11 August 2022

Principals Report

The start of term 3 at Illawarra Primary School has been a very happy and vibrant time, and even though we still need to manage COVID 19 Public Health requirements, the school seems to be returning to more like it was pre-pandemic.  Staff are still being asked to wear masks, and all families are encouraged to continue to follow COVID protocols and test daily if they are a close contact (please see the below public health advice).  However, with assemblies returning and a long list of exciting events planned for this term, many of which have already been held, the school experience for students is returning to something like normal.

Another significant school activity that all students have been involved in recently is the producing of a portrait for the Young Archies Awards.  Over the years students’ participation in this art award has taken on greater and greater significance, and it can be argued that such has been the school’s commitment to the event, participation in this art activity each year is now a school tradition.  The Young Archies Awards is based on the famous Archibald Prize.  Awards are presented in year categories for the best portrait of a person created by a student during the 12 months before the closing date.  Portraits can be in any 2D media, such as a drawing, painting or collage.  The portrait must be of someone personally known to the student.  For the Young Archies to become such a significant event in the school’s calendar you need a champion, and Illawarra Primary School’s champion is Mrs Terri-Ann Peterson.  Below is an extract from the wonderful email Terri-Ann sent all staff after the recent school-level judging of this year’s portraits.

The Panel of judges had a most wonderful afternoon today (Monday) looking and appreciating the portrait work of your students. So thank you kindly for your effort in giving them this opportunity. It was such a pleasurable yet difficult job to select the works with such a variety of amazing work. There were portraits of grandparents, parents, friends, siblings and self. A variety of mixed media, paint, pastel and charcoal works. Some with unusual eyes, gravity defying hair dos, amazing glasses and headwear and of course quirky expressions. Some that made us smile, laugh out loud, be reflective and wanting to know more… (also knowing that you have had that pleasure of engaging in conversations with them as they created, which is just as important)

The following is a quick summary of other events and activities that have been held already this term and others that will be held throughout the remainder of this month.

Fire Education - This program was delivered in the first two weeks of term for all grades and is designed to teach children from Prep to Grade 6 about basic home fire safety.  The sessions were very informative and well received by the students.

Primary Assembly - The first assembly for some time was a joyous occasion.  Often after a long break from attending cross-class activities students require some reminders of behaviour expectations for whole school gatherings. However, due to the example set by the grade 6 students, all students became increasingly settled as the assembly progressed.  Well done and thank you to the grade 5/6 LC leaders, Abigail Waugh, Marli Coombe and Lily Sullivan.

Grade 5/6 Band – As part of the preparation for the combined Primary Schools Band concert at the end of the year, the school’s grade 6 band members will be on tour this Friday.  They will be playing for the students of Blackmans Bay Primary and Snug Primary Schools. The grade 5 band members will be attending an all-day workshop next Thursday.

Debating –The debating competition between southern primary schools returns this term after a 2 year hiatus due to COVID.  Mrs Kelly-Bounds has been providing great support to a small band of very enthusiastic students keen to develop and test their debating skills, starting next week at Austin’s Ferry Primary School.  Illawarra Primary School will be hosting a round of the debating competition in September.

Winter Sports Carnivals – Most of the trials and team selection processes are now complete and a number of grade 5 and 6 students made football, soccer (or real football as some call it) and netball representative teams.  We also have several staff involved either as coaches or managers. The carnivals will be held on Tuesday 23^rd August.

Book Week – There are a number of activities organised for Book Week this year with a return to students dressing up in their favourite book character and then parading for the school community with their classmates.  Due to some clashes with other planned activities this much anticipated event will be held after the National Book Week, on Wednesday 31^st August.  Please refer to additional information provided in this newsletter.

Mathematics Competitions – Earlier this term 65 students participated in this year’s Australian Mathematics Competition.  This large number of students provide us with confidence that a positive attitude towards mathematics continues to grow each year.  Students should expect to receive their results of this competition at the end of the term.    Another important maths competition for our students to participate in is the annual Maths Relay.  Mr Hayen has already started to organise two very strong teams to take part in the competition later this term.

COVID Update

Pleasingly we continue to have very low numbers of students testing positive for COVID.  Although a small number of staff have contracted seasonal illnesses, most remain healthy at this stage of the term. 

