28 November 2024

Principal Report

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, it is an ideal time to reflect on our students' academic growth, the courage they have shown, and the connections we have fostered throughout the year. Teachers are diligently collecting and analysing data in preparation for report writing, ensuring that each student’s progress is thoughtfully captured.

In addition to our academic achievements encompassing Courage, Growth and Connection, it is also timely to mention our DECYP values of Respect and Responsibility. Recent playground incidents have highlighted the need to reaffirm what it means to live the Illawarra Way and contribute to a Safe, Fair, and Caring school community. Senior staff are working closely with students to reinforce positive behaviour and address any emerging concerns. As we look forward to end-of-year excursions and activities, maintaining high standards for behaviour, uniform, and connectedness will remain a priority. We appreciate the ongoing support of families in helping us uphold these expectations.

It has also been wonderful to meet many new and returning families during our Pre-Kinder sessions over the past fortnight. I look forward to welcoming them to Illawarra over the coming weeks and months as they begin their learning journey with us.

I’ve had the pleasure of attending several special events over the past fortnight and would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our Music teacher, Mandy Brown, and Band Teacher, Alex Brown, for their dedication in preparing our students for the Combined Choir and Band Evening held on Friday night at MyState arena. It was a wonderful showcase of our students and their commitment to The Arts. Their hard work and passion for music were evident in the students’ outstanding performances.

A special thanks also goes to Nanna and Ms. Genford for accompanying the Illawarra Jumping Jacks skipping team to the Hobart Myer Christmas Pageant. The team was an inspiration to many and represented Illawarra with pride and enthusiasm.

On a festive note, I am especially looking forward to our Christmas Stall on the 11th of December. A heartfelt thank you to our families for their generosity and support in making this IPSA event possible.

Have a great weekend and fortnight everyone.

Kristy Hay

Principal

Calendar of Events

Value Awards

Congratulations to our final recipients of Value Awards for the year. These awards will be given out at our next assembly on Monday 2nd December, 2:00pm start.

Atticus P - In recognition of your Responsibility and Courage in tackling your work, even when faced with challenges. Atticus, you consistently approach every task with a strong sense of responsibility, always striving to do your best. We are so proud of how you continue to grow and face every situation with such bravery and perseverance. Keep up the fantastic work!

James P - In recognition of your dedication to building meaningful Connections with your peers and your continuous Growth in literacy. James, you have worked hard to make new friendships and strengthen relationships with your classmates. We are so proud of the connections you’re making and the progress you’re achieving. Keep up the excellent work, James!

Charlie C -Charlie consistently shows the true meaning of Respect in our class. She is always kind, caring, and thoughtful toward her classmates and teachers. Thank you, Charlie, for making our class a better place with your wonderful attitude and respectful nature!

Elise W - In recognition of your Responsibility, outstanding class work, and your wonderful transition into our Prep class. Elise, you have shown an exceptional attitude towards your learning, consistently completing your work with care and attention to detail. You’ve also joined our class with such kindness and enthusiasm, quickly becoming a valued member of the Illawarra family.

Emmett N - In recognition of your Caring nature, Responsibility, and the incredible progress you have made this year. Emmett, you have shown a wonderful ability to connect with your classmates, always offering kindness and support to those around you. We are so proud of the progress you’ve made, Emmett, and we can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll continue to achieve!

Ella W - For showing the values of Respect and Connection through her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm for learning. Ella consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and strives to do her best in all areas. Thank you, Ella!

Ethan P - For showing the value of Growth by trying hard with his work and showing great persistence to improve. Wonderful work, Ethan!

Sonny P -  For showing the value of Responsibility by putting a great effort into his narrative writing and always trying his best with his reading. Well done, Sonny!

Hana Y -  For showing the value of Courage by embracing challenges, taking chances, and consistently trying her best with her work. Hana’s determination and positive attitude are truly inspiring. Keep up the amazing effort, Hana!

Spencer C - For showing the value of Courage through his efforts in reading, writing, and spelling. You should be proud of your efforts – great work, Spencer!

Skye H - Skye has shown the value of Respect through the kind, friendly and thoughtful way she interacts with others. Well done Skye for always looking out for other people and showing you care.

Willow W - Value of Growth. Willow has shown a big improvement with her willingness to learn, and works with increasing independence! Great persisting Willow!

