Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back everyone to a cold but exciting term ahead.  This  is a busy term with our annual Swimming and Water Safety Program for students in years 3-5 being held in September, the very popular Book Week coming up from the 17^th - 23^rd August, along with our School Association holding their annual Scholastic Book Fair. This term also includes our bi-annual Fire Education Program and a Trivia Night!

I would like to welcome Mrs Jacky Hartley back to our school, she has returned from maternity leave and is sharing a class with Miss Kate Wells working on Thursdays and Fridays. I would also like to welcome Miss Angela Dykman to our school, Miss Dykman will be working as our Literacy Coach for the remainder of the year as Miss Waldron has taken extended sick leave.

School Association

The School Association is also holding the annual Scholastic Book Fair on Thursday, 8^th August, children will be able to look at all the books as a class and then make a purchase if parents are willing.

The next School Association meeting is on Wednesday, 21^st August from 7pm – 8 pm. 

The School Association is also holding a Trivia Night this term on Friday, 30^th  August.  This is a really fun night and is made up of tables of staff, parents, friends and community members. Please try to keep the date free and join in the fun, as it is a great way to meet our school community as well as raising valuable funds.

Book Week

A reminder that Book Week will be held from 17^th to 23^rd August.  On Wednesday, 21^st August, Prep to Grade 6 children are invited to dress up in a costume related to the theme of Reading is my Secret Power. On this day, we also welcome parents to join us for our ‘Reader’s Picnic’ which will be held from noon on the oval or netball court (weather dependent), if it is wet we will hold the reading in classrooms. This is an opportunity for parents, friends and family members to join their children and classes in sharing some favourite stories. Our Kindergarten students will hold their dress up day on Thursday, 22^nd  August. As usual, we have some wonderful ideas for the art gallery and hope that you can make time to visit during Book Week. More detailed information about activities will be sent home in a separate letter.

Gr 5-6 North/South Sports Exchanges

As in previous years, some selected Grade 5 and 6 students will be representing Punchbowl as part of the LSSSA North South Sports Exchange for boys and girls Football, Hockey, Soccer and Netball on Friday, 9^th August.

During the course of Term 2, coaches from school have been observing students in order to nominate students for these sports. As the exchange is designed to show off the best players across all schools, when nominating students for the North/South Exchange, teachers consider not only how students rank in our school teams, but also how the students rank against students from other schools. Nominated students are not automatically included in the North South Exchange. Our school has put forward names and the LSSSA selection committee will consider them and then inform successful students names to schools. In 2019, our school hasn’t fielded a soccer team in the LSSSA competition however Mrs Bent in conjunction with other teachers had put forward names of students who they feel would be capable of this level of representation.

Kinder Enrolments for 2020

A reminder to parents of students who were born in 2015 that they are required to enrol in Kindergarten for 2020. We would ask that any parents who are yet to enrol do so as soon as possible as shortly we will be organising groupings for our Pre-Kinder sessions beginning in Term 4.

Enrolments for 2020

If you know that you will not be attending our school in 2020 can you please let the office or Principal know in writing ASAP as we are beginning to configure our staffing and every number counts.

Making Every Minute Count

Recently we have become aware of the number of children who are arriving late or leaving early.  Missing a few minutes each day may not seem like a big deal, but your child is missing more than you think if he or she is continually late for school or leaving before school finishes.  When children arrive late they may feel anxious, embarrassed and unsure.  They have also missed important social interactions with their friends before school starts and may experience feelings of isolation.  Current research shows that mornings for most children are the most productive time of the day.  When children arrive late and take time to settle, valuable learning time is lost. 

Our school day begins at 8.55 am and after taking attendance, teachers immediately begin teaching.  They prepare students for the day’s learning and explicit instruction begins.  During this time many new concepts are presented and explained.  

Our school day finishes at 3.00 pm.  When students leave early, tasks are often left unfinished and students miss out on a sense of accomplishment and pride which comes in seeing a task through to completion.  Teachers conclude each learning time by sharing the learning and reinforcing key messages.  At the end of the day, teachers also celebrate student achievements, prepare students for the next day’s learning and activities, and hand out notices.

The effect of persistent non-attendance over the period of compulsory schooling has a severe impact on student ability to gain a comprehensive set of knowledge, skills and capabilities that will assist them to live and work successfully in the twenty-first century.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your child has a bright future is to make sure he or she makes the whole day count, every day.  If you have any worries about your child’s attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact me or seek support from your child’s teacher.

Liz O'Donahue - Principal

If your child is turning 5 in 2020 or you know of someone who is, they are eligible to start Kindergarten in 2020.   Shortly, we will be organising our Term 4 Pre-Kindergarten sessions for children who have enrolled & completed the required enrolment form