18 December 2008

MIDDLE ROAD, (PO BOX 1261)DEVONPORT Phone: 6420 8100. email: [email protected]

Issue 9 — Volume 10

NEWSLETTER

December 18 2008

From the Principal’s Desk As another year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy break but most importantly I would like to thank the community for the support they provide the teachers and students of Reece High School. Education truly is a partnership and I feel as though we have achieved that goal although it must always be at the front of our thinking. 2008 has been a fabulous year and we have achieved many great things winning including a number of very significant awards and grants. They are important because they support us in all the extra things that we do beyond the basics. They can make the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary. I have included the Perfect Board for 2009 and would like to congratulation the successful candidates and wish them well. I would especially like to congratulate Luis Fantarella and Chelsea Nichols who were elected head prefects and in assembly today demonstrated why they were chosen for that role by their peers. Glen Spencer Bradie Leonard Trent Coleman Tama Rakei Taylor Jackson

Sophie Smith Chelsea Nicholls Rhys Evans Marc Simonds Nikola Snell

Matthew Thompson -Purton Tim Kariotis Luis Fantarella Trystan Lehman Abbie Smith

Kim Richards Jamie Hughes Aiden Stalker Danielle Hooper Madeline Cole

Joel Lawler Caitlyn Walker Alex Grant Amy-Lee Baldock

This year, as with other years we have dealt with both the intended and the unintended. We can never predict staff wellness, staff promotions and changing circumstances in people’s lives – we are a people business and that means it is unpredictable. I would like to thank Josie Emery and Lara Watchman who replaced Ms Cukier. I would also like to thank Mr. Garan Lewis who came for a very brief time when Mrs Brostrom was ill, covered her LSL and returned again in term three. Mr Darren Moakes has been busy covering everyone’s class – LSL, SL, ML whatever we needed. I would like to welcome Sarah Blenkhorn to our team. Sarah came as an intern, provided relief for Mrs Lehman and will stay on with us in 2009. We must also farewell Mr David Cole who is retiring from teaching after more than a decade at Reece and long career at The Don College. Mr Bird is taking LSL at the beginning of 2009, Ms Knight is taking leave to travel and will return in 2010 and Mrs Van Essen is already on maternity leave and Mrs Johnston who is soon to have her baby. All the best and thank you one and all for the role you have played in making this a great school. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support of Reece High School, families for supporting their children and being part of education journey with us and the students who are this community, who are the reason why we are here. Have a good break, reflect on 2008 and be very clear about what you want and need to achieve in 2009. We can only provide the opportunities, you have to take them. Thank you.

