5th May 2022
Principal's Report
Welcome back everyone.
I’m pleased to report that the start to the term has continued in the same positive vein as term 1. It certainly has again been a pleasure to observe the happy and respectful way all students have navigated the first week. An approach I’m sure will continue and hold the school in great stead for the busy weeks ahead.
Term 2 has a number of important and exciting events planned with the school’s cross country being held today and NAPLAN testing being conducted over weeks 2 and 3, commencing Tuesday 10th May. Parent - teacher meetings are organised for week 4 and later in the term the Swimming and Water Safety Program will be conducted for grade 3 – 5 students. Another whole school activity for this term that I would like to promote is the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Grade 1 – 6 students are being challenged to read 10 books in 10 weeks. There are many benefits of reading everyday and when these are accompanied with the great pleasure and sense of achievement that comes from reading a good book, the lifelong skill of reading is very positively reinforced. It’s not too late to sign up.
As everyone would appreciate the decisions on how the school supports students, staff and families will continue to be influenced by Public Health advice. As reported, the major difference for this term is that as of Monday 2nd May close contacts who do not have symptoms and return a negative RAT or PCR test, are no longer required to isolate. The following links provide the updated advice regarding COVID requirements for term 2. This first link, Keeping safe at school - parents and carers guide - The Department of Education Tasmania explains the expectation of all DoE schools where as this second link, Important community updates | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) provides more general information and advice including if any member of the community becomes a close contact. It’s important to note that it is now not a requirement for parents and carers to inform the school if their child/ren become close contacts. However, if a child is a close contact and is attending school, they must follow the updated advice in the above-mentioned Public Health link which includes testing each day for 7 days registering negative using a RAT and having no Covid symptoms, before attending school.
An administrative change to how schools manage the reporting of COVID cases is that, unless a class includes a child who has a medical condition that could be compromised by COVID, there is no longer a requirement for schools to report individual cases of student who test positive. The reporting of COVID cases by a school is now only required if 20% of students in a class test positive over a 7 day period. With this in mind, and with the knowledge that there are a number of students who attend Illawarra who have disabilities plus there being members of the school community who are immunocompromised, I can’t reinforce enough the need for families to be vigilant regarding the testing approach now required of those who are close contacts.
To conclude, I would again like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and encourage you all to familiarise yourselves with the updated COVID requirements provided in the links above.
Have a great term everyone and stay safe.
Kind regards,
Nick
Calendar of Events
May 10 -20 NAPLAN Testing
May 13 Book Club Issue 3 - Due to office
May 23 1/2A and 1/2B Excursion to Molesworth
May 23 - 27 Parent Teacher Interviews
May 19 Yr 6 Band Rehearsal - 3.30pm - 4.30pm-Kingston HIgh School - TBC
June 2 Yr 6 Band Rehearsal - 3.30pm - 4.30pm-Kingston HIgh School - TBC
June 6-17 Grade 3-5 Swimming & Water Safety Program
June 13 PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Queens' Birthday
June 16 Yr 6 Band Rehearsal - 3.30pm - 4.30pm-Kingston HIgh School - TBC
June 21 State Cross Country - Symmons Plains
June 30 Yr 6 Band Rehearsal - 3.30pm - 4.30pm-Kingston HIgh School - TBC
July 8 Last Day of Term 2
July 25 STUDENT FREE DAY - Professional Learning
July 26 Term 3 commences for students
Parent - Teacher Conversations
Attached is a link to information about Prep to Grade 6 parent-teacher conversations, including how to make a booking.
These conversations provide a very important opportunity for you to discuss your child's progress with their class teacher, and we encourage you to attend.
Excursion - 1/2A and 1/2B
On Monday 23 May, 1/2A and 1/2B are visiting the Molesworth Environmental Centre to participate in team building challenges.
We will be leaving school at 9:00am and returning to school by 3:00pm.
Students will need to pack a full lunch box and drink bottle, warm rain jacket and gumboots or other appropriate footwear.
We have capacity for some family members to attend. If you would like to attend and have your Working with Vulnerable People check, are fully vaccinated and prepared to arrive in your own vehicle, please speak to Miss A or Ms Barker as soon as possible.
3/4 Genford Science Inquiry
As part of our science inquiry, 3/4G have been learning about the life cycle of plants and their relationship with animals (particularly insects). We have made observations and drawn diagrams of different parts of plants including flowers and fruit. We have learnt how plants and bees (as well as other animals ) both benefit from the pollination process.
As part of our science inquiry, 3/4G have been learning about the life cycle of plants and their relationship with animals (particularly insects). We have made observations and drawn diagrams of different parts of plants including flowers and fruit. We have learnt how plants and bees (as well as other animals ) both benefit from the pollination process.
Welcome Kelly Crane
Kelly started with us on Monday and will be taking on the vacant role in the office at Illawarra Primary. Please say hi to Kelly and introduce yourself next time you are in the office. I know you will all make Kelly feel very welcome and part of the Illawarra family.
Premiers Reading Challenge
The Premiers Reading Challenge starts this week!
A great way to encourage students to read more and broaden their range of books too!
Try non-fiction, graphic novels, choose your own adventure -??
- Students Year one and up can participate
- Reading log to be signed by a parent/guardian
- Finish the Challenge for the chance to win prizes for you and your school.
If there are any keen students who wish to write a book review, they can enter on the website, prizes awarded.
RAT Collection
If you require addtional RAT's please collect them from the office. We are now able to supply boxes of 5 due to the change in close contact testing.