31 October 2024

Principal Report

As a member of DECYP's Principal's Advisory Group (PAG), yesterday I was excited to share the work of our School Association (IPSA) in sourcing our Fairtrade cotton polo uniforms. We have pledged to progress this further, as the first school in Tasmania. We will be working with DECYP's Sustainability Learning Centre (SLC https://sustainabilitylc.education.tas.edu.au) to document and share our journey with other schools and the wider Tasmanian community.

Yesterday, PAG focused on the new work of building “communities of schools” to deepen our shared responsibilities under DECYP's Strategic Plan. We explored how we can strengthen the rights of the child in all we do, and focused on building engagement and participation in the decisions that affect our students. We explored ARTICLE 12 - RESPECT FOR CHILDREN'S VIEWS - Children have the right to give their opinions freely on issues that affect them. Adults should listen and take children seriously. Here at IPS, we are committed to embedding this guiding principle across our school life and learning. This aligns perfectly with the recent survey I conducted across all year levels, all staff and the IPS community.  The question I asked was to share your “two stars and a wish” for our school. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Student Feedback:

Two Stars 

1. Our wonderful teachers 
2. Friendships with peers

Wish 

  - A speaker system at the back of the oval to better hear the bell. This has already been raised with IPSA!

Other wishes from our students included:

  - New soccer goals with nets (scheduled for installation soon) 

  - Kinder playground improvements, with requests for new climbing areas. I have visited the Kinder teachers to commence planning for such improvements and I am looking forward to meeting with them next week to discuss their exciting ideas.

Staff Feedback:

Two Stars 

1. Inclusivity 
2. Strong culture and connectedness

Wish

  - Additional support in classrooms. This is something we are actively budgeting for in 2025.

Community Feedback:

Two Stars 

1. Positive school culture 
2. Student behaviour

Wish 

  - Enhanced focus on differentiation.

Closely behind was the opposite of star 2. - addressing bullying concerns. This wish differs somewhat from the student and staff perspectives, and we plan to explore this further and we will be seeking your input to better understand your concerns.

In response to the priorities raised by community members, I have already began discussions with the senior leadership team and IPSA around the "Lighthouse Learning Project," which will take a close look at how we support every learner and ensure all students at IPS thrive and are extended and enriched for both academic achievement and personal growth. We aim to strengthen our programs and policies with your help.  Thank you for your feedback so far. I will look forward to sharing more updates soon.

Kind regards, 

Kristy Hay 

Principal

Calendar of Events

Australian Maths Competition State Award

On Tuesday, 29 October I had the opportunity to attend the Australian Mathemetics Competition State Awards with Marshall (Grade 4) and his parents.

Marshall was one of only three Tasmanian primary school students to be awarded a prize, a fantastic achievement.  

Michael Hayen

Assistant Principal

6CW News

PE News

GRADE 4 RED BALL TENNIS

3 teams from Illawarra headed to the Kingston Tennis Centre to compete against other Huon Channel Schools in the Red Ball Tennis Comp last term.  All of our players did a great job playing heaps of games, developing their tennis skills and also learning the importance of umpiring and sportsmanship as part of the game.  Well done to Team Barty (Max, Gus, Ted, Ethan, Noah, Cooper, Neve & Tess) who finished as Runners Up in the Barty division.  It was great to see that Illawarra were awarded 2 of the 3 sportsmanship awards for the day, with Noah O & Stella M being acknowledged by the Tennis Tasmania Coaches as having been two of the fairest and well mannered students for the day. 

Well done to all who participated

Swimming and Water Safety Program

It was a whirlwind two weeks of Swimming for the Grade 3- 5’s as they undertook the SWSP for 2024. It was great to see the progress made as some students refined their strokes whilst others conquered some challenges around being out of their comfort zone.  We learned some great skills around being safe in different water situations as well as how best to help someone who may be in trouble in the water. We also looked at boat safety and how to safely prepare for  a day on the water.  Students will be receiving their certificate of achievement this week.  Thanks to the Education Department Swim Team and the Aquatic Centre.

Athletic Carnivals

We managed to organise 2 good days of weather to undertake our  Athletics Carnivals this year, even when it wasn’t looking too good for our 3-6 day, but it came good in the end!!  We have managed to complete all of our events now, with the 1500 metre races being done at school. Everyone is awaiting the final results which will be announced at the next Full School Assembly.

Students selected for the Huon Channel Carnival have taken notices home and these need to be in by tomorrow (Friday 1 November) to allow time to make any necessary changes. 

Sora - Reading at your fingertips

Hello families,

Have you tried using Sora? It’s a great way for your kids to access books from home. Using a device such as an iPad or home computer, they can access hundreds of titles – which will be fantastic during the school holidays!

While ebooks may not replace the joy of reading a physical book, they are a great way to keep kids reading every day.

Perhaps even enjoy the audio books while you are driving? There are loads of graphic novels and magazines too, so there is something for everyone!

How to get started?

Use your child’s education log in and away you go!

Please ask school staff if you need help.

Here is a short 2 min video to help explain Sora.

https://help.soraapp.com/en-us/5033.htm

Story Dogs - Fundraiser

Spring Fair Friday 8 November

The Illawarra Primary School Spring Fair is back! Friday, 8th November 2024, save the date for a super fun evening.

IPSA (Illawarra Primary School Association) in conjunction with Illawarra Primary School are delighted to be able to host this fundraising event, and it is shaping up to be a lovely evening for all of your family and friends.

As always we need a village to be able to run the event on the day, and this year we are asking for donations of items (such as soft drinks and juice boxes) alongside the usual volunteer hours. So if you are unable to commit to helping on the night but still really would love to help in some way, then please grab a 'DONATE' spot for the event. These items will really help drive the profit up and raise more funds for the courts.

Volunteer sign up or donate items here - https://signup.com/go/hDYzBWO

*This event is run by IPSA and all funds raised will go towards our goal of resurfacing the courts.

Tantalise your tastebuds with the range of wonderful food options that will be available at the Illawarra Primary School Spring Fair! Please note, if you would like a curry or a cheese plate, you will need to pre purchase these through Spriggy under the 'Events' tab. There will be limited 'extras' of these options on the night but please pre order to avoid disappointment.

Sign up to volunteer or donate to the Spring Fair if you can https://signup.com/go/hDYzBWO 

Second Hand Uniform - Donations Wanted

Gumboot Donations for Kinder

The Kindergarten classes are seeking donations of gumboots for our gumboot library/ mud kitchen area. 

If you have any spares laying around or any that may be too small the kindergarten teachers would be very grateful.

Chess Term 4

Library Bag Reminder

Combined Primary Concert Ticket Sales

Canteen Manager Needed

Community Notices