Mrs Vertigan’s Speech at Leaver’s Assembly Every year I try to focus on something unique about the group that sits before me for the final time and trawl through my memories to find special events, moments or something that will act as a trigger and become the theme of this speech. My attachment to this group is a little bit different to previous years because I am both a principal and a parent and I am standing on the stage rather than sitting in the audience and that very special relationship has given me a unique insight into many of the people in this grade. I have watched them grow from anxious and excitable children who thought it was really funny to call out hello mum as I walked passed to very mature young adults who are not afraid to express an opinion, take a chance or dare to be different and of course I am told, at home if I happen to get it wrong. So let’s focus in on the group, as you would have seen from the slideshow at the beginning they have grown, they have developed style and they have a real presence. If we go back to grade 7 there were several students who did not come from our feeder primary schools but it didn’t take Bob long to find a way to become known- he somersaulted when ever he had a chance, Declan let out a very loud belch in music, Fletch appeared in grade 8 with a stunning Mohawk, Amy lost her plaits and changed her focus from hair to shoes, now Beck was tiny in grade 7 and she is still tiny but is she a tower of strength, a great worker, more than capable of standing up for herself. Mitch, our great mathematician, was often challenged by the way teachers taught maths, Mr. Armitstead made him write down every step and Mrs Johnston said mathematicians write as little as possible because they are lazy, even two weeks ago Mitch decided he would challenge Mrs J about the gradient in a maths problem, Lesson learned Mitch is that it is never too late to learn the importance of making sure you read the question! Along the way there are people who have moved on, like Corey, who loathed getting out of bed and every day I would look out my window to see him trying to sneak into class, There were the girls who like to share each other’s clothes but forgot to give them back and then world war 3 would erupt, thank goodness they are no longer all the same size and then there were those students who could tell the tallest of tales. What about all those boys who used to write wonderful love poems for Amelia and now it is the girls would write love poems to Nick about his buffed body if they had the time afterall he is our resident iron man. Not only is this group very academic, they are also very a sporty group - there is footy crew Brady and Sam who push themselves to the max in sport and have more injuries than they have goals, the soccer crew, our great netballers and then there was Jodie was never afraid to take on the boys in sport and from time to time was the winner. Of course there are stories I should never tell and I won’t.. well not today anyway. This group is unique because they are truly connected to each other, sure they have their spats but they always support each other in their pursuit of excellence and achievement. They don’t chop down tall poppies rather they provide the fertilizer for the poppies to grow taller. In the words of Mrs J they are champions, true champions in sport, science, maths, music and creativity on a state, national and international level. They are ready for each new challenge, they take every opportunity that is offered them and from that they grow. They are proud of each other and they are proud of their school and community. In the last year they have helped to put Reece High upfront and central in the minds of politicians, educators and community members…not by being flashy but by using their voice, by being present., active participants not pedestrians. Change and challenge have been a big part of their educational journey and although some people see change as a bad thing, it is a fact of life in the 21st century, you can let it be done to you or you can take control and shape it and that is exactly what this group has done. Through student voice and student leadership they have shaped the present at Reece High, they have contributed to shaping our future and the future of students in other schools in Tasmania, Australia and the world beyond. They understand the power of their contribution and the adage; don’t talk about us without us! I heard a parent express a concern that these students have been used as guinea pigs by the Department of Education. I dispute that, I see them as trail blazers, resilient individuals ready to take on the world and if anyone is the guinea pig in this story, it is us, as they practice what they learned, clarified what they believed and challenged us to do it better in the nicest possible way. Each experience has given them strength and of all the groups that have passed through Reece High since I became the principal I have absolutely no doubt that some of these people, some of the names that we will remember long beyond this day, will be up in lights for great achievements…as what and for what I can only guess. This group came together by chance, are friends by choice, and leaders in the making.

Leavers Rap Good time and bad times your life has just begun Happiness and sadness your life has just begun You rocked up in grade 7 feeling kind of shy. A guy like Addison Davis was only 3 foot high. There’s a lot of you to talk about and I’ll do my best I try. In this song I’d make you laugh and if you want to cry.

Will Rundle win the Brownlow? Declan I’m not so sure, he wants to be sponsored by Titleist or designing ships from the shore. There’s a few who like computers, blokes like Blake DEAN, but there’s Simpson, Braden + Baldock who will chase the halo dream. There’s a couple of chicks I call hotties that sometimes fill my dreams. Like Amelia, Janna want a mention, but I am the rapper MC. Good time and bad times your life has just begun Happiness and sadness your life has just begun Your high school days are over, future lies ahead; I might say something about you so remember what I said. Budgie won’t be president but Mitch Sutton might be. Turtles in the Olympics for national futsal team.

We will still remember the naughty boys because once I was one of those, I’ll name a few cause it will make you laugh, Let’s see how this goes. Tonka, Crowden, Woods, and can’t forget McCarthy. get a job, make some coin it will be a bloody good to see. Good time and bad times your life has just begun Happiness and sadness your life has just begun Stubbs rate his biceps and he can run a bit I a swear, I never thought Bec would have his measure with her long golden hair Bec likes to scrapbook and she won the school a prize, but stretch is simply a good bloke of a completely different size Karlee giggles a ridiculous amount like Hannah and plasticine, Amy French well she loves a wig, like Annelise loves to sing. Torren has been like a vampire draining all our blood, but she’s alright if I say myself, but Bounds mo’ was a dud. Alexiou, Allford, Ansell and the next is an Applebee, Augostin, Auweema, Aylett and another 163. Now I have given a few a mention, but this rapping ain’t easy So I’ll take a rest to save some breath for the grand finale. Good time and bad times your life has just begun Happiness and sadness your life has just begun Luke

