Dear Parents, Carers, and School Community

What a fantastic few weeks we’ve had here at Huonville High School! As we move through Term 3, it’s been wonderful to see so many events, excursions, and celebrations bringing energy and connection to our school. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some highlights and extend my appreciation to everyone contributing to such a vibrant school community.

On Friday, 1 August, we were honoured to welcome the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker, Governor of Tasmania, and her husband, Professor Don Chalmers, to our school.

Their visit was a proud moment for HHS, allowing us to showcase the incredible work of our students and staff. A sincere thank you to Belinda Stewart, the Year 11/12 Hospitality Team, and the TTC crew, who did an outstanding job hosting and catering for this very special event.

As part of the Certificate II in Agriculture, a group of our students recently travelled to Burnie for a four-day training experience at the TasTAFE Freer Farm Training Facility.

This hands-on excursion allowed students to complete the practical requirements of several livestock-related units and provided valuable real-world exposure in an industry-standard setting. The students represented HHS with enthusiasm and maturity, and the feedback from facilitators was overwhelmingly positive. A big thank you to the staff who supported the trip and helped make it such a successful experience.

We’re counting down to our school production, Snatched & Served! Our drama students have been working tirelessly and are excited to showcase their talents to the wider school community.

Please don’t forget to book your tickets – more details can be found later in this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be an entertaining and engaging performance.

Book Week brought out the best in our school spirit, with students and staff dressing up as their favourite characters and celebrating reading through fun and engaging activities. I started the week off by reading a picture book I BELIEVE IN YOU to students in Assembly. Written and illustrated by Dani Colvin a local author, the book sung to my heart and was a perfect way of expressing to our wonderful students that we believe in them. In the days following the assembly it was a total surprise to receive an email from Dani the author who had seen the post on our socials and reached out to express her gratitude at me selecting her book to share. We are excited to continue that newfound connection and I look forward to welcoming Dani to our school soon for a visit, creative writing and or art workshops.  

A big thank you to everyone who made the week so special – especially those who ran the BBQ on dress up day and helped make it a memorable event.

Congratulations to all our Reclink netball teams, and a special shoutout to the Friday Crew, who went undefeated! Your sportsmanship, energy, and teamwork were fantastic to see. The highlight for me was the team calling me on Facetime to share their exciting news.

We’ve begun welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students for their taster sessions – it’s always a pleasure to meet our future learners and begin building strong connections early. We look forward to seeing them again soon as they begin their journey at HHS.

Over the past few months, I have been delighted to receive numerous requests from other school leadership teams for us to visit or host a visit, so that they can ask questions about the wonderful environment we have created in relation to Learning Culture and Reading. I am beyond proud of the work of my team and thrilled that their passion, skill, planning and implementation of high impact teaching strategies is being noticed. More evidence to support that we are being noticed for the great work we are doing at Huonville High! Specifically, I would like to thank my three outstanding and kind Assistant Principals – Christie Gumley, Paul Newton and Clint Rottier. Working with you is a daily joy.

Our Year 7 students are heading to the Marine Discovery Centre, where they’ll have the chance to engage in exciting, hands-on marine science activities. We’re confident they’ll return inspired and full of stories!

We’re pleased to announce that our new electronic school sign is now up and running! This will be a great tool for keeping our community informed of upcoming events and important announcements – keep an eye out for updates as you pass by.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff, especially those who have gone above and beyond to support with additional supervision duties and event coordination. Your ongoing commitment does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again for your continued support of our students and school. We look forward to seeing many of you at the drama production and other events in the coming weeks.

Kindly

Janelle Reeves
PRINCIPAL

We are excited to share some wonderful news about our students’ reading progress this term. A big congratulations goes out to the 22 Year 7 and 8 students who have made noticeable gains in their reading achievement since last term. This is a fantastic effort and shows the hard work, persistence and determination our students are putting into developing their reading skills.

Families play a big role in supporting this growth too. Simple activities like reading together for 10–15 minutes a day, talking about stories, or encouraging your child to read signs, recipes, or even sports articles can make a huge difference. Every little bit of reading at home adds up and helps strengthen the skills we are building at school.

A big thank you also goes to our teachers and families, who continue to encourage and support our learners every day. Together, we are creating strong, confident readers who are ready for every challenge ahead.