Even though the school’s low COVID cases is pleasing, mirroring the Tasmanian Communities of declining numbers of cases, we ask that everyone remains vigilant with regard to following public health advice if they have symptoms or if they are a close contact.  Please see the infographic included in the newsletter as it provides the most up to date advice.

Have a great week everyone.

Nick

Calender of Events

ONYA'S Prep - Grade 2

Congratulations to all the recipients of ONYAS. The awards will be handed out at the next Primary assembly on Monday 15 August. 

Maisie E For displaying the school value of being Safe.  Maisie is always respectful of others and uses the resources in a safe and careful manner.  Due to this, she has become a popoular friend to everyone in the class. 

Ethan L For displaying the school value of being Fair.  Ethan is always a learner and allows others to learn around him.  Keep up the excellent work Ethan! 

Hazel R For displaying the school value of Care.  Hazel is always doing that little bit extra to help tidy the classroom, help others in the playground and support others with their learning.  Keep up the amazing work Hazel! 

Max G For displaying the school value of being Safe.  Max is always respectful of others and follows the rule accordingly.  As a result, the children in the class enjoy working with him.  Thank you for your diligence Max!  

Alydia S For displaying the school value of Care.  Alydia is a kind and friendly member of our class, who goes out of her way to help others when they need it.  As a result, Alydia is well liked and respected.  Thank you Alydia! 

Maximus A For displaying the school value of being Fair.  Maximus tries his best to always be a learner and allow others around him to be learners as well.  Thank you for being so considerate of others Maximus!

Aida M For being a quietly confident and independent member of our class. Aida always listens and applies herself to given tasks.

Hana Y For being a quietly confident and independent member of our class. Hana is always organised and very thoughtful of others.

Leo P For being a happy and enthusiastic member of our class. Leo always tries his best!

Zander M For being a quiet and thoughtful member of class. Zander is always respectful of others and is a good friend to many

Tilly O For being a brave learner who isn’t afraid to try and who just puts her head down and works hard at her tasks.

Matilda L For being a conscientious learner who always gives her absolute best in everything she does.

Riley S For being a polite and considerate class member.  Riley works hard at his tasks and is kind to his classmates.

Chloe F For her ability to rise to a challenge and attempt all the tasks asked of her.  Chloe is a brave learner who isn’t afraid to try and therefore is making great progress in her learning.

Ruby A For working hard and having a go at completing difficult challenges. 

Charlie D V  For being a mature role model to other both in and outside the classroom. 

Annabel R  For trying her best and challenging herself.

Tom H For his willingness to follow instructions and complete tasks in a positive manner. 

Ollie P For always trying his best in lessons with Mrs. K-B and being a focused, helpful classmate during these lessons.

Gus O Cares about his learning and has excellent work habits. Congratulations on becoming our Term 3 + 4 Class Captain.

Tess  B Thank you for caring for our class plants and stick insects. You were a fantastic Class Captain for Term 1+ 2.

Jade  L Thank you for your excellent job as Class Captain in Term 1 + 2. You will be a fantastic mouse in The Gruffalo class play!

Parker J Thank you for being thoughtful and caring for your class mates.

Georgia J For showing more care with her class work. Will be a wonderful narrator for our class play, The Gruffalo.

Sophie E Sophie always cares about her peers in and out of class. Congratulations on your excellent Class Captain speech 

Zibah D Puts in a big effort and is working hard in class.  She always does her best.

Josie Hutton Value of Care- by always doing her best and being an outstanding learner as a result.

Jack Grundy Value of fair – by listening to and considering the ideas of others in our group discussions.

Isobel Saltmarsh Value of fair- by sharing and taking turns when playing games.

Harry Robinson Value of care – by being most helpful and hardworking and taking care of our class at pack up time.

Silas Welch For always caring about his schoolwork and the people around him. Silas works very hard in class and is always kind to others. What a fantastic attitude you have, Silas! 

Kiah Mackey For always being a kind and caring friend. Kiah sets a fantastic example for her peers by always thinking of others. Well done, Kiah! 

