Edition1 Term 1 2025

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

In 2025, Cosgrove High School proudly adopts the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) values, reinforcing our commitment to a positive and inclusive school culture. This transition was shaped by a consultative approach throughout 2024, where students, staff, and families provided valuable input to ensure the values aligned with our school community. Through discussions, surveys, and workshops, we explored what these values mean in practice and how they can guide our daily interactions, learning environments, and decision-making. As we move forward, these shared values will continue to strengthen our school’s culture, fostering respect, growth, and a collective sense of purpose. The values are:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Growth
• Courage
• Connection

Throughout 2024, Cosgrove High School took a collaborative approach to developing a Behaviour Continuum and clear classroom expectations, ensuring they reflect the needs and values of our school community. Staff and students worked together to co-construct these frameworks, engaging in discussions and workshops to define consistent, fair, and positive behaviour expectations across all learning spaces. This process provided students with a voice in shaping the standards that guide their learning environment while reinforcing our school-wide commitment to respect, responsibility, and engagement. As we implement these expectations in 2025, we are confident they will support a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment for all.

The start of the 2025 school year has been both productive and exciting as we continue to build on the strong foundations established last year. Our recent Meet the Teacher BBQ was a great success, with many families engaging with our staff to strengthen relationships and partnerships in learning.

I have been impressed by the level of student engagement across the school, with classrooms buzzing with enthusiasm for learning. Our teachers are collaborating in teams to design rich and engaging learning experiences, and we are seeing a continued focus on explicit teaching—particularly in Reading, which remains a key priority for our school. It’s exciting to see our students responding so positively to these approaches.

The Cosgrove High School Revitalisation Project is progressing smoothly and remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2025. This exciting transformation is already bringing positive changes to our school environment, with upgraded learning spaces, improved facilities, and modernised areas designed to enhance student engagement and wellbeing. As we move into the final stages of the project, students and staff will have opportunities to contribute their ideas, particularly in shaping the new spaces and artwork installations. We look forward to seeing the finished result and the impact these improvements will have on our school community for years to come.

At Cosgrove High School, we are excited to celebrate Harmony Day and recognise the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with a range of activities that promote inclusivity, respect, and cultural diversity. Students will take part in collaborative art mural projects, symbolising unity and belonging, as well as cultural food cooking experiences, where they can explore and share diverse culinary traditions. A highlight of the day will be an excursion to Parliament House for the official launch of We Stand Together Against Racism, reinforcing our commitment to a school and community where everyone feels valued and respected. We look forward to a meaningful and engaging event that strengthens our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion.

NAPLAN testing is now underway at Cosgrove High School, providing valuable insights into student progress in Literacy and Numeracy. In addition to NAPLAN, all Grade 7 students have completed PAT testing, helping us track their learning growth and identify areas for targeted support. To further strengthen our focus on Reading, every Grade 7 student has also undergone a reading ability screening, ensuring we can effectively implement intervention and support programs tailored to their needs. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to improving student reading outcomes and providing every learner with the tools they need to succeed.

Our Grade 10 Leaders and Future Leaders have started the year strong and are working towards a number of great initiatives for the school and have attended the GRIP Leadership conference in Hobart. At the end of March our student leaders will have the chance to participate in two leadership camps at Port Arthur. This was a huge success last year and we look forward to hearing and sharing the outcomes from the camps in the coming weeks.

We’re excited to announce that House Challenge Day is officially set for Friday, April 4 (Week 9, Term 1) This event is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in friendly competition, teamwork, and fun activities.

• Periods 1 and 2 will run as normal, followed by recess.
• After recess, students will move to their allocated meeting spots for their chosen activities. These locations will be announced closer to the date.
• A variety of on-site and off-site activities will be available for students to participate in.
• Off-site activities include badminton, netball, golf, and a walking novelty group.

We look forward to another exciting House Challenge Day filled with team spirit, competition, and fun! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event.

Cosgrove High School invites all parents and caregivers to attend our School Association Annual General Meeting (AGM), where you’ll have the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of our school. The AGM is a fantastic chance to connect with other families, gain insights into school initiatives, and contribute to important discussions about our students' education and wellbeing. We encourage parents to consider joining the School Association Committee, where your voice and ideas can help strengthen our school community.

• Date: Tuesday 1^st April
• Time: 3.00pm
• Location: Cosgrove High School – Breakfast Club
• Who: All parents, carers, and school staff are invited to attend the AGM
• Please RSVP: cosgrove.high@decyp.tas.gov.au

Anthony Coe
Principal

Prefect Address

Our school values have changed this year, as we have moved in line to those consistent across DECYP and other school. Over the last few weeks in wellbeing classes, we have been exploring what the new values mean and what this means for us at Cosgrove High School. It has been great to see some of the work that has been completed.  

This term is busy as we are looking forward to some exciting events, including: a student leadership camp, a visiting poet, Harmony Day and a house activities day. Our intervention groups have started and we have seen students delivering coffees, getting fit with the boot camp sessions and also the chess club has resumed. We look forward to seeing what other intervention groups start as the term continues.  

