As we end a very busy Term 1, I would like to thank staff, students and parents for their support and contributions to making our school community a place where children are known, safe, well and learning.  We hope students and families have a safe and rejuvenating holiday and Easter break!

Staff have been working hard, focused on continuous improvement in teaching and learning, particularly lifting student outcomes in reading and literacy.

We are excited to announce that our school Production for this year is Mamma Mia!  This will be a fun and joyous production to stage and we are very impressed by the courage students have shown as they have auditioned for roles.  Cast will be announced in the near future.

Farewell Mrs Taylor

Sadly, we farewell Mrs Christine Taylor as she is moving to Queensland.  We wish her all the very best. Mrs Taylor has formed excellent relationships with students at Scottsdale High and has had a very positive impact and influence on many students’ learning.  She inspires students to strive to do their best and her caring approach has been greatly appreciated by students, staff and families. Her well-humoured personality brings joy and laughter to those around her, making challenging days a little brighter. Her flexibility to teach a range of subjects including Maths, Science, HPE and Foods demonstrates her high level of adaptability as a teacher.  Mrs Taylor will be missed but we are excited for the new opportunities and adventures that await her on the mainland. 

We have been working closely with the Department for Education, Children and Young People to find a replacement teacher but due to the teacher shortages across Tasmania and mainland Australia, we have not been able to recruit a teacher to Mrs Taylor’s position.  We will continue to advertise and hope to fulfill a teacher position as the year progresses.  

The following teachers will be taking these classes commencing Term 2:

7B Home Group – Mrs Sharp

Year 7C Maths and Science – Mr Buechner

Year 7 Foods Taster – Mrs Hall

Year 8 Foods – Mrs Sharp

Year 9/10 Foods Elective – Mr Harper

Year 10 students will be in their Home Group classes for all core subjects:

10A – Miss Simmons (English/HASS), Miss Juraimi (HPE), Miss Jones (Maths) and Mrs McDougall (Science)

10B – Mrs Yaxley (English/HASS), Mr Tuffin (Maths/Science) and Mr Hyland (HPE).

Progress Report Term 1

We wish to advise that all our students received Term 1 Progress Reports last Friday along with Evidence of Learning for English and Maths for students in Years 7-10.

The Term 1 Progress Report presents a snapshot of how the year has started in each subject area. The report provides a rating on key attributes that are important for successful learning. While it is too early in the year to include an academic achievement rating, this report will give a clear indication of how your child is working in each subject.

We are continuing the phased implementation of our Communicating Learning Progress with Families Policy. This year, we will again share evidence of learning (student work samples) with families throughout the year. We know that sharing learning progress more regularly will support the development of strong partnerships and help families feel connected to their child’s learning. Opportunities to meet with your child’s teacher/s about their learning progress will also be provided. The below table is an outline of the Communicating Learning Progress with Families schedule across the year.

We appreciate your understanding and support as these class changes are put into place.

Interhigh Swimming Carnival

We are thrilled to announce that our Interhigh Swimming Team has emerged victorious in the Division 1B Interhigh Swimming Carnival.  Our students were successful in winning the Junior, Senior and Overall Shields for 1B Division.   This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and team spirit of our talented swimmers.  Our swimming team will be recognised and the Shields presented at our Whole School Assembly in the first week of Term 2.  Our team received glowing feedback from parents and community members who mentioned how every student gave their very best, participation was outstanding with students stepping up so we could field all relays and everyone supported and encouraged one another.  The strong sense of connection and pride the students demonstrated is commendable.  Well done, team!

ANZAC DAY 25 APRIL 2025

Anzac Day is a very important part of our Australian history, and an opportunity to pay our respects to those who fought for our country. Each year, our Student Leadership Board represent Scottsdale High School at various services throughout the community.  This year, Anzac Day does fall on the last day of the school holidays.

It would be wonderful to have as many of our students attend these services as possible.   Listed below are the times and venues for our community services. Please wear school uniform if you can attend and join our student leaders.

• Scottsdale Service – Meet in R.S.L. at 10.00 a.m. where service will commence indoors at 10.10am and then march to ANZAC Park at 10.25am for laying on wreaths.
• Bridport Service – Bridport Hall at 11.00 am.
• Ringarooma Service – Ringarooma Memorial Hall at 11.00 am.

Passenger Conduct Code for School Bus Service

We are aware that many of our students on the buses make good decisions and are respectful which enables the bus driver to provide safe transport for our students.

Students and parents/carers are responsible for the safe arrival at, and departure from bus stops, and while boarding and disembarking the bus. The attitude and behaviours of students not only affect their own safety and wellbeing, but also the comfort, safety and wellbeing of others.

