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- From the Principal
- Science Week Events at the Future Energies Hub
- Huon Futures Energy Hub
- Kitchen Garden
- Bringing the World to Huonville High School
- ONYA
- Being eSmart
- Top 10 Cyber Safety Tips
- Growing Up Digital Australia
- Huon Valley Youth Committee
- SZapp for iPhones - Version 3.6.0
- Pickleball – a funny name for a fun sport!
- Baden Powell Hall Committee AGM Notice
- Is foster care for you?
With the past four weeks of students coming to terms with learning completely back on site, it has been interesting to observe the way in which everyone has returned to as best that can be described as normal, given the disruption to the year through the end of Term 1 and most of Term 2.
One of our guarantees was that every student would be provided with opportunities to stay abreast of their learning which has meant that this term we have been putting a great deal of focus on face-to-face teaching. Teachers are maintaining the highest expectations of all students, but should parents/carers have concerns about their child’s progress, please contact the school on 6264 0800 to arrange a conversation with the appropriate teacher/s. This can be done either face-to-face, with COVID-19 precautions in place, or by phone.
School Future Focus
A recommendation from the External School Review last year was to create a School Vision Statement, one that is developed in consultation with as many stakeholders in the Huon as possible. This obviously includes staff and students, but as with the extremely successful construction of our school values, parent/carer and broader community input is a critical part of a meaningful product.
As such, over the next few months, we will be offering opportunities for all members of the Huonville High School community to engage in workshops and feedback sessions, to enable us to create a meaningful futures statement that will guide how and why we undertake the programs we do at the school.
The initial parent/community consultation is scheduled for Tuesday, 15th September, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Further information will be sent out to all families and interested persons, including business and industry representatives, the Huon Valley Council, community and sporting leaders.
The forum will be led by members of the Student Leadership Team, School Association Committee, Staff, and Department of Education leaders.
We will be looking at key questions that aim to help our community visualise a positive future for the school. Your input will allow us to understand what we really need to hear about from your community, and provide an initial opportunity for our community to talk about issues that are seen as important from an education perspective.
Core themes will explore issues such as:
- Safety
- Equity
- Aspiration
- Innovation
- Community/Industry links
- Belonging
- Diversity
As with the input provided by the whole school and broader Huon community in establishing our core values of Safety, Respect, Growth and Responsibility, I am excited about the next chapter in our building a stronger and more positive school culture for all learners in the Huon Valley.
Please join us on Tuesday, 15th September, as we undertake to ensure Huonville High School provides the optimum learning environment and becomes the school of choice for the young people of the Huon.
Geoff Williamson
Principal
Science Week Events at the Future Energies Hub
As part of Science Week we are holding two events at the school this Saturday, 15th August.
Both events will be held in the Future Energies Hub which is easily accessed from Wilmot Road, opposite the Huon Valley Trade Training Centre.
Event 1: Hot Tips: Saving Energy at Home
Saturday, 15th August, at 11am
Want to be more energy efficient?
Learn how to save energy at home. Energy educator, Matt Ruffin, will share how heat enters and leaves your home and how to slow that down. Check out different
kinds of insulation, draught sealing, double and triple glazed windows, curtains and blinds and the comparative efficiency of different types of heaters and lighting! Be a sleuth and check the energy used by different appliances. This event is suitable for families
Hosted by: Zayed Huon Energy Futures Team and National Science Week Tasmania
Cost: Free
Book via Eventbrite - link below:
Event 2: Making a Solar Cooker
Saturday, 15th August, 1pm – 3pm
This is a practical workshop making a mobile solar cooker with energy expert, Dr John Todd.
There is far more solar energy reaching the earth’s surface each day than we use in our factories, homes and vehicles, but we are not very good at capturing this energy. Find out about a small, but practical way, of using solar energy. Solar cookers are a good, simple example of what we can do with solar energy. Led by energy expert, Associate Professor John Todd, learn how to make a solar cooking device that can prepare hot food without using a single watt of electricity or gas. Participants will have fun with different solar cooker designs. This event is suitable for young people ages 5-14.