Madi C - Value of Responsibility. For helping pack up the classroom in the afternoon and showing increased independence in getting organised for home time.

Gabriel T - Value of Connection and Courage. Gabriel has built many positive relationships with his classmates and has put lots of effort into his work, even though some things have been challenging! All the best Gabriel for your new class in South Australia.

Felipe T - Value of Growth and Courage. Felipe has been trying very hard with his learning and draws pictures with increasing detail. Thank you, Felipe, for persisting with your work and all the best for your new class in South Australia.

Evie L – For showing the values of Courage and Growth. Evie has made a big effort to improve her reading through a focus on reading with fluency and expression in our guided reading groups. Great work, Evie!

Indi M – For showing the value of Responsibility. Indi is a helpful class member and takes pride in helping keep our classroom tidy and organised. Thanks for taking responsibility with your class jobs, Indi. Well done!

Mackenzie M – For showing the values of Growth, Courage and Connection towards her learning and use of her new communication device. It’s great to see you building friendships and making connections with your friends at school using your device and PODD, Mackenzie. Good job!

Stella M - For showing the value of Respect. Stella is a wonderfully kind and considerate member of our class. She cares for all our class resources, always follows our class rules and works hard in every aspect of her learning. Well done on a fabulous year in Grade 1 Stella!

Harry S - For showing the value of Growth. Harry has worked extremely hard this year to improve his reading, handwriting and spelling. Harry has also put great effort into his learning in Maths and is a great contributor to class discussions. Well done on a wonderful year Harry!

Christmas Stall - 11th December

As always, we are looking for Elf volunteers to help make this day special. Anyone can volunteer, parents, grandparents, friends, family. Just make sure you have a WWVP card and you also need to complete the annual safeguarding training.

More details and spots available on sign up below;

SIGN UP LINK - https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/78542800040/false#/invitation

Grade 6 Camp - Blue Lagoon

Student Report on Camp 2024 

Day one 

All the students boarded the bus at 830am and departed to Blue Lagoon at Dodges Ferry.  

When they arrived, the students were put into three separate groups and had a discussion with Mr Hayen, followed by recess.   

The groups then began to rotate through three different activities which included rock climbing, crate climbing and team building. 

After the first activity all the students had lunch. When the activities ended cabins had 20 min quiet time before free choice outside, in their cabins or in the game room. After this everyone had dinner and a campfire, with roasted marshmallows and smores.   

Day two 

On day two the students woke up and cleaned up their cabins for inspection. After the inspection was finished the students were able to have breakfast. Breakfast was cereal, porridge, toast and yogurt. People then brushed their teeth and got ready for the new activities for that day. The activities were team games, mixed baseball and team obstacle courses. After the activities the students had lunch, then went to the beach to have a play or swim. Most of the students left after an hour and the rest stayed with Mr Barr and Mrs Lohrey. After everyone went back, they had some quiet time followed by dinner. It was then time for free choice, with some students watching the Socceroos on the big screen. 

Final day  

On the last day everyone packed up their things and their cabin and then had a final room inspection. They then had breakfast which was the same as the day before. The three activities were abseiling, free choice in the game room and free choice in the gym. After all the activities were done, everyone had lunch and then departed Blue Lagoon Camp to get back to school.  Everyone unloaded the luggage then waited in the library for parents to pick them up.  

Written by Daniel S and Louis F 

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Annual Primary School Band & Choir Concert

Last Friday night nearly 50 Illawarra Primary students performed in the Annual Primary School Band and Choir Concert.  They played and sang beautifully.  Thank you to parents for supporting your child/children to be a part of this program,  for encouraging them to practice, taking them to afterschool rehearsals and the performance.  Congratulations to all the students involved.

Mandy Brown

The annual concert was incredible. We would have never believed that we would be performing in front of hundreds of people. All those practices were worth it. Everyone put all their effort into it to make a sweet and soothing sound. The grade fives were split into two groups a waratah band which was us and other schools also a blue gum band which was the rest of the schools. The waratah band was practicing at Kingston high while the blue gum band was practicing at Hobart College. At first I didn’t think it sounded good with just one half of the band but when the 2 bands performed together the music sounded like a beautiful harmony. At the end of the concert parents were congratulating their children for how well they did in the performance. It was such a magical day.

