9 December 2021

Principal's Report

Dear families,

2021 has been a wonderful year at Illawarra Primary School.  Although we have still been required to comply with certain Public Health and DoE Covid requirements, in most circumstances everything school wise, has returned to normal.  This is important as it ensures the school can create the positive environment to support students’ academic, social and emotional well-being.  Also, by returning to normal school practices that promote strong connections within its community, every child is then provided the learning opportunities and sense of belonging that enables them to be successful learners.

Recently I completed the school’s Annual Review and for us, as a staff, it was very satisfying that so many of the targets set for this year have been achieved.  Academically the school’s NAPLAN, PAT and end of year school based assessments consistently highlight significant gains for individual student learning.  The Annual Review process also has highlighted areas for the school to work on and these are consistent with recommendations from the recent External School Review.

Again, the past fortnight has been crammed full of exciting learning and extra curricula activities and events.  Some of the events of the last two weeks are as follows.

• All early childhood classes attending the Pantomime at the Playhouse Theatre, an annual highlight.

• Orientation days for Grade 6 students at local high schools
• Jumping Jacks – day tours to Geeveston, Cygnet and Margate Primary Schools
• Kingston High Band performance
• Infant and Primary music assemblies
• KidsMatters Beach Day
• Christmas Stall
• Combined School’s Band and Choir Concert at MyState Arena

The Combined Schools Band and Choir concert deserves special mention as this event went into a temporary hiatus last year.  This was an amazing event and the school should be very proud of the students who not only participated but also dedicated so much time and effort to master their instruments and perform the pieces of music in collaboration with many other Department of Education schools. Thank you to Mr Alex Browne, the school’s band teacher, for his commitment and dedication to the Band Program and ensuring that the students who took part from Illawarra Primary School were so well prepared.

The Christmas Stall run by the School Association was another of the annual events that we could return to this year which was a highlight this week.  On behalf of the school community I would like to thank Michelle Vout and her band of Christmas helpers for providing a happy and festive end to the school year event.

Reports and Class Organisation for 2022

Over the past month all teachers’ have dedicated considerable time and energy to completing end of year assessments and report writing.  Although this is quite a demanding process it is also a time of deep satisfaction for teachers as they reflect on the progress and achievement their students have made over the course of a school year.  I’m pleased to report that student achievement across the school this year continues to be the cause for much celebration.  This again is a wonderful reflection of the positive attitude students have towards their learning, and the professionalism, skill, expertise and commitment of all teaching and support staff at Illawarra Primary School. 

All student reports will be sent home on Monday with important information for next year.  This will include class placements for each child continuing at Illawarra Primary for 2022. 

The school has finalised all classroom teaching positions, including the contracting of a large number of teacher assistants for 2022. The classroom teachers for next year are as follows.

Farewell Grade 6 students

We know, that although most won’t admit it, our grade 6 students will be experiencing mixed feelings at the moment.  This is a very special time for these students as they complete their primary school years and anticipate all the new opportunities that will make up their high school experience.  Their parents to some degree may also share some feelings of uncertainty as they support their child in leaving the safety and familiarity of primary school.  However, we all know that time stands still for no one, and due to the wonderful young people the grade 6 cohort have become, we are confident that they will continue to be successful learners and continue to grow as positive members of the local community. 

Nick Donnelly

Principal

Calendar of Events

School Office Holiday Hours

2022 Uniform Shop opening times

5/6 Catterall fiction writing about floods

5/6 Catterall have been learning about natural disasters. Mrs K-B worked with a small group of students to write fictional stories based on experiencing a natural disaster. Students worked on increasing the intensity of their vocabulary and using figurative language to create a picture in the readers head. Different types of verbs and sentence types were explored as well as considering which word choices have the most impact. Students chose to write about the natural disaster of a flood. Some excerpts from their stories are featured below. 

‘As they were watching, Jack and James decided to run back to the car, grabbing their toys on the way. As they did there was an ear deafening crack and screams following it. Jack and James got nervous not knowing what was happening, they both went to see what was going on. When they got there everything was a disaster with water going everywhere and everything destroyed. Suddenly, fear flashed through both of their hearts as they realised it. Where were their parents? Jack and James burst into tears screaming “Mummy, Daddy’” not knowing the danger they were in’. Benny  Gd 5

‘As the dark clouds brewed overhead and raindrops started to fall, Rusty was trying to catch a squirrel when Simon heard a deep rumbling sound from the river. Suddenly the dam that had kept the town safe for years against torrential rain and hail, burst its banks and the screams began.’ Tyler H Gd 6