NATIONAL SCIENCE FINALIST Mitchell Sutton from Reece High School has been selected as a Finalist in the 2009 BHP Billiton Science Awards for his project The Thylacine’s Return? The BHP Billiton Science Awards are Australia’s most prestigious student science awards. They reward students who have undertaken practical research projects which demonstrate innovative investigative approaches using scientific methods. The BHP Billiton Science Awards are a partnership between BHP Billiton, the world’s largest diversified resources company, CSIRO, Australia’s premier scientific research organisation and the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA). Entries of the highest standard were chosen by each state and territory and forwarded for selection as finalists. This places Mitchell in the top 16 finalists in Australia and in the running for one of the major awards. As part of the prize Mitchell is invited to attend an all expenses paid BHP Billiton Science Camp in Melbourne from 14-17 February 2009 run by CSIRO, and will also attend the presentation Awards Ceremony on 17 February 2009 at the Scienceworks Museum where the winners of the Student Awards will be announced. The sixteen finalists will receive cash prizes and the overall winner will receive $2000 and the chance to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair in Reno, Nevada in the USA.

The School Improvement Board (North West) Academic Achievement Award Bryce Roney, Nick Bound, Victoria Jordan and Mitchell Sutton These students who have received the Academic Achievement Award have reached Standard 15 (the highest level) in Literacy , Numeracy and one other Curriculum Area

Grade 10 Leavers Awards Presentation of Major Prizes Dame Enid Lyons Memorial Award - Outstanding all-round achievement - Torren Woolley Eric Reece Memorial Award - Outstanding all-round achievement - Addison Davis City Of Devonport Lions Club Awards – Academic and sporting achievement and service to the School - Nicholas Bound and Tamara Nicholls School Association Awards – Best academic results - Victoria Jordan and Mitchell Sutton Rex Batt Memorial Award – Achievement in studies and sport - Victoria Jordan Tascot Carpets Award – Outstanding merit - Connor Lizotte Peter Viney Leadership Award – Significant contribution to school leadership - Rebekkah Rundle Hector McFie Memorial Award – Student of good character, exemplary behaviour and who shows consideration for others - Declan Vertigan Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award – Leadership, teamwork and contribution to the community - Brandon Goss Rotary Club Devonport South East Award – High endeavour - Bryce Roney University of Tasmania Bursary – Springboard to Higher Education - Jessica Jackson Riawunna Springboard—To college & Higher Education - Erika Philpott Devonport Masonic Lodge Award – Exemplary behaviour - Courtney Jago Commonwealth Bank Award – Most improved - Blake Dean Punnilerpanner Award – To recognise an indigenous student for citizenship and endeavour Chloe Woods Minister for Education’s Pride in Our School Award - Positive contributions to the Reece High School Community - Larissa Hodgetts Optomeyes - Achievement in Science - Mitchell Sutton Optomeyes - Achievement in the Arts - Lauren Burke Michael Johnson Memorial Award - Excellence in MDT - Richard Mundy Ability Employment - Melissa Aylett Morses Coaches Music Award - Addison Davis HWB - Excel Fitness Award - Courtney Jago RHS Catering Hospitality Award - Brandon Goss

R. R. Burke Memorial Awards

Torren Woolley and Addison Davis

Prefect Certificates Torren Woolley Rebekkah Rundle Mitchell Sutton Scott Blackwell Nicholas Bound

Addison Davis Benjamin Saunders Toni-Lee Saunders-Locke Connor Lizotte Declan Vertigan

Joe Howe Sam Walker Tamara Nicholls Victoria Jordan Dylan Bantick

Jessica Jackson Sam Rundle Nathan Turale Amy French

Full Colour Awards Numeracy Numeracy Sports HWB HWB HWB Academic Integrated Numeracy Academic HWB Academic Performing Arts HWB Academic