Audrey McGee For applying herself to her work and having a fantastic attitude. Audrey works hard to achieve her best and loves a challenge. Keep it up, Audrey! 

Noah Otten For his enthusiasm and effort in all work tasks. Noah is engaged and motivated student who always wants to do his best. Great work, Noah! 

Lachlan Westreicher For having a positive attitude towards school and always trying his best. Lachie is not afraid to ask for help and works with a smile on his face. Thank you, Lachie! 

ONYA'S Grade 3 - 6

Congratulations to the following students who recieved ONYAS in last weeks assembly. 

Olliver B, Lilly D,Emily G , Julian Y, Sophie K, Nick K, James O, Zoe P, Jonathan S, Chelsea O, Benny R, Holly S, Finn O, Noah W, Annabelle S, Thio L, Liam S-G, Marnie G, Millie V, Louis F, Alby P, Grace G, Daniel W, Ollie B, Kiana B, Claudia D and Jack R.

Pop Up Shop

This Friday is Pop-Up-Shop Day! 

For sale will be cupcakes, popcorn (sweet and salty), craft packs, lettuce seedlings and organic produce from the school garden: lemons, golden nugget pumpkins, bok-choy, radishes and carrots. 

Thank you for supporting this fabulous program.  

Illawarra Colour Day

Young Archies 2022

Participating in the Annual Young Archie competition has become a wonderful creative opportunity for our students and an Illawarra tradition. This year, students again have been encouraged to create a portrait using a variety of media and techniques.

Each class has a display of amazing portrait works within their rooms. The Encouragement award winners will be on display in the main foyer.

Congratulations to Finlay, Tilly, Christian, Monty (5-6), Isla, Matthew, Ryder, Flynn (3-4), Patrick, Parker, Harry, Chloe (1-2), Austin, Leo, Elliot and Athena (P-K) on their works being selected to represent Illawarra at the State-wide Young Archies Competition. All competition entries will be on virtual display in an online gallery early September: Young Archie Awards/Tasmanian Education Dept website.

Congratulations also to the following students who received Illawarra Encouragement Awards from the judges- Marli, Hugh, Tom, Imogen (5-6), Ollie, Daniel, Seren, Gabe (3-4), Ethan, Annabel, Evelyn, Michael (1-2), Vivaan, Alfie, Amelie and Jess(P-K).

Well done to all our students for their effort to produce a creative portrait of someone they know; and thank you to the panel of judges for giving up their time to judge the hundreds of amazing entries.

Mrs Petersen (Art Teacher)

Volunteer survey

As discussed in the previous newsletter, IPSA would love to find out more about how you would like to volunteer in the school community,  particularly for events. 

This survey takes no more than 1 – 2 minutes to complete and we are keen for as many parents, grandparents and/or other carers to take part as possible.  There is no commitment required right now; we are just gathering information and preferences. 

https://forms.gle/qRuez9T9QXhji3CM8 

Thank you! 

Story Dogs

We have been lucky enough to have the Story Dogs reading program start at our school again. The program will start this Friday; Sue and Maggie, the gorgeous Groodle, will listen to four lucky students read. It's very exciting to have Sue and Maggie come to school on Friday mornings, and they will start their sessions this Friday.

Maggie, who loves running and reading, will wear a special jacket to display she is a working dog, not unlike a guide dog. To help this program be a success and for Maggie to feel at ease, can everyone please encourage students NOT to pat Maggie while she is on the job.

Thank you, everyone, for your support.

Launch into Learning

Basketball

Spring Basketball rosters are starting up in September.  From Under 10 upwards.  Interested players can register as an individual and be placed in a team… or if there are enough players from a school, a school team can be entered.  If you have a group of boys or girls who are keen to get a team organised you can see Mr Iles for more details or contact the Association if you need more information

Book Club

BOOK CLUB NEWS!!

The catalogues for Scholastic Book Club issue #5 have been lost in the post!

For this issue only, families who wish to purchase a book will need to view the catalogue online here: Book Club - Parents | Scholastic Australia

Orders will need to be placed and paid for online. Orders will be distributed at school as usual once they arrive.  The closing date for orders is NEXT FRIDAY 12^th August at 5pm.  

Canteen Menu Week 4

Community Notices