Well done to all our students, we can’t wait to see even more growth next term!

How Can You Help at Home? Tips for Parents:

1. Listen to your child read aloud daily – even 10 minutes a day helps build fluency and confidence.
2. Encourage rereading – reading the same text more than once improves speed, accuracy, and expression.
3. Model reading – let your child see you reading books, newspapers, or recipes so they understand reading is a lifelong skill.
4. Talk about what they read – ask questions like, “What happened in the story?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”
5. Praise effort and progress – celebrate small improvements in speed, expression, or confidence.
6. Create a distraction-free reading space – a quiet, comfortable spot helps your child focus.
7. Use a variety of texts – encourage reading magazines, comics, newsletters, and instructions, as well as books.
8. Stay in touch with teachers – ask about your child’s progress and the skills they are currently working on so you can reinforce them at home.

If you would like support in finding appropriate texts for your teen or would like to know more, please contact Assistant Principal Christie Gumley at: christie.gumley@decyp.tas.gov.au

It’s all happening in English this term. Year 7s are learning to detect and use persuasion (sorry parents!), and Year 8s are learning… get ready for it… suspense! Talk to your young people about what they’ve been constructing!

In Art, students have looked at creating Sunrises & Sunsets, using rich colours and dark shadows to create mesmerising contrasts. Take a look at some of the awesome art done by our young people.

Hey there Year 9 and 10 Families,

We're past the half way mark of the term, and like the year so far it is flying by fast! Last week saw the launch of book week and our students did not disappoint with their costumes, from Toy Story, Men In Black (was there a novelisation of that one?) and Lord of the Rings. Also a shout out to our amazing Netball team who smashed all opposition to become absolute champions!

A reminder that our Year 10s this week will be starting their preliminary enrolments for 2026 with staff from HHS 11/12 and Hobart College on site to kick start this process. In addition, the Year 10s have been receiving course counselling with respect to transition to help further their understanding of career pathways and 11/12 subject choices. RYDA will also be taking place, with HHS Trade Training Centre hosting. Our students will be joining with other regional schools to partake in workshops that promote safe driving awareness and practices, and the course will contribute 5 hours towards their learner licence. 

Cheers

Adrian Dorrington (Doz)

A busy time of year for Year 11 and 12 students with only around 9 school weeks left to complete all essential work requirements for subjects and VET courses. Students have received Term 3 reports, detailing progress and teachers have provided students with lists of all tasks required to gain Units of Competency and passing grades in TASC subjects.

Students are currently undertaking course counselling for subject choices in 2026, so this is a timely reminder that we are committed to work together with you to support your child’s growth and success. Parents are encouraged to contact us with any concerns or questions about subject and course choices for next year.

Taylah impressed the team from day one with her eagerness to learn, positive attitude, and professionalism. Described as “super eager to learn, asking lots of questions and actually listening (amazing!)”.

She immersed herself in a wide range of activities — from safety compliance and tourism to visual merchandising and simulator training. Taylah also took the initiative to participate in aviation theory lessons alongside current Diploma students and even lent a hand with hangar duties, all while demonstrating maturity and enthusiasm beyond her years.

Andrea Webberley, Business & Tourism Manager at Par Avion, summed it up perfectly:

“She was an absolute pleasure to host and her parents and the school should be very proud of the way she conducted herself.”

Congratulations, Taylah — your dedication, curiosity, and professionalism are truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!

The 2025 School Satisfaction Survey is open!

Every year the Department for Education, Children and Young People conducts a School Satisfaction Survey to find out what your child(ren)'s school does well and where it may improve. Your feedback is very important to help us inform our school improvement planning and decision-making.

If you have not had the opportunity to complete the survey about Huonville High School yet, it is open until Friday 19 September 2025 and should take about 5 minutes of your time.

Each family should nominate one person to fill in this survey for their child(ren).Take the online survey by clicking this Link, or pasting it in your browser: https://nam.dcv.ms/ybRENm2CGa

The survey is carried out on a secure website and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

All families in this school received the same survey link and no identifying information is collected. A summary of the survey results will be provided to schools. Responses from individuals or small groups will NOT be disclosed to any Department for Education, Children and Young People staff.