Declan Vertigan Bryce Roney Torren Woolley Courtney Jago Jessie Howe Toni-Lee Saunders-Locke Mitchell Sutton Connor Lizotte Nicholas Bound Nicholas Bound Victoria Jordan Victoria Jordan Addison Davis Addison Davis Addison Davis

Numeracy Literacy Sports HWB HWB

Amy Boulter Amy French Jodie Knight Joe Howe Tamara Nicholls

Performing Arts HWB Literacy

Mitchell Sutton Connor Lizotte Nicholas Bound

Numeracy

Victoria Jordan

Integrated Sports

Addison Davis Addison Davis

Half Colour Awards Performing Art Performing Arts

Jessica Jackson Annelise Radford

Literacy Literacy

Performing Arts Performing Arts Technology Technology Technology Technology Numeracy Numeracy Numeracy Integrated Literacy

Ebony Greeves Connor Lizotte Renee Gaffney Brandon Goss Stephanie Sheehan Rhianna Dargavel Michael Davis Sarah Shaw Courtney Jago Jacinta Saunders Hannah McDermott

Dance HWB HWB HWB HWB Literacy Technology Literacy Numeracy Integrated Academic

Alaynah Havard Toni-Lee SaundersLocke Candice Gracie Larissa Hodgetts Sam Rundle Rebekkah Rundle Janna Lucadou-Wells Kieran Braden Kieran Braden Jessie Howe Jessie Howe Jessie Howe Jessie Howe

Merit Certificates

Academic Certificates

Scott Mason Alexandria Beattie Kieran Braden Jacinta Saunders Rhys Hensen

Torren Woolley Mitchell Sutton Bryce Roney Tamara Nicholls

Daynah Smith Lauren Burk Nathan Turale Thomas Lee Jamie Murfet Dana Augostin

Addison Davis Victoria Jordan Amy Boulter Amy French Toni-Lee Saunders-Locke

Grade 7, 8, 9 Assembly Awards PRINCIPALS AWARD Principal’s Award (outstanding achievement in grade 7) Reece High School Recipient of award: Kiara Daly Principal’s Award (outstanding achievement in grade 8) Reece High School Recipient of award: Mieke Lizotte Principal’s Award (outstanding achievement in grade 9) Reece High School Recipient of award: Luis Fantarella

Junior School Colour Certificates

Grade 9 Half Colours

Vanessa Ash: Arts Lauren Clarke:

Technology

Kate Leiper:

Technology

Lisa McPhee:

Technology

Bianca Bown:

Technology

Scott Newman:

Service

Daniel McCoy:

Service

Bianca Bown:

Service

James Sharman-Harris: Service Annabelle Kenzie:

Service

Madison Bramich:

Technology

Rhea Vonstieglitz:

Technology

Danalea Connell:

Technology

Rebecca Cardenzana: Arts

Timothy Kariotis:

Technology

Rebecca Cardenzna: Technology

Abbie Smith:

Integrated

Mieke Lizotte:

Literacy

Aiden Stalker:

Integrated

Mieke Lizotte:

Numeracy

Chelsea Nichols:

Integrated

Hilary Rees:

Literacy

Lucy Knowles:

Integrated

Hilary Rees:

Numeracy

Elyse King:

Integrated

Mitch Walker:

Literacy

Madeline Cole:

Integrated

Mitch walker:

Numeracy

Cynthia-Lee Bowman: Numeracy Denieka-Lee Brunssen: Numeracy Denieka-Lee Brunssen: Service

Junior School Academic Colours Danieka Coleman Hilary Rees

Sophie Smith:

Integrated

Sophie Smith:

Academic

Luis Fantarella:

Numeracy

Luis Fantarella:

Integrated

Luis Fantarella:

