight Future Leaders represented the school at three ANZAC Day services. We had students attend the services at Claremont, Glenorchy and in the Hobart parade.
Students who attended Claremont and Glenorchy paid their respects by laying a wreath in honour of those soldiers who have fought in war. It was a great opportunity for our students to be invited to participate in these services, and our students certainly did the school and community proud.
Students who attended the Hobart parade carried the banner for the 2nd 40th Battalion which represented those soldiers who were captured as prisoners of war. We marched with family members of soldiers who were part of the battalion, and they were really happy that students from Cosgrove were representing them. We have members of our community who are linked to this battalion. It was a great honour to be part of the parade and we look forward to opening-up this opportunity up to more students next year.
We want to thank students who were involved in each of these services for giving up their time to represent the school, and we thank families and staff for supporting our students.
External School Review
Every school in Tasmania participates in an External Review conducted by the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP). Each school has a review cycle period, and this year is Cosgrove High School’s identified year for our External School Review. The review seeks to interview students, staff and community members about how our school functions according to the “School Improvement Tool”, a Nationally accredited framework for school improvement.
The review is a great opportunity to gather feedback and then to be provided with recommendations about the strategic direction that Cosgrove will take moving forward. Parents/Carers are invited to be part of the review and will be contacted to arrange a time where a visit to the school can occur or a phone call to be interviewed informally by the External School Review team. The review is conducted by the following DECYP people:
Brett Manion – External School Review Leader (former school Principal)
Natalie Odgers – Improvement Consultant (North)
Lee Barker – Principal – Prospect High School
Magella Dudley – Principal – Parklands High School
Prior to the school making contact with parents/carers, please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to be part of the review.
Uniform
We now have our new hoodies in stock If you have not bought one for your child yet, please contact the office.
What’s acceptable
- Undergarments that are navy blue such as a thermal, long-sleeved top (without a hood).
- There are some long sleeve garments available from our unform shop
- Cosgrove beanie or hat
What’s not
- Non uniform jumpers or hoodies, pants, shorts
- Puffer jackets
- Hats worn in classrooms
- Hoodies or jumpers that are worn as an undergarment are not to be visible. This includes having a hood hanging out the back of a school top
- Non navy coloured tops worn under school uniform
- Small over the shoulder handbag style bags
Reading
Reading Priority
The staff at CHS have been undertaking the enormous job of screening students – in line with our system-wide Reading Priority. Simultaneously, we have dedicated weekly whole-staff Professional Learning to build our knowledge and capacity in this area, focussing on the explicit teaching of vocabulary across all subject areas. As secondary school teachers, we have recognised (and committed to) the important role we all play in unlocking the language of our subject area.
Some initial observations and feedback from staff:
‘The students are really taking to the vocabulary instruction. They enjoy the consistency and routine of it.’
- HPE team
‘So many of my students know what to do with the vocabulary work now. They immediately open their materials and press ahead with the routines and templates.’
- English
‘Our class is quiet, and they concentrate on doing the work. Some students accomplish three words per lesson, but you can work at your own pace. It’s fun!’
– Year 9 Student
At CHS, we are a staff committed to continuous life-long learning and to investing in the right training to support our Reading Priority. We are pleased to have three more staff members formally trained in the teaching of vocabulary, through Advanced Morphology Training (the study of words).
Vaping - resources available for families and students
Vaping continues to be a trend amongst children and young people and I know families are as concerned about this as schools are.
Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are similar to smoking cigarettes, but don’t use tobacco.
Instead, vapes are a battery-operated device which heats a liquid. This liquid turns into an aerosol and is inhaled. Like smoking cigarettes, vaping is highly addictive. Research shows that young people are three times as likely to start smoking if they vape.
While Tasmanian law says that a person under 18 can’t use, possess or buy vapes, we know that some young people are doing it because they believe it’s a safer option than smoking cigarettes.
It’s important to work together to educate them about the health impacts of vaping and the harm it can cause on their short- and long-term physical health.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People has a dedicated webpage with information and resources for teachers, parents/carers and young people. This includes tips for talking to your children about vaping and how you can support them in quitting. The attached fact sheet also has some useful information to help support you in with these conversations.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 2024
| Term 1 Public Holidays | |
| 7 June 2024 | Moderation Day (Student Free Day) |
| 10 June 2024 | Public Holiday |
| 13 June 2024 | School Association meeting |
| 25 June 2024 | Learning Conversations |
| 2024 TERM DATES | |
| 8 February – 12 April 2024 | Term 1 |
| 29 April – 5 July 2024 | Term 2 |
| 22 July – 27 September 2024 | Term 3 |
| 14 October – 19 December 2024 | Term 4 |
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