10 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

Dates to Remember

September

October

From the Principal

Well, we are nearing the end of Term 3 with only one more newsletter to go after this. This term has been jam-packed full of learning experiences and we are appreciating the easing of restrictions. As we near the holiday period, I would like to update you on some of the bigger projects we have underway in the background.

We are excited to announce that our early childhood play space will be having modifications and additions. These works will commence on September 28th and continue throughout the school holiday period. In addition to this, and also over the school holiday break, the primary area standalone terrapin will undergo an internal refurbishment (new carpet, lighting and wet area). This space will become our Regulation Room. The objective of these works is to make a significant positive impact to the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the learning space. Later in the year our administration block will undergo a major redevelopment. I will share more information about this closer to the date - Watch this space!

A reminder that parents and carers are invited, and very welcome, to provide feedback as part of upcoming External School Review. If you would like to be a part of these conversations, please come and see me or call our school office.

2021 Planning Has Commenced

Early in term four our teachers will be meeting to organise class groupings for 2021. We are commencing some of our planning processes earlier to improve transition planning for all students from 2020 to 2021.

An essential piece of information that directly affects our construction of 2021 classes is having the most accurate information about our total student numbers. This is essential to decide our actual class groupings and number of classes for 2021. If you believe that next year your child will be enrolled in another school, please advise the office on 6424 5211 as soon as possible, as we urgently require this information.

Our goal is to create the most equitable classes possible by balancing gender, learning ability, social connections etc. Whilst parents have one child to consider (in a given class), we have approximately 200 children to consider. We have dedicated, hardworking teachers who are collectively responsible for all our children. No matter what grade or class, each child in this school will be taught by quality teachers in a school culture of high expectations.

We understand and appreciate that some parents/carers may have particular educational information they would like considered as part of this process. If there is any special information that you feel is important for us to take into account before we start creating classes, there is an opportunity to speak (in person or by phone) to me by the end of the end of this term, Friday, September 25th. We are asking for important information that relates specifically to your child’s needs, including relevant educational/family/social/historical information, that will assist us in making the best class placement for your child/ren.

Kinder Enrolments for 2021

Kinder enrolments for 2021 are now being accepted – you and your child are invited to attend our free and essential Pre-Kinder Sessions on Mondays from 9:00 to 10.30am, down in our Kinder room. Please pick up an enrolment form from the pre-kinder session or our school office. We want to start a strong partnership with all our families by focusing on the priority of being ‘ready for school’.

Time to locate your school hat – back on again from Term 4

According to the SunSmart Policy, and in line with the Education Department and Health Guidelines, students are required to wear their sun-safe hats from mid-September to mid-April. There’s time now to ensure hats are washed and returned to student class tubs/cubbyholes ready for the summer months and the start of Term 4.

If you require a new hat for your child/ren, we have plenty in stock. These can be purchased from the school office for $7.

Susan Barnard – Principal

Hilly Kids are Friendly Kids

Our current fortnightly Hilly Kids focus topic is “Teamwork”. Our topic for weeks 9 & 10 will be “Negotiating”.

Negotiating

Why learn this skill? If you want someone to do something for you or to give you permission to do something, the best way to get what you want is to negotiate. Negotiation involves trying to get what you want by first working out what the other person wants and trying to give it to them. This way is called a “win-win” way of negotiation because both people get something they want. It is different from a “win-lose” approach where someone gets what they want, and the other person doesn’t get anything.

Negotiating needs to be planned and each side must complete their side of the bargain. For example: you may want a ride to footy training so you negotiate with mum to give you a ride and in return you will put the rubbish out. If you do not keep your part of the bargain, you won’t be trusted the next time and the relationship suffers.

Remember: You are more likely to get what you want and keep friends if the other person gets something too.

Do:

• Decide what you want

• Think about what the other person might want in return (e.g. they might want to be sure that something they lend you will be looked after)

• Pick a good time to ask

• Use a friendly voice

• If you can’t work out what they want in return, ask them directly

• If the other person won’t agree with what you want, accept that. You won’t always get what you want.

• Keep your side of the bargain.

Don’t:

• Don’t ask at an inconvenient time (e.g. when the other person is busy or talking to someone else)

• Don’t use a grizzly, whingeing voice

• Don’t threaten, sulk, insult or get angry if you don’t get what you want.

Our Hilly Kid for the ‘Doing Your Best topic from weeks 5 & 6 was Alicia from 3-4B. Congratulations, Alicia!

