Newsletter – Edition 2, Term 4
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Each year we are amazed with the work of our students and always look forward to this occasion to acknowledge their efforts in receiving fantastic results across a wide range of areas throughout the school from Grades 7 to 12. Our students demonstrate not only the Cosgrove Values but the new Department for Education Children and Young Peoples values of Connection, Courage, Growth, Respect and Responsibility on a daily basis.
It has been an exciting year as we set about implementing a number of changes to the school. As we reflect back on the year, as a staff we are proud of what we have achieved. We set a clear agenda to enhance the quality of our culture to promote learning through:
- Increasing and enhancing student and teacher relationships
- Moving to a Middle school / Senior School model.
- Minimising movement throughout the school
- Enabling Grade specific learning areas.
- Implementing a wellbeing curriculum.
- Removing home group so that students could enter the school straight into learning.
- Increasing time on core learning
- Focussing on students remaining in class and at school to learn
- Refining a number of processes and procedures to ensure the focus was on learning
2023 has certainly presented many challenges for us a community with the Cosgrove High School revitalisation project commencing through the early works program in Term 3.
As learning resumed after our July school holidays we were greeted with cages and holes throughout the school requiring us to navigate different ways of moving around for a number of weeks as new cable was laid in preparation for the demolition that you have seen today.
Not only did we experience this disruption in Term 3 but a huge task was undertaken to relocate a number of key functions in the school. A new word was added to our vocabulary, with that being the concept of decanting, whereby key aspects of the former building needed to be moved to another place in the school.
This included relocating our Grade 9 classes and staff, our music program, our free lunch program as well as planning and building a new Administration area, Leadership area and Student Support area. We lost access to our assembly space and common room, our staff room staff offices and classrooms. Amazingly we did all of this without needing to purchase any demountable buildings to have on the site.
Despite the addition of this work to our regular functioning, new opportunities have arisen with us re-branding the school with an updated logo, signage and marketing material which you may have seen around the school, new spaces have been created, we have re-established our library in A block and have refined number of our processes to adapt to our new setup.
Since I began my time at Cosgrove the design of the new buildings has evolved, and I am very excited about the design and what will be built. The demolition we see outside will be finished by the start of school in 2024 with the Tender for the new building out in January. The new building program is expected to begin to be constructed early next year with a completion date around the middle of 2025.
I have been more than impressed with how all our students and staff have demonstrated and continue to show great resilience and perseverance whilst embodying the Cosgrove Way during the redevelopment process and not allowed the works to disrupt our teaching and learning program.
Our vision of every student, every day, engaged in learning continues to drive our strategic direction at Cosgrove High School. This year we have had a very strong focus on Quality Teaching and Wellbeing for Learning as our key school improvement plan priorities. We continue to be guided by the belief that all students throughout Cosgrove High School have the potential and support around them to achieve success at every stage of their development.
We are extremely proud to have made progress in several key areas this year. Some of these include.
- 81% of students showed Growth in PAT testing for Reading and Mathematics which is the highest in 6 years
- PAT Participation increased by 3% from 61 to 64 %
- PAT Reading Growth increased by 9% from 64 to 73%
- There was a 3% gain in students achieving at or above the standard in PAT Reading and Mathematics
- Our Sense of school belonging rose by 4% with 22 out of 38 measures on the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey showing improvement for the first time in years
- Our student engagement project had a significant positive impact on student attendance and engagement with targeted students and whole school attendance improving from Term 3 onwards.
One of our key goals in enhancing our quality teaching this year has been implementing Collaborative Planning Teams where staff routinely inquire into how to best meet the learning needs of students whilst gathering important feedback to inform their teaching. This work has been focussed on using PAT testing data to inform the teaching and learning strategies to use in the classroom to enable students to achieve growth and achievement.
Attendance and Engagement of students across the Derwent Collective continued to be a focus this year as we consolidated our Student Engagement Project. In partnership with the University of Tasmania and the Department we set about to implement a number of support and intervention programs for students. Our focus was on Grade 8 initially, but this evolved to include the whole school. The outcome of our work saw students’ attendance and engagement improve for those that were in the program as well as a positive shift in whole school engagement. A key driver of this work was the focus on building teacher – student relationships.
Some of the programs and activities that we implemented included.
