Dear Parents and Guardians,

In the sporting arena, we have held both our ECE and our Primary Cross-Country Carnivals.  It was an absolute delight to be a part of the ECE carnival last Thursday and watch our students trying their absolute hardest, challenging themselves to complete the course. I congratulate all of our students for embracing our ‘Best Me’ to help achieve their personal goals! I would like to thank Mrs Jo Bent and our Grade 6 leaders who helped on the day as marshalls, runners and support crew. I would also like to thank all the parents and friends that came to support our students. It is great to see so many lovely families cheering.

Last week our students from Prep to Grade 2 were involved in the National Simultaneous Story time. This was a fun annual event aimed at encouraging young Australians to read and enjoy books. This year we were fortunate enough to have guest reader, Andrew Palmer from Palmer’s Dance School read us ‘Alpacas with Maracas’ by Matt Cosgrove. This text was based on how two Alpacas enter a talent contest and after many attempts at trying to learn a new skill discover they can dance with Maracas and have fun.  Andrew also shared with students his own experience in talent contests and judged our best dancing competition where the lucky recipients got to take home a copy of the book. Mrs Dunn’s class at the conclusion of this event also spent time creating artistic pieces of their own Alpacas with Maracas.  They talked about the significance of the book and how it is not always about winning but being willing to have a go at anything and have fun.

I would like to congratulate and thank Ms Rainbow for her organisation of this day for our students.

Kindergarten Parent /Teacher meetings

Next week our Kindergarten teachers are holding their parent teacher meetings.  This is a time when our kindergarten teachers and parents share the milestones achieved at school.  Teachers will share the Kindergarten Development Check (KDC) at these meetings and gain information from parents about how the year has started for children.  If you have not made an appointment, please contact the office and Mrs Shaw will arrange a time.

Launceston Competitions

Next week our school choir and the recorder group will be performing in the Launceston Competitions.  On Monday, the Choir is performing at the Princess Theatre and on Tuesday our recorder group will be taking the stage at the Earl Arts Centre. 

We wish students all the best and sincerely thank Mr Tabe for all the extra work he has put into supporting our students in these musical endeavours.

LSSSA – Punchbowl Cross Country team compete at Waverley

On Friday, 7^th June we have 40 students selected from Grades 3 to 6 competing in the LSSSA Cross Country event held at Waverley Primary School. Both Mr Mac and Mrs Dean will be going along to support our students.  Mrs Jo Bent will be at the event in an official capacity.  We wish all competitors the best of luck in achieving their personal goals.

Sickness 

Now winter is nearly upon us, there are more bugs and viruses circulating at school.  Please do not send children to school if they are not well. We also ask that parents keep students at home until they are well enough to return to school and are no longer considered contagious. Teachers are talking to children about the importance of hand washing and using hand sanitisers while at school to limit the spread of germs.

City Mission – Can Drive

As a school, we are collecting non-perishable food items to support the City Mission “Mission Possible Can Drive”.  If you are able to support in anyway, could you please drop your non-perishables in the boxes near the front office or alternatively in your child’s classroom.  Our school community has always been incredibly generous with donations and we hope to once again make a positive contribution to those less fortunate.

Liz O'Donahue - Principal

Premiers Reading Challenge 2019

Starts 29^th of April 2019 (first day of term 2) and will runs for 10 weeks!

 Students from Prep to Year 6 are challenged to read 10 books in 10 week to win prizes.

They can negotiate with their class teacher to have a large chapter book counted as being more than one book.

 To monitor progress all students will all get a pencil, bookmark and reading log to record how they are going.

Every student at Punchbowl will have an opportunity to participate and is registered.

Students  can also write a book review on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website for a chance to win a gift voucher.

https://premiersreadingchallenge.tas.gov.au/Pages/about-the-challenge.aspx

 Class Teachers will be sharing student’s progress with Miss Rainbow who will have some special prizes for people who are doing a really great job with their reading. These will be handed out over the ten weeks of Term 2.

 Students who complete the challenge will receive a certificate from the Premier of Tasmania and a pack of prizes for participating.

 The Premier of Tasmanian has stated

‘Reading is just like sport - the more you practice the better you get.

I encourage students to take up the challenge of reading at least 10 books in 10 weeks.

Reading and literacy skills are the basic building blocks of life, no matter what you aspire to do or be’. 

Any questions can be directed to class teachers or Miss Rainbow regarding this event.

Thank you to the parents and friends of Punchbowl Primary for supplying cupcakes for our Cupcake stall on Tuesday. All the money raised is going towards the Grade 6 Leaver’s Dinner at the end of this year. It was a huge success and a total of $429.80 was raised at this event. We thank everyone for their support.

Sincerely

The Students Leadership Board

(from Assembly 28th May 2019)

P-1 Millen	Liam A, Ruby C, Henry T
P-1 Lockwood	Bray P, Elnaz M
P-1 Baker/Peachey	Elias J, Hamish M, Imogen S
1-2 Dunn	Nicole Y, Taya B, Jemima S
1-2 Cameron	Riley M, Gus K, Hayley P, Xavier G
2 Stagoll	Annabelle P, Oliver H, Flynn C
3 Wells	Henry P, Rydan O, Issy S
3-4 Johnstone	Jake S, Ruby S, Jordie R
4 McCarragher	Savannah M, Oliver E
4-5 Shephard/Peachey	Jakob T, Lachlan H, Euan W
5-6 Sutton	Bella A
5-6 Bodell	Adam R, Cohen W, Chloe N
5-6 Frerk/Bent	Oliver F, Madison P, Claudia L

Congratulations

Educational Adjustments - Disability Funding - Parent and Family Forums - Term 2

Parents and families are invited to attend a forum to provide information about and discuss Educational Adjustments.

From 2020, there will be a new approach in Department of Education schools to assisting students with disability to access, participate and engage in quality educational programs. 

Forums are scheduled for Term 2. Light refreshments will be provided.

See details of locations and timing and how to register at: REGISTER HERE

For paper based newsletters please use the full web address to register is: https://edu.formstack.com/forms/parent_forums

See the COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD situated in the walkway outside P-1A Millen classroom for all upcoming community events

Piano lessons

Piano lessons available on Monday from 4.00pm-6.30pm and weekend from 10.00am-4.00pm. $30/30 min with the first trial free lesson.

I teach students of all ages starting from 4 years old. I also have an upright Piano at my house specifically for teaching. I have been teaching Piano for 17 years in studios, International schools and privately. Students will be able to learn performance skills, theory and aural training at the same time.

All lessons are designed to be fun and motivating for students to instil a love of music which can lead them to success. Please do not hesitate to contact me for the first trial lesson free.

Please contact 0477 665 951

 

PEACE DOVES

Inviting people to think about, and discuss, Peace.

Empowering communities

2019 Tamar Valley Peace Festival

The 2019 Festival dates are on and around August 9th – Sunday August 18^th

Everyone is invited to host activities that demonstrate their way of creating goodwill and a harmonious, safe and welcoming community.

Return date: Please have the doves back to Launceston Library by the end of Term 2

They will be displayed in the ground floor window of Launceston Library from Monday 6th August (And the last few years have generated such an interest that the Doves have stayed on display for a few months)