It has been great to see so many students applying themselves positively to their learning as we jump into Term 4. We are very pleased to see many students showing growth in their PAT Reading data and taking pride in their achievement. The fluency strategies and focus on the explicit teaching of comprehension strategies across the school are having an impact.

This is certainly a very productive term with lots of assessments happening, including senior secondary exams, final assignments being submitted, PAT testing and end of year reports being issued. We wish our Year 11/12 students studying Level 3 subjects all the best as they commence their end of year exams. It is pleasing to see we have entries in the Scottsdale Show this year in the Cooking and Art sections.

Transition for Year 6s into Year 7 is well underway and Year 10 and Year 11 students are enrolling in their course selections for 2026.

Primary School Community Sports Day

Well done to the students who assisted with the Primary Schools’ Community Sports Day at the Rec Ground on Tuesday 28 October. We received glowing feedback about our boys who were extremely helpful to the Cricket Tasmania staff and worked well alongside them. Our Hospitality girls excelled in the canteen working with the adult volunteers – feedback was that they were well organised, articulate, demonstrated a splendid work ethic and strong teamwork!

Congratulations to:

Macey G

Ava B

Abbey L

Sophie W

Lucy M

Linc G

Beau G

Declan K

Flynn H

Tom M

Athletics Carnival – Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 4 November

We are looking forward to our annual Athletics Carnival (subject to the weather forecast) next week at the Recreation Ground and some friendly house rivalry. Students need to be prepared for warm and cool weather with sunscreen, jackets, hats, food and water. We will have limited canteen available including a BBQ.

Mount Cameron Field Study Centre – 50 Year Celebration 7 November

This year marks 50 years of outdoor education at Scottsdale High School being offered through our outstanding Mount Cameron Field Study Centre. We are extremely grateful to our volunteers on our Advisory Group who assist with maintenance and care of this facility.

Our students will enjoy birthday cupcakes at lunch time on Friday 7 November and our student leaders have collected from our students their favourite memory or experience at Mount Cameron.

We will be celebrating with an afternoon tea on 7 November 3pm – 5pm in our school library. Former students, staff, volunteers and community members are invited to attend. We will have photo and video displays for people to view whilst reminiscing about their time at the Field Study Centre. If you are unable to make the afternoon tea, a photo display will be at the Scottsdale Library from 1pm Monday 10 November to Friday 21 November for people to view. Thanks to Carolyn Bryan, Jeff Jennings and Ray Van Engen for their contribution to the displays.

PAT Testing 2025

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) is being conducted with all students from the 20 October to the 7   November. These tests, mandated by the Department of Education, Children, and Young People (DECYP) are designed to collect evidence as to where students are in their learning and monitor student achievement over time. Additionally, the data collected supports the next steps by informing teaching and learning to set targets and allocating learning resources.

At Scottsdale High School students complete PAT in Reading and Numeracy. The tests are completed online during their relevant core lessons. If your child is absent for any of the timetabled tests, they can complete catch-up tests held during the testing window. We are promoting a growth mindset with our students as they undertake the testing so that the PAT data authentically reflects your child’s achievement at this point in time.

PAT is just one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process. It doesn’t replace teachers' ongoing assessments of student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

Many thanks to Mrs Danni Butler for all her co-ordination of the PAT testing.

Dorset Employment Connect Careers and Education Expo 2025

We will be taking Year 9 and Year 10 students to the Dorset Employment Connect Careers and Education Expo being held at the Scottsdale RSL Club on Tuesday 18 November.

The Career and Education Expo is designed to provide students with valuable insights into various career paths and educational opportunities.  The Expo will feature more than 50 exhibitors, including training organisations, universities, local business and industry representatives. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore potential career paths, network with professionals, and gather information that can help shape their future educational and career decisions. 

Year 9s will attend during Block 2 and Year 10s during Block 3. Students will be supervised by their teachers and will walk to and from Scottsdale RSL Club in George Street.  If it is raining, bus transport will be organised to and from the venue.

Farewell to our Year 12 students

We wish our 2025 Year 12 students all the best as they continue with the next chapter of their lives. On Thursday 23 October, we celebrated with a morning tea where we acknowledged our Year 12s and also presented certificates for Application to Learning Year 11/12 students. Many thanks to parents and carers for their support of their child’s education and to our school staff who play a critical role in supporting and educating our senior secondary students. We also acknowledge all the school staff who have supported students in their educational journey.

Cattle Handlers – Show Season has commenced

Our 2025 Cattle Handlers have been training hard with Mrs Rattray as they prepare to show our cattle at the Westbury and Scottsdale Shows. We wish our team all the best.

Orientation Day and Parent/Carer Information Session

Year 6 Orientation Day is on Wednesday 12 November. Miss Walker and Mrs Hall have been busy planning this and supporting students with their transition to high school. We look forward to welcoming the Year 6 students from our primary schools. There will be a parent information session on Tuesday 18 November at 5pm in our school library.

Mamma Mia! – December 1 to December 4 in PAC

Miss Walker, Mrs Sharp, cast, and crew are working hard on our Production which takes to the stage at the start of December. Tickets are available through our school office or the QKR app. You won’t want to miss a great night of entertainment, fun and laughs so book ticket as soon as possible! Our students are going to shine!

Year 7 -12 Presentation Assembly Thursday 11 December 7pm

Feedback from families has indicated that they would like a return to an evening Presentation Evening this year. We had moved to day Assemblies for Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 due to COVID restrictions and we are now able to bring our Year 7 -12 students who receive awards, certificates and scholarships together to be recognised at an evening celebration. Parent/Carers of students receiving recognition at the Presentation Assembly will receive an invitation to attend the Presentation Evening closer to the date. 

World Teachers’ Day

Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day. Thank you to our big-hearted staff who work tirelessly to create thriving learning environments for our young people.

At Scottsdale High, we are fortunate to have a team of professionals who go beyond every day to inspire, support, and guide our students. Whether in the classroom, the office, the library, or on the grounds, each staff member plays a vital role in shaping a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.

We are passionate about educating young people and supporting them to grow into the best versions of themselves. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.

Uniform

Thanks to parents and carers for your support in ensuring your child is in uniform – it is rewarding to see students wearing their uniform with pride. Non-school hoodies are not part of the uniform and should not be worn to/from and at school. Students will be asked to remove them if they are wearing one and we can supply students with a school top if needed. If you do need support with uniform, please contact us.

Elizabeth Williams

Principal