School Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 10
Principal's Report
Dear Bothwell Families,
A big congratulations to all of our students, staff and families for another successful term of learning and student achievement. Going into next term, I wish to share some staffing updates.
Our Home Group Teachers will be as follows:
Kinder/ Prep: Ms Madason Jones
Years 1&2: Mrs Laura Smith (Mon, Tues, Wed)
P-2: Ms Madason Jones (Thu and Fri)
3-5: Ms Courtney Pennicott
6-8: Mr Jim Templar
9-10: Mr Carl Thornley (Mon, Tues, Fri), Ms Erika Boas (Wed, Thurs)
Mr Templar will be teaching the secondary Maths/ Science classes, together with an elective of Sports Science.
Mr Thornley will be teaching the secondary English/ HASS classes, secondary reading groups and an elective of Coding.
Ms Tamika Burrill will continue teaching Agricultural Studies (Tues and Wed)
Mrs Helen Doyle will continue teaching Workplace Skills I and II, Secondary Reading Groups and will oversee Years 11/12, Student Work Placements and Careers Education.
Mr Matthew Ives will continue teaching Music on Mondays and Thursdays
Mr Jason Featherstone will continue teaching Health and Physical Education on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Ms Hatty Taylor and Mr Ken Orr will be teaching Art and MDT each Thursday.
Mrs Jessie Byers will be teaching Years 1&2 Mathematics.
Mrs Judi Turner will continue taking our Launching into Learning (LIL) program with support of Teacher Assistant Bryanna Canham.
For Term 3, we welcome Mr Finn Pasanen as a Lab Technician each Monday to support the teaching of practical science in the school. Mr Pasanen comes highly regarded. He is the Lab Tech for Chemistry classes at the University of Tasmania on his other days.
Mrs Jen Wise will officially retire on the 8th of August, and we will more formally acknowledge and thank Mrs Wise closer to this date. For now, I wish to thank Jen for all of her support of our students and the work that she has done teaching them this year. Next term, Mrs Wise will be supporting the school with relief and other duties in the lead up to her retirement.
We have a number of events to look forward to in Term 3, including a day of tree planting in Week 1 as part of National Tree Planting Day. Our students will set off for the Canberra Trip in early September and planning will commence for an upgrade of our Tennis Court as part of a federal grant received to upgrade school playgrounds.
As we reach the end of another productive term, I would like to wish you all a safe and restful holiday break. I know that I speak on behalf of all Bothwell staff in saying that we look forward to working with your young people once again in Term 3.
Kind Regards,
Erika Boas
Principal
From Bothwell Bits 6th Issue Dec. 1983
This gem was found when the Year 11/12 students were working with the Bothwell Historical Society as they were going through past copies of the Bothwell Bits.
SCHOOL NEWS...
1983 Launceston Show....
Most people know the Grade 9/10 students the last few months have prepared two angus heifers for the Launceston Show. Although there were a few pessimists they managed to get 2nd. and 3rd. in the Junior Herdsman Competition.
Of course, the cattle were very wild and to prove this they dragged Scott Bryant several times. One time the wilder heifer dragged him through the hedge and then ran off all the way down to the school gate followed by the smaller heifer which he had also let go. It took some time, but we still managed to catch them. Thanks to John and June Pilcher, they broke them in during the school holidays and made it possible for us to lead them without too many difficulties.
We also had trouble with feed for the heifers but Mr. and Mrs. C. Ellis, Mr. D. Hallett and P. Bignell gave donations of hay which helped us conquer this problem.
Five people were chosen to take the cattle to the show. Ken Orr & Jackie Baker - leaders, and Helen Rogers, Scott Bryant and Steven Slabon - groomers. It was not only Scott who got dragged by the cattle, we all at one time or another had some sort of problem with them, such as one heifer kicked every time you touched her on the right flank. Also, halters were another big problem, quite a few were broken and one cow kept on chewing the nylon ropes, so we had to get them used to the leather halters.
The heifers were transported to the Launceston Show by Jimmie Davie along with the Pilcher's herd. John and June looked after the heifers till we arrived on the Tuesday. The five students, Mr. Ford and Mrs. E. Rogers were going to stay at Gerald Archer's property (the owner of the cattle) but due to a family bereavement this was not possible. So, we stayed at the Aberdeen Court Motel, a 10-minute drive away from the showgrounds. We were transported to the show by Mr. Ford and Mrs. Rogers at dinner time on the Tuesday. When we arrived it was straight into washing the cattle, which they really enjoy. The worst part of the assignment would definitely have been rising at 5:30 in the morning and mucking out the stables by 7a.m.