- Cooking and barista enrichment classes
- Boxing classes
- Chess Club
- Bike Club
- Fitness Classes
- Instrument repair classes
- Self-defense classes
- Amazing mural groups that you can see the output of at the front of the school and up the hill under the woodwork area
- Art groups
- And more recently
- a Hard Yakka group to undertake improvements in our grounds
- and a girls recreation and wellbeing group
Alongside of this in Grade 7 we had our first ever students Graduate from the Children’s University which was an outstanding effort as well as students participating in the Tournament of Minds for the first time and attending the Tasmanian Youth Climate Leaders Conference.
Grade 9 and 10 students received fantastic opportunities to investigate the world of work through our partnership with the Beacon Foundation and the Smith Family. The aspirations of our senior students has been fantastic and the opportunities the students have engaged with have created a high sense of aspiration for the future.
As we move toward 2024 planning is well underway for the ongoing improvement journey at Cosgrove High School.
- We are moving to a school hoodie as part of our uniform
- We are streamlining our elective classes across the school
- We will be continuing with our targeted support and intervention programs
- We are re-implementing Peer Support
And most importantly we are implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Reading as well as a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Attendance and Engagement as key priorities for 2024. We will be focussing heavily on increasing students sense of school belonging, cognitive engagement and growth in Reading as well as ensuring that Cosgrove High School continues to thrive as an outstanding learning community.
Finally, I wish to acknowledge the many staff who have worked seamlessly as a team to allow todays celebrations to occur and a big thank you to all prize sponsors and our families for your ongoing support of our school.
Congratulations to all students at Cosgrove for your individual and collective successes this year and to those students who are receiving an award. You should be very proud of what you have achieved and I hope that you embrace and enjoy the moments ahead.
YEAR 7/8
In Week 7 students in Year 7 and 8 participated in a creative enrichment activity, learning to make street art with Joel from Create Crew. Joel was a lively and inspirational workshop facilitator with loads of street art skills. During the workshops each student made a 'galaxy' artwork using spray paint techniques on paper. Everyone who participated was buzzing with excitement and pride, going home with an absolutely amazing artwork. What an awesome experience for everyone involved.
Highlights of 2023 – Written by Bella M and Bella T
2023 has been an amazing year for many, Cosgrove has offered us so many opportunities for our learning and wellbeing throughout the year.
We started off the year with a 2-day Athletics Carnival with the whole school on the 23 and 24 of March 2023. We did many activities such as shotput, high-jump, long jump, javelin, and discus and many other athletic activities! With a reward of sausages for lunch!
On 19 May we participated in the school Cross Country with many students giving it their best go. We were able to get an ice-cream after finishing, sweet reward! Along with that we also did a colour run which was optional for those who wanted to do it. The Cross Country was an amazing effort for many, the colour run being fun for those who gave it a go!
On the 26 and 27 July, Year 7’s went to Waterworks Reserve near Mount Wellington where we learnt about various native Tasmanian animals, tracks/footprints, food chain and much more. It was an amazing experience to learn about the native animals of Tasmania and the food chain of various animals along with the measurement of wind and light change.
Book week was a day for various students and teachers to dress up as any character from a book on the 19- 25 August, many students choosing to dress up around our school. Giving everyone a chance to make a costume and dress up as their favourite characters!
Childrens University gave us a chance to earn stamps with each extra-curricular activity we did, 9 students graduated at UTAS. The chess tournament gave students a chance to compete against other schools and students with their amazing chess skills.
Students were able to sign up for winter sports, such as netball and badminton. We have been given many activities outside of school to participate in as well! For example, Dojo excursions. Which were rewards for those with the highest Dojos across the year. We travelled to the movies, bounce, and many other places as a reward for our contribution in the classroom. Mr Arnold and Mr Glancy took a group of students to do various reward activities such as work around the school, spray painting with people from Create Crew coming out to Cosgrove to do planet spray painting with us.
Overall Cosgrove has given Year 7’s an amazing variety of learning options and rewards for the hard work we have put in across the year. A very big thank you to our teachers and staff as well for making this year amazing.
EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Dojo Excursion Mt Wellington – Written by Tobias and Josh
On Thursday, 30 November we went on a Dojo excursion to Mt Wellington/Kunanyi. We chose this because we wanted to go outside and be active as well as hanging out with friends. Tobias enjoyed being able to run around and explore the new area. He also found many interesting items. Josh liked being able to go out with his friends during school time. It was a small group and everyone was able to enjoy the trip. The area itself was refreshing with an amazing waterfall and a wide range of plants and fauna that we got to discover. We would love to do it again next year. Thanks to Ms Small for organising and one of our Teacher Assistant’s Paul for driving the bus.