Details regarding the standards for student behaviour can be found at:

Passenger Conduct Code for School Bus Services – Transport Services

 We would appreciate if you could talk with your child to remind them of the conditions of travel which we have summarised here including:

• Getting on and off the bus quietly and calmly
• Respecting the driver, other passengers and their property, and the bus
• Following reasonable driver instructions, including going to a specific area
• Speaking quietly, and using appropriate language
• Wearing headphones if listening to music
• If sitting, staying seated and wearing a seat belt where fitted
• Placing bags under the seat, in the racks, or on your lap
• Keeping feet on the ground, and you and your property within the bus
• Not throwing objects inside the bus or from the bus
• Not eating or drinking unless for a medical reason or with driver permission
• Taking all rubbish with you when you leave the bus.

Enjoy the Term 1 school holiday! 

Elizabeth Williams
Principal

Rhylan and Molly- School Committee Leaders Profiles

In this newsletter, we would like to introduce you to Rhylan and Molly our School Committee leaders on the SLB.

Rhylan

My name is Rhylan, School Committee leader of SHS for 2025. I’m thrilled to be a part of the leadership board again and working alongside the other amazing members for 2025. I plan to not only make this year an enjoyable, positive, successful year within the school but ensure the upcoming student leaders are setup to continue creating a positive environment into the future here at Scottsdale High School. I always try to ensure that my peers are doing well and have all that is required to set them up positively to create a better tomorrow, as demonstrated in one of my more major awards more recently through being awarded the ‘Minister of Education Respectful Student Award’ I got in Year 6.

I take my role sincerely and strive to be an affirmative and optimistic leader in all situations ensuring the wellbeing of all those around me is positive. I believe that I’m a confident, caring, compassionate, and trustworthy leader within our school who tries to uplift everyone and encourage people to be their own individual. Although it is my last year here at SHS I plan to make it last as long as possible to create memories, inspire others, stand up for what is right, produce possibilities, and remind others what Miss Jurami (SLB Coordinator) always reminds me: “stay true to yourself and be your own individual.”

Outside of school I have many hobbies including badminton, guitar, netball, reading, spending time outdoors, and just working out/ sports in general. I love learning new skills and am always willing to give everything a shot. The quote “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”- Wayne Gretzky is something I subconsciously follow and apply to life in general, knowing that if I never try something then I’ll never know if it could have been the thing for me. I always encourage others to follow that too.

Each day is a new day so remember to be kind, be true, be who you want to be, and don’t conform to others unrealistic expectations of yourself. Remember that myself and other student leaders are not just here to help run and organise events but are here to support and care for fellow students. Remind them it’s ‘okay to not be okay,’ and that if there’s anything on their mind that they can speak to someone they trust including a student leader. I can confidentially say on behalf of the leadership board that you matter, and we are always here to help or have a chat to support you through your high school journey.

Molly

My name is Molly and I am the school committee leader for 2025 alongside Rhylan. I am really looking forward to the year and the exciting events that we already have in the works. This is my second year on the SLB and I am aiming to make the school a more positive place for everyone as a senior member of the SLB.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and working on the farm. I am a hardworking individual and will always see that the job gets done.

Our first event that we are planning is Do it for Dolly, that will take place in Term 2. This is an event that I am passionate about as I think that for the school and youth of the community, mental health is a topic that needs to be spoken about more.

I cannot wait to work with this year’s SLB to create some positive changes in our school community that will hopefully have a lasting impact for years to come. Have a great 2025!

Congratulations to our Duke of Ed participants who officially received their Bronze Award certificate and badge. We thank Fiona, Duke of Ed Northern representative, for travelling and presenting the awards. We look forward to our other students completing their Bronze and Silver Awards throughout the year. Thanks to Mrs Tuffin for her support and guidance.

Year 7 students travelled to Port Sorell on the 19th March and spent 3 days at Camp Banksia. This camp was a  fantastic opportunity for students to build positive relationships, explore the area and engage in a variety of activities

Exploring the Future of Forestry: Arbre Excursion in Launceston

On Monday, a group of eager students travelled to Launceston for an informative excursion organised by Arbre, a leading forestry education and training organisation. The excursion, offered participants a unique opportunity to delve into the world of forestry, explore advanced machinery, and consider future career paths within the forestry industry.

Students heard from forestry experts, where they shared their insights on the challenges and rewards of working in forestry. One of the highlights of the excursion was operating the simulator. From harvesters to forwarders, attendees witnessed the impressive capabilities of modern equipment designed to enhance efficiency and safety in forestry operations. The hands-on experience allowed participants to understand real life industry tasks and complete the full experience of driving and operating the heavy machinery.

We would like to thank the Beacon Foundation, Sam, Denise and Paul for their time in organising and delivering a worthwhile experience to our students.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our Breakfast for Champions yesterday morning. It was wonderful to see so many students eating a hearty and delicious breakfast. This is always a great way for us to come together to celebrate the end of the term. Our students were very grateful and thankful.

Menu:

Sausages

Bacon

Scrambled eggs

Hash browns

Baked Beans

Muffins 

Juice/Milo/Moo Milks

Fruit Cups/Yoghurt/Snacks

We are very grateful to Variety who have sponsored our breakfast club this year.