The first judging on Wednesday started at 9.30 and we were placed 4th. and 6th. The bigger heifer was not satisfied so she kicked the judge. Thursday was the Grand Parade and after it had finished Jackie wasn't in the best of moods, her cow came in season and was rather hard to control. That afternoon Steven went to give Jackie's heifer a drink but to his embarrassment he went for a wild ride round the showgrounds, not on the heifers back, but on his own stomach.
The next judging was Friday at 9.30, the Junior Angus Herdsman Competition. The rest of the grade 9/10 students arrived accompanied by Miss Bradshaw and Mrs. Mitchell. Ken and Jackie came 2nd. & 3rd. respectively and will now be eligible to represent Tasmania in the National Competition at Albury-Wodonga in March.
Thanks to Mr. Ford who made it possible for such an enjoyable and educational assignment and Mrs. Rogers for her help also. Also, thanks to Mr. Bowerman for his plentiful expertise.
by... Helen Rogers, Ken Orr,
Scott Bryant, Jackie Baker,
Steven Slabon.
From Mrs Helen Doyle.
Learning Showcase
K-2:
On Wednesday, our K-2 class set off to Bounce and then Giblins Reserve. The students have worked incredibly hard this term, and we wanted to reward them for their efforts. We had a fantastic day bouncing, climbing and playing! We were all very tired on the way home and will enjoy a well-earned break over the holidays. I wish all families a safe and restful holidays and can't wait to see everyone back for a busy Term 3.
Miss Jones
3/4/5:
Our class have been lucky to have our school health nurse Hilary come into the classroom to help us build our communication skills and learn how to recognise emotions as well as ways to help calm and cool ourselves. Some of these strategies included colouring in, breathing cups and making our own bracelets.
3/4/5: Maths
The grade 3/4/5's have been working on their times tables with Mrs Wise. In the photos below they are playing multiplication and addition dominos. This will enhance their learning.
7/8/9/10: Maths
The Grade 7-8-9 and 10 students at times use maths games to practice their skills in a different way. This helps them to see how maths can be used in real life. Games can be a useful way in which families can get together, have competitive fun and support their child's maths learning at home.
Our excursion to Hagley
Agricultural Studies
Report by Robet Porter.
On Wednesday the 11th of June 2025, Grade 6,7,8,9 and 10 students from Bothwell District High School attended Hagley Primary Farm School. During the bus ride to Hagley, we stopped at Campbell Town for breakfast. After the 3-hour trip we arrived at Hagley farm. To begin the day, the group split, the 6-7’s in one group, and the 8, 9 and 10’s in the other group. One group went on a tractor ride around the farm, observing how they function. The other group went into the kitchen, and made mini pizzas, discussing the production of the ingredients used. Both groups participated in the two activities, swapping half-way.
After a quick break for morning tea, we investigated pollination, and the effects that different weather conditions have on the process. We completed a table that described whether conditions were ideal or not. After that, we moved to one of the farms many shelter belts, where we paired up, and designed a farm surrounding a river. We had to place trees and stock around the property, while keeping the waterway free of contamination.
Finaly, we tried our hand at handling cattle, we again spilt into 2 groups, one group explored the technology in weighing and classing meat cattle. The other group tried controlling the flow of the cattle through a gateway.
On the way back to school, we again stopped at Campbell Town to buy lunch. We then got back on the bus for the last time before getting back to school.
Cooking
On the 19th of June our students made Pita bread Pizza's. These look very professionally made, I hope our families got to enjoy them.
On the 26th of June our options students cooked bread with Courtney and Brigette.
Careers Expo
Careers Expo
The planning is well underway, and the countdown is on, with only 55 days to go. The responses from the businesses that have been invited has been very positive.
We will be asking for volunteers on the day who can assist with crowd control, the canteen, BBQ etc, If this is something that you would be willing to help with, please let me know. Even an hour or 2 will be a big help. Please register here if you are able to spend some time assisting: https://forms.office.com/r/WYuf8pdjvV
We are thrilled to invite you to our first Bothwell District High School (BDHS) careers Expo!
This exciting event will deliver many amazing opportunities for our fellow students at Bothwell District High School, Glenora District School, Brighton High School (Yr 11) and Oatlands District High School, from Prep through to Year 12. We would like to invite you to showcase an exhibit to help our community learn about your industry and potential careers.
Due to our students' age range, we encourage exhibitors to bring as many hands-on and interactive activities as possible. If you have any interactive or hands-on activities that could provide a long-lasting benefit to our school community, for example building a pizza oven, please discuss with Mrs Doyle. Contact details below.