Grace G

The band/choir annual music concert was incredible, watching the other grade six students play music was amazing! I couldn’t believe that would be me next year. I did myself play in the concert as well as my friends sitting right next to me. Being able to play in front of so many people was mind blowing but being able to play with my friends by my side was even better. It was only one whole year of practise to pull it off and we did it but think about it you have to learn the notes, get the right tune and be in time with everyone else. Only in one year but some how we managed to pull it off to a make a powerful and beautiful sensation. It was such a memorable night that I will never forget.

Audrey M

The annual music concert had lifelong memories. We got to hang out with friends, play music and most importantly have fun! The whole arena was packed, with loving parents and happy families. My favorite song was I still call Australia home, in the song everyone had a part to play either playing an instrument or singing the song, it came together so well. The show went on for 2 wonderful hours. Each song had its own story to tell. I am so excited to do it next year.

Leuca W

The band concert was so fun. When we were on the stage performing it felt like the music was a recording because we played so well, and I could tell the audience enjoyed it to. The teachers where so nice and encouraging. We were all playing our hearts out, and there was no negative energy.  All of the music sounded amazing. Everyone played their best and it was awesome.

By Cooper W

ART - Term 4

KidsMatter Beach Day

On Thursday 12th December, students from Prep to Grade 6 will be visiting Blackmans Bay Beach to take part in our annual Kids Matter Beach Day.

Students will be able to participate in a range of different land, sand and water-based activities including soccer, volleyball, tennis, cricket, treasure hunt, sculpture building, drawing and swimming.

Prep-2 students will visit the beach for an early recess at 9:45am before enjoying their activity session until 11:45am. At the conclusion of their activities, Prep-2 students will walk back to school for the afternoon back in classrooms.

Grades 3-6 classes will have their morning and middle session at school as normal, before leaving to the beach for an early lunch at 12:30pm. Grade 3-6 students will enjoy their activities from 12:45pm-2:30pm. Swimming and waterplay has been offered to students in grades 1-6, with those interested students to bring home a consent and information letter early next week.

Please ensure these consent forms are returned to classroom teachers no later than Tuesday 10th December.

We have our fingers crossed for some kind weather on the day however, any cancellation to this event will be communicated to students on the morning of the event and via our school Facebook and Seesaw accounts.

Students will be required to wear school uniform and their school hat on the day.   

Caspers Go Karting Adventure

Casper - one of our Grade 6 students - has just returned from Europe where he was lucky enough to compete at the most elite level in the world against 45 other drivers from many different countries.

Although he didn’t make it to the final round, he was on pace with some of the best drivers in the world throughout the event and enjoyed the challenge.

Also, over the weekend he headed to Launceston for the Tasmanian State Championships. Casper raced very hard over the three days winning all of the heat races, but came in a close second in the final race after a long battle. Casper can be seen holding his 2^nd place trophy on the podium at the presentation in one of the photos below.

Casper also managed to break the lap record at the track over the weekend, but it was in practice so it didn’t count which was a shame!

Kids with Cancer - Student Donates

Max, one of our Grade 4 students, has grown his hair all year to donate it to Kids with Cancer Foundation.

Minimum requirements for donation is 20cm in length. Max's hair will be used to make a wig for a child undergoing cancer treatment. 

He is planning on growing his hair and donating again.

This is the link about donation. 

https://kidswithcancer.org.au/how-you-can-help/hair-donation/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAl4a6BhBqEiwAqvrquhM--E80yORgOkAoMfzL86Xz9gX97KjiKc4hYuJCh2QTCSMtfFSujBoCmYsQAvD_BwE

The Big Summer Read Challenge

Keeping our Crossing Guards Safe

Book Club - Issue 8

The final Scholastic catalogue of the year is upon us, with lots of festive reading to engage our kids over the holidays or to arrive as a surprise on Christmas morning!  As always, every Book Club order helps raise funds for our school library to purchase new books as well, with over $1000 dollars having been raised this year so far.

Orders from this catalogue (over $17.50) also will receive a $5 voucher for use in the first catalogue of 2025.  Orders are due back to the Office or via the Scholastic LOOP online by Wednesday, 4th of December.

Canteen Manager Wanted

Community Notices