19 November 2020

Newsletter Articles

Dates to Remember

November

December

From the Principal

2021 Class Groups

At HPS we are focused on providing the best possible staffing for all students. We are strongly committed to providing a high standard of learning opportunities for all children. Our 2021 planning is well underway and over the remaining weeks of Term 4, I will continue to share key information with everyone. So far, we are planning for 9 class groupings:

• Kinder A – Miss Carol Miller
• Prep/1 A – Mrs Kimberley Parker
• Prep/1 B – Mrs Naomi Lawes
• 1/2 A – Miss Alissa Nutting
• 3/4 A – Mr Matt Hortle and Mrs Julie Baker
• 3/4 B – Miss Vina Bonner
• 4/5 A – Mrs Janmaree Peace
• 5/6 A – Mrs Gaye Kelly
• 5/6 B – Mr Stephen Fenn

Transitioning from one year to another can, at times, be more challenging for some. With this in mind, we proactively plan a range of Kinder to Grade 6 supports to address individual, small group and year group and ‘additional needs’ during the latter half of this term.

2021 Class and Levy information will be sent home to families with our ‘End of Year’ reports on Friday, December 11th.

Reader’s Cup

Veronica, Jehanne, Milana, Chloe and Mia represented our school last week in the Reader’s Cup.  Thank you to Mrs Archer for working with our group. Our students did a wonderful job and enjoyed the experience.

Remembrance Day

Our Student Leaders led the school this week as we observed Remembrance Day.  We were reminded of the extreme sacrifice of our men and women in past wars.  I was very impressed with the respect of our students when observing a minute of silence.  Thank you to Miss Duff for working with our Student Leaders.

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) 2021

The Department of Education recently announced that we would be expanding the Student Assistance Scheme for 2021. Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:

• Services Australia – Centrelink Health Care Card
• Service Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
• Services Australia – Pensioner Concession Card or
• Department of Veteran Affairs – Pensioner Concession Card

Please note that if you are already receiving student assistance you do not need to complete a form.

For 2021 a new on-line form has been developed to assist with processing applications for new applicants. The online form can be completed here at the link below: 

Once a validated form is completed the Department of Education will confirm the outcome of your application in writing, this process takes approximately 14 days.

We understand this online option may not be possible for all families, so if you require a hard copy form please contact your school or stas@education.tas.gov.au or 1800 827 055.

Susan Barnard – Principal

Hilly Kids are Friendly Kids

Our current fortnightly Hilly Kids focus topic is “Respecting People”. Our topic for weeks 7 & 8 will be “Good Winners/Good Losers”.

Good Winners/Good Losers

Winning is great fun, but we should remember that we need to win in a way that keeps our friends and promotes others’ respect for us. Celebrate our successes but do it in a way that does not offend or hurt others.

At all times play fairly. Give others a go and stick to the spirit of the rules. In the end the game should be fun for all, win, lose or draw.

Do

• Keep smiles and celebrations low-key.
• Comment on good players but do not overdo it.
• Always try hard, even if you are losing.
• Thank others for the game.
• Encourage your team members and give everyone a go.
• Respect your opposition and all their hard work.

Don’t

• Boast about your ability or victory.
• Comment on how far behind the others are.
• Point out where the others are going wrong.
• Act happy about others’ mistakes, e.g. don’t clap or laugh at poor shots.
• Cheat or manipulate others.

Our Hilly Kid for the ‘Consequences’ topic from weeks 3 & 4 was Joey from 4-5HB. Congratulations, Joey!

Well done to our other class representatives:

NWPSSA Penguin Twilight Athletics

Congratulations to the following students who have advanced to the re-scheduled Twilight Carnival on November 24th where they will run off in a final race to be a Coastal Champion: William, Zarlia, Mayson, Myha and Oliver. All the best!

David Carter – HPE Teacher

Grade 1-2 Swimming Next Week!

