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

Attendance - Every school day counts

Although we are in the final term I would like to remind families again that regular attendance ie 90% and above is encouraged to maximise learning opportunities so students finish the year strongly.

The DoE Attendance Policy states;

“Consistent attendance at school is critical to achieving positive educational outcomes and keeping students engaged in their learning. Parents/guardians have a legal obligation to ensure a child is enrolled in and attending school or is registered for home education. “

If your child is unwell, they need to stay home. However, if your child is well enough to attend school, they should be at school. Every day, Monday to Friday. Prospect High School monitors attendance closely. Please let Care teachers know when your child will be absent.

The reality of missing school is not good. Data shows us that regular school attendance is one of the best things a child can do to set them up for success. But if they don’t attend, things get harder for them. Data shows that:

• If your child misses even just one day a fortnight, that adds up to 20 days of the school year. That’s the same as missing four whole weeks of school!
• If they miss one day a week, that doubles to eight weeks of school they’ll never get back.
• Over the course of their childhood, that equals two and a half years of vital education they’ll never receive…

The data also tells us the better a child’s attendance rate, the better their future will be, and they will experience more opportunities.

School is where they learn and grow alongside their friends, and where they benefit the most. Going to school not only promotes academic success, but also helps build important social skills, routines, relationships and confidence.

Helping your child regularly attend school will set them up with good habits for life

If you or your child is struggling to get to school, help is available. Please contact the school on 6344 4744 to discuss.

End of Year Reports

A reminder to families that end of year reports will be distributed on Monday 19th December.

The report will show your child’s learning achievement on a 9-point visual scale which replaces A-E ratings for students in Prep to Year 10.

The 9-point scale shows more specifically where your child’s learning achievement is against the expected standard for their year level.

There will be no teacher comments on the report.

For more information about the changes to reports:

• School Reports FAQs
• Understanding the 9-point scale
• Reporting - The Department for Education, Children and Young People Tasmania (decyp.tas.gov.au)

Upcoming Events

Please support two very exciting school events happening in the next couple of weeks. The first is our school production Aladdin (21st November- 25th November) at the Earl Arts Centre and the second is the Trivia Night on Wednesday 30th November held in the gymnasium. Both are great nights of entertainment and a great night for our school community celebrating students talent and commitment to Prospect High School.

Grade 11/12 Celebration Dinner and Presentation Evening

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Grade 11/12 Celebration Dinner and Presentation Evening. Students enjoyed dinner and the chance to recount the wonderful learning opportunities experienced this year in the Grade 11/12 learning space. Presentation of certificates acknowledged and celebrated effort, hard work, attainment, application and fun. Students attributed their continuation with study and growth in confidence to the structure and support of offered in the 11/12 learning space. Many thanks to Ms Pollard, Mrs Phillips, Mrs McMahon and Mr Leydon for their positive and inclusive support that promoted growth and achievement for all students. Good luck and best wishes for your future plans to our Grade 12 students who are graduating.

School Drop Off

Parents are reminded they are to drop students off on the Eastern side of the school not the at the front of school which has heavy traffic and pedestrian flow due to staff cars, DECYP visitors and buses.

Finally good luck to students representing Prospect High School at the Northern Inter-High Athletics Carnival next week.

Kind regards

Lee Barker

Principal