28 July 2022

Principal's Report

Welcome back everyone. 

From the enthusiastic and energetic way the students have started the term, it would appear they all had an enjoyable and restful break. 

NAIDOC WEEK

Term 2 ended on a high note with the activities of NAIDOC Week being a highlight.  Much of this was due to the hard work and organisation of Ms Amy Whenman who ensured that the significance of this week was recognised with the school’s unique Welcome to Country being shared each morning across the school’s PA system.  Amy also supported lunchtime activities that focussed on the current NAIDOC theme of Get Up, Stand UP, Show Up.

Kingston High School

If the families of grade 6 students had not already made the decision of what school they will enrol their child for next year, the 2023 high school intention forms sent out late last term from Kingston High School would have been a stark reminder of the importance of making this decision.

We are increasingly aware families are making decisions earlier and earlier concerning which high school they intend to send their children for secondary education. To assist with this decision making, included in the newsletter is the information sent to this year’s grade 6 student families of the programs Kingston High School have in place to support the transition to high school process.  As you will see, these programs are a great example of what our public system, and in this instance, what our local high school, is providing to ensure students successfully transition from primary to high school. Further supporting our recommendation that all families of Illawarra Primary School consider enrolling their children in their local high school, is the link to Kingston High School’s most recent newsletter which provides an impressive array of the diverse learning opportunities available. Kingston High School eNewsletter (education.tas.edu.au)

Teacher Professional Learning Day – Monday 25^th July

On Monday all teaching staff were engaged in English and Mathematics professional learning.  The maths focus for the day involved teachers working in their grade teams to identify the changes to this subject area of the Australian Curriculum.  There are many ongoing implications of this work and as the year progresses the school’s grade-based maths scope and sequence will continue to be updated. Also, in preparation for 2023, teachers will be redesigning common assessment tasks used to assess student understanding of maths concepts taught throughout the year.

The English professional learning included a review of the school’s phonics scope and sequence, and time to reflect on the important links between spelling, writing, and reading. During the phonics scope and sequence session Mrs Lisa King took the Early Childhood staff through a demonstration lesson to help clarify and reinforce the importance of this learning experience for our youngest students.  The primary teachers focussed on how they teach spelling, in particular reflecting on and identifying strategies that help students develop a spelling conscience, in particular through the process of proof-reading their writing.

COVID Update

As everyone would be acutely aware, COVID 19 continues to impact our school community.  The most recent advice from the Department of Education is as follows:

The health and safety of students and staff has, and always will be, our top priority.  Our Term 3 approach to manage COVID-19 is outlined in our COVID-safe schools operational plan. The Plan builds on everything we’ve learnt since the start of the pandemic.

The Department of Education (DoE) has worked closely with Public Health to ensure schools continue to be safe places for learners.  Many COVID-safe measures that you are familiar with continue to be in place to limit the impact of COVID-19 in our schools. 

With increased COVID-19 cases in our community leading into Term 3, our staff and visitors are strongly recommended to wear face masks when indoors, or if they are unable to physically distance. Wearing a face mask is not a requirement for students, however it is strongly recommended by Public Health indoors as well as when they cannot physically distance.  Students will be supported to wear masks by their school when they choose to.

Face masks and rapid antigen tests continue to be readily available for students and staff at all Tasmanian Government schools.

It is common to see increased illness at this time of year, so it remains important that we all continue to practise our COVID safe behaviours, stay at home if unwell and get tested.

As always, when your child is well, the best place for them to be is at school learning with their friends and teachers. 

We will need to continue to be flexible as some elements of our plan may change during the Term. We will continually monitor the situation, make changes as necessary and keep school communities informed.

Term 3 Updates

Prep Piazza Upgrade

You may have noticed that the Prep Piazza is undergoing a facelift and that some raised garden beds and sand pits have been installed.  The sand pits have been designed to ensure that all students, including those with physical disabilities can use them.  I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Kingston for their very generous donations and interest in and support of the school.  I have been informed by Mrs Kerry Baker, who has been working on this project with Mrs Jill Sward, that there is still more to be done regarding this upgrade.  We will keep the school community posted on any further upgrades.

Launching into Learning Pademelons

LiL Pademelons has become so big and busy, that we are now offering two sessions each week.  The sessions run during school term on Thursdays and Fridays from 9.00 – 10.30. Both days cater for children from birth to four-years-old. There is no need to book; just show up when it suits you best.

Have a great term everyone.

Kingston High School 2023

Calender of Events

Illawarra Primary School Association News

It has continued to be a quiet year for IPSA, as we have been awaiting DoE updates on COVID restrictions before we can make plans for events.  Watch this space as we are now hoping to schedule a few events throughout terms 3 and 4. 

One thing we have been working on is creating a survey to assist with gathering volunteers for future fundraisers and events.  The idea is to find out what types of contributions of time and skills Illawarra parents and carers are happy to make, and to gather contact details.  Please look out for the volunteering survey.  The link will be provided in the next newsletter and on the Illawarra Primary Facebook page.  It’s a short and simple survey and we’d really appreciate everyone taking a few minutes to fill it in.  Grandparents and other carers are also welcome to contribute.  Remember that anyone who volunteers at the school will require a valid Working With Vulnerable People card, which is easily arranged through Service Tasmania.

The sandpit upgrade is still a high priority, and we are awaiting a quote and installation date from a local landscaper.  He has previously designed and installed other areas at Illawarra, including the prep courtyard with the wooden sculptures and olive trees, the bushland gardens around the perimeter of the playgrounds and the nature garden.  We are hopeful that the installation will go ahead in the October school holidays.

We have had a significant turnover of IPSA parent committee and executive members at our recent AGM.  Our chair Yen Chamberlain and our vice chair Kate Huntington both stepped down, and we thank them both for their commitment over the past few years in their roles.  Our new chair is Lisa Nisbett, who stepped into the role despite being new to the school and new to IPSA, and is full of enthusiasm and ideas.  The secretary is Rachael Lewis and the treasurer is Chloe Bibari.  Please feel free to approach us with any questions or ideas. 

The vice chair role is open to anyone who would like to be nominated.  New parent members are welcome on the committee anytime.  Email ipschoolassociation@gmail.com with any questions.

The faces of our amazing School Association

L-R: Lisa Nisbett - Chair, Chloe Bibari - Treasurer & Rachel Lewis - Secretary

Skipping Rope Fundraiser

This term before school, the Jumping Jacks and Lily are selling skipping ropes. They are selling a variety of ropes: long, short, double dutch, and single ropes.

From the funds raised, the team want to purchase a speaker that can be used at recess or lunch so that everyone can skip to catchy tunes.

The Jumping Jacks will also use the speaker on their visits to schools across Tasmania to promote Jump Rope for Heart.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Book Week

Feeling creative?  There’s 4 weeks to think of a fun costume ……..

Book Week Costume Parade Wednesday August 24^th!

Canteen Menu - Week 2

Launching into Learning

Kindergarten Enrolments 2023

Community Notices