Hosted by: Zayed Huon Energy Futures Team and National Science Week Tasmania
Cost: Free
For more information please visit:
Log into Facebook to register your interest and invite others:
Most people would be aware that the Huon Futures Energy Hub was developed as a result of the school winning the Zayed Future Energy Prize in 2017. Team members and staff were invited to Abu Dhabi to receive this international prize which included $130,000 to support energy efficiency and renewables development in the school. Since then, the Energy Hub has been developed into a school and community resource centre for renewable energy and energy innovations in the Huon Valley.
Through the Zayed Prize, the school attracted strong support from local businesses, including local glaziers, Bendigo Bank, energy auditors, solar suppliers and the local council. We have had over 300,000 engagements on social media.
Currently the Energy Hub is a focus for Science Week activities such as solar cooking, energy efficiency and bicycle maintenance. It is also a Learning Destination for The Children’s University which is involving students both from Huonville High School and the Huon primary schools.
As part of the Tasmanian Youth Climate Leaders’ action plan 2020, the student leaders in the Energy Team are currently developing a Virtual Renewable Energy Trail, producing five videos, showcasing energy innovators in the Huon Valley.
Recently, in partnership with Greening Australia, we were selected as National winners of the Energy Globe Award, the most important award for sustainability world-wide, for the Tasmanian Youth Climate Leaders’ Program. This program began with a Huon Valley Climate Conference organised by the Energy Team with Huon Valley Schools in 2017. Now, supported by Nel Smit and in partnership with Greening Australia, we have taken the program state-wide with conferences in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie in 2018-2020. These conferences have involved over 800 student leaders who have been supported by 50 community mentors in developing local climate action plans around Tasmania.
We are extremely proud of the impact our school is having at the local, state and national level and last Thursday The Honourable Peter Gutwein MP, Premier of Tasmania and Minister for Climate, came to the school to acknowledge the winning of this award with the Future Energies team.
June and July were pretty quiet in the garden due to lockdown and Tasmanian growing seasons. I had to plant the garlic on my own as nature stops for no one.
When the students' returned in Term 3, we made a start on the wicking beds thanks to the donation of apple crates from Lucaston Orchards. Wicking beds are great as they have a reservoir of water underneath the soil. The moisture then soaks up through the soil, reducing the need to water as much from the top over summer. We’ll plant those out as soon as it warms up a bit more.
We have also had a lot of fun making spinach, banana and mango smoothies with our produce. The other tasty snack we enjoyed was pumpkin soup. We had saved the pumpkin from the end of Term 1, and the soup was fantastic. I am really enjoying working with the students in the kitchen, and they really come together as a team when food is involved.
A big thank you to Judi Cawthorn for taking us through the Trade Training Centre so that my students could see what could be offered there with their agriculture programs, as well as everything else.
That’s your bloomin’ lot!
Jason Lunden
Head of Science
Bringing the World to Huonville High School
This term Mrs Morphett is running a journalism club in G09 during lunchtimes, Tuesday to Thursday, for students to gather news from around the world to share with the school community.
- In July we have discovered Japan’s recognition of their indigenous Ainu culture with the opening of a new cultural centre in Hokkaido.
- Over in America, the Art institute of Chicago performed an x-ray and infrared examination of Picasso’s ‘Still Life’ and found a hidden drawing underneath!
- From space news, NASA scientists have begun experimenting growing seedlings in nutrient-poor soils for a future of astronaut agriculture on the moon.
- In Palaeontology news, analysis of a 7 million-year-old crocodile skull found in modern day Libya, established it as the link of the four extant crocodilian species inhabiting America, which means individuals had to have swam from Africa to the American continent.
- In Ancient History news, London’s date of earliest occupation has been set back a further three millennia thanks to excavation work in Shoreditch discovering 437 Neolithic pottery fragments, suggesting the site was used for ceremonial and festival observances.
