Thank you to all members of our school community who have supported Scottsdale High School this term. Students have experienced a wide range of quality learning activities and participated in many extra-curricular events. I hope all students, families and staff enjoy the upcoming holidays and have a well-deserved break. Term 4 commences on Monday 16th October.

I will be taking Long Service Leave from Thursday 28th September to Friday 29th October.  Mrs Fletcher will be Acting Principal whilst I am on leave.

Year 9 Mock Interviews

Year 9 Mock interviews have been going well with students receiving positive feedback from businesses. We are extremely grateful to all employers who took time out of their busy day to provide a mock interview to students.  Students have received very positive and constructive feedback on their interview from the employer.  Students have been commended on being very personable, being prepared for the interviews and asking good questions. Employers are noting confidence is a skill that the students could further develop and whilst many have been nervous at the start of the interview, they have gained confidence as the interview has progressed.  Well done to all students who participate in the mock interviews, stepping out of their comfort zone and showing courage and resilience.

Here is some feedback that employers have given students – we have removed student’s names to maintain confidentiality:

“Well done for a first timer in a job interview.  I can see that XX has put lots of effort into this interview.”

“It was a pleasure to interview XX.”

“XX is a friendly personable young lady who will achieve well as she gains confidence.”

"XX nerves were obvious to start but she relaxed as the interview progressed. She is a lovely young lady who will do well."

“XX projected himself very well and will achieve what he sets out to do.  I congratulate him and wish him every success.”

“XX was friendly and confident in her interview.  She lost her train of thought but quickly recovered herself to keep a calm mind and ask for her question to be re-asked and answered with confidence.”

“XX was very nervous during her interview, however she kept her composure and completed the interview in a very happy manner."

“The student answered all questions and asked questions himself. Overall, very well prepared for the interview”

"XX provided a great story idea when asked about an issue needing covering in the paper.”

“XX spoke well and maintained eye contact throughout the interview – Great job!"

“XX spoke really well with confidence and enthusiasm."

PAT Testing Weeks 2 - 4 Term 4

Students in Years 7-10 will be sitting the PAT (Progressive Achievement Test) for Reading and Numeracy in weeks 2 to 4 in Term 4. This testing which is done in Term 1 and again in Term 4 helps to show progress students have made in their learning throughout the year PAT.

Research also shows that successful learning is most likely when learning opportunities are tailored to individuals’ backgrounds, starting points and learning needs. The challenge in teaching is to understand and connect with learners’ current levels of attainment and readiness, and to identify appropriate next steps in learning.

The data from this testing helps teachers to understand where students are at in their learning.  The data also helps to inform the teaching and learning through enabling teachers to set personal ’stretch’ targets with students, target our teaching and helps us to monitor the growth of students over time. Our aim is to see students experience a year’s growth in their reading and numeracy over the year.

Teachers will be talking to students about the purpose of this testing and encouraging students to do their best when sitting the tests so that we can obtain a true reflection of where each student is in their learning.

Parents/carers can assist by talking with your child about this testing and encouraging them to adopt positive mindset when sitting the test – taking the tests seriously, reading the questions carefully, answering questions to the best of one’s ability and completing all questions. 

Netball Tasmania High School Cup Carnival

Well done to all students who participated in the Netball Tasmania High School Cup Carnival last week.  It is great to see students representing the school with pride and enjoying friendly competition with other northern schools.  Thanks to the following teachers, Mrs Fletcher, Mr Petterwood, Mrs Taylor and Miss Rainbow who accompanied the students and to Ella Stingel who umpired all four days of competition.

RYDA excursion

Each year our Year 10 students are invited to attend a RYDA session at Symmons Plains. This acronym stands for Rotary Youth Driver Awareness and is a road safety program facilitated by Rotary and other professionals. Although students may not be driving yet, staying safe on our roads as both drivers and passengers was the emphasis of the day. Presenters included Road Safety experts, driving instructors, police, people who had been in car accidents and survived and drug and alcohol educators. Students found this day to be very worthwhile and the program provides students with five hours of time towards their learner’s licence. Thank you to Miss Rainbow for organising and supervising this event.

Best wishes for a safe and relaxing holiday.  We look forward to seeing students return ready to engage in their learning at the start of Term 4!

Elizabeth Williams

Principal