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Professional Learning Day
On Friday our teaching staff participated in a very valuable professional learning day.
- In the morning block we reflected on our inquiry approach to spelling. This involved reviewing our whole school approaches and making some adjustments based on evidenced based best practice.
- In the middle block we focused on inquiry which is one of our main priorities this year. We explored learning assets which are skills that help our students learn. In groups we brainstormed skills and then agreed on five broad assets that we will unpack in 2021 (thinkers, self-managers, researchers, collaborators and communicators).
- In the afternoon block teachers worked in like grade teams to begin moderating to assist with consistency of ratings in upcoming reports. (End of year reports go home on Thursday 10th December).
I did receive some feedback that parents were surprised by the Professional Learning Day. This really highlights the importance of keeping yourself informed by regularly reading our communications, viewing the school calendar on our app or keeping the magnetic calendar handy that we sent home with all families in Term 1.
COVID update
As mentioned in last fortnight’s newsletter, the DoE continues to be conscientious in following the Department of Health’s recommendations in relation to hygiene and physical distancing. As the Principal of SPS I have worked hard with our staff to develop a safety plan based on DoE requirements to keep not only our students but our community safe. Below are a few clarifying points:
- Assemblies – due to venue density, we still cannot have parents/carers attend whole school assemblies. Unfortunately, we cannot fit almost 400 students in our gym plus have adequate space left to ensure adults are seated 1.5 meters apart. I understand that some parents are feeling disgruntled by this, however, it is out of our control. If restrictions continue into 2021 we might have to look at some alternatives which would help us efficiently screen and seat parents. Please note we have made adjustments to the Grade 6 Leavers Assembly - only Grade 3-6 students will be in attendance to increase space so we can seat 2 guests per Grade 6 student.
- Birthday cakes – students can bring food to share as long as it is commercially purchased and in original packaging. Sorry, but no home cooked food.
Kindergarten Development Check
All Kinder students will take home their KDC report on Wednesday 11th November.
The KDC is a checklist covering 21 critical developmental markers, including thinking, communication, physical and behavioural skills. The check assists teachers to identify students at risk of not achieving expected child development outcomes and then plan learning opportunities to support their growth. Usually the checklist is conducted twice a year but due to the COVID interruptions this year, only one check was required.
If you would like to talk further about your child’s KDC please contact – Kinder A Mrs Pearce and Kinder B Mrs Archer.
Class Placements
In the coming weeks our teachers will be meeting to organise class groupings for 2021. 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 400 children to consider, so decisions need to be suitable for the majority. 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.
Please understand, your child’s current class teacher is in the best position to formulate classes and they will make the best decision for all children in the school. This includes making decisions based on the educational and social/emotional well-being of the majority of children. Due to this we are unable to accommodate personal requests because accommodating everyone’s personal wishes will not support what is best for all children. Students will have the opportunity to write down friends that they would like to be placed with for 2021 and we will ensure that all students have at least one friend in their class.
If there is any special information that you feel is important for us to take into account before we start creating classes, can you please talk to a member of the Leadership Team by the end of Friday 15th November. Also, please let us know if your circumstances have changed and your children will not be at SPS in 2021. Thank you for your support with this.
We went on an excursion to Table Cape Primary School to their display about the Tommeginer people. We learned about the life of the Tommeginer tribe, the children came back with lots of new learning. We also spent time doing Aboriginal arts and crafts, which was enjoyed by all. Before we went the children had formed inquiry questions that they wanted to find out about. Over the next few weeks we will be continuing our inquiry on this topic. Below are some quotes from some of the children about their experience and learnings.
Aleeya: ‘I learned that Aboriginals eat shell fish.’
Savannah: ‘I learned that the girls had short hair and the boys had long hair’
Riley: ‘I enjoyed doing the Aboriginal arts and crafts.’
Amilia: ‘I liked making the Aboriginal flag.’
Thorin: ‘I learned that the women hunted the small animals and men hunted the large animals.’
Tiago: ‘They ate penguins and possums.’
Quade: ‘They made middens from piles of shells and bones.’
Owen: ‘I liked the display pictures.’
Tate: ‘The girls wore kangaroo skins.’
Macklin: ‘They carried their water in kelp water carriers.’
Hayden: ‘They didn’t wear clothes very often.’
Lily, Jaiden: ‘I Iiked making the Rainbow Serpent.’
Chloe: ‘I like playing in the playground.’
Lauchie: ‘I liked playing on the pyramid.’
Finn: ‘I liked building the stick hut.’
Validation Forms
Thank you to all of our families that have returned their childs validation form thus far. This is an important form for us as this is where we obtain all current medical, contact and student permission information from. It would be greatly appreciated if you could return your form as soon as possible if you haven't already done so.
Levies 2021
Levies invoices have been issued and families should begin to receive these in the mail soon. Families that have been approved for STAS will not receive an invoice. Occasionally there is a cross over where the STAS approval has come through just after the invoice was issued, if you have been approved for STAS and do receive an invoice, please disregard as a credit will be issued. If you think you may be entitled to Student Assistance, please see below to apply.
Levies can be paid in person, at Service Tas, BPay or via our new QKR App. Payment Plans are available if you are unable to pay the levies in full. Centrepay is also available for families who receive a payment from Centrelink (ie Parenting Payment). Your nominated amount is then taken out of your payment prior to you receiving it and paid directly to the school.
To discuss any of these options, please contact the office.
Student Assistance Scheme 2021
Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:
- Service Australia – Centrelink Health care Card
- Service Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
- Service 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 application for new applicants.
The online form can be completed here: https://stasonlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au/
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 the online option may not be possible for all families, so if you require a hard copy form please contact your school or the Financial Assistance Unit on stas@education.tas.gov.au or 1800 827 077.
Medical Action Plans - Reminder
Just a reminder to parents/carers of students who require a Medical Action Plan (anaphylaxis and asthma for example) to ensure we have an updated copy at school. We require these to be updated each year. Please ask for one at your child’s next medical appointment and send a copy to school.
Uniforms
We have uniforms in stock for purchase throughout the year. Unfortunately due to a high number of late purchases, we are out of a couple of sizes of polo shirts. These will be arriving at the end of February hopefully. You can now order and pay for uniform items through our QKR App. Please see instructions below.
QKR – Online Payment System
We now have QKR available for online payments. Levies (whole or part payment) can be paid via the QKR app. You can also order and pay for uniform items. Please see below instructions to download the app. No fees apply.
Contacting the School
Our office is open from 8am until 3.50pm each day. You can contact us via the following methods:
Phone: 6435 1114
Mobile: 0419 583 998
Via the Schoolzine App – see below for how to download
|
Term 4 |
6 November |
Maths Relay |
9-13 November |
ECE Swimming (P-2) |
9-13 November |
NAIDOC week |
17 November |
Art Expo goes live online |
20 November |
Assembly – GROW/RESPECT |
1-3 December |
TasNetworks Bright Sparks Program |
8 & 9 December |
Christmas Roast TBC |
10 December |
Reports Home |
10 December |
Transition Afternoon 2021 classes |
14 December |
Grade 6 Leavers Assembly – 1pm |
16 December |
Whole School Celebration Assembly |
16 December |
Grade 6 Leavers dinner |
17 December |
BIG DAY IN (Students last day) |