All the of the Bringing The World to Huonville High School news is displayed and updated weekly on the noticeboard outside the library, and I encourage all students and staff to bring to light any news they have heard that the team can investigate and share with the school community to broaden our cultural minds.
Huonville High School is pleased to announce to the school community that the school has gained accreditation as an eSmart School, recognising the work that has been done through the Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework to develop positive, safe and supportive learning cultures. This is a great achievement and a tribute to the commitment the school has towards the wellbeing and safety of our students.
The school does, however, recognise that this is a milestone on a continuing journey. We are aware of issues for our students that arise from the misuse of social media platforms and messaging apps. As a school we are continually working to improve student learning and understanding of the positive use of digital connection. Examples of this are the Digital Licence being undertaken by the Grade 7 classes this year, and the Think U Know presentations being delivered to the Grade 8 classes through August.
In light of this, we ask that you, as parents and carers of our students, support them and the school by talking to them about what they are doing, and how their actions uphold the school values of Safety, Responsibility, Growth and Respect. Please feel free to contact the school for any additional information, and watch for connected articles in the Huonville High School newsletter, on the school Facebook page, or on the website:
Other links:
1. Use tech to make life better
We can use technology to learn things, create things, connect with friends and family, reach out to people who are having a hard time, enjoy great entertainment, and even boost our fitness and mental health. Or we can use tech to make ourselves and other people feel lousy. Which would you rather do?
2. Keep your balance
Technology is incredible. Gaming, networking, apps … online shopping! But relying too much on tech can mess with your sleep and make you feel exhausted, stressed or lonely. Make time for the other things that matter to you: family meals, playing with pets, kicking a ball around, reading, cooking, art or just sitting out in the sunshine.
3. Boundaries, people
Sure, you're fascinating, but you don't need the world watching your every move. Regularly check your privacy settings on apps and social media, and make sure people can't track your location. Don't share passwords (no, not even with
your best friend), and always think before you post. Photos that show your school uniform or the outside of your house might make you a little too easy to find.
4. Respect others
Before taking and sharing photos or videos of other people, always ask first if it's OK with them. And before you talk about someone online, stop to think: how might this make them feel? It’s not all about you, right?
5. Keep everything updated
Any idea what causes the most security breaches on the internet? Software that isn’t up-to-date. Seems crazy simple, but it’s true! Be vigilant about updating software, including apps, anti-virus and even the humble browser.
6. Spam, spam, spam, spammidy-spam
Even with the best anti-spam and malware software – that’s up-to-date – spam is the modern version of junk mail. It’s everywhere! Beware of emails and messages from people you don't know, especially if they are misspelled, say weird things, or urge you to click on hyperlinks or open files.
7. Keep your cool
When someone's behaving badly online, the temptation is to shoot back something equally harsh – but is that really how you want to spend your time? If it's an annoying one-off, you might decide to let it go and do something fun instead. But if someone's behaviour online is making you scared, anxious or miserable, it's time to talk to someone you trust and block or report whoever is bothering you.
8. Keep your friends close and strangers at arm’s length
Do you know how many true friends most people have? Three. Yup, those four thousand and fifty-two social media ‘friends’ are a combination of acquaintances, people-you-met-once, people-you-can’t-remember-meeting-once and, probably, some ‘randoms’. How much do you want them to know about you? And if someone you don't know contacts you asking for photos, videos or personal info, or if they ask you to meet them in private or keep your conversations a secret – red flag! Tell a trusted adult straight away.
9. Be the hero
Have you seen someone being bullied or treated badly online? You have a chance to change the story. Think about reaching out to them and saying something kind and supportive, reminding them that they deserve to be treated with respect, and encouraging them to report abusive behaviour to the website, the eSafety Commissioner, or a caring adult.
10. Ask for help if you need it
Online dramas getting you down? Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, teacher or mentor. Abusive behaviour online can also be reported to the eSafety Commissioner. And remember: you can chat for free to counselors at Kids Helpline, eheadspace, Beyond Blue or Lifeline. They are open 24/7 and offer web and text counselling, as well as over the phone.
