14 October 2021

Principal's Report

Dear Families,

Welcome back.  From the positive and happy return of the students it looks like everyone enjoyed their holiday, and as a school community we are ready and prepared for the busy term ahead. 

I mention every year term 4 always involves many exciting events and activities, and with the weather hopefully warming up, it will also be a time of great energy and excitement. Term 4 has the uniqueness of schools completing the present year’s teaching and learning whilst also preparing and planning for the following school year.  As a result, I encourage everyone to keep a close eye on the school calendar provided in newsletters and briefings, as well as the school’s Facebook page.  The next 10 weeks will pass very quickly and before we know it, we will be farewelling our Grade 6 students.

At the School Association meeting late last term many aspects of the school’s improvement were shared and celebrated.  One aspect requiring special mention was the continual and significant learning outcomes of students this year.  Further emphasising student achievement at Illawarra Primary were the recently received results for students who participated in this year’s Australian Mathematics Competition.  The following report from Mr Michael Hayen clearly explains the success of these students.

We have just received our results for the Australian Mathematics Competition, and once again our students have performed at an outstanding level.

A special congratulations to Leo in Grade 3, who received a High Distinction and was the top student at our school.  Jacob in Grade 4, and Blake, Charlie and Jarrod in Grade 5 also received High Distinctions.

Sixteen students received a Distinction, including Daniel who received one in the Grade 3 competition despite only being in Grade 2! A further twenty eight students received a Credit.

All students who participated will be presented with their certificate at an upcoming assembly, once they arrive from the Australian Mathematics Trust.

Reminders

School Uniform – Please note that in term 4 students are expected to wear a school hat (red bucket hat or red legionnaire cap) during break times.  Pleasingly, from what we have seen in the first few days most students have a red bucket hat or legionnaire cap.  If your child needs a new school hat these can be purchased from the uniform shop.

Before School Supervision - I would like to remind everyone that supervision for students begins at 8.30am each morning.  During term 3 there were an increasing number of students arriving at school before this time.  I understand that there will be the occasional special circumstance when students need to arrive at school earlier than expected.  However, if this is the case it would be appreciated if the school office is informed. 

Springfest – Please keep Friday 29^th October free.  The Springfest is sure to be a wonderful school event and a great opportunity to gather as a school community for the first time since last years COVID outbreak.  Thank you to Mrs Yen Chamberlain and Mrs Georgia Pearsall for their determination in making this event possible and for their unwavering commitment to the school community.  For further details see the Springfest item in this newsletter.

Finally, I would like to officially welcome Mrs Lisa King to the staff of Illawarra Primary School.  As mentioned in the last newsletter, Lisa is joining us from Mount Stuart Primary School and we are most fortunate that she has agreed to transfer to the school as a member of senior staff.  Lisa is an outstanding educator, and her considerable experience and expertise is sure to benefit all students and us as a school community.

Have a great term everyone.

Nick Donnelly

Principal

Calendar of Events

Welcome to Mrs King!

We would like to warmly welcome Mrs. Lisa King to the Illawarra school community. Lisa will be taking on the position of AST (Advanced Skills Teacher) previously held by Mrs. Glover, who is currently on long service leave and will be retiring from this position at the end of the year.

Lisa comes to us from Mount Stuart Primary School where she also had the role of AST. Her expertise and experience in literacy and leadership will be a great addition to the Illawarra teaching team and we know Lisa is looking forward to getting to know students and families as the year progresses.

