Dear families,

I can see our staff have a lot to share in this newsletter, so I will keep my report brief.

I was rather excited to be reminded last week by Sue in our office that ‘no hat, no play’ starts next Monday. This is a strong indicator that Spring is almost upon us, despite the need to cancel some excursions and have inside break times this week due to inclement weather.

I encourage you to tune into the communications about upcoming family connection events:  we have the Learning Showcase in Week 8 and also the Big Breakfast on the last day of term. Please save these dates. It has been wonderful to see so many families attend our other family connection events so far this year.

I hope you enjoy perusing this newsletter - whether it be looking at the joyful photos from our Book Week celebrations or the variety of other activities students have been engaged in.

David Bryant,

Acting Principal

Congratulations to the following students who received certificates at our Primary Assembly on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

Campbell Town District High School was a sea a smiles, books, costumes and suitcases!   Staff and students took the opportunity to celebrate Book Week in style with a multitude of fun and memorable activities. 

We had the travelling suitcases, reading in unusual places, students sharing their most treasured stories with friends, a wonderful costume walk, a surprise dramatic retelling of Wombat Stew and CTDHS radio with guest DJs. 

It was wonderful to see how the magic of books and stories brought staff and students together and prove once again that we have a wonderful community here at CTDHS.

Halana Knowles

Primary AST

During National Science Week our Secondary students showcased their super science skills! Every Secondary student chose a project that both interested them and was able to be shared with other students. We hosted a Science Fair and invited the entire primary school to come and visit. With over 20 different stalls to discover our secondary students kept our primary students enthralled as they toured the fair. Students were given slime, kinetic sand and bouncy balls to take home, they tasted glow-in-the-dark jelly, rock candy, bugs, watched rockets fly high and so much more. The day was an enormous success due to the exceptional work of our Secondary Students!

Stalls on display included:

• Dancing raisins
• Glow-in-the-dark jelly
• Floating whiteboard marker
• Small engine
• Boba Bubbles
• Gravity defying magnets
• Invisible ink
• Skittle rainbows
• Bouncy balls
• Elephant toothpaste
• Walking water
• Volcano
• Tea bag rockets
• Edible bugs
• Rock candy
• Slime
• Kinetic sand
• Bouncy eggs
• Ice-cream in a bag
• Gigantic bubbles
• Flying gliders
• Bottle rockets

Mrs Barber 

Science and Art Teacher

As part of our Book Week celebrations in Prep we read the shortlisted book ‘Tooth Fairy’ by Briony Stewart.  Students shared their experiences losing teeth and also their different tooth fairy traditions.  Students then crafted their own tooth fairy.  Please enjoy our wonderful creations.

Rachel Langiu

Teacher

Grade 5 have been diving into the world of persuasive writing.  Through engaging discussions and creative activities, they have been learning how to craft compelling arguments, use emotive language, and structure their ideas effectively.  Have a look at some text written about class pets and classroom kitchens.

Scott Brown

Teacher

Why we need a class pet

Our class is a bit boring, it’s really boring.so we need some entertainment like a cute and snuggly animal that will make us feel very lucky. We would 100% take care of it. Also, animals are a great source of learning! So here are some reasons why we NEED a class pet!!!!!:)

First of all, they would be a great learning source for all of us, even the teachers! It will develop responsibility and care. We see how these animals eat, live, drink and more. This is definitely an awesome idea to get even more learning in because teachers do say that learning is very good for you. That was just reason one, so get ready for the rest!

When we get a class pet (we will get one) it will teach us how to be responsible, and I know that some of us in this class need to learn that. When we get a pet, I want to take care of them, I’m not saying this to just get a pet, I’m being SERIOUS. I just love them and I’m sure that everybody else does. I can tell that you all agree. Don’t you? Ok on to the next reason!

The class is very boring. Lots of people in here say that they don’t want to be here! So, we just need a pet for the class. Our classroom has no decorations, or things that make it look good. So at least just let us have a pet. If it doesn’t look good, let us get a sweet and adorable pet in here!!!!!