Academic

Kate Leiper Mitch Walker Mieke Lizotte Lisa McPhee

Grade 9 Full Colours Lucy Knowles: Literacy

Cody Williams: Service

Timothy Kariotis: Service

Presentation of Major Awards Grade 7 Punnilerpanner Award – to assist an indigenous student in their education - Recipient of award: Briana Howell Xcel Achievement in HWB Award - Recipient of award: Mitchell Jones Achievement in Numeracy Award - Recipient of award: Dylan Meldrum Achievement in Literacy Award - Recipient of award: Maisee Bowerman Most Improved Award—Recipient of award: Rebekah Brown Spreyton Primary School Outstanding Citizenship Award - Recipient of award: Keara Nichols Jeremy Rockliff Realising Potential Award (a student realising his/her potential) - Recipient of award: Sophie Nichols & Ebony Rundle Bryan Green Outstanding Merit Award - Laurie Parker

Grade 8 Punnilerpanner Award – to assist an indigenous student in their education - Kayden Lucas Xcel Achievement in HWB Award - Benjamin Ollington Achievement in Numeracy Award - Hilary Rees Achievement in Literacy Award - Lochsley Wilson Outstanding Citizenship or Service Award - Scott Newman Most Improved Award - Sean Chappell Jeremy Rockliff Realising Potential Award (a student realising his/her potential) - Bianca Bown The Brenton Best Top All-rounder Award - Lisa McPhee Norma Jamieson Outstanding Merit Award - Hilary Rees

Grade 9 Punnilerpanner Award – to assist an indigenous student in their education - Caitlyn Walker Xcel Achievement in HWB Award - Recipient of award: Madeline Cole Achievement in Science Award - Recipient of award: Denieka-Lee Brunssen Achievement in Numeracy Award - Sophie Smith Achievement in Literacy Award - Lucy Knowles Barratts Achievement in Music Award - Luis Fantarella Achievement in Visual Arts Award - Lucy Knowles Matpine Achievement in Design and Technology Award - Chris Smith Achievement in Hospitality Award - Danalea Connell St John’s 125 Year Commemoration Award - Brendan Denby Chris Richards Memorial Mentor Award (Grade 7 or 8) – Jacob Rose The Stephen Kons Most Improved Award - Kenneth Davis Brett Whiteley Outstanding Citizenship - Abbie Smith Jeremy Rockliff Realising Potential Award (a student realising his/her potential) - Timothy Kariotis Sid Sidebottom Top All-rounder Award - Chelsea Nichols Nick Sherry Outstanding Merit Award - Sophie Smith Norma Jamieson award for Top Academic Results - Sophie Smith

Academic Certificates Grade 7 Jaylen Beveridge

Dayna Baldock

Nicholas Corcoran

Dylan Meldrum

Cameron Beattie

Maisee Bowerman

Levi Brodel

Caitlyn Hooper

Zara Osborn

Caleb Parker

Bliss Sleat

Trisha Peper

Leah Woodberry

Alex Neville

Grade 8 Lauren Clarke

Olivia Stolp

Vanessa Ash

Danieka Coleman

Elias Benardout

Kate Leiper

Mieke Lizotte

Benjamin Ollington

Hilary Rees

Mitch Walker

Lisa McPhee

Aiden Morse

Grade 9

Alissa Nutting

Lucy Knowles

Luis Fantarella

Aiden Stalker

Madeline Cole

Elyse King

Chelsea Nichols

Abbie Smith

Denieka-Lee Brunssen

Trent Coleman

Merit Certificates Grade 7 Carissa Mason

Zara Osborn

Caleb Parker

Mikayla Keep

Tonaya Lee

Lisa Gleeson

Ebony Rundle

Paige Kenzie

Tayla Chick

Alex Neville

Storm Manskie

Damien Bowman

Mitchell Jones

Jemma Hugen

Grade 8 Christopher Wray

Olivia Stolp

Benjamin Kirkwood

Amanda Kent

Rebecca Blackwell

Kaitlyn Thomas

Thomas Brooke

Danieka Coleman

Sarah Baird

Alaina Taylor

Rebecca Cardenzana

Benjamin Ollington

Kayla Castles

Stephen Davis-Cook

Grade 9 Nikola Snell

Brady Lillico

Jesse Connors

Kim Richards

Kenneth Davis

Tamara Goss

Aiden Stalker

Paige Norris

Carlie Howlett

Kendra Dowling

Jamie Hughes

Ethan Barron

Aaron Smith

Jason Morice

Levies/Stationery Collection Uniform Sales 2009 The following days and times will apply for levy payments and stationery collection (including students who have been approved for student assistance).