YEAR 10 CELEBRATION DINNER
On Tuesday, 19 December 2023, the Year 10 Celebration dinner was held at Elwick Racecourse. Students enjoyed a fantastic evening celebrating an outstanding year and their journey at High School. They arrived and entered the venue on the red carpet in style. We are so proud of their achievements during their time at Cosgrove High School and wish our Year 10 students all the very best for their future endeavours!
Copy of our Principal’s speech at the evening:
“It is indeed an honour to be speaking to you formally for your last time as Grade 10 students at Cosgrove High School. Of the 73 students that are enrolled at Cosgrove in Year 10 you should feel very proud that you have made it through a successful four years and are here to celebrate together this evening.
In looking back at your four years of high school it is important for you to reflect on the challenges I spoke about today in the final assembly, those that you have overcome during your journey at Cosgrove. Not many cohorts of students would have faced what you have faced during high school.
- A school fire in Grade 7
- Covid-19 in Grade 8 and 9
- Changing the entire Principal and Assistant Principal roles in Grade 9 and 10
- Changes to your Grade Supervisor every year
- A demolition of part of your school in grade 10
I am sure there are many many more challenges however given these, one thing is for certain and that is you are all great at coping with change, showing great resilience and forging ahead with determination and growth.
I know there are many individuals in the room who have been focused on tonight since they walked into Grade 10 at the start of the year way back in February. I will never forget the conversations I had with some of you then and the focus on getting through the year. A huge congratulations to those of you have worked hard to be here tonight, to follow our rules and expectations and to accept and appreciate the support you have been given by our teachers.
Some of you have bounced back from suspensions, exclusions, and other life events to make it to this celebration tonight. To those who this applies to, you have made great choices to be the best version of yourselves and you have certainly achieved this. I am more than impressed with the huge personal and learning achievements and how you have changed for the better.
To those of you who have been upstanding students all year, congratulations for maintaining our high standards and meeting our expectations and being respectful, resilient and responsible. It is indeed the depth of our students that make Cosgrove amazing and you should reflect on your efforts and achievements and feel very proud.
As a school, as a staff and as a Principal we all believe in each and every one of our students and never give up the support and guidance we provide, because we know if you allow us to help, you will go far in life and your achievements.
Tonight is a Celebration dinner not just for Grade 10 but for all of your high school years and time at Cosgrove. It’s a celebration of the journey you have taken and how you have each gotten there.
Before I conclude I would like you to offer a huge round of applause for Ms Parker for all her hard work in preparing tonight’s function.
And a huge thank you to:
- Ms Gjocaj for her help behind the scenes
- Ms Dobson for assisting with tonight as MC
- Ms Jesney for her work in assisting with the assemblies and behind the scenes
I would also like announce the winner of the Brett Webster award where students recognise one of their peers who ‘displays a good sense of humour, is respectful, inclusive and participates fully in school life’
The recipient of this special award goes to Jamal. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement!
I would now like to ask all staff to be upstanding to toast our Grade 10 students.
May we wish you all the best for the future, here’s to Grade 10!
Thank you!”
UPDATES
Congratulations to the following Year 9 students who have been successful for Prefect positions in 2024:
Head Prefects: | Molly P and Lily B |
Vice Prefects: | Kailee C and Jahli L |
Prefect team: | Annabell F, Keeley D, Eden S, |
We look forward to working with our new Prefect team in 2024!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 2024
SCHOOL LEVIES AND CHARGES FOR 2024
Levies are one of the many ways that families contribute to our school community. Levies support student learning by contributing towards the cost of essential items and services.
When setting school levies and charges the school:
- considers inclusive education, community expectations and family
financial constraints - sets levies at the lowest amount possible
- consults with the School Association Committee for the school
Levies are paid in Term One each year or paid in instalments using a payment plan. Payment plans are available for all families.
Families who are supported through the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) do not need to pay levies.
LEVY CHARGES FOR 2024
Year level | What is included | Total Levy |
Year 7 | Stationery | $450 |
Year 8 | Stationery | $400 |
Year 9 | Stationery | $450 |
Year 10 | Stationery | $500 |
Year 11/12 | Stationery | $500 |
Please Note:
- Extra-curricular activities may include camps, excursions
- Each family will receive a Kanina (yearbook)
- Year 10 levies do not include graduation top/s or activities (e.g. graduation dinner, graduation related excursions etc).