The Grade 1-2 Swimming Program, to be held at the Nixon St Primary School pool, begins on Monday, November 23rd. Please make sure you return your blue aquatic consent and major excursion/medical forms to the office as soon as possible, please. Mr Carter will distribute swimming caps at the pool.

David Carter – HPE Teacher

Athletics Carnival

Our school’s Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday, December 4th – weather permitting. Students need to pack an extra drink and must wear appropriate clothes and shoes for running. No singlet tops or crop tops, please. Don’t forget to wear your TEAMS colours! BLUE GUM – Blue, BANKSIA – Red and WATTLE – Green. If you don’t know your child’s TEAMS colour, please ask their teacher.

TWO adults per family are welcome to attend to view the day’s running and novelty events and you MUST follow the protocols set out below. A program is provided below, or you can get a copy in the school office.

There will be a sausage sizzle for lunch on the day. An order form will be sent home next week. If it rains, the sausage sizzle will still go ahead.

David Carter – PE Teacher

DoE Protocol (COVID-19) for Spectators

As a school community, we highly value parent support and engagement. We are inviting spectators to our school Athletics Carnival on Friday, December 4th; however, all spectators are required to follow the protocols below.

• Only two adults per family
• All spectators are required to enter the carnival via the Oval entry on Lawrence Drive and through an Entry Station
• All spectators are required to complete the screening form, using the QR Code or link below on the day of the carnival, prior to arriving on site. At the Entry Station we will require photographic evidence that this has been done (via a screenshot).
• Spectators are required to sit on the bank on the western side of the oval, at the base of the play equipment. Students will be seated in the centre of the oval.
• Seating will be provided, and you will be required to sit in the designated seating, which will be appropriately distanced. We ask that chairs are not moved.

QR Code Needed for Entry

To fill out the screening form prior to your attendance, please scan the QR Code below or follow the link. Please do not fill out the form any earlier than the day of the Carnival.

Please ensure you take a screenshot as evidence of completion and show this at the Entry Station. Thank you for working together with us to make this a community event.

Jaime-Lea Duff – AST

Reader’s Cup

What an absolute pleasure it was to take Veronica, Jehanne, Milana, Chloe and Mia along to the Primary School Reader’s Cup. The girls were true ambassadors for our school. The way they worked together was outstanding.

Naomi Archer – Literacy Coach

Veronica

On Friday, the 13th of November, our Reader’s Cup team went to the Paranaple Centre to compete against eight other primary school teams. We were all nervous because we were doing a play, so we needed to get our lines right. When we performed, we all did a great job and we really enjoyed it. I would recommend the Reader’s Cup for those who love books.

Jehanne

It was the greatest event. After about 10 minutes the butterflies stopped, and I was as cool as a cucumber. I thought I did well.

Mia

I was quite stressed when I had to talk and I stuttered a lot, but it was alright after.

Milana

We did a presentation based on the books we had to read. I think we did pretty well with our play. We also had to do 5 quizzes and that was very nerve wracking. I had a great time and I hope to do it again next year.

Chloe

I was so excited but so nervous at the same time. We started with a quiz which was super interesting. Then we did our creative challenge. I was so nervous, but I think I did okay. Did I mention how scared I was when the team chose me as captain!

Grade 6 News

Grade 6 Orientation Day & Enrolment forms

All Grade 6 students attending Reece High School and Devonport High School in 2021 will be attending a full day of transition on Tuesday, December 1st. Students received an invitation last week detailing Reece High School’s outline for the day. Students are asked to make their own way to Reece High by 8:45am and home again (finishing at 2:50pm).

• Current school uniform is to be worn (students can bring a change of clothes for activities afternoon)
• Lunchtime BBQ provided (sausage, hamburger & veggie burger available)
• Please take a drink bottle, recess snack (and lunch if not wanting BBQ)

Please ensure that enrolment forms are in ASAP. They can be handed in to our school office or to Reece High School.

