When I reflect on this year, I have been very proud of all that we have accomplished:

• Our data is reflecting the intensive work on our school priorities of reading and spelling.
• Our External Review that occurred earlier this term reinforced that we have a strong focus on learning and a united commitment to continuous improvement and student growth.
• Our Learning Assets are beginning to be implemented across classrooms – the most notable of these is the CONTRIBUTOR asset. This has included our students being involved in experiences which contribute to their community and their world, for example, recycling or re-using plastic waste, the bee garden, the can kitchen, and the collation of a time capsule.
• We have made some great additions to our learning spaces informed by our priorities. These have included: new furniture to allow for more collaborative and flexible seating within classrooms; the construction of a gaga pit (supporting the SRC) which has been a very popular addition to our playground; the purchasing of bench seats to support outdoor learning and quiet spaces during break times; and a soon to be painted sensory path to assist with regulation and also a fun experience to participate in during break times.

So – as members of the Somerset Primary community, we have many things to celebrate and feel proud about.  I congratulate all our students for their personal successes, and I thank our staff for their commitment to providing stimulating, challenging learning environments and opportunities throughout the year.

As we move into 2022, we will continue our writing and inquiry priorities, in addition to Numeracy becoming a major focus. As mentioned in last fortnight’s newsletter, we are thrilled to have been successful in gaining a three-year Fair Education grant of $250 000 with Burnie High School, Cooee Primary School and Burnie Primary School.  With the aim to markedly improve Numeracy outcomes for all Grade 5-8 learners in addition to developing innovative ways to engage parents in their child’s numeracy learning.  This of course then extends to supporting our K-4 learners mathematically as a wholistic approach across the school.

I would like to thank all community members who have helped to make our school such a special place.  This includes parents and carers who have helped within classrooms; listening to students read; sporting coaches; school association; canteen volunteers; breakfast club volunteers. I would like to make particular mention, once again, to the parents and carers who helped to make the Christmas Roast possible.  We didn’t really have the numbers for a Parent Group this year but due to some hardworking individuals it was great to see this special whole school tradition take place.  Your time and support is very much appreciated and we look forward to your continued support in 2022.

Farewells

In addition to having our Grade 6 students and some of their families leaving our school, we also unfortunately have some staff who are leaving us:

• Mrs Nicki Clifford, Mrs Deb Kennelly, Miss Sarah Haines, Ms Stacey White, Mrs Holly Cock, Miss Deanna McMullen and Mr Jayden Coffey have been with us this year on varying contract basis. During their time at SPS they have developed positive relationships with our school community and worked as part of our larger team to provide engaging and supportive learning environments for all students.
• Mrs Jodi Williams will be taking LSL for the duration of 2022. We wish her all the very best during this time
• Mrs Jessie Type-Farrell and Mrs Katherine Hurst have been much loved and valued members of Somerset Primary community for some time. Mrs Hurst has spent the majority of her time in our early childhood classes where she is well known for her stimulating and engaging learning environments. Mrs Type-Farrell, in addition to being a classroom teacher, has also had a vital role on the Leadership Team, working tirelessly to drive our school priorities. Both teachers are dedicated to students and are committed to ensuring every student grows and flourishes. We wish Mrs Hurst all the best on Grade 3-4 at Montello and Mrs Type-Farrell in her role as Quality Teaching Coach at Table Cape Primary.

Welcome

Next year we welcome back Mrs Amy Gibbons and Ms Katie Miller from maternity leave.

We also welcome into our school Brett Mullins from Table Cape Primary and Janine Brealey from Yolla Distract School.

Christmas Roast

On the 7^th and 8^th December our students and staff were very fortunate to be involved in the traditional Christmas Roast.  This is a very special event and is very much appreciated by all.  A huge thank you to the parents who rallied together to make this happen.

A big thank you to the following businesses for their donations:

• Bruce’s 
• Somerset IGA RedJaf
• Somerset IGA Everyday
• Young’s Veggie Shed
• Woolworth’s Wynyard
• Mick's Fruit and Veg
• Pandani Meats
• Kayla and Deon Pyke
• FCF Fire and Electrical

AMPOL Service Station Donation

We would like to extend our gratitude to Somerset Ampol Service Station for their generous donation of $2,000.  This money will go towards the 2022 Grade 6 camp to reduce costs to families.  We appreciate the ongoing support from Ampol and in future years the donation will go towards the Christmas Roast.

Once again, I would like to thank the students, staff and parents/carers for your support over this 2021 school year.  I know I am very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful school community and a dedicated staff team. 

Merry Xmas to you and your families and I hope you have a safe and happy holiday break.

See you on Wednesday 9^th December – 1^st day of Term One 2022.

Congratulations to our P-Grade 5 Adopt a Cop Merit certificate recipients

Congratulations to our Grade 6 certificate recipients