‘Nico walked through the barren street, oblivious to the danger that would befall him that day. He looked around nervously. He was certain that he could hear a deep rumbling through the city, unsure what it was. Suddenly, a large wave blasted through the street, swirling around, destroying the only home Nico had ever known. Nico scrambled desperately towards the nearest car, desperate to escape the relentless tide, only just making it to the top. He looked around. The last thing he saw was a large piece of debris smashing into his arm.’ Julian Gd 5

‘At that second a gushing wave full of terror stormed into the room swallowing another victim. I flopped through the water like a rag doll trying to survive but then I manage to pull myself to an open window struggling to get outside. When I did I prayed that my family was not one of the thousands of dead bodies that lay floating on top of the water but I had to find somewhere to rest. I spent hours looking for the roof of a house that wasn’t completely under water or had dead debris lying on the surface of the wreckage, struggling to stay afloat. At long last a gum tree stood strong and tall, waiting to let me rest.’ Maia Gd 6

‘It started to rain lightly; soon thick dark clouds came overhead. I didn’t care about the rain, I was fine until it started pouring down. I needed to find shelter and fast. I hid under a house. The lake was erupting, it was awful. Soon enough the grass was overflowing. There was not one thing still dry. The water surged, people were swept across the river and buildings were collapsing. The savage river had started a big mess. The flood sucked everything in its path leaving nothing but chaos. Nothing and no-one were safe. The last thing I heard was screams.’ Abi Gd 5

‘ My people are sad. So am I. We are stuck, nowhere to go. I’m scared. The rain is pouring down again, and the waves are pushing, pulling, splashing everywhere. My people are suddenly screaming. I watch, unable to do anything. After all, I’m just a dog. The big people, the ones that care for me. They are drowning. I am too tired to move. All I can do is watch. The small people are struggling, trying to pull them up through the waves. But its too late. Sinking. Reaching. Pulling. Slipping. Falling. Desperate. Gone. That’s what I see. I don’t understand what they are saying, but I do understand emotion. I see it written all over their faces: pain, fear, sadness. We are still floating through nowhere, having drifted a long way during the night. There is no land is sight. None. Nothing. We are nowhere now, just me and my people, stuck in a flood. Unlikely survivors. For now. There’s not much point now. I’m just taking up space. My people don’t need me. I wade into the water, quietly, quickly, swimming away, draining my energy in no time. I peacefully sink down. Falling into a watery, never-ending sleep. Gone.’ Mai Gd 6

Japanese News

This year, Rose C and Juliet J entered the annual Japan Foundation Video Festival. The video received a special mention in the primary category and for this they will receive a certificate and prize for their achievement. Congratulations to both students.

I would like to say a big Sayonara to all the families and staff at Illawarra Primary School. I have loved teaching Japanese language to all the students at our school over the past 6 years. Thank you all for supporting such a fantastic program and I hope students continue with their language learning into the future.

Sarah Sensei

Changes to Student Bus Fares 2022

The full student fare will increase by 10 cents on 1 January 2022.

If you use cash for a single trip ticket, the new fare will be $1.90.

If you use a smartcard or purchase a 10-trip ticket, the new fare will be $1.52.

Smartcards like Greencard and Transportme can be topped up online. You can buy a 10-trip ticket for $15.20 from the bus driver.

It costs the same on every trip - it doesn't matter how far, where, or when you go. Bus routes that travel only in a rural area, to the local school, don't charge a fare.

Some students can travel or transfer between buses for free. You may be eligible for a Student Bus Pass for Free Travel if you are:

• listed on a Health Care or Pensioner Card
• travel wholly within the rural area where there is only a fare charging service
• must use more than on ebus between home and school and/or school and home
• are under a Care and Protection Order.

The student fare last increased in 2019. The next increase was scheduled for January 2021 but was delayed to January 2022. This fare increase is set by government policy.

For more information talk to your bus driver visit www.transport.tas.gov.au/student or call 6166 3343 (9am to 5pm weekdays).

End of year gifts

While school staff never expect or ask for gifts, we know that some parents like to give  teachers or teacher assistants a present at the end of the year.

If you do this, it is very important to keep in mind the following rules that school staff are required to follow:

• No gift cards or vouchers can be accepted
• No gift valued at $100 or more can be accepted under any circumstances, even if the gift is bought by a group of parents.
• Any gift valued between $50-$99 must be declared by the staff member to the Department of Education (eg. if a group of parents buy a gift valued at $80).

We appreciate your support and please remember, a thank you is the most valued gift we can give.

Kingston High School uniform shop

Kingston High School Uniform Shop is open every Friday, 8.30am - 11.00am with our last day of business being Friday, 10 December. The Uniform Shop takes laybys as well as having a full range of second hand uniform available. 

IOSHC Summer Vacation Program

Please find attached information regarding the Adventure Patch Summer Vacation Program.

eSafety Parent and Carer webinars 2022

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