We encourage all of our peers to participate in as many activities as possible. 

Liam

Year 7

Year 7 History have been learning about the ancient world. Earlier in the term, they had the chance to complete their very own archaeological dig! Our budding archaeologists had to estimate the number of artefacts (choc chips) they’d find, record their number and location. They used tools (toothpicks) to carefully excavate their choc chip cookies, chipping away at the sediment (cookie crumbs) to reveal their artefacts (choc chips).

During the process, students learned the vital role archaeologists play in piecing together the mysteries of the past. They showed perseverance, resilience (some cookies crumbled easily!) and good humour throughout the activity.

Our Children’s University students have been visited by members of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research who discussed the importance of heart health.

Year 8

Students in Year 8 have stepped into an exciting new chapter filled with fresh challenges and opportunities for growth. With the introduction of the Future Leaders Program, Year 8 is designed to develop critical skills for leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, empowering students to take on new responsibilities and rise to any occasion.

One of the most exciting changes this year is the ability for students to choose two specialist subjects per week. This choice provides greater freedom to explore their passions, whether it’s through Foods, Fitness, Team Sports, Visual Art, Craft and Design, or Body Soul. Students are already enjoying the chance to experiment with these hands-on subjects, fostering creativity, physical well-being, and personal growth.

In core subjects, Year 8 students have been diving deep into a range of topics. In English, they are focusing on Poetry analysis, with a particular emphasis on the works of First Nations authors, providing a rich understanding of diverse voices and perspectives. In HASS, they are exploring the differences between modern-day society and medieval life, gaining a deeper appreciation for history and its impact on today’s world.

Maths has been engaging students with topics like Measurement (area, perimeter, volume) and Geometry, with a special focus on triangles, including an introduction to Pythagoras' theorem. In Science, Year 8 students are investigating the rock cycle and plate tectonics, learning about the dynamic processes shaping our planet.

In HPE, students are exploring positive relationships and developing physical skills in Volleyball, Spike-Ball, and Basketball, while building a deeper understanding of teamwork and cooperation.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting year filled with both challenges and new discoveries. We’re excited to see how Year 8 students rise to the occasion and embrace everything this year has to offer!

Some comments about specialist subjects:

“This term in Cooking we have been learning about lots of different techniques to make different recipes like Caesar salad, fried rice and apple and berry crumble.” – Charlie

“My Favourite dish to make and eat was the fried rice with lots of different ingredients.” George

“In Art we have been painting a lot of patterns.” – Chloe

“In Team Sports I love doing the exercise and fun games like football and basketball.” Jiehan

Year 9

Grade 9 have settled in this year in their new space in G block. Whilst the block is smaller than last year’s, the classrooms are bright and open, and the students have close access to the sports courts near the top end of the school. The students have been engaged in exciting learning experiences in each of their core classes.

In Wellbeing, we are focusing on promoting our whole-school values: Connection, Courage, Growth, Respect, and Responsibility. In our grade assemblies our focus has been on Courage, and students have been recognised by their Wellbeing teachers for demonstrating Courage in their learning journey.

In English, the Year 9 students have been looking at how media outlets can manipulate audiences into believing certain ideas. They have been looking at different criminal cases and how the media have played significant roles in manipulating the outcome of these cases. The students have enjoyed exploring high profile cases like O.J. Simpson, Maddie McCann and Lindy Chamberlain, and developing their own theories on what happened.

In Maths, our classes have been exploring key measurement concepts. We've focused on calculating area and perimeter, as well as finding the volume and surface area of 3D shapes like prisms and cylinders. The students have been building their skills through practice tasks and engaging activities.

In Science, our classes have been learning about Earth's spheres and how they interact. We've explored the carbon cycle and discussed how our actions can affect the planet. The students have gained a better understanding of how human activities influence Earth's systems.

In Health, we are exploring how people and life events shape our identity and behaviour and in PE we are engaging in active minor games to develop skills and strategies

A group of Year 9 students applied and were successful in being selected for our Future Leaders program. These students will meet with Miss Reid once a week, and plan for and create opportunities for students to engage in activities outside the classroom. They will raise awareness for chosen foundations and represent Cosgrove at community events. The leaders have already successfully completed the GRIP Leadership Conference at MyState Arena and will participate in the Walk against Racism on Friday 21^st March (Harmony Day). Our students will also proudly represent Cosgrove at upcoming ANZAC day events in both Claremont and Glenorchy.

Miss Reid

Year 10

This term a group of Year Ten students successfully gained their White Card certificate after completing the training as part of the PCYC program Reset Opportunities for Youth Works.

This certificate is needed for any work placement or employment opportunity on a work site. The day included learning about safety procedures on a work site and is an invaluable opportunity for students to participate in.

