19 December 2024
A Word from the Principal…
Every member of staff has a very important role here and their contributions help to ensure our students are the best versions of themselves. I thank them for their work and the invaluable connections and support they make each day with each other and our students.
There have been numerous highlights that have positively impacted our school community which includes school sports carnivals, SHS Olympics, Work Placement/Experience and school excursions. Student competitions have produced some outstanding student achievements over the year in Drama, Music, Maths, HPE and Applied Science. These competitions are stand out events that have provided great opportunities for students to participate and achieve success. Our PAT results have significantly improved with many students achieving growth from the last PAT testing phase in 2023. Additionally, our students have excelled in both football and basketball competitions, showcasing their talents and sportsmanship. The Outdoor Education camp was also a highlight for those students and staff that attended with many of them visiting Cradle Mountain for the first time. Community Engagement was also a highlight with students supporting a variety of charities through fundraising drives throughout the year for Wyndarra and the Cancer Council. Our mentor programs have also provided opportunities for students to engage in hands on experiences in mechanics, gardening, landscaping and cooking. A huge thanks to our non- teaching staff for the tremendous work you do at school with students and colleagues - we appreciate everything you do in the different roles you undertake each day. Thank you!
We are excited to be welcoming new staff members at the beginning of 2025, who are eager to contribute and enhance the learning environment for our students. The addition of new staff to our team will bring fresh perspectives and energy to our school community. Here is a list of teaching staff for 2025:
Noel Wood
Joanne Drake
Carly Chynoweth
Shary Braithwaite
Liam Davies
Ellyce Anderson
Tim Dunham
Tyler Redfern
David Foster
Erica Quinn
Susan Bishop
Ryland Coombe
Les Clarke
Jasper Perry
David Wyatt
David Buchanan
Jaime Mesias
Sarah Blake
Ange McKenna
Adrian Neasey
Susan Jones
Kim Muller
Lisa Bryan
Louise Searson
Josh Smith
Melissa Breadmore
Nikki Clark
As we look forward to 2025, we must also bid farewell to some staff members who will be leaving at the end of 2024. Tobi Allan has led the Year 11/12 team and we thank him for his contribution to our school. His work and leadership have made a difference to the education of many senior secondary students over a number of years and we wish him all the best at Hellyer College. Brett Riley has made valuable contributions to Smithton High School coming in at the start of Term 4 to support our students in the classroom whilst continuing to work in DECYP. Thanks for helping us out during Term 4! Dudley Billing will be taking up a new job with BigHart as the need to be closer to his home beckons. Dudley has worked across our site and Smithton Primary School and will be greatly missed. Louise Owen will also be taking a position at Smithton Primary School for next year. Louise has worked as a Year Leader and AST and we thank her for her leadership work and organisation of numerous activities and events over the year. Sophia Field is moving back to the mainland and will be taking some time away from teaching. She has taught in the Drama area mainly and has been critical in building confidence and performance skills across 7-10. All of these people leave an indelible mark on our school, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours and thank them for their dedication and hard work.
As we close out the year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to the success of Smithton High School. Your support and involvement make our school a vibrant and inspiring place for learning. I look forward to the opportunities that 2025 bring and wish you all a safe and restful holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
Nikki Clark
Principal
Subject Achievement Certificates
Congratulations to the following students who were recognised in last week’s assembly for their “Effort and Endeavor” in their core subjects and options.
Core Subjects:
English Year 7 Elizabeth Evenhuis
Year 7 Westen Whiteman
Year 8 Iniego Gonzales
Year 9 Chloe Grey
Year 10 Sophie Perry
Geography Year 7 Milly Ziegler
Year 8 Iniego Gonzales
History Year 7 Olivia Moll
Year 8 Blayze Elliott
Year 9 Madeline Edwards
Year 10 Elijah Champion-Smith
Maths Year 7 Jhett House
Year 7 Noah Prior
Year 8 Blayze Elliott
Year 8 Iniego Gonzales
Year 9 Huon Prior
Year 10 William Hampson
Science Year 7 Lillith Hafner
Year 8 Ruby Lardner
Year 9 Huon Prior
Year 10 Sophie Perry
Health and Physical Education Year 7 Jhett House
Year 8 Ruby Lardner
Year 9 Huon Prior
Year 10 Sophie Perry
Business & Economics Year 7 Kiara Harding
Year 7 Lillith Hafner
Year 8 Ethan Zoontjens
Civics and Citizenship Year 7 Judd Ryan
Year 8 Duke Marcello
Option Subjects:
Agriculture Year 9 Aleyna Harrison
Year 10 Ashton Lardner
Applied Science Year 9 Huon Prior
Year 10 Sophie Perry
Art Year 7 Hayden Farrow
Year 8 Ruby Swan
Business and Finance Year 9 Chloe Grey
Drama Year 7 Mattea Brooks
Year 8 Blayze Elliott
Foods Year 7 Maya Woolley
Year 8 Iniego Gonzales
Food Studies Year 9 Hannah Sutton-Collins
Health and Physical Education Extended Year 7 Archie Best
Year 10 Thomas Johnson
Materials Design and Technology Year 7 Grace Coates
Year 8 Ruby Lardner
Maths Extended Year 10 Sophie Perry
Music Year 7 Jeremiah Gibbs
Year 10 Shayla Guest
Year 10 Bronte Lord
My Education Year 8 Aden Phillips
Outdoor Education Year 9 Tori Collins
Paddock to Plate Year 9 John Barker
Sociology and Psychology Year 10 Mia Carling
Spanish Year 9 Jorja Fisher
Visual Arts Year 10 Tori Collins
Woodwork Year 10 Zarna Ollington
Work Placement Year 9 John Barker
Senior Secondary Dinner
We recently held our Senior Secondary Celebration Dinner which was attended by award sponsors, staff, students, parents and guests. The evening provided the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of our Year 11 and 12 students across all subject and program areas. It was an opportunity to farewell our Year 12 Graduates and thank all students for a great year.
