8 September 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Lately we have been discussing life-long learning at Snug. Students thrive when they see the adults around them learning, being challenged and problem solving new situations. At Snug Primary our teachers model risk taking, mistake resolutions, working collaboratively, revising and ‘working tough’ through adversity. We also celebrate enthusiastically when new learning is achieved. The graphic below is a great one to use with children to normalise what deep and powerful learning looks and feels like. When we understand the process, we are more likely to persevere. Can you think of a time when you have had to go into the ‘Learning Pit’?

Our focus on Writing continues this year with teachers recently learning about Writers’ Workshop – a structure for teaching students how to become successful writers. I have been amazed at how willing teachers have been to incorporate new practices into their repertoire and analyse best practices for teaching writing. Teachers have been asking a peer teacher to watch their lesson, collect feedback and data about the learning, and then discuss this afterwards. Research shows this is one of the most effective ways to improve and I commend teachers for their professional dedication and bravery.

Recently the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership visited our school to look at the way our leadership team use the Teachers and Principal Standards in their daily work. I would like to thanks the leadership team for participating in the photo case study and congratulate Ms Ange Burbury and the team for their national recognition.

Year 6s have been working hard in preparation for their play next week, Journey to Antarctica. As their final primary performance we look forward to seeing them shine. They will also be travelling to Moonah Primary to participate in a Multicultural Day involving Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden activities and cultural learning. Peers from the Moonah Year 5/6 class will be leading the learning.

Bonnie Jeffrey
Principal

Kath’s Spot

Have you ever had an animal jump out at you as you have been driving along the road? That scary moment where you shriek inside, or even out loud, and it feels like it has given you a heart attack.

Whenever quick things like this happens it then feels like we go into the 'fright or flight mode'. This is when we almost go a bit hyper and over alert, but the down side of this is ghat soon later it's like we come crashing down. In this moment we might feel emotional or tired.

Sometimes for children when they have an argument or the like, they feel really stirred up inside and have these similar feelings to when an animal might jut out infront of us.

These feelings might put them in the red zone, and they made need to use strategies to calm themselves such as breathing exercises like those used in social skills classes, or they may need some time by themselves.

Sometimes others can work out your child's triggers and know how to set them off. Discourage this behaviour, especially amongst siblings.

I know it is a tricky thing to work through, but yell out if you need some steps forward to be able to cope with these tricky moments. We know ourselves this can be hard work. How about we personally try some techniques and see what works best for us, you might be surprised.

Many Blessings

Kath Dolliver
Chaplain

Class in Focus – Prep

What a wonderful time Prep have had in the Bush Classroom program.

When children are immersed in play based learning they make sense of their social world, as they actively engage with their peers, designing, making and creating objects from the environment.

The program has allowed the Prep students to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Using play as a learning tool is important for healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.

We would like to acknowledge the support of the Aboriginal Education Office, the Sustainability Centre and Dave Groves for their amazing knowledge and help throughout the program.

2017 School Satisfaction Survey

Between Monday 11th September and Friday 22nd September, the Department of Education’s Annual School Satisfaction Survey will be open to staff, students and parents. This is the opportunity to celebrate the great things that are happening in our school and give feedback about where we can improve and move to next. If you require access to a laptop to complete the survey, one will be made available in the foyer during this time. Admin staff will be there to help. More information will come out in a letter to families shortly.

Year 6 Character Development

Year 6 students enjoyed a session on Character Development with Mrs Jolleys. All students were thrilled with their new emotive characters and have began the process of publishing their writing and illustrating their narratives. What an engaging and enjoyable experience for all. Thank you Mrs Jolleys for inspiring us, both as writers and illustrators.

STEM

Children’s Artwork Fundraiser

Our annual fundraiser is on again! Order forms were sent home last week with your child and the items are available for viewing in the office. Please return your order to the office with the correct money by Friday 15th September.

Drama News

Tickets for the Year 6 performance “Journey to Antarctica” are now available from the office. DVDs are also available for ordering and photos will be available to order the week beginning 18th September. Cash only please.

Kitchen News

Grade 6 Lunch Box Menu

SRC News

The SRC is holding a PJ day on the 15 of September Friday. Give a gold coin donation for the sick children in Tasmania!

Book Week

‘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:

Community Notices

Kettering Cricket Club Junior Registration Day

Brixhibition

Term Dates for 2017