Are you a parent, carer or grandparent of children aged 5 to 17?
Do you wonder how digital media and technologies that they live with
might affect their wellbeing, health and learning?
If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’,
we would invite you to share your views with us.
The Gonski Institute of Education at the University of NSW are working on a ground-breaking research project called Growing Up Digital Australia.
This international research project that is partnered with Harvard Medical School, the University of Alberta, and Alberta Teachers Association, seeks to understand the health, wellbeing and learning impacts of growing up in a digital world on our young people. A number of Australian organisations are supporting this project, including Departments of Education, parent organisations and teacher associations. This longitudinal study will reframe issues surrounding children’s consumption of media and digital technologies moving into an evidence-based solutions to parents, educators and young people to live healthier, safer and happier lives here in Australia.
The Growing Up Digital project Phase 1 saw the Institute work with almost 2,000 educators from around the country and find out what is happening in classrooms through the eyes of teachers and principals. Now with this Phase 2 survey, it is your turn as parents and grandparents to have your say.
This project has Ethics approval, and poses no risk to you. Participation is voluntary and you will never be identified at any stage. By completing the survey, you have the chance to be entered into the draw for one of four $100 Coles Myer gift cards.
This Phase 2 survey will be open until 11 October, 2020. If you are a parent, carer or grandparent of any child aged 5-17, please complete the survey link below (after reading through the information, scroll to the bottom of the page to start the survey).
You may also share this invitation to take part in this research with others by sharing the link to the questionnaire. If you are a parent, the Institute would be delighted if you would invite one of your child’s grandparents to take part in this survey.
To find out more about the project, and the results from Phase 1, click on the link below:
Each month, the Huon Valley Council hosts a meeting for the Huon Valley Youth Committee. This committee meets to give feedback on Council projects and provide a voice for youth in the Valley.
The next Huon Valley Youth Committee will be meeting on Monday, 19 August, from 6–7 pm.
Youth aged 12-24 years, who live in the Valley, are invited to take part as guests at this meeting.
The theme of this meeting is youth mental health, with the Committee wanting to hear from youth about:
- their positive mental health strategies;
- where they would go for help and,
- what youth mental health services need to know when working in the Valley.
A Facebook event for the meeting has been created and the link is below:
Any youth who interested in taking part should contact Mitch Robson, Youth Development Officer, via email at mrobson@huonvalley.tas.gov.au
This meeting will help inform an upcoming Youth Mental Health Week event for October, and advice that is given to professional services within the Valley.
SZapp for iPhones - Version 3.6.0
An important update for SZapp has been released to accomodate for iPhones which have been intermittently receiving push notifications.
SZapp version 3.6.0 is available from the App Store now and we advise all iPhone users to install this version to ensure notifications are received correctly.
Users with automatic updates enabled on their device will receive this update automatically.
Pickleball – a funny name for a fun sport!
Similar to tennis, pickleball requires players to move back and forth within a square and hit a ball over a net with a paddle. The main difference is that you must serve under-arm which is much easier than a tennis serve.
Starts Sunday, 16 August, 10am–12 noon at the Port Huon Sports & Aquatic Centre
Cost is FREE! For bookings phone Rob Cooper on 0421 250 479.
Baden Powell Hall Committee AGM Notice
This is an open invitation to anyone over 18yrs who might be interested in becoming a member of the Baden Powell Hall Committee which meets once a term to make important, impartial decisions in favour of the Hall and it’s users/hirers.
The Annual General Meeting for the Baden Powell Scout & Guide Hall in Heron Street, Huonville is to be held on Wednesday, 12th August, at 6.30pm, in the meeting room.
New members are urgently needed to maintain the quorum required to keep the Hall run by the community.
The hall was originally built for the Scouts & Girl Guides by local community members and businesses, and it would be great to keep the ongoing decisions community-based. If you would like to attend, please email Ann Brittian (Booking Officer) at anndale5@bigpond.com or badenpowellhall@gmail.com to register your interest.