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR 2024
Optional Activity/Item | Charge | Payment date |
School Photos | Variable | March |
Camps | $20 - $60 Variable | Variable |
Additional Elective Activities | Variable | Variable |
After School Sport | $15 - $40 (approx.) | Variable |
Families of students who are found to deliberately damage school property or set off fire extinguishers/alarms will now be invoiced for the cost of repairs, damages and services.
The cost will be as follows
- Deliberate damage to school property/equipment $100
- Deliberately tampering with Fire equipment/ setting alarms off $400
WHAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN LEVIES AND CHARGES?
Levies | Charges |
Levies include costs for items and services that are required as part of the curriculum. Levies contribute to: · Essential items that are part of the curriculum (e.g. stationery, textbooks, cooking ingredients, gardening supplies) Stationery costs include a stationery pack that students receive at the start of the school year. | Charges are for items or services that are optional. Charges may apply for: · Optional activities (e.g. optional interstate or overseas trips, school band program) Any students who are not participating in optional activities that occur during school hours will be provided with alternative learning tasks. |
How do I pay levies and charges?
Levies can be paid:
- At the school (by EFTPOS or cash)
- At Service Tasmania (by EFTPOS, cash or cheque)
- Through BPAY (using the Biller Code and Reference on your invoice)
- By mail, forward your cheque, money order or credit card details to the school, with the payment slip from your invoice attached (payable to the Department of Education)
- Using Centrepay, a service provided by Centrelink
You can request to pay levies using a payment plan. Payment plans consist of the following options:
- Four equal payments to be paid at the start of each term.
- Two equal payments, one in week one of Term Two and the other in week one of Term Three
- Fortnightly payments with full payment to be completed by week 5 of Term 3.
Please contact Jo Fear on 6271 1111 or joanne.fear@decyp.tas.gov.au if you would like to discuss the above plans.
Can I get help with school levies?
There are a range of options available to support families with low-incomes or families who are experiencing financial difficulty or hardship with the costs of schooling.
You may be eligible for the Student Assistance Scheme. If you are eligible and your application is approved, you will not need to pay any levies. An application form is available from the link below or through your school office.
You are a valued member of our school community and we welcome your feedback on levies and charges at our school.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty or financial hardship, and none of the support options above will work for your family, you can contact Jo Fear (School Business Manager) on 6271 1111 or the Department of Education’s Financial Services unit at Fin.Serv@decyp.tas.gov.au or on 1800 827 055
Who can I talk to about levies?
You can contact Jo Fear (School Business Manager) if you would like to talk about levies at our school. Payment of levies and other charges is a matter for the school and parents or carers. Under no circumstances will payment of levies or charges be discussed directly with students.
Where can I access the School Levies and Charges Policy?
The School Levies and Charges Policy for our school can be accessed at the school office.
What will happen if I forget to pay?
Students will not be prevented from participating in any learning activities that are part of the curriculum if their levies have not been paid.
If your family have not paid their levies by the due date, and have not organised to pay in instalments, the school will be in contact to remind you that payment is due and will check to see if your family requires support. If your levies remain unpaid after the school has sent two follow-up letters, the matter will be forwarded to Finance and Budget Services within the Department of Education to be followed up.
2024 IMPORTANT DATES | |
Monday, 29 January 2024 | School Office re-opens |
Wednesday, 31 January 2024 Thursday, 1 February 2024 Friday, 2 February 2024 | Uniform sales and book pack |
Thursday, 8 February 2024 | First day of school for students |
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 |
COMMUNITY NEWS
BUCAAN COMMUNITY HOUSE – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Bucaan Community House in Chigwell would love to hear from 10yo -16yo students interested in free art workshops in Term 1, 2024.
Check out Crewative Arts Connect on Facebook to see the masterpieces created this year.
Expressions of interest open on 15th January 2024 until 29th January.
However, you can contact Bucaan Community House now to let them know if you are keen!
CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY NEWSLETTER
LIBRARIES TASMANIA
Libraries Tasmania is running a design a library card competition. People aged 4 to 18 are being asked to design a library card that explores the theme, “Dreaming of Summer”.
The competition opened on the 1st of December 2023 and closes on the 31st of January 2024. It is open to all people aged 18 years and younger in Tasmania.
The winning design will be made into a Libraries Tasmania library card available at all libraries across the state.
People can enter the competition using the attached entry form. You can print it in A3 or A4. It is also available from all Libraries Tasmania sites or the Libraries Tasmania website. Schools can return their students’ completed entries to their local library or scan them to network.libraries@libraries.tas.gov.au.
Alternatively, students can return their individual entry forms through the methods above.
Full terms and conditions are available at www.libraries.tas.gov.au