Wow – the last two weeks have been a strong conclusion to the year with our Celebration Assemblies, Celebration Dinner for Year 10s and Year 10s engaged in RYDA learning about being safe and responsible when driving.

The staff at Scottsdale High School would like to congratulate the Year 10 students of 2024 on the polite and respectful way they have interacted with each other over the past week for the special Year 10 events. The Year 10 Dinner at the Scottsdale Football Club was a very enjoyable evening where staff and students were able to socialise, dance, laugh, and celebrate students’ time at high school. I would especially like to thank the all the staff involved in the end of year celebrations for the organisation of the events over the past week. Many thanks to the caterers who served a delicious meal and to the SES for assisting with the arrivals. Our Year 10s have proved to be a respectful, considerate and inclusive group of young people who have bright lives and positive futures ahead of them. We are immensely proud of you!

Our Year 8 student leaders and Year 9 SLB elect leaders did a sterling job hosting our 7/8 Celebration Assembly and Year 9/10 Celebration Assembly. They were confident and articulate in their presentation. Students were recognised for academic achievement, effort, progress, community involvement, and leadership. I would like to congratulate all students who were acknowledged. Congratulations to our Dux, Charlotte H! Charlotte’s Dux speech is included in the newsletter along with a list of award recipients.

It was delightful to celebrate with families of prize and certificate recipients after both assemblies and acknowledge the great learning that has taken place over the year. Well done to Ella and Miki who performed musical items. We thank the special guests, donors, sponsors, business and industry representatives, and our families for supporting our students through the Assemblies.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our leadership team, teaching and support staff, ancillary and administrative staff for their professionalism and dedication. It is their commitment that creates opportunities for our young people to flourish and excel. Special thanks to Mrs Smith who so capably filled the role of School Business Manager, whilst Ms Howard has been on leave.

Many thanks to our School Association members, led by Chair Wendy Timperon. We greatly value your dedication and commitment to our school and students.

Thank you to all parents and carers for the positive partnerships you build with our staff. By working together, we can support our students to become connected, resilient, creative, and curious thinkers.

At the end of the year, there are often farewells to make. This year we farewell Mrs Rooney who is moving to the East Coast, St Helens District High. Mrs Rooney is an exceptional English and HASS teacher whose dedication and passion have profoundly impacted her students. She has provided support to students and fostered a love for learning and critical thinking. Her innovative teaching methods, warmth, humour and unwavering commitment to student success make her an invaluable asset to our school community. Mrs. Rooney’s ability to connect with her students and encourage their growth is truly commendable. St Helens District High School are so fortunate to gain Mrs Rooney as a member of staff and we wish her all the best.

We are also farewelling Miss Sherri Rainbow who has been appointed acting Assistant Principal at Scottsdale Primary School in 2025.  We thank Miss Rainbow for her strong leadership at Scottsdale High School and her positive contribution to our learning culture within the 9/10 space.

We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Thursday 6th February, 2025.

Thank you to everyone for your contribution to our school community throughout 2024. To all students, families and staff who are moving on, I wish you well for your future. I hope everyone has a restful, safe and enjoyable break and a Merry Christmas. I look forward to seeing you in 2025 for another big year at our great school.

Merry Christmas!

Elizabeth Williams

Principal

Good morning, Ms Williams, staff, students and guests.

Today we are celebrating the achievements of the students here at Scottsdale High School. They are all completely deserving, and I feel very lucky to have been surrounded by such an awesome group of people.

It is an honour to be standing here as Scottsdale High School’s 2024 dux. I feel not only privileged, but grateful for all the support that helped get me here.

I owe a huge thank you to Mrs Fletcher. Thank you for always believing in me. I spent a lot of time arguing and trying to push you away, but you didn’t give up. You were always there to support me and push me to be my best. Every time I said I couldn’t, you said I could and eventually I believed it. I’ll always be grateful for your support and understanding.

Another person I’d like to thank is Mrs Rooney. I always thought I hated English, but your passion is truly inspiring and I’m proud to say it’s now one of my favourites.

There are so many more teachers who took their time to get to know me and supported me through everything. Their kindness and selflessness are something that I’ll always appreciate.

My parents have been incredible. They showed me unconditional love and support throughout every challenge I gave them. My mum was my voice, defending me, believing in me and fighting for a slightly overdue ADHD diagnosis. Without them by my side I couldn’t possibly be where I am today.

My peers are amazing, over the last 4 years we’ve grown from a chaotic group of grade 7s to the lovely group of young people we are today, you should all be proud of who you’re becoming.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a few really precious people in my life. The people who show up, the people I trust, and rely on, the people who pick me up when I’m down and the ones who I can be myself around. I cannot thank them enough for everything that they’ve done and continue to do for me.

High School is definitely challenging, but it’s also rewarding and creates memories you cherish forever.

As we all leave and move onto bigger and better things. I would like to say, to the younger students, and anyone else who needs to hear it.

Be the person you want to be, stand up for the things you believe in, be passionate and true to yourself. Don’t try to fit a criterion that wasn’t made for you. Be the reason someone goes home feeling like they are good enough, because that is something we need a whole lot more of.

Thanks again to the wonderful group of special people who have always believed in me and supported me.

Congratulations to all award recipients, you should all be very proud. Goodluck to everyone, I hope you accomplish everything you’ve hoped and dreamed of.

Our students absolutely shone brightly at our Celebration Dinner! A big thank you to all who made it such a special, fun and enjoyable evening. Beautifully decorated room and tables, delicious food, terrific music and strong support from families and community members. Thank you to Miss Hall and Miss Rainbow for their work in this space. 

Thank you to Karen and volunteers from Red Dirt Cafe who worked with our students on Monday 9th December to cook up some delicious treats for Red Dirt Cafe’s Christmas celebration. There was such a fabulous buzz in our kitchen. Our students relished the opportunity to give back to our community and enjoy the gift of giving at Christmas time.

A summer of reading fun with the Big Summer Read

Students and families can join the Big Summer Read at Libraries Tasmania for the chance to win prizes and be part of a statewide reading club.

The Big Summer Read is a reading initiative that makes reading over the summer holidays fun and engaging. Students can participate in reading challenges, add book reviews and track reading progress as they aim to read at least 10 books for a chance to win a major prize.

The Big Summer Read ends on 2 February 2025.

Visit https://libraries.tas.gov.au/BigSummerRead to register and join the Big Summer Read. 

Optional: Students - Join your library to start your reading adventure and access free books, audiobooks and eBooks that all count towards Big Summer Read reading totals! Ask your parent or guardian to visit https://libraries.tas.gov.au/membership to join Libraries Tasmania