Some people say that a pet would be distraction, but I truly disagree. I personally would love a guinea pig, or a rabbit and they barley make any noise! Also, in the school holidays I would be very happy to bring them home and take care of them. We could take turns in feeding and cleaning the pet’s cage!!!

In conclusion we just need a pet! And for your information our class needs a pet desperately, not just for fun but for SURVIVAL. Did you know that scientists say that with a class pet we will have 743% more happiness and 97.23% fewer boring days. So bringing a pet into the classroom isn’t just about cute and cuddly pets (it can be though) it’s about shaping minds and hearts!

By Satsuki

Why we need a class pet!!

This class is practically empty, it feels quite gloomy. Yes, we have a little disco dude, don’t know his name because HE DOESN’T MAKE ANY NOISE!! Can’t even give us a hint, we need something or SOMEONE to talk to, not that disco dude because I tried to get his name, I did try trust me he’s very stubborn.

Every class has a pet; do you really want us to be the ONLY class without a pet? Every class has a boring pet like a fish; we could get something unique and flex on the other classes and show how epic grade 5 is! Our class would be an inspiration to all classes to get a little remarkable cute companion.

Trust the class!! This whole class has at least been more than 1 year to this school, including me!! We have at fishes and chick, if to you ask me quite boring, we need something else! Something unusual, something especial and something inspiring. This class is one of the most known! We need to be known for a unique thing! Like a pet.

I clearly see why you have avoided getting a class pet, this room can’t ever be quiet! But have you ever thought why? We need something new, something spectacular to keep these people quiet. And that thing is an animal! We can train it and all, take care of its needs like feeding it, changing its cage, cleaning it and etc!

This school has only had chickens, cows, fish and what else can you name? clearly not many, getting a new animal will boost everyone’s confidence because they will be so excited and will wait patiently to get a little furry companion and this is why WE NEED A CLASS PET!

Why we need a kitchen

Have you ever pondered why the awesome Grade 5 doesn’t have a kitchen? I immensely believe we need a kitchen, and here’s why.

To commence my arguments, what if Nonas thermos doesn’t open and she must walk up to the office, bother someone else and take time out of their day to help us. Along with that Stellas noodles need to be cooked which takes away from staff members’ day because they must cook them. If we can’t open or cook food, we waste staffs time/learning time. As they all work at the school and cooking food for us takes time out of their teaching time.

Another one of my reasons is people don’t want to spend money on food they may not like, which means your parents will eventually lose money in the long run. If we get a kitchen, it will mean the student would be able to make the food the way they like. Students have been known to throw out their food if they don’t like it or want it. This is a further reason why we need a kitchen.

As my last important reason, Grade 6 has a kitchen is completely utterly unfair. Even though they are older and are the head of primary doesn’t mean they get SPECIAL treatment. Since we are only one younger and we all have the same responsibilities. We are basically the same just different grades.

Some people may argue that since we are ONE year younger than the Grade 6s doesn’t mean we are less important. Even though it’s their last year in Primary school doesn’t mean only they get special treatment. Where in our second last year we are literally only born months after them. Have you ever thought about that.

In conclusion, although kitchens can be expensive, we can buy cheaper more budget friendly appliances, use some of our class budget, or fundraise. This is very unfair Grade 6 has one and people may not like the food in the canteen. This why we need a kitchen in Grade 5.

On Wednesday the 13th of August 2025 we had three very inspiring people come and visit our amazing school.

Our first special guest was Ariarne Titmus who is the 2025 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year. She is inspiring because at the age of only 24, Ariarne has already achieved more in her sporting career than most could ever dream of. After Ariarne began working with expert coach, Dean Boxall, in 2016, in 2019 she was named Australia’s Swimmer of the Year. Ariarne has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and grit to improve her performance in the pool, and some of her long-time idols have now become her rivals both in Australia and overseas. She has achieved numerous medals across the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Ariarne’s nomination comes from her ultimate dream to inspire young girls to stay in sports for longer because 50% of girls stop playing sport by the young age of 15. She is dedicating her time outside the pool to inspire young girls across Tasmania, and the country, to great things, no matter where they come from.

