12 June 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Hi Parents and Caregivers

Bike and Scooter Safety

A reminder that students are not to ride their bikes across the two driveways of our school turning circle, or inside the school grounds (unless they are in the top netball court or on the bike track). Students riding scooters or bikes to school need to walk them across the crossing with Simon, and then walk down and around the turning circle on the footpath side into the school grounds.

Bike Track

It was fantastic to see students on the school using the new bike track this week. By Monday, everyone will have had a turn – we will be updating the timetable next week, so keep an eye on Facebook.

Winter Uniform

The weather has definitely become colder in the past few weeks. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately – jackets, gloves and beanies when necessary. Uniform can be purchased from the office. We also have some second hand items for sale at times – chat to the office staff about this.

Daily PE

Daily PE has resumed. The Year 5/6 classes are doing a fantastic job of getting everyone warmed up on these frosty mornings.

School Library

The School Library will be reopening at the beginning of Term 3. The library will be shared with OSHC in the multi-purpose room.

Kind Regards,

Blair Curtis
Principal

Kath’s Spot

Once a week, for the last six weeks, I have been teaching an online parenting course and last week we were talking about having honest relationships. We asked the parents, on a scale of 1-10, how important to you is the value of honesty?

I find it really challenging, as I am sure many others do, to say how important it is and then catch myself later saying to the kids “yeah, I’ll be there in a minute”...only to take 20 minutess to actually then get back to them! Over the last few years I’ve tried to catch myself if I do this because I know it doesn’t help me, my child, or our relationship and I know I want our boys to be raised to value honesty and to make it part of their every day lives.

I encourage you, in moments when the children might be asking you for an answer or something which you are not sure about, to be genuine and honest. I am sure they know by now that you are not a super hero, but you are their hero, so let’s be honest in our transactions. Let’s say, “to be honest, I am not sure so if you need an answer right now it’ll have to be a ‘No’, but if you can give me some time to find out some more information, it’s a ‘Maybe’”. Or “I need to finish sending this email to my workmate, then I’ll be over to help you out”.

And let’s be honest with each other. Let’s share with each other. Maybe next time someone asks how you are, maybe attempt to give them an accurate picture. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation if you don’t have time, but you could say “gee I’ve had a lot on, but I am working through it one step at a time” or the like. And let’s show our children how to carry out our habit of the mind for this week, which is “We are Upstanders, not Bystanders” - let’s stand up when others might need support. Let’s make things right.

Many Blessing to you all

Kath Dolliver
Chaplain

“Talking mental health care for our young people”

Arrangements for Bus Services in Term 2

Dear Parents/Carers

As essential services, public transport is exempt from restrictions on gatherings and all bus services will operate as normal during Term 2. However, the continued operation of services is being regularly reviewed based on Public Health advice and updates.

As on-site learning resumes for all students, the number of passengers travelling on buses will increase. Students are encouraged to follow the following physical distancing measures where possible:

• If undertaking short trips, consider walking or cycling.
• When queuing at bus stops, keep a minimum of one metre from other passengers.
• Keep physical distancing in mind and choose a seat away from others where possible. Members of the same household may sit together.
• Minimise the contact with surfaces inside the bus as much as possible.
• Practice good hand hygiene and where possible, wash or sanitise hands before boarding the bus.
• Cough or sneeze into elbows.
• Do not occupy the first row of seats nearest the driver.
• Always comply with any requests from driver.

As a further safety measure, operators have been advised to clean school bus interiors each morning and afternoon using a commercial grade pH neutral detergent (not acid or alkaline), with a focus on high volume touch points such as handrails.

Please be assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of students when travelling on buses and to manage risks based on the best and latest evidence and medical advice. However, if you, or your child/ren are uncomfortable with the arrangements that are in place, you may wish to consider alternative means of transport.

Students should not use public transport if they are supposed to be in isolation or are unwell.

If you have any queries regarding the operation of bus services, please direct them to Passenger Transport at ptscontracts@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or (03) 6166 3343. New information on school bus arrangements and the fare amnesty can be found on the Department of State Growth website below:

Oakleys Coaches

Collection of bus fares will recommence from Monday 6th July.

Class in Focus – Year 3/4D

Over the past two weeks the students in Grade 3/4D have been continuing to explore our science focus on Living Things. The children have been involved in a number of whole class, small group and partner activities unpacking the key elements of features of living organisims. The acronym MRSGREN is a helpful reminder of the 7 criteria that scientists use to determine if something is alive. We are looking forward to our next session with Mrs Jolleys when we will link our current science focus with S.T.E.M in the Maker – Space Area.

Science Focus – Living Things

Lyn Heerey
(Acting Class Teacher)

Kids Matter eNewsletter

Coming Events

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

Term Dates for 2020