LEVIES Levy Payments/Uniform Sales - cash, cheque or eftpos. (Uniform sales will only be available to those making levy payments) Thursday 29th January

7.30 am to 11.30 am

Friday 30th January

10.30 am to 2.00 pm

Monday 2nd February

2.00 pm to 6.00 pm

Student Assistance Scheme Stationery Collection/Uniform Sales (Uniform Sales will only be available to those on STAS) As the Department of Education is inundated with late STAS applications/ declarations, which delays the processing/approval and generation of lists to schools, it has been necessary to organize a later date for collection of stationery for those who have applied for STAS.

GRADE 10 GRADE 7 – 9

Tuesday 3rd February

1.30 pm to 6.00 pm

Wednesday 4th February

7.30 am to 2.30 pm

$335.00 1st CHILD - $320.00

2nd CHILD - $305.00

3rd CHILD - $290.00

If Levy payment is received in full (for all siblings) on Stationery Day or before the 10th February 2009 a $20.00 discount applies to the 1st CHILD only. A pre-packed box of stationery will be given to each student including STAS approved students when full or part payment of levies has been made. If parents would like to use time payment, full costs will be involved, and no discount will apply. An agreement will be signed whereby parents will make regular payments ie weekly, fortnightly or monthly and where FULL payment is expected by the end of Term 1, 2008 (Friday 29th May 2008).

GRADE 9/10 KEY LOCKER PAYMENT A $15.00 key locker charge will apply to all Grade 9/10 (except Grades 9A and 9D) students for their personal workstations. This charge is payable on Levy Payment / Stationery Day or on the first day of school ie Tuesday 10th February 2009. The key will be provided on the 1st day of school by their Principal Teacher. At the end of the year students will be refunded $15.00 upon return of their key.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME Student Assistance covers the cost of levies and stationery for low income earners. If you applied for STAS in 2008 and you intend to apply again in 2009 you should receive a letter from the Department of Education that will ask you to complete a declaration confirming information about your children and that you still meet the Taxable Income Means Test for the STAS 2009 scheme. You will need to complete and sign the declaration and return it promptly to the Department of Education – to make it easy you will receive a Reply Paid Envelope. This letter should be received before the end of November 2008. If you have not received a letter please contact the Department of Education on 1800 816 057 If you are applying for STAS for the first time you will need to complete a STAS Form and provide documentation giving proof of the family’s combined taxable income. Application forms are available from the school office, Service Tasmania or Centrelink. Only ONE form is required to list all your children (attending school) and this should be lodged at one of your children’s school UNIFORM SHOP SALES (cash / cheque / eftpos)

The uniform shop will operate in conjunction with the Levy and Stationery collection dates. Uniform sales can also made from commencement of Term 1 (from Tuesday 10th February 2009) Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm. Items available include summer dresses, winter skirts, blue short sleeve shirts, woollen jumpers, cargo shorts, spray jackets, sport tops and rugby tops. Payment of school uniforms can be made by cash, cheque or eftpos. Note: Time Payment IS NOT available for Uniform Sales.

VALIDATION FORMS All parents will be asked to check/update their child’s details (staff available to assist, outside the administration building) prior to visiting the office to make levy payments/stationery collection/uniform purchases.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS (Student Free Days) 2009 As our first requested day does not occur until term 2 (the mandated day for Moderation is May 4), we will not survey parents until early in the new year.

Sheree Vertigan – PRINCIPAL

School resumes :

TUESDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2009

Have a safe and happy holiday

CONTACT DETAILS Reece High School, Middle Road, Devonport Tas 7310 Ph (03) 6420 8100 Fax (03) 6420 8199

Email: [email protected]