PCYC Youthworks

Youthworks is an opportunity provided to a small group of Year Ten students each year. This program usually runs in terms one and three. Members of staff from PCYC collect us from school one day a week and take us to activities for the whole day. Some of these activities, like rock climbing and fishing, are to help us build connections with peers and work as a team.  

Other activities are to help us in the future, for example on Tuesday last week we visited St John’s in Moonah to complete our white card qualification.  

The white card session explored what we need to know to be safe on a construction site. We learned about PPE equipment, hazards on work sites and safety procedures. The training took all day, although we finished early, and is something that we will need if we are to pursue a career in the trade industry, but also if we choose to participate in any work placements this year. 

It has been a great opportunity, and we are grateful to PCYC staff for continuing to support students at Cosgrove High.  

Harlen

GRIP Leadership Conference

On Wednesday, 12th March, our Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 school leaders had the incredible opportunity to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference at the MyState Bank Arena. This event brought together student leaders from across the region for a day of inspiration, motivation, and valuable leadership skills.

Throughout the day, our student leaders engaged in a series of interactive workshops and sessions, focused on personal development, effective communication, and how to lead with confidence. They also heard from a range of expert speakers who shared their experiences and insights into the power of leadership.

Our school leaders returned from the conference filled with new ideas and strategies to support their roles within the school community. We are excited to see how they will apply what they learned to inspire their peers and make a positive impact this year.

Some comments from the student leaders:

“I enjoyed learning about how to adapt to many situations.” – Harlen

“There were lots of games to break the day up. One was a dancing one and Chayce was a leader on stage, and everyone had to follow his moves. He was very good.” – Eli

“My takeaway from the day is if there is a conflict mediate between the two conflicting sides and find a common goal that they share.” - Aiden

“Teamwork and communication is really important and I enjoyed building bonds with other schools.” – Mathew

MAST

Cosgrove High School was fortunate to be visited by Andrew Dobson from MAST.

He provided us with invaluable information about boating and marine safety. Throughout the day, students engaged in hands on learning experiences, gaining essential knowledge on how to stay safe in the water, and what to do in an emergency.

The highlight of the day was a demonstration on the school oval, where students observed safety and distress flares being set off.

A big think you to Andrew and MAST for an engaging and educational experience.

Exciting New Intervention Groups at Cosgrove High!

At Cosgrove High, we are always looking for new ways to support and engage our students in their learning. This year, we are thrilled to introduce a range of intervention groups designed to provide additional opportunities for student growth, skill development, and hands-on learning.

These groups go beyond our specialist classes, offering students a chance to connect with their interests, build confidence, and develop practical skills in a supportive and structured environment. Whether students want to get creative, get active, or learn something new, there’s something for everyone!

This year’s intervention groups include:
🔹 Boot Camp – For those who love a physical challenge and want to build strength, resilience, and teamwork.
🔹 Construction – Hands-on learning with real-world applications, perfect for students interested in building and design.
🔹 Golf – A great way to learn patience, precision, and focus while enjoying time outdoors.
🔹 Bike Club – Combining fitness, fun, and practical bike maintenance skills.
🔹 Art Therapy – A creative outlet that supports emotional well-being and self-expression.
🔹 Music – For students passionate about playing instruments, singing, or simply exploring their musical talents.
🔹 Gardening – Learning to cultivate and care for plants while enjoying the benefits of working outdoors.
🔹 Coffee Club – A fantastic way to develop barista skills and customer service experience.
🔹 Chess – A strategic and engaging challenge for students who love problem-solving and tactical thinking.
🔹 Cultural Wellbeing Group – A space to celebrate diversity, explore cultural identity, and build a sense of belonging.
🔹 EAL Art Group – A creative and supportive environment where students learning English as an additional language can express themselves through art.
🔹 Girls Group – A safe and empowering space for young women to build confidence, develop friendships, and discuss important topics.

These programs not only provide extra learning experiences but also help foster important life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and creativity. We encourage all students to get involved and make the most of these fantastic opportunities!

For more information or to sign up, students can speak to their grade coordinators. Let’s make this year one of growth, engagement, and success!

Sculpture

Our incredible Year 9 and 10 Sculpture students have just finished their Pulp Mâché Pop Sculpture Cakes, and they look good enough to eat!

A huge congratulations to our talented young artists for their hard work, patience, and attention to detail.

Gardening

A big thank you to Nel and David from Nipaluna Nursery!

We are incredibly grateful for your generous donations and valuable advice to our Kitchen Gardening program.

Your support is helping us grow and nurture not only our garden but also the skills and enthusiasm of our students.

We look forward to continuing this green journey with you!

A Huge Thank You to Bunnings Glenorchy!

On behalf of Cosgrove High School, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bunnings Glenorchy for their incredible generosity in supplying us with much-needed soil, compost, vegetables, and herbs to kickstart our 2025 Kitchen Garden Program. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help our students learn, grow, and develop valuable skills in sustainability and gardening.

We’re excited to see this project blossom and can’t wait to share the progress with you all!

School Association