We congratulate all those students who were awarded prizes, certificates and bursaries for 2024.
Major Awards:
* ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Annalise Hursey
* McCain Foods Academic Achievement - Thomas Randall-Ardle
* Circular Head Sub-branch RSL Bursary - Ella Tuxworth
* McCain Foods Pathway to the Future - Hudson Beswick
* Circular Head Council Consistent Effort - Ash Scott
* Tasmanian Seaweed Fertiliser Service to the School Community - Zavier Heald
* Excellent Attendance sponsored by Keith Billing - Ella Tuxworth & Mia Schuuring
Subject Achievement Awards:
* Essential Skills – English - Ella Tuxworth
* Essential Skills – Maths - Ella Tuxworth
* Sport & Recreation and Outdoor Experiences - Hudson Beswick
* Visual Art - Ash Scott
* Career & Life Planning - Ella Tuxworth
Vocational Education & Training Awards:
* Achievement in Construction - Hudson Beswick
* Achievement in Hospitality - Annalise Hursey
* Automotive Encouragement - Thomas Carson
Certificates of Recognition on completion of qualifications:
* Automotive - Logan Medwin & Thomas Randall-Ardle
* Construction - Zavier Heald
* Hospitality - Annalise Hursey
Certificate of Appreciation for contribution to the operations of the Rustic Duck on Montagu cafe - Jasmin Wells
Year 7 News
Celebrating student success in Year 7. Well done!
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Science
Recently in Science 7.2 dissected owl pellets. During our investigation of the pellets, we found different bones from different species such as a rodent, a shrew, a mole and a bird. This gave us a better understanding of food webs, food chains and the role that they play in ecosystems.
Bee Garden
Year 7s have been working in the Bee Garden for the last two weeks, picking up rubbish, sweeping, weeding the garden, sanding back the picnic tables and cleaning out the fish pond. We have more plans to put mulch down in the garden and under the swings, paint the picnic tables and plant more plants in the garden. We've been lucky with the weather and 7.1 has enjoyed taking the time to improve our school environment for all students in the school.
Year 8 News
Science
During Science, 8.1 dissected sheep hearts. Students spent time identifying various parts of the heart, including left and right ventricles, left and right atrium, pulmonary artery and veins, aorta and vena cava.
Civics and Citizenship
8.2 have been involved in some school improvement projects to tidy up our school and make it look great. We've had groups mowing, gardening, picking up rubbish, selling raffle tickets for a local fundraiser, trimming up posters for our display boards, working on the farm and in the canteen, and washing our school bus and car. Such a great way to develop good skills for the future and be responsible for our school environment. Thanks to our mentors, TA's and EFA’S for their assistance.
Year 9 News
Congratulations to the Year 9 students who received LARF certificates in a recent assembly.
Inter High Athletics
Celebrating Success at the North West Inter High Athletics Carnival
On Monday December 2nd, a group of talented Smithton High School students represented our school at the North West Inter High B Division Athletics Carnival, held at the Penguin Athletics Centre. We are immensely proud of their dedication, team spirit, and outstanding performances throughout the day, with the school finishing in second place overall.
Thank you to Alisha Barry and student Sam Radford-Byran for their support and assistance with the team during the carnival. Your help was greatly appreciated!
We also acknowledge the outstanding performances and wins achieved by the following students:
- Macklen Ollington, Blayde Emmett, Ashlynn Moles, Taya Radford, and Kyron Poke: High performers on the day, securing victories in their respective events.
- Junior Boys Relay Team: Outstanding teamwork and effort, securing victory in their race.
Congratulations to all students for their selection to represent Smithton High School and for showcasing exemplary behaviour throughout the event. Your hard work and commitment have brought great pride to our school community.
Let’s continue to celebrate the achievements of our students and encourage them to reach for new heights in the future!
Go, Smithton High!
Thanks, Ryland Coombe, Lisa Bryan (HPE Teachers)
Applied Science Excursion
Alchymia
Recently the Year 9/10 Applied Science class visited a local distillery Alchymia at Table Cape. Students had completed a practical fermentation and distillation unit in the school laboratory where they produced a viable biofuel. At Alchymia, Sarah and Matt were able to explain and show how they were able to turn water, yeast and barley into a single malt whisky. Students got to see this process first hand and ask questions about the viability of biofuel production in Tasmania.
