10 March 2022
Principal's Report
Dear families,
It has been a most interesting fortnight. The beginning of last week was quite challenging, with the school experiencing a high number of school-based positive Covid cases. The positive way the school has responded to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the high levels of consideration everyone has demonstrated by following Public Health, DoE and school advice, cannot be underestimated. The decisive, positive, and supportive response of families signifies the positive culture of the school. A culture created over many years, reflected through the importance all members of the school community place on respecting one another and being connected. Another important quality that has been consistently evident has been the resilience everyone has demonstrated, especially students and staff.
Over the past five weeks there have been many challenges, especially those associated with the need to follow Public Health and DoE guidelines. It has been very pleasing to observe the positive response of students and staff to the changes that now make up what constitutes a normal school day, whilst still ensuring that the focus on high quality of teaching and learning remains a priority. Further support is now provided by the DoE Covid Safe Plan for weeks 6-10. All details of this planning can be found using the following link: COVID-safe schools operational plan - The Department of Education Tasmania
In recognition of the challenges students may face when returning to school after completing periods of isolation, our School Nurse Jocelyn Patmore has provided the following article: Return to school after isolation: children | Raising Children Network
School Association Annual General Meeting
As mentioned in last fortnight’s newsletter, the School Association’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th April. We are asking for nominations for general membership and for the executive position of Chairperson. I encourage anyone connected to the school who is interested in joining the association to complete a nomination form included in this newsletter and hand it into the school office before Friday 1st April.
Swimming Carnival
Although conducted following a different format, this year’s swimming carnival was again a great success. Both instalments of the carnival, the grade 3/4 session in the morning and 5/6 in the afternoon, ran smoothly. It was pleasing to see all students expending great amounts of energy swimming, barracking, and due to the carnival being staged in accordance with DoE Covid requirements, helping out where needed. It is always unfortunate when parents can’t attend these types of events and their presence was definitely missed. However, such was the planning of Mr Warren Iles, the high levels of student participation and the preparedness of staff to take on specific roles, the students are sure to reflect on the carnival as a highlight of the year.
Reminders
Staff Carpark- Due to the need for buses to enter the school to collect students at the end of the day, no parent vehicles are to enter the staff carpark off Tinderbox Road until after 3.15pm. The carpark can be used for quick drop offs at the beginning of the day.
School Hours - As teacher supervision is only provided between 8.30am and 3.15pm, students are not to be present unsupervised on site outside of these times during school days. Please contact the school for alternative arrangements if there are occasional days when your child/ren require supervision outside these times.
Rapid Antigen Test (RATs) Collection- As you use your supply of RATs, please request more RATs at school by contacting the school office. However, if you have run out of school issued RATs, and your child has symptoms, please do not attend school to collect a RAT – instead contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to obtain a RAT.
Nick Donnelly
Principal
Calendar of Events
March 14 | PUBLIC HOLIDAY – Eight Hour Day |
March 16 | Huon & Channel Swimming Carnival— CANCELLED |
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 4 | 4/5 W Excursion – Female Factory |
May 5 | Yr 6 Band Rehearsal—3.30pm-4.30pm—Kingston High School |
May 5 | School Cross Country |
May 5 | Yr 5 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 |
Changes to reporting in 2022
This year, you will notice some changes to reporting in Tasmanian Government Schools.
Firstly, you won’t see A-E reporting any more for Prep to Year 10 students.
Most families in Tasmanian Government Schools have told us that A-E reporting isn’t meaningful enough for them. So, the Department is introducing a new 9-point visual scale.
Along with the visual scale a worded description will be included to help you understand how your child is going against the expected standard for their year level. The 9-point scale will show more specifically where your child is at with their learning. This change won’t apply to students in Years 11 and 12.
The second main change you’ll see is that teachers will be communicating with you more regularly throughout the year, instead of providing written comments on reports.
This more regular communication might be through online communication, telephone calls, or face-to-face conversations.
By having more regular information about your child’s learning progress you’ll get a better understanding of how your child is going across the entire school year (not just twice a year).
What you should expect across the school year:
Term 1 | Week 7 | A progress report providing information about your child’s attitude and learning behaviours. For students with learning plan goals, a communication regarding those goals. |
Term 2 | Week 4 | Parent-teacher conversation focussing on learning progress, application to learning and wellbeing and/or learning plan goals. |
Term 2 | Week 10 | Mid-year report of learning achievement |
Term 3 | Week 9 | Parent-teacher conversation focussing on learning progress, application to learning and wellbeing, and/or learning plan goals. |
Term 4 | Week 10 | End of year report of learning achievement |
Families will be supported to understand the new reporting requirements and the changes to mid and end of year reports as they are implemented.
Watch the video introducing the changes: Changes to reporting in 2022
If you’d like to know more about why these changes are occurring, visit Review into Reporting to Families - The Department of Education Tasmania
School Levies 2022
The 2022 levy invoices 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 above 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 - Week 6
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.
Illawarra Primary School Association (IPSA) News
The school association has had our first meeting of 2022. This meeting was scheduled to be held early in the school year to plan for the Welcome Barbeque, which unfortunately had to be cancelled due to COVID. At the moment, for the same reason, we are unable to start planning ahead for any fundraising events. The DoE will be reviewing COVID guidelines and restrictions every five weeks, and will respond to the situation as it unfolds.
However, we are primed to go ahead with the new sandpit, and are in the process of seeking quotes to get the job completed, so that students can get on with enjoying this new nature-based play area.
Other projects that continue to be pursued are safe road crossings, a change to more ethical and sustainable uniforms, and marketing the school to attract more in-area enrolments.
IPSA is keen for new members in 2022. Meetings are held approximately every 6 weeks, although until restrictions ease only staff and executive members will attend in person. Others are welcome to join in via zoom. If you have a skill that could help out the school and IPSA, such as graphic design, event organisation or grant writing, we'd love to hear from you. We also welcome anyone who has an interest in the wellbeing of the school and/or are keen to be more involved with school events.
New passenger Code of Conduct for school buses
If your child catches a bus it is important that both you and your child are aware of the recently released Passenger Code of Conduct for School Buses. This can be accessed at the following link:
Netball
The 2022 winter roster will be commencing on 21 March 2022. Grade 3/4s at 4:10pm and Grade 5/6s at 5pm. Roster concludes on 6 June 2022. All games are at the Kingborough Sports Centre.
We currently have a full Grade 5/6 team and were hoping to also field a Grade 3/4 team. We have a few keen players already, but if your child is interested please e-mail Mr Iles (warren.iles@education.tas.gov.au) before Friday and we will try to fill at least 1 team for this age group. We will also need to make sure this team has a coach/manager.
Please let Mr Iles know if you have any questions, or check out the Kingborough Netball Association (KNA) website or Facebook page.
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.
Community Notices