If you have not received an invitation but would like to demonstrate to our young people, the career opportunities that are available in your business/industry please complete the enrolment form at https://forms.office.com/r/Re7sgaRGaj.
Exhibitors can set up from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, ready for students to arrive at 9 am. Exhibitors will be fully catered for on the day. Please indicate any dietary requirements on the form/link below. No vehicle movement onsite after 8:30 please.
Please click on the link to accept or decline the invitation to attend, as well as the opportunity to specify your requirements. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Mrs. Doyle on helen.doyle@decyp.tas.gov.au.
Remember if you have a business and you would like to demonstrate to our young people the career opportunities that are available in your business/industry please complete the enrolment form at https://forms.office.com/r/Re7sgaRGaj.
#connect
In Term 3, the Kinder to Year 5 students will have careers lesson each fortnight, where they will complete activities and also have the opportunity to enter into some competitions in preparation for the career's expo. These careers lessons are aimed at exposing our students to a wider range of careers than what they might usually be exposed to. More information will be coming home at the beginning of Term 3. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Careers Advisor, Mrs Helen Doyle. If you have any expertise about a career that you would like to share with our students, please let us know. The students love having guest speakers especially any that come with hands on activities and lights and buzzers!
Studiosity
Studiosity is an online tutoring program that is free of charge for a predetermined number of sessions. (10 per school term), Studiosity is accessible to all students from grades 3 to 12.
Free 24/7 online study support via Studiosity
- Homework support, writing feedback and practice quizzes are available for students in grades 3 to 12
- Job skills for adults with feedback on your cover letter, CV or resume
- Study supports up to TAFE/University foundation level
- Real-life Subject Specialists assist with core Australian Curriculum subjects
- Library members log in free with their library barcode and PIN/password
Not a Libraries Tasmania member? Join online now and get immediate access to Studiosity or visit our very friendly local librarian, Tanya Lovell who will sign you up.
How can Studiosity help me?
Instant chat with Connect Live
Starting an assignment, or doing homework and want to make sure you’re on the right track? Studiosity’s Connect Live service is the best way of getting instant help in a wide range of subjects including maths, chemistry, physics, business studies and more. To connect live with a seriously smart person who can help you work through your question, click on the ‘Connect now’ button on your Studiosity account homepage.
Once you are connected with a Subject Specialist, you can work through your question using typed or voice chat and draw problems or equations on the online whiteboard.
Same-day feedback on your writing
If you’re working on an essay or assignment (or any piece of writing) and would like to get feedback on how to improve it, upload it to Studiosity any time of day or night, and they will send it back to you in less than 24 hours with detailed feedback on how you can improve your writing. Simply click ‘Submit your document’ from the Studiosity dashboard and follow the prompts.
Job seekers can also upload CVs, resumes, and cover letters to the Writing Feedback service for fast feedback on how to make it better before you apply.
~ Libraries Tasmania members can access up to 10 interactions per school term.
Practice tests and worksheets
Students also have unlimited access to over 750 practice tests and downloadable worksheets. These quizzes are available across English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology for Year 5 through to Year 12 levels, including NAPLAN specific content.
Get started now
Go to Libraries Tasmania’s Studiosity homepage and log in using your library barcode and PIN/password – this creates your Studiosity account, and you can start accessing their services straight away.
Once you’ve logged in via a web browser and set up your account, you can download the Studiosity app and link your account to it.
St John’s First Aid Course
Over the last 2 days of Term 2, the Year 9 to 12 students had the opportunity to undertake the St John’s Provide First Aid course including CPR. The course is being held at BDHS, and we have had 4 staff and students from Brighton High School also join us.
This is a very important skill for the students to obtain and looks fabulous on their resumes too.
Work Placement
Our students undertaking the Certificate II in Workplace Skills course are required to participate in a mandatory work placement. Students undertaking the Certificate I in Workplace Skills have the opportunity to undertake a work placement. If you have a business that could take a student on a Work Placement, please contact Mrs Helen Doyle. Students have a very wide range of interests so don’t think that what you have to offer wouldn’t be valuable. Some of the students’ interests include working with animals, agriculture, beauty, electrical, construction, IT, mechanical etc.
We would also like to see many of our students undertake an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASbA). Students can undertake these any time from Years 10 to 12 and in exceptional circumstances they can start in Year 9. All ASbA’s start with a mandatory work placement or work experience to make sure that this is the correct opportunity for both employer and student. If you would like more information, please contact, Helen Doyle. helen.doyle@decyp.tas.edu.au. Remember if your young person is already working on the farm or in your business, they could gain a qualification for doing so. Employers in some industries are able to get some financial benefits for taking on an apprentice or trainee. To find out more about these opportunities, please contact me.
