25 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

What a fantastic week of learning we have had! Model trains, science shows, book fairs, teacher’s professional learning, Bush Kinder and our superb Book Week parade to finish the week. We are all life-long learners at Snug and I am constantly amazed at the way our students can articulate their thinking. Thank you to all our teachers and staff for all of the extra activities they have provided for our community as we invite them into our learning.

We have been so pleased with our analysis of our NAPLAN testing recently. We know these tests are a snap shot of what our students are doing in only a few curriculum areas and reflect the experience across all of their years of schooling.

Snug Primary School Year 5 students achieved higher than similar schools in all areas with the exception of spelling. Our Year 3 student had a very high proportion of “High Growth” in the two compared areas of Numeracy and Reading. In fact, all of the comparison growth data showed more than the expected 25% of high growth. This shows what a brilliant job our teachers are doing taking student’s learning forward. These tests will also help us plan for new areas for improvement.

We are beginning to plan for 2018 classes and as I explained in School Association meetings recently, we will need to move to a composite class model. This will allow class sizes to sit at around 24 students, enable our teacher to plan together as they have successfully done this year and give us more options to successfully place students. Shortly, I will be asking for parent considerations as per our ratified class placement policy and more information will come out in newsletters and Newsflashes.

Bonnie Jeffrey
Principal

Kath’s Spot

Do you ever feel like a broken record? I do. Sometimes you might say things like "Please put your school bags in your bedroom when you arrive home" three times, and look down and see they are still sitting near the front door from when they have walked inside. I feel myself sigh even as I write this, and I feel the anguish that it brings.

You know what though, there are times when 'the broken record technique' really works. Say for example you are in the supermarket and your child asks for a chocolate and you reply "Today we are buying bread, milk and yogurt. We are not going to buy any chocolates today". Then as the shop continues they keep asking, numerous times. The next time they ask, respond again with a very similar comment "Today we are here to get some items that we need, we are not going to buy any chocolates today". You may even throw in a comment like "That would be nice wouldn't it, but today we are not buying chocolates". When following the broken record technique it actually reminds them of the boundaries and that you are in control. In that moment, try calm the feelings inside that are screaming "Haven't I already answered this question?", and keep calm and in the same tone of voice repeat the same sentence to them. Whenever I use this technique I generally feel empowered, and I realise there is no need to get upset, angry or frustrated...because I am in control. I try not to let it bother me.

I know sometimes it would feel easier in the moment, just to give in and buy them the chocolate, but in giving in it actually works against us. It then makes every other trip to the supermarket that bit harder, and the kids will soon learn how many times they have to say it before you crack and give in. What's your number I wonder?

Stay strong, show boundaries and nurture, and have a go at this technique. I would love to hear how it goes!

Last fortnight I had so many discussions with different parents about my little spot here, with lots of parents acting on the steps forward- Go you good things!!! Keep up the great work, and keep sharing with me both the successes and the challenges along the way.

Many Blessings

Kath Dolliver
Chaplain

Assembly Awards

Class in Focus – Year 1A

Grade 1A have been participating in a series of visual art sessions. We have been focussing on “drawing and colouring objects”. The drawing technique is modelled first and then students “have-a-go”. Students are encouraged to draw only what they have observed, not what they think should be there. The object is sketched first and then some colour is put in. So far we have sketched a vase of peacock feathers and a Chinese dragon puppet.

Important School Crossing and Road Safety News

We are very thankful for the help that Simon, our school crossing guard, gives our school community each morning and afternoon.

Simon’s times are 8.10am – 9.00am and 2.40pm – 3.20pm. If children need to cross the highway outside of these hours, please ensure you, or another responsible adult, crosses with them.

It would be a great example if parents and carers could come to the school crossing to cross the road and be mindful of adhering to the 40 km/hr speed limit through schools zones.

We have lots of children scootering to school which is fantastic, however it is essential that they understand the importance of wearing helmets and crossing the road safely by pushing their scooter across the road at the crossing. Parents, please make the time to educate your children regarding this.

Thank you for your co-operation with this.

Kitchen News

This fortnight in the kitchen Students have been learning about the Gold Rush era and the food that was available during that period.

Maths Relay

Interschool Sports Carnival

Super effort yesterday from students who participated in the Interschool sports carnival.

Daniela and the Huon and Channel netball team were undefeated yesterday in the SPSSA netball carnival. They took out first place.

Jack had a mammoth three games against city teams playing football. Jack reports it was a great day but very tiring.

Otis and Makayla represented in the Huon and Channel soccer teams. They were disappointed but gracious in their loss in the finals against the Hobart Zebras. They took out second place.

1,2,3 Magic Program

This program will be run across three Thursday mornings by Georgie Chilcott in the Kinder B Room (the one next to the main Kinder room) from 10.30am. There will be no Little Sprouts or Branching Out programs on these days. The dates for the program are:

Thursday 31st August
Thursday 14th September
Thursday 28th September

Kids Matter

Entertainment Book – last chance bonus offer!

For a limited time, when you purchase an Entertainment Membership from us, you’ll receive a BONUS $10 Woolworths WISH eGift Card! Hurry, stocks are limited. See below for more info.

‘Little Sprouts’ and ‘Branching Out’

What’s Happening in Term 3?

Term 3 will see a couple of changes to our normal routine as we have some exciting opportunities for our families. Mrs. Jane Martyn will be taking LSL for the first four weeks of term and Mrs. Katrina Cook-James is looking forward to her role with Little Sprouts during this time. Branching Out will continue with Mrs. Georgie Chilcott. Take a look at our timetables for next term to see what is on offer!

In conjunction with the Parenting Centre we are pleased to offer the 1,2,3 Magic Parenting Course. This will be run on a fortnightly basis from 10:30am to 12:30pm as per the dates on the term plan. There are 15 spots available for parents and child care will be provided by our Launching into Learning team. IN ORDER FOR US TO OFFER THIS OPPORTUNITY PLEASE NOTE THAT ON THE DATES SET ASIDE FOR THIS COURSE "LITTLE SPROUTS" WILL NOT OPERATE.

Please enrol for this course by emailing Georgie Chilcott: georgina.chilcott@education.tas.gov.au.

Kinder 2018

Snug Primary are currently taking enrolments for Kindergarten in 2018. Your child is eligible for Kinder if they were born in 2013, that is turning 4 in 2017.

Pre Kinder

Our Pre Kinder sessions are starting this term and letters have been sent to those that have enrolled. Don’t miss out – enrol now!

Coming Events

For more information please see our school calendar by clicking the link below:

Term Dates for 2017