Principal Message
Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to Term 4. Our final term is always a busy and very exciting time on our school calendar, and there is much to look forward to. It has been great to see our students returning from the break in a focused manner and to see the sense of energy and purpose around our school as people turn their attention to all of the tasks, opportunities, and events that happen in Term 4.
Kinmen Study Tour
In the second week of school holidays and the first week of Term 4, Mrs Elliott and I were lucky enough to be part of a school study tour to China/Kinmen/Taiwan. The group comprised 8 staff and 20 students from Wynyard, Burnie, Devonport, Reece, and Latrobe High Schools. The students from Reece High were Bailey, Erin, and Gabi (Yr 10) and Aloka (Yr 9). We had a number of days where the students were able to experience school life in Kinmen (Taiwan) and Xiamen (China). The students were able to reconnect with their Kinmen buddies who had their study exchange to Tasmania in July/August this year.
We were able to explore some stunning scenery, fascinating history, and sample some amazing food.
We had an incredible time and have lots of stories to share with you all. Our heads, hearts, bellies, and suitcases have all been filled by the experience.
I am thankful for the professional team we have around us here at Reece, who were able to keep business as usual in our absence. An extra shout-out to Mr Franks for stepping into the principal role in my absence, whilst also completing his usual work.
Principal Teaching Classes 2026
This term, staff will be organising classes for 2026. Your child’s current principal teacher is in the best position to formulate classes for next year. Our teachers take into account a number of considerations when placing students. Our goal is to create the most equitable classes possible, taking into account gender, learning ability, social connections, etc. Whilst parents have one child to consider (in a given class), we have approximately 530 children to consider next year, and so decisions need to be suitable for the majority. We have dedicated, hardworking teachers who are collectively responsible for all our children. No matter what year level or class, each child in this school will be taught by quality teachers in a school culture of high expectations.
Teachers use a variety of methods to group children in order to maximise learning, and the focus is always on the individual (personalising the learning). At Reece High School, we have been thoughtful about developing opportunities for students to interact and learn with one another – both within their own class and in conjunction with another class or across year levels (7-10). These observations inform us about the conditions that best suit a particular student to learn: which learning style they have; who they are friends with; as well as who they learn best with. We consider all these factors when placing children in classes for the following year.
Please understand, teachers will make the best decision for all children in the school, including what we believe is in the educational and social/emotional well-being of the majority of children. We are unable to accommodate personal requests because accommodating everyone’s personal wishes will not support what is best for all children. If there is any other information that you think your child’s teacher might need to take into account before we start creating classes, can you please talk to the teacher prior to the 7th of November.
Realising Potential Choices 2026
Students in Year 7-9 will soon begin the process of choosing their Realising Potential choices for 2026. Students will have the opportunity to study one subject for 2 blocks each week, as well as 2 subjects for 1 block each week. The 1 block subjects will continue to run as half-year subjects, which allows students the opportunity to experience more options within a school year.
Course booklets for the subjects will be released soon, and students will be able to access these online. If you would like to see the subject offerings, your child can show you on TEAMS. We will also have these booklets available on sZapp.
Initially, students will be asked to indicate the option subjects they wish to study in 2026. From these preliminary choices, final subject offerings will be placed in an online survey for students to complete in the coming weeks.
2026 Prefect Process
We have had approximately 40 Year 9 students who have been prepared to put themselves forward as student leaders for 2026. The Prefect Election process has now started. During this process, students will have the opportunity to run challenges and activities for fellow students at lunch times, participate in a challenge to take them out of their comfort zone, be interviewed, and present a “campaign” poster. I’d like to thank all of the students for the effort that they have put into this process and for their genuine enthusiasm in wanting to contribute to the school as leaders. We look forward to sharing further details as this progresses.
Year 6 Transition Program
The Transition Program to support our incoming Year 6 students is now well underway. This term, we welcome our feeder primary school students, as well as students who have been accepted as part of the Out of Area Application process, to participate in a Taster Day. We have been impressed with the Respect, Responsibility, Best Effort, and Inclusiveness demonstrated by the Year 6 students, and we look forward to having them as part of our school community in 2026.
Year 10 Exams
In Week 7 of this term (24th -27th November), our Year 10 students will undertake their final exams. There will be 4 exams for students to complete. We have been working hard to ensure all students are well prepared in the lead-up to the exams. We want all students to feel confident and be able to put in their best effort with all of their exams. Throughout the year, there have been opportunities for students to undertake additional study/tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday after school. These will continue in the lead-up to exams. Year 10 teachers will also be available during lunch to support students in preparation. If your child is absent and misses an exam, they will have an opportunity to catch up the following week.
Uniform
Again, we would like to thank parents and students for the effort they have made to make sure their child is in full school uniform. The school uniform builds a sense of connectedness among students and to the school. When worn well, it enhances the way in which individuals and the school are viewed in the community. Uniform also means that students can easily be identified as members of RHS, increasing safety and supervision for all students. If you are starting to think about purchasing footwear for 2026, can you please ensure they are fully black with black laces (black soles included). This will continue to be a tight expectation within our Uniform Policy in 2026.
Again, I encourage all students to make the most of their opportunities this term, in and out of the classroom. Term 4 provides a range of experiences and is a great chance for students to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things. We look forward to supporting and witnessing their growth this term.