Please contact your school if you require any assistance.

Thank you for taking the time to fill in this survey.

Our Food Tech students have been getting creative in the kitchen, learning some cake decorating techniques from the talented Tameika. While Tameika usually supports us with food orders and cleaning, she recently stepped in to share her impressive decorating skills – and we were all inspired!

Meanwhile, the Hospitality class has been exploring the art of garnishing, with a special focus on presenting a delicious brownie to impress. It's been a fun and flavourful Term of learning!

As part of National Science Week 2025 Aimee Cook and Zac Ashlin attended a reception hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania, and Professor Don Chalmers, AO at Government House.

This reception provided an opportunity for Aimee and Zac, along with students from Southern Tasmanian high schools and colleges to network and discuss current issues, and concerns in the science domain with local professional scientists, professors, current post-graduate students, fellow students and teachers. 

Ready for a night of mystery, mayhem and a whole lot of sass??

Huonville High School presents the darkly comedic production of "Snatched and Served"! In a high school where something sinister is afoot, a drag queen teacher, a cannibalistic gourmand and two baffled police officers are about to collide. When children start going missing, who will be "snatched," and what will be "served"?

Don't miss this thrilling and hilarious show!

Performance Dates:

• Thursday, September 25
• Friday, September 26

Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM for a 6:30 PM start.

Location: Huonville High School

Tickets: Secure your seat for this unforgettable production! Get your tickets now at  https://www.trybooking.com/DDBNO

 This production has been written by the Huonville High School drama class.

In Week 10 of Term 2, our school proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week, embracing the 2025 theme of culture, community, and connection.

Students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on cultural experiences, including cooking traditional damper in the pizza oven and mutton birds on the BBQ – a memorable way to explore and honour Indigenous food traditions.

A special highlight was seeing student-made lemon myrtle tartlets featured in a display by Mr. Horne, showcasing the creative and culinary talents of our students while incorporating native Australian ingredients.

We’re excited to share the wonderful programs currently running at the Huon Valley PCYC. Here’s what’s happening right now:

Spring Into Action Activities

Join our wide range of programs including:

• Gym & Boxing
• Seniors Fitness (Low & High Mobility)
• Qi Warrior & Social Futsal
• Pickleball & Junior Netball Clinics
• Gymnastics, Judo, You.Fo, Table Tennis & Junior Badminton
  We’re also looking for new coaches, trainers, and clubs to add even more activities for our community

Empowerment Program

A flexible, person-centered program designed to support children and adults with disability. The program helps participants build life skills, social skills, confidence, and independence through fun activities such as cooking, sport, art, and mentoring. Suitable for NDIS participants of all ages and abilities.

Children’s University

For ages 7–14, Children’s University encourages learning beyond the classroom by recognising hours spent in programs, workshops, and activities. Students can log their progress in a Passport to Learning and celebrate with a graduation ceremony at the University of Tasmania.

Youth Job Connect Program

A free service for young people aged 15–25, offering support with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and pathways to training or employment. Run in partnership with Southern Employment & Training Network (SETN), sessions are held weekly at PCYC

Feel free to print these flyers and advertise them - it would be a huge help to the PCYC. 

Thank you for always supporting us!

Warm Regards

Tayla Hosking

Acting Team Leader

Huon Valley PCYC

I am writing to inform you that this Spring, we at SU Australia have two camps for teenagers in Southern Tasmania. They are Christian camps, so they will both include faith elements. Each of these camps aim to foster connection with others and personal growth, through various challenges and activities. 

• GRID Camp: 27-29th September; Orana Camp. This camp is for grades 7-10 and consists of lots of fun challenges, activities, Bible studies, and opportunity to build relationships with other campers.
• Take The Lead: 6-9th October; Spring Beach Youth Camp. This camp is for grades 9-12. It provides opportunities to grow in faith and relationship with others, whilst developing leadership skills through practical workshops and challenges. 

You can find more information via the link below and the flyers attached. 

 https://su.org.au/tas/#camps-events

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to know more. 

Ella ten Broeke

Field Development Manager Tasmania South, SU Australia

mobile 0466 873 473 | main (03) 6244 8422
ella.ten.broeke@su.org.au | su.org.au