Celebrating Students Success
Celebration Assembly End of Term 2 - Week 10
Grade | Award Recipients |
Kinder/Prep | Elana B –Growth For engaging in phonics lessons and completing all her activities well. |
Grade 1/2 | Xavier R—Growth For being a learner and working hard to complete tasks. Abigail K—Growth For settling into her new class and trying her best with her writing. |
Grade 3/4 | Adien E—Respect For being consistently considerate of others. William R—Courage For demonstrating courage towards learning new concepts and Ideas. |
Grade 7/8 | Harley M—Growth For consistently completing his tasks on time. |
Grade 9/10 | Ag Kaitlyn Housego—Learner For always engaging in learning experiences and being a calm influence around our merino’s. Ronni H—Growth His growth and participation in his Macqlit studies. |
Whole School Values | Ruby P For consistently showing Responsibility, Courage, Respect and Growth in all aspects of her learning and her associations with students, staff and the whole school community. |
BDHS Badminton Tournament
Over the last several weeks Grades 6 and up have had the opportunity to participate in a double’s badminton tournament. 10 doubles pairings entered with the format being double elimination, so all pairs were guaranteed 2 games. The finals were held on Tuesday the 24th of June with Harley and George playing Kaitlyn and Ea (Ea was away on the day so Mr. Featherstone filled in playing left-handed) in the preliminary final. Harley and George won the prelim and went on to play the undefeated Robert and Ronni. As Robert and Ronni were yet to lose a game Harley and George had two wins twice in the first to 15 games. Harley and George won the first game convincingly leaving Robert and Ronni shaken. Robert and Ronni bounced back though claiming the win 15-11 in the final game winning themselves a double pass each to the pop-up ice rink that is open at MyState Bank Arena now until the 27th of July. The donation from the arena is much appreciated and after the response to winning it sounds like the boys are super keen for the experience.
Mr Featherstone
Ian Whittaker at Assembly
Robert Porter presented Mr Ian Whittaker with a plaque of appreciation and a Coffee Mug from the School. As a longtime passenger, along with Danielle Bradburn, Robert was asked to make the presentation. A huge thanks to Kim Newman for organising the plaque. It was wonderful.
Reminders:
As the weather is getting colder, we are reminding students to wear their full school uniform. A wide variety of warm uniform items are available from the main office, including a new order that has come in of the woollen fleece jumpers. Polar fleece tops for younger students, soft shell jackets for senior students and puffer jackets with Bothwell school branding are all available for purchase. A reminder that navy blue is our colour for shorts and pants and that leggings have been added to the uniform list this year.
Other Messages:
Thank you:
Thank you to our School Association for sponsoring the purchase of some new acoustic guitars to support our music program and the growing interest we are seeing of students wishing to learn to play the guitar.
We are now seeking enrolments for Kindergarten for 2026. If your child was born in 2021, they are eligible for Kindergarten in 2025. Some of our families are attending LIL (Launching into Learning) and have already indicated enrolment for 2026. Please confirm this now with the office. For any other families wishing to join our wonderful small community school with our focus on nature play, and nurturing the needs of all learners, please make contact. You will be added to our contact list to receive information about our pre-kindergarten transition experiences. Please share this post with friends and family who have young people of kindergarten age.
For any other enrolment enquiries for other grades, or to book a school tour for Term 3, please contact the office or complete our Enrolment Expression of Interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/1a63aTcAaX
Upcoming Events /Calendar:
Winter School Holiday Fun at Your Local Library!
Audience: Students, Parents and Carers, Community, Teachers
Looking for something exciting to do these school holidays? From 5 to 20 July 2025, your local library is the place to be!
We’ve got a jam-packed program of free and fun activities for kids and teens of all ages.
Whether you're into crafts, stories, games, or something a little quirky – join the fun, everyone’s welcome!
- Warm Winter Read for young people over 16 years
- In the North and Northwest, the Bit Link Bytes Regional Roadshow.
To explore and book free school holiday activities all across Tasmania, head to the Libraries Tasmania school holiday activities webpage.
Do you want to cosy up indoors?
You can dive into a world of books, eBooks, movies, music, and games – all from the comfort of home.
It’s all free with your Libraries Tasmania membership. Join now
School Holidays
School's last day is Friday 4th July 2025 return on Monday 21st July 2025.
We hope everyone has a relaxing holiday, stay warm, rest and come back ready to have a fantastic Term 3.
See every-one on Monday 21st fresh and ready to go.