Grade 6 Big Day Out

Students in Grade 6 will celebrate the end of their primary school years with a BIG DAY OUT on Monday, December 14th. They will be visiting several local venues, including lunch at Pedro’s in Ulverstone. A notice with more detailed information will be sent home soon.

Grade 6 Celebration Assembly

This year, as with many things, our Celebration Assembly will look very different. Only Grade 6 students and their families will be invited to attend this assembly, followed by a sausage sizzle and light refreshments. An invitation and screening form will be sent home in the coming weeks. This special assembly will be held on the last Wednesday of term, December 16th, at 11am.

Ann-Maree Mulcaster - AST

Hands On Learning

‘Hands on Learning’ is a practical program based on a program from Save the Children. It was designed to provide opportunities for young people “to build wellbeing, student outcomes and success through significant and authentic hands-on projects” in their school community. This term, we have trialled a small ‘Hillcrest’ version of the HoL program, starting with a small number of children, from various classes, across a few afternoons a week.

These students have helped remove, move and reconstruct garden beds in the early childhood area of the school, designing and creating a sensory garden for children to play in. It still has a little work to go before it is completed. We would like to thank Blake from P/1P, for the cars he donated for children to use when playing in the garden.

Our next project is to repurpose the pavers that were lifted to put the garden beds in. They will become mosaic artwork to go in garden beds around the school grounds. So, if you have any old tiles sitting around, not wanted any more, we would love to have them! The more colourful, the better!

Ann-Maree Mulcaster - Support Teacher

Student Council Updates

Remembrance Day

On the November 11th our Student Leaders hosted a Remembrance Day Service for our school. It was nice to be able to come together on the official Remembrance Day to reflect those who have died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. We had a minute silence where students showed their respects and were able to reflect on what Remembrance Day means to them. We were very lucky to have Mrs Aherne’s niece, Sophie, play ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Last Rouse’ for us. It was great to have Hunta, from 2/3P, read a writing piece during the ceremony inspired by Remembrance Day. The student leaders did a wonderful job at running the service and spoke respectfully. It has been wonderful to see their growth over the year in their public speaking skills and confidence in becoming active citizens in our community.

Brilliant and Blue Day Reminder

Remember to wear all things blue tomorrow and bring a gold coin donation for Camp Quality! We hope to see a sea of blue at school TOMORROW!

Jaime-Lea Duff—Student Council Coordinator

NAIDOC Week

At Hillcrest this week we have been exploring the history and culture of our community. We have explored the 2020 theme of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ and have recognised that First Nation people occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

We started our week with our Hilly Kids Assembly with the focus being ‘Respecting People’. Mr Woods, as a member of the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation, gave Acknowledgement of Country to commence the week. Kinder had a special visit from a family member who shared stories of his tribe and even played the didgeridoo. The Kinder children were very excited. Other classes celebrated in unique ways.

Jaime-Lea Duff—AST

Early Years Update – Term 4

Pre-Kinder

Our Pre-Kinder group has been having wonderful sessions exploring their Kindergarten space. It is great to see the children getting to know each other and to see friendships already developing. We have enjoyed music sessions hosted by Alex Morse, explored NAIDOC week though hands-on activities and participated in Book Week, where we immersed our families in wonderful books and opportunities to engage children in reading in the early years.

If you are coming along to Kindergarten at Hillcrest 2021, make sure you join us in our Pre-Kinder sessions on Monday mornings from 9:00am-10:30am in the Kindergarten room. If you are unsure of any of the steps in the enrolment process, please feel free to ask Miss Miller or our friendly office staff and they will get you started.

2021 Kindergarten Enrolment

It is time to get your child enrolled for Kindergarten in 2021. If you would like to enrol your child at Hillcrest Primary, please contact the school office on 6424 5211 or contact our early years teachers, Carol Miller and Jess Bellchambers, or Jaime-Lea Duff.

