SPOTLIGHT ON OUR VALUES

Over the last week we have heard many fantastic stories of our students living our values both inside and outside of school.  Below are a few examples of our students and staff demonstrating our values of TO BELIEVE – accepting challenges and embracing opportunities and TO DREAM – a culture of high expectations and high achievement.

1^st Place in Orangutan Project

As a part of 1A’s inquiry on ‘Our Influence On The Environment’, they entered an art competition run by the Orangutan Project. The aim of the project was to make people aware of the plight of the endangered Orangutan. There were 406 entries from Australia and around the world. Three students from 1A were shortlisted in their age category, Lili, Macklin and Thorin. On Thursday night when Miss Hill watched the webinar, she was super excited to find out that Lili received a special mention and Macklin was awarded first prize. It was an excellent opportunity to instil in students their responsibility for taking care of our world. We are proud of all the students’ efforts and congratulate those that were recognised.

Runners up in Basketball Tournament

Well done to all our teams that competed in the Basketball Tournament on the 7-8 November.  I heard that some of the games were very challenging but you all tried your best and did Somerset proud.  Thank you to Mr Jones, Mrs Grieve and the Somerset Basketball Club for helping to organise our teams and the coaches who volunteered their time, it is very much appreciated.  A big congratulations to our Grade 3/4 Girl’s Team and coach Mr McGaffin for placing as runners up in Division 2.

BMX Champions

On Saturday 7 November a number of our students competed in the State BMX Titles held in Launceston.  Against tough competition our students all did an amazing job, some coming away with places. 

Tahlia 1^st place in her age group 

Kasey 2^nd place competing in an age group above 

Charlie 3^rd and 4^th place in his age group 

Jade had a great time racing in the Sprocket age group where the focus is on having fun without place getters.  

 Life membership

Last week one of our staff members, Mrs Margaret Grieve, was acknowledged for her dedication and hard work to the Somerset Basketball Club.  This is a well deserved honour and I’m sure our whole community congratulates Mrs Grieve on her outstanding service to the club and community.

Mrs Grieve has spent the week celebrating with high teas in the staffroom.

 EARLY ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

Over the last few weeks we are noticing a growing number of students arriving very early to school, some around 8:00am.  It seems a number are walking to school on their own so they get extra time to play with their friends before school starts.  We would appreciate you discouraging your children coming to school early as outside duty and classrooms do not open until 8:45am.  We cannot guarantee the safety of your children before this time, especially when some children are engaging in risky behaviour like climbing trees.

 SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The next School Association meeting will be held on Tuesday 24 November at 6:00pm in the staffroom.  The main agenda items will be 2020 review and 2021 planning information.

In Science, students have been learning about Antarctica.  In groups, they researched where Antarctica is located, the climate and what animals and plants live in Antarctica.  They investigated how the animal and plants survived the extreme conditions, using this knowledge students were asked to create a new animal species that would be able to survive the weather conditions in Antarctica.

On Tuesday’s the grade 6’s have been visiting Burnie High School as part of their transition program. On these days, students are able to try out some of the subjects that Burnie High has to offer. Below are some photos of an Art lesson and a home economics class they took part in this week.

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

Email:  somerset.primary@education.tas.gov.au

Reminder that book club orders need to be returned to school by 25th November!

The last day for school banking this year will be Tuesday 1st December.