Onyas

Daisy C for always being so enthusiastic about school and showing great enjoyment for her learning. Andre F for always being happy and enthusiastic to share his ideas and knowledge in class discussions. Isobel S for being a keen and interested learner.  Isobel has been working particularly hard at her literacy tasks and has made great progress in her learning. Heather S for being a caring friend who gets along well with all her classmates. Roxy D for all the smiles and happiness she shows for being at school and for all the joy she brings to her classmates and teachers. Willow C for showing increased confidence as a reader and writer. Kane S for showing increased confidence as a reader and writer. Cooper S for his kindness and caring for a friend. Cooper gently encouraged a friend who was upset and helped his friend to find the best way to feel calmer. Thank you Cooper. Your kindness and helpfulness is appreciated. Jasper O'B for caring about his learning. Jasper always tries his very best. Your stories are delightful and interesting to read, Jasper! Sam F for caring about his learning. Sam works hard to improve his reading. Your detailed, careful drawings are fantastic, Sam! Isla T for being a respectful and kind class member who always listens attentively and willingly contributes to class activities with a positive attitude. Well done, Isla! Georgia G for the mature and friendly way in which Georgia has approached her new classmates and her positive attitude towards learning. We are so happy to have you in our class, Georgia! Welcome to Illawarra! Jack G for working very hard to improve his reading. Jack’s positive approach and hard work has paid off and he should be very proud of himself and his achievements. Well done, Jack! Orlando P for the care he takes with the things in our class. Thank you for the responsible, conscientious and selfless way you tidy and organise the classroom and for setting a good example for your peers, Orlando! Matthew A for always being ready to take on challenging work. Your enthusiasm and willingness to throw yourself into more complex tasks is exciting to see. Well done, Matthew! Selby R for his mature approach towards class work. He also shows respect towards others. Well done Selby for your great effort! Gabriel C for his caring nature towards his peers, especially in class. Gabe also recently did some excellent work with spelling using our cloud words. Charlie V for showing resilience, especially at our Molesworth excursion. Charlie also recently did some excellent work with spelling using our cloud words. Grace G for consistently using all our Illawarra values of being safe and showing she cares. Grace is always respectful to her peers and teachers. Well done Grace!

Covid-19 Vaccinations for Students Aged 12 and over

The Tasmanian Government is working hard to provide the COVID-19 vaccination to all Tasmanians aged 12 and above.

As you may be aware, there have been a number of clinics run in colleges to vaccinate students in years 11 and 12. There will also be a small number of regional high schools that will host a vaccine clinic but this is not something that will be occurring at high schools in larger population centres at this point in time.

However, there are a number of different options available for parents to arrange for students aged 12 and above to be vaccinated, these include:

1. At one of the community clinics across the state. Appointments can be made by visiting coronavirus.tas.gov.au/booking or calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
2. At participating GPs - contact your local GP directly to make a booking.
3. At selected pharmacies  - find one near you at findapharmacy.com.au

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the wider community from COVID-19. Don’t wait. Vaccinate.

Young people under the age of 16 are encouraged to attend their vaccination appointment with a parent or guardian.

There are a number of places where you are able to find more information in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. You may like to look at this information with your child to support them in understanding more about the vaccination:

• Information from the Australian Government about COVID-19 vaccines
• Information from the Tasmanian Government about COVID-19 vaccines
• Information from the Western Australia Government through a video presented by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki which answers common questions and dispel myths about COVID-19 vaccines.

Art masterpieces

Japanese News

It has been a busy Term 3 and start to Term 4 in the Japanese language area. I would like to congratulate Rio C and Henry M for their entries into the Tasmanian Calligraphy Competition. Both will receive a participation certificate at the next assembly. The annual Tasmanian Japanese Poster Competition was held in Term 3, and all students in Grades 1 and 2 created a Tokyo Olympic themed poster in which three students were selected to represent our school. I would like to congratulate Quinn H who was awarded first prize in the prep to grade two division. Kiana B and Klara K will receive participation certificates. These will be presented at our next assembly. Finally, I would like to mention the students who have volunteered to enter the Tasmanian Junior Speech competition. Students who compete in this competition work independently in their own time, to write, memorise and deliver a self-introduction speech in Japanese. In grade 4, Thomas D and  Sissi Z. In grade 5, Aki Y, Haru Y, Rose C and Ruby F. I wish them the best of luck.

Sarah Sensei

Canteen Menu - Week 3

Please note that there is NO Canteen next week (Week 2) due to Hobart Show Day Public Holiday

Launch Into Learning (Pademelons) - Term 4

Heart Foundation Fundraising Rewards Update

Last term, the Jumping Jacks made delicious fruit kebabs for Prep O/Emeny, who were the class who raised the most funds for the Heart Foundation. They enjoyed eating them while watching a movie. Other classes had their movie afternoon reward in the last week of term, which was a well-deserved break for students. 

This Friday, we will be having a Free Dress Day, which was the prize for reaching $750 (no gold coin donation needed).

Later this term, The Jumping Jacks and three extra students will have ice tipped over them. The Ice Bucket Challenge will be at lunchtime on Thursday the 28th of October. Let's hope for warm weather so these students won't freeze.

On behalf of the Heart Foundation, the Jumping Jacks thank the school community for their generosity in raising funds for this worthy cause.  

Springfest

Combined Primary Schools Annual Concert

Ticket information

Covid Check-In Information

School Zine App

Please click on the link below for instructions on how to access the Newsletter via the School Zine app. Contact the Office if you have any issues downloading the app.

https://www.schoolzine.com/szapp-installation 

Community Notices