Well done to our other class representatives:

NWPSSA Cross Country

Congratulations to the following students who are representing our school at the NWPSSA Ulverstone Cross Country event today: Lawi, Tyla, Tahj, Hayley, Chiquita, Mackenzie, Joshua, Brody, Chace, Melanie, Shataya, Alicia, William, Declean, Jye, Myha, Alexis, Milana, Mayson, Thomas, Brodie, Zarlia, Amber and Kailie.

Silly Socks Day

Ride to School

Talk and Read Bags Launch

Sunrise Bakery Pie Drive

Pie order forms were sent home with student this week. We have a great selection to choose from, so take this opportunity to stock up the pantry and freezer! Please get orders from family and friends and return the form WITH the money to the school office in a sealed envelope or bag by Friday, October 16th.

More forms are available at the school office if you need them. The delivery date will be Wednesday, October 28th.

Lyn Aherne - Fundraising

Father’s Day Stall

Thanks to the wonderful efforts and generous donations from parents and students, over $650 was raised from our Father’s Day Stall this year. What an amazing effort!

A big thankyou to Jackie Langmaid, Janelle Hays, Michelle McGuire and Mrs Hillier for their help on sale day.

Congratulations to Chloe from 5/6F, the lucky winner of our Father’s Day Stall draw!

Lyn Aherne - Fundraising

From the School Health Nurse

Healthy sleep habits are tied directly to a child's academic success. Did you know that kids 6 to 12 years old should be getting 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night, and older kids aged 13 to 18 should be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night?

Does your child get enough sleep?

Leah Furley – School Health Nurse

National eSmart Week

Ticket to Play 2021

Tuckerbox Tips

Aim for two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables daily. What’s in a serve?

One serve of fruit:

• 1 piece of medium sized fruit - apple, banana, orange or pear
• 2 pieces of smaller sized fruit - apricots, kiwis or plums
• 1 cup of tinned fruit in fruit juice, no added sugar

One serve of vegetables:

• ½ cup cooked green or orange vegetables - broccoli, carrots, pumpkin or spinach
• ½ cup cooked, dried or canned beans, peas or lentils
• 1 cup leafy or raw salad vegetables
• ½ cup sweet corn
• 1 medium potato or sweet potato
• 1 medium tomato

Lyn Aherne – Canteen Supervisor

Move Well Eat Well

Handy hints to get the family eating more fruit and vegetables:

• Keep a bowl of fresh fruit handy and bite-sized vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, baby carrots and snow peas in the fridge to grab as a quick snack
• Vegetables taste different raw and cooked. Why not let children taste vegetables raw, steamed, microwaved or stir-fried to get them to say which they like best?
• Involve children in choosing fruit and vegetables to buy and also in cutting up and peeling them.
• Try adding fruit (fresh, dried or canned) to breakfast cereals
• Make smoothies by blending soft fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, with milk and yogurt

• Add vegetables to favourite foods such as pizza toppings, pasta, sauces, pie fillings or cakes (eg grated carrot, zucchini or beetroot)
• Make vegetable pikelets or mini-pizzas using rolls or muffins and use them in school lunches the next day

Involve vegetables in soups, e.g. pumpkin, minestrone or potato

MWEW Team

Strikers School Holiday Clinics

Get in quickly if you want to register for some school holiday soccer fun! Registration information is on the attached poster.

Basketball Camps

Devonport Basketball, McDonald’s and Basketball Tasmania are partnering to bring the BTAS Macca’s On Your Team Basketball Camps to young basketballers these school holidays! Our Holiday Camps offer junior basketballer’s the opportunity to develop their skills while having fun!

The camp cost is $80 per person for the 2-day camps and for these upcoming holidays we have designated 1-day GIRLS ONLY CAMPS for $50. Camp registration includes a Molten Basketball!

By supporting these camps, you are also support your local association!

Checkout the flyer for all the camp details and register online:

Devonport Community House

HI and welcome to SPRING with many beautiful daffodils and blossoms out. We’re still hosting several programs, so check out our calendar.

The FoodShed will reopen in October with our volunteers eager to serve you from 2 – 3pm weekdays with fresh fruit and veggies, honey, jams and relishes and eggs available. Bread still available in the cart.

TUESDAYS – Barmy Bingo 11.30am – due to Thursdays being booked out, we’ve opened bingo on Tuesdays. Bookings advised.

TUESDAYS – Decorative Wall Masks from 10am – you can join in to make something amazing!

WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS – 10am -11am Water aerobic exercise at Splash pool for over 65’s FREE ACTIVITY. Running till mid-November.

No need to be bored at home!

Kate Beer – Manager Devonport Community House