Dear Parents/Guardians, Students and Friends of Prospect High School,

I hope all mothers enjoyed their special day last Sunday.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing for Grade 7 and 9 in literacy and numeracy has been undertaken well this week. Testing was conducted online, and students were able to use their own devices. While this is only one test on one day, it provides a valuable experience for students who may have to do assessments online for courses or careers in the future. Results from NAPLAN also provide valuable information that informs teaching and learning for the next twelve months. Preparation for NAPLAN began in Term one and required an enormous amount of administration and co-ordination. Many thanks to Ms Carolyn Abraham and Mrs Leonie Smith who have been organising the timetabling and implementation over the last few weeks to enable students to be supported with technology and resources.

All Schools Mountain Bike Championships

Last Friday Prospect High School had students take part in the All Schools Mountain Bike Championships held at Trevallyn reserve. Congratulations to two Grade 8 students who were placed in the top 10. Campbell was placed fourth and Luca was placed ninth. There were over 470 riders in this competition congratulations to all who participated.

Launceston Competitions – Drama and Dance

Lights-camera-action! Very brave students have shown their talent at the Drama Competitions and Dance Competitions this week. All students were excellent representatives for Prospect High School and gave awesome performances. In particular, Grade 8 dance participants achieved amazing results in the Dance Competitions, receiving first place in the expressive section and second place in the creative section. Congratulations! Many thanks to the parents who have been attending to support students and the school. A big "thank you" to Mrs Dawkins and Mrs Viney for their time, creativity and support.

Debating

I am very pleased to announce that Mrs Kirsty Wilson is coaching a Grade 9/10 Prospect High School debating team in the Northern High Schools Debating Competition. Their first competition was held at Scotch Oakburn on Tuesday against Riverside High School. Alicia, Emily, Charles, Holly, Kyrin, Josie and Yasmin were the affirmative side debating with the topic Animal Testing must be Banned. This first-ever was a very close competition for the team, and although they did not win, they only lost by one point!! Well done!! Next week is an impromptu debate concerning education in Tasmania. Good luck for next week.

Uniform Reminder

Thanks for the resounding support from parents with school uniform.  The majority of students wear our uniform correctly and with pride. As the weather is getting colder, I would like to reiterate some reminders. Students are reminded that hoodies are not part of the school uniform and should not be worn to school. Students are requested not to wear hoodies on to and off school grounds. Hoodies are to be placed in lockers with phones at beginning of the day. Concerning jackets - the PHS spray or shell jackets can be worn to and from school and during the school day.  Other coats (ie. black jackets) are to be stored in lockers at 8.35am, and are not to be worn during class time (they must be kept in lockers). They can, however, be worn to and from school, at recess, at lunch, and after school. Long sleeve shirts should not be visible under school shirts.

Congratulations and Farewell

Congratulations to Mrs Anna Musovic, who has been successful in gaining an Inclusive Coach position. We said farewell to Mrs Musovic on Tuesday as this is a non-teaching role with the Department of Education. Mrs Musovic has made a significant contribution as Senior Grade Leader to Grade 8 last year and Grade 7 this year and has had a positive impact on student learning as a teacher of English and HASS. Both staff and students have appreciated the strong connections she has made and her patient and kind approach. We wish her the best in her new role.

Mrs Lee Barker
Principal