Students then visited Fossil Bluff where they looked at brachiopod shell fossils that were approximately 275 million years old. Teachers were very impressed with student behaviour and application on the day.
Work Placement
Study Centre
On Monday 11th of November, Work Placement students went to the Study Centre to learn about the support it offers to people in the community to engage in further training and education. If anyone in the community would like to know more about the Study Centre and opportunities it offers, it is well worth a visit. We thank Tony for his time on Monday.
Clark Windows
David and Kade from Clark Windows were kind enough to show our Year 9/10 Work Placement class through Smithton's window making facility and the day in the life of a glazier. Students were lucky enough to see each stage of the process from measuring, quoting, cutting, handling, and framing to create the final product. We would like to thank Clark Windows staff for this experience and for showing the students the variety of job opportunities available.
Burnie Police Station & Forensic Unit
Year 9/10 Work Placement students enjoyed a day out in Burnie on December 4th for their final excursion. Firstly, sitting in on two court hearings in the Magistrate's Court and then heading to the Burnie Police Station. Here students saw a presentation and had some question and answer time on forensics, front line police work and daily dealings within the community. A huge thank you to everyone involved in enabling this to happen.
OUTDOOR ED
Cradle Mountain Excursion
The Outdoor ed students went on a 3-day trip to Cradle Mountain and surroundings.
Day 1:
Students left SHS and stopped in Sheffield for lunch and a walk around the town. Sheffield is known as the town of murals and luckily for us, their famous mural contest was taking place ‘live’, where artist from across the country compete for a chance to win $15,000. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and to vote for their favourite mural in the contest.
At the accommodation students kicked the footy and went for a group walk around the place to enjoy the sunshine, in their adventure a friendly echidna came to say hello. The menu for the first night included chicken burgers, and students organised themselves with different roles for the preparation of the meal, including wash up. They also surprised Emilee with a birthday cake celebration. As the night approached students used their previously acquired skills to light a bonfire where a competitive trivia took place for the chance to win a bag of chocolates. Lights went out by 10pm.
Day 2:
Students woke up to some upbeat mariachi music at 7:30 am. All the students followed the itinerary thoroughly, and it was very impressive to see everybody in the common room before 8 am. Students had multiple options for breakfast and packed their lunches for the day including fruit, sandwiches and snacks.
At Cradle Mountain the weather was warm and sunny and students excitedly started the Dove Lake hike at 10:30 am. Students enjoyed the scenery and spotted wombats and a snake along the way. The last part of the hike presented some challenges for the students as it was uphill, and the day was getting hotter. Nonetheless, all students finished the hike at approximately 2 pm where they enjoyed their packed lunch with a clear view of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain.
Back at the accommodation most of the students enjoyed some quiet time and played some music and board games to relax and enjoy the nice weather. Spaghetti Bolognese was cooked by Ella and Tori, and everybody chipped in to assist the two chefs. After dinner Alexis and Hannah prepared a new trivia for the night where marshmallows were roasted on sticks and students sat around the bonfire and told stories. The students were tired from their big day at Cradle and some of them fell asleep before the 10 pm curfew.
Day 3:
The students had a sleep in and were woken up at 8:30. The group was ready for departure at 9:30. Students participated in a collective reflection about first impressions as they left the accommodation.
At Mole creek, students were welcomed by the Marakoopa Cave staff which include the rangers that look after the Mole Creek National Park. Inside the cave students were in awe when they saw the rock formations; some interesting questions took place. In the middle of the cave, known as the dark zone, the ranger turned the lights off, the group was in absolute darkness for two minutes and learnt about life in the cave. When the students saw the glowworms, they were fascinated by their bioluminescence. The group discussed and joked about all the formations that their imagination presented.
On the way home, most of the students had a nap in the car and finished the trip with a McDonalds stop in Burnie.
MAST
Students engaged in a marine safety presentation with the assistance of MAST (Marine and Safety Tasmania). They interacted with boating equipment and participated in a flare demonstration.
Kennanook
The Outdoor Ed students had the opportunity to visit Kennanook with the support of CHAC. Weather conditions were fabulous with barely any wind and plenty of sunshine. The students interacted with the landscape, gathered and tried some bushfoods and learned about the importance of this place for the local Aboriginal community. We would like to extend our gratitude to Camilla, Melissa and Jack for sharing their knowledge and skills with the students at Smithton High School.
Trawmanna
The Outdoor Ed students had the opportunity to participate in a botanical session to recognise and clone native plants with the help and assistant of CHAC. The students were rewarded with fresh strawberries for their hard work. We would like to extend our gratitude to Melissa and Jack for their continuous support to the Outdoor Ed students.
MDT
Well done to Year 10 student Jayden who recently completed his final woodwork project.
Crystal in Year 9 also finished her project. Well done!
Spanish
The Spanish students have been working on their 'Año viejo' projects, to embrace and celebrate Latin cultures and traditions. The Año viejo represents their learning journey through the year and summarises hopes and dreams for the next one.
Community News
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