Hello families, welcome to our latest newsletter. 

School Improvement Plan and Agenda 

Our School Improvement Plan has now been finalised and endorsed by the Department. Our School Improvement Plan outlines our key priorities and targets for the year and details our key actions to achieve these targets. 

Priority 1: Reading, pedagogy and instruction. Implement evidence-based reading practices and structured literacy as components of a multi-tiered system of support to facilitate student growth in reading and literacy 

Priority 2: Delivering a high-expectations, high support culture. Have the entire school community coalesce around a shared vision and commitment to strengthen a school culture which is typified by high expectations and high support, with a multi-tiered system of supports to facilitate students’ meeting those expectations and attending more regularly 

As the year goes on, I will provide you some updates on the progress of our actions towards these priorities and there will be an opportunity for everyone to engage and have their voice heard regarding Priority 2. As we embark on this strategic work, to build on growth in the school over recent years, I am very thankful for the cohesion and improvement-focused outlook of the entire staff group. Our staff are committed to making this school the best school it can be, where every student experiences appropriate social and academic growth each year and where there is accelerated catch up where necessary. 

Intensive literacy intervention 

Some students participate in MacqLit and MiniLit tutorials multiple times each week. Students who are involved attend regularly and engage fully. We have seen that they have experienced quite remarkable accelerated catch-up in their foundational literacy skills in previous years. Families, we ask that when we share with you data regarding student achievement and progress, that you celebrate this with them. As I move around the school I am always pleased to see snippets of the tutorials, where students work intensely in small groups with our specially trained MacqLit instructors. 

Consent education 

Our School Health Nurse has been working with Legal Aid Tasmania to provide students with some learning regarding the legal notions of consent and the legal implications of sharing intimate images online. We will communicate with families of grades involved with more information before the programs commence later this term. 

I also encourage families to continue these discussions at home. Although I acknowledge that having conversations with teens about sex and consent can be awkward for some, it is of crucial importance. Tasmania was one of the first jurisdictions in Australia to adopt a legal notion of affirmative consent and Legal Aide Tasmania defines it concisely: Consent to sex - Tasmania Legal Aid.  

Consent isn’t the absence of a ‘no’.  

Consent to one activity does not mean consent to another.  

Someone cannot give consent if they are drunk, drugged, unconscious or asleep, or if they do not feel free to say no (e.g. if they are coerced). 

Consent on one day does not mean the same activity is consented to on another day. 

Consent is when someone capable of agreeing to a legal activity gives their free and enthusiastic approval.

Please reach out to our staff if you need any support with these conversations. 

It is hard to believe that we are already planning for the end of term, but the high pile of risk management plans on my desk proves it is so and evidence the breadth of opportunities available to our young people.  

Students from Grades 4-10 will participate in camps to Hobart next week and Grade 3-6 students have an opportunity to travel to Oatlands on the last day of term to particate in a school exchange. These are but two of the large number of activities on offer and I encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities being offered to them. 

As always, please reach out if there is ever anything I can assist with. 

In partnership,

David Bryant,

Acting Principal

We would like to introduce families to our Primary School Leaders for 2025. 

The leaders and Miss Knowles have worked together this term to brainstorm various ways they can support the primary school, from helping out at breakfast club, bus duty, setting up different play equipment each week and umpiring footy/organising games at break times.

Halana Knowles

Primary AST

Congratulations to our certificate recipients from our Primary assembly which was held on Friday 21 March.

Halana Knowles

Primary AST

In Prep we have been enjoying our daily UFLI lessons. UFLI is a synthetic phonics program that is being introduced across Tasmanian schools for students in Prep to Year 3 classes. In these lessons we introduce new sounds, write and read words and also practice spelling words. Each week our confidence grows and students are showing amazing growth in their phonics knowledge. The smiles really say it all!

Rachel Langiu

Teacher

During Harmony Week, Grade 3B students held lots of discussions around the importance of Harmony Week and all the different kinds of ways to celebrate.  3B celebrated by enjoying a multicultural culinary experience together where they tried the following dishes throughout the week:

• Butter chicken
• Fried rice
• Tacos
• Pain au chocalat
• Sushi
• Stroopwafels

On Friday 21 March they worked in pairs to make their own cheesy Vegemite scrolls. 

3B would like to give a huge thank you to Kayoko who handmade and delivered the sushi!

Halana Knowles

Teacher / Primary AST

We had a visitor! Some students and staff were a little star-struck and very much inspired to hear from Scott Roth last week. Scott told us about his inspiring journey - from small town mid-West USA to the NBA and then to lead our JackJumpers to incredible success in their first few years as a new organisation. He spoke about how character is more important than skill and that the key to success is building good habits, which includes striving to be great when no-one is watching. It was also a pleasure to host our friends from Oatlands DHS for this visit.

David Bryant

Acting Principal

Managing Screen Time for Primary School Children - Tips for Parents and Caregivers 

As our children grow and learn, technology plays an increasing role in their daily lives. While screens can be an exciting and valuable tool for learning and communication, it’s important to ensure that children’s screen time is balanced with physical activity, sleep, and face-to-face interactions.  

According to the Raising Children Network, it’s recommended that children aged 5 to 12 spend no more than 2 hours a day on recreational screen activities, such as watching TV or playing video games. These activities should not interfere with time spent on physical activity, or family interactions. 

Excessive screen time can lead to poor posture, sleep disturbances, and feelings of isolation, anxiety, or stress. Encouraging regular breaks, physical activity, and social interactions supports overall well-being. 

Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers 

1. Set Screen Time Limits: The Raising Children Network suggests setting consistent limits on screen time and making sure it doesn't interfere with other important activities like homework, chores, or outdoor play. 

1. Encourage Active Screen Time: Not all screen time is created equal. Look for educational games, apps, or shows that encourage problem-solving, creativity, or learning. 

1. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas, such as the dining room or bedrooms, as screen-free zones to encourage family interaction and better sleep hygiene. 

1. Be a Role Model: Children often mimic the behaviour of adults. Set a good example by limiting your own screen time during family activities and show the value of face-to-face communication. 

1. Prioritise Outdoor Play and Exercise: Encourage children to spend more time outdoors, whether it’s playing sports, riding bikes, or simply going for a walk. Physical activity is a key component of overall health and development. 

1. Discuss the Content: Talk with your child about the content they access online. Understand what apps, games, and websites they are using, and ensure these are appropriate for their age. 

By maintaining a balance between screen time, physical activity, and social interactions, we can help ensure that our children are growing up in a healthy and well-rounded environment. As a school community, we all play a part in helping children develop healthy screen habits that will serve them well in the future. 

For more information please visit Raising Children Network School-age screen time: tips for balance | Raising Children Network 

Louise Hawkins

School Health Nurse