If you know of families in our area with a child turning 4 by January 1, 2021, please encourage them to enquire about enrolling in our Kinder for next year. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Jaime-Lea Duff – Early Years Coordinator

1-2Nutting News

Trip to Hagley Farm School

When we drove there, we met a girl named Mrs Johns. She showed us around the place. We made some butter. After that we got to go in an old classroom. We saw donkeys and a lamb. We had to not use grey lead pencil back in 1890; we used an ink well. There was a dunce hat, too, and a cane. Two girls got pretend whacked on the fingers.

Taj

When we arrived at Hagley, we met a girl named Mrs Johns. She was going to help us. Next, we made butter. First, we got some cream. We mixed it in an old machine called a butter churn. We turned a wheel a lot of times. We went to an old classroom. The teacher’s name was Mrs Grumpy. Two girls got pretend whacked for being left-handed.

After the class, we went to the museum and did a treasure hunt. There was an old light, kettle, iron, toilet, bath and computer.

Then we went into the farm section. There was a shelf of wool there. There was a fire maker. After that we got back on the bus.

Tahlia

eSafety

As part of national e Smart week in September, students in 5/6 K focussed on screen time – how much is too much? - and what can we do to reduce the number of hours we spend in front of a screen?

Gaye Kelly

Sunrise Bakery Pie Drive

The final tally for the Sunrise Bakery Pie Drive is over $3360! What an absolutely amazing effort! Everybody who contributed to this fabulous amount should be very proud of their efforts, right down to the lucky ones who got to eat the lamingtons! It seems we have some future entrepreneurs in the making!

Fundraising Committee

2021 Calendar

Have you ordered your calendar(s) yet? All families were sent home an order form for a 2021 calendar featuring your child’s artwork. They would make great Christmas gifts for family members! To order, please fill out the form and return it to the school office ASAP. Calendars will not be printed until they are paid for.

Fundraising Committee

Christmas Raffle

Remember to sell your raffle tickets and return the books with the money in a sealed envelope to the school office by Friday, December 4th. The raffle will be drawn on Thursday, December 10th. There are extra books available from the school office. Please return books with money before requesting new ones.

Lyn Aherne – Fundraising

Tuckerbox Tips

Consider the following snack ideas for your child’s end of year/Christmas school party:

• Fruit kebabs using green and red fruits (kiwi, green apples, grapes, strawberries, watermelon)
• Vegie kebabs using green and red vegies (cherry tomatoes, snow peas, cucumber, radishes)
• Yoghurt cups topped with berries
• Mini pizza muffins (on English muffins) with green and red vegies and a sprinkle of cheese
• Dips, biscuits and sliced vegie platter – arrange these to make a snowman, Christmas tree or reindeer face!

Lyn Aherne – Canteen Supervisor

Move Well Eat Well

Gardening with Kids

Through gardening children learn responsibility, self-confidence, creativity, co-operation, reasoning and discovery! It’s also a great way to get outside and active with children. Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive and, in the long run, can save you money on your shopping bills, provide wonderful, healthy fresh produce and keep you, and the kids, fit and active.

• You can create your own biodegradable pots from newspaper or cardboard tubes. Plant them straight into the earth and the ‘container’ will compost into the ground
• Make little propagation houses from clear plastic punnets with lids or plant protectors from plastic milk containers
• Use unusual or quirky containers: tea pots, old boots, wheelbarrows, etc
• Re-use the sandpit box and convert it to a garden bed if your child has grown out of it
• Old baths, packing cases and tyres of all sizes can all be used to create easy access raised beds.

MWEW Team

Fairy Godmothers Market

The Fairy Godmothers group is holding a fundraising market on Sunday, November 29th. This will be their first fundraising event since the onset of Covid-19 and will be run within the set guidelines, upholding all recommendations and restrictions.

Swimming – Tadpoles to Frogs

Slipstream Circus in the Park

Summer Camps