Our second guest was Sam Elsom. Sam is a climate solutions innovator who’s commercialised a new way to reduce methane emissions. Methane is a significant contributor to global warming because it’s 28 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Sam founded Sea Forest, which turns asparagopsis, a native red species of seaweed, into a livestock feed supplement. The product contains bioactive compounds that stop methane production in the animal’s gut. His project is helping to strengthen the sustainability of livestock industries, slowing global warming and potentially changing the course of our planet’s future.

Sam discussed with us the research his foundation used to form his company and the impact it is having through the trials they conducted. Sam demonstrated to us how if you are passionate about something you can have a real impact if you are willing to have a go and take the advice of mentors and others around you.

Our final speaker was Keren Franks. Keren talked to us about the formation of her non-for-profit organisation, Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) which runs inclusive programs for young people living with a disability. Keren has firsthand experience of the power of inclusion for people with a disability and those around them. Through her daughter, who has a rare physical and mental disability, Keren saw that an inclusive model of education can produce enormous benefits, for both students with a disability in support schools, and students in mainstream schooling as well. Her programs aim to facilitate social role modelling, skill development activities and facilitating peer-to-peer interaction in support schools and mainstream schools.

Keren shared with us that her organisation has recently received funding from the government to take their programs beyond Southern Tasmania and go statewide. We look forward to hopefully being able to join this worthwhile initiative.

In conclusion, we are extremely grateful to have had this experience to hear from such inspiring people and participate in a worthwhile and special event.

Miriam and Elsie

Grade 6 students

The Year 11/12 Community Sport and Recreation class as well as Angus and Kevin from Year 10 travelled to St Marys for the inaugural basketball game between CTDHS and SMDHS. The Campbell Town Special Forces battled the St Marys SAS hard. In the end the Campbell Town Special Forces won the game 21 to 13.

The Year 11/12 St Marys cohort made a beautiful lunch for all to share. A great day and a great start to a yearly tradition. A big thanks to  St Marys AST Tanya Ringuet for hosting us!

Jodie Clegg

Teacher

Thank you to everyone who helped to name our calves. They have been a popular addition to the Ag area and are doing well. They have progressed to once a day feeding with a flash fence feeder replacing the individual bottles.

They have had lots of visitors over the last couple of weeks and hopefully it wont be long till they are walking the school with students.

Thank you to Peter Barber for thinking of the school when Winton had a calf in need. Oreo is a feisty young lady with plenty of attitude. Her breeding is out of a Baldy Face cow by an Angus bull. Milk Way has come from a local dairy and is very much the gentleman. He is from a Friesian cow by a Charolais bull. It will be interesting to observe the breed differences as they grow.

Jill Bennett

Ag Teacher

Students over 16, again took advantage of the opportunity to participate in Quad Bike and Side by Side training at the Campbell Town Show Grounds. We are very grateful to funds from MAIB which allow this training to occur and enable students to learn safe use and behaviour when driving these vehicles.

Three students were lucky to be able to complete training on both vehicles with four gaining their Quad Bike qualification.

The days cover not just safe use of the vehicles but loading and unloading, tying down, maintenance, PPE and students complete a theory paper to show their understanding, along side the practical riding. Students weave in and out of cones, both forward and reverse. They practice stopping at speed, climb woodchips hills and load the bikes ready for departure.

These important days also introduce students to Vocational Educational Training (VET) and allow them to gain TCE points.

Well done to Angus, Noah, Kevin, Aiden, Shane and Lilly.

