24 February 2022
Principal's Report
Dear Families,
The school continues to have a positive start to the year. Although required to navigate the Public Health and DoE Covid requirements, the core aspects of school life, teaching and learning as well as supporting student wellbeing, continue to be the focus of everyone at Illawarra Primary School. As mentioned in recent COVID updates, the success of the start to 2022 is a result of the support we are afforded by the school’s families and the inclusive and supportive school culture that has been fostered over many years.
The past two weeks have provided a number of highlights. Firstly, it has been a pleasure to witness our youngest students settling into school life under the kind and caring supervision of the Kindergarten staff, Mrs Georgie McRae, Mrs Kellie Pickett, Mrs Christine Cracknell, Mrs Mary-Ann Collidge, and the additional teacher assistants who have been available to assist at this important time of the school year. It has also been a privilege to visit the classes of our most recently appointed teachers and to witness the positive impact Mr Chris Pullen, Mr Graham Bloor, and Mr Stephen Clowry are already having on students. I have also been most fortunate to attend the planning sessions of all grade teams as they collaborate, problem solve and identify how best to support their students. The greatest highlight remains though how happy and enthusiastic students have been on their return to school. Their happy and motivated demeanour is evident in both the positive way they engage in their learning and the inclusive and supportive way that they play during break times.
COVID Update
I would like to again acknowledge the extent to which the school community has gone to, to live with and function in these COVID times. The considerate and caring manner in which everyone has approached the challenges associated with COVID-19 and how they impact on Illawarra Primary School, is greatly appreciated. However, we know that continuing to be vigilant is also a key in keeping everyone safe and therefore, as expressed in Tuesday’s COVID Update email, it is important that everyone familiarises themselves with the following Public Health advice regarding testing positive or being a close contact. The links below provide clear advice for both circumstances, and it is most important that this advice is followed, especially the advice that students who test positive should not return to school until they receive their letter of release via email from Public Health.
What to do if you test positive to COVID-19 – Checklist | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Advice for contacts | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Please note, although the requirement to check in at a school site is no longer required, all visitors over the age of 12 are still expected to wear masks.
School Association Annual General Meeting
The School Association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 6th April. We are asking for nominations for general members and the executive position of Chairperson. I would encourage anyone interested to complete a nomination form, included in this newsletter, and hand it into the school office before the above date. Being an executive or general member provides many wonderful opportunities to support the school, and I would encourage all interested parents to make a nomination.
School Swimming Carnival
Although it was unfortunate that we were again unable to welcome parents to attend this year’s swimming carnival, it was very pleasing that we could hold the event today. This was possible due to the outstanding planning of Mr Warren Iles and the flexibility and adaptability of students to participate in and compete in a modified format. A full report will be provided in the next newsletter.
Have a great fortnight everyone.
Nick Donnelly
Principal
Calendar of Events
February 25 | Book Club orders due |
March 7 | Grade 1W Excursion – Molesworth Environment Centre |
March 14 | PUBLIC HOLIDAY – Eight Hour Day |
March 16 | Huon & Channel Swimming Carnival |
March 31 | Yr 6 Band Rehearsal – 3.30pm-4.30pm – Kingston High School |
April 1 | Free dress day Easter Raffle – wear free dress and bring an easter egg |
April 12 | Easter raffle drawn |
April 13 | Walkathon – Further info TBA |
April 13 | Last day of Term 1 for students |
April 14 | STUDENT FREE DAY – Moderation Day |
April 15-May 1 | Term 1 holidays |
May 2 | Term 2 commences |
May 5 | School Cross Country |
May 5 | Yr 6 Band Rehearsal – 3.30pm-4.30pm – Kingston High School |
May 10-20 | NAPLAN testing |
May 19 | Yr 6 Band Rehearsal – 3.30pm-4.30pm – Kingston High School |
June 2 | Yr 6 Band Rehearsal – 3.30pm-4.30pm – Kingston High School |
June 6-17 | Grade 3-5 Swimming and Water Safety Program |
School Levies 2022
The 2022 levies have now been sent to families. Please contact the school office if you would like to put a payment plan in place. Arrangements can be made for weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments to assist with paying of the school levies.
There is also the opportunity for families to apply for the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS). The following information is provided about STAS and how you can apply. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the office.
Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) for 2022 School Year
The Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance to low income families towards the cost of levies for students enrolled in a school from kindergarten through to year 12.
STAS is provided through school and college resourcing rather than payment direct to families.
Eligibility
Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:
- Services Australia – Centrelink Health Care Card
- Service Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
- Services Australia – Pensioner Concession Card or
- Department of Veteran Affairs – Pensioner Concession Card.
2022 Eligibility for Previous STAS Recipients
Parents who received STAS during 2021 who do not hold a concession card outlined will be approved using the 2021 process where evidence is provided to support their claim. The Department will contact parents in relation to this.
To apply for STAS please complete the Student Assistance application form.
For further information please view the Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the Financial assistance for Parents
- Families on low incomes who meet the eligibility conditions of the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) will not be required to pay school levies. Grandparents raising grandchildren may also be eligible for STAS.
- Families who are not eligible for STAS, but who may experience financial hardship should talk to the school about payment arrangements and other financial assistance which may help.
- School staff understand that financial matters are highly sensitive, so your questions will remain completely confidential.
- These matters will also be dealt with directly with you and not through your child.
- Your child’s participation in learning will not be affected.
Canteen Menu
Launch into Learning - Pademelons
Play sessions for 0-4 year-olds and their parents/caregivers at Illawarra Primary School
The start of Launching into Learning (LiL) has been delayed this year for at least the first five weeks.
When LiL resumes, it will be on Fridays from 9:00 – 11:00 with Mrs Georgie and Mrs Lilly, using the indoor and outdoor Kindergarten spaces.
In the meantime, families now have access to Online LiL Sessions each week through the Great Start website. These sessions will include songs, stories and fun activities to do at home.
The link is:
Launching into Learning - Great Start
To obtain the password, or for any inquiries, phone the school office or email georgie.mcrae@education.tas.gov.au or lilly.taylor@education.tas.gov.au
We hope to see familiar and new faces back when we are able to start face-to-face sessions again.
In the meantime, keep finding moments in the day to talk, read and play with your child.
Uniform shop news
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.