Thank you:

• MAIB - Injury Prevention and Management Foundation - Funding
• Josie Chester for assisting with the application, booking the show grounds and making sure everything runs smoothly. Josie also ensured everyone was well feed on the day with savoury treats at recess and sandwiches for lunch.
• Midland Agricultural Association - Show Grounds Facilitator/Caretaker - Andrew Baker
• Leigh Bellchambers, from TAFE, for travelling over 4 hours each day to teach the courses.
• Julie Howard & Josie Chester - Funding from MAIB

Jill Bennett

11/12/13 AST

Hats off to the students involved in the Wether Challenge. Several have taken responsibility of weekend feeding and the Secondary students are busy completing the 5 theory challenges. These involve learning about animal husbandry, wool and meat markets, wool qualities and the competitions scoring. We have just completed the Wool qualities which looked at each sheep and students assessing the micron, dust %, colour and length. This activity worked in well with Georgina Wallace, from Trefusis, dropping by to give us some presentation hints and trim the sheep’s horns.

The students participating directly in the challenge include 5 from secondary and 6 students from Grade 6. It was a pleasure to see them helping each other when Georgina attended to muster and halter the wethers.

The wethers have been regularly weighed to monitor their weight gain and ensure they are in good condition. “Landcruiser”, number 79, is our top weight, coming in at 68kgs last weigh in. We are pleased to have them all in the 60kg range, with number 13 finally making it. Students are hoping they put on some more weight with the big meat price currently in the marketplace.

Big thank you to our weekend feeders and Mrs Georgina Wallace for her assistance and lessons in preparation for the big day.

Special thanks to Sam Lyne who dropped off a generous donation of barley feed for the sheep.

Jill Bennett

Ag Teacher

On the 31st of July, 11/12/13 students and a select few from Grade 9/10 made their way to Hobart to attend the Building and Construction Expo. This jobs expo is held from the back of tradies utes and all are willing to stop students in their tracks and engage in conversations. It was great to see a couple of students get their hands dirty and have a go at assisting to build the brick wall.

There was interest not only in brick laying but also architecture, civil construction and hydro. These careers are more then HI Vis vests and safety boots and hold great opportunities for our students.

Jill Bennett

11/12/13 AST

In VET Ag we are lucky to work with local farmers so students can learn skills in a real working environment. Recently they were lucky to have the opportunity to assist draft, drench and count a couple of hundred ewes at Riccarton. Big thanks to Lauren and Sam for making this happen. It is great seeing students giving different opportunities a go and appreciating the importance of animal husbandry in meat production.

Jill Bennett

11/12/13 AST

The Year 11/12 Cohort attended the Careers Expo at Newstead College on Tuesday the 12th of August. They were excited to interact with representatives from different industries and gain information on pathways to their dream careers.

Lilly had fun simulating filling a tooth as a dental technician and driving a simulated digger for some diverse career exploration!  Ty and Noah particularly enjoyed talking with people in the trade apprenticeships space.  Shane enjoyed speaking with various stall holders about his favourite topic: the operation of trucks and heavy machinery!

Thank you to Richard Reed for driving the bus.

Jodie Clegg

Teacher

Bravehearts personal safety education program, Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure show will be visiting our Kinder to Grade 2 students on Tuesday 9 September 2025.  

Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Show is age appropriate, interactive, enterntaining, thoughtful and engaging.  Ditto the star of the show, along with a Bravehearts' Personal Safety Facilitator, brings children on a fun journey of personal safety through music and relatable characters.

Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Program has been developed with oversight from Australia's leading child protection and development experts, researchers, as well as educators, parents and carers, importantly, Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Program is aligned to the Australian Curriculum.

At Bravehearts, our mission is to provide a coordinated and holistic approach to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.  Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure show is an important component of this prevention model.

All children have the right to feel safe.  By supporting your child with this program, you are playing a critical role in helping protect children in your community.

This program is not a sex education program.  The Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Program information guide is attached.

Your child will receive a fun activity book to bring home, and we encourage you to work through these activities togerther.

For further information about this program, visit www.bravehearts.org.au

Since its inception in 2006, more than 1.5 million Australian children have observed the show, and we look forward to sharing Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure Program with you and your child!

Alison Geale

CEO, Bravehearts Foundation

A reminder to families that 2025 levy payments are now overdue.  Please contact me via the office if you would like to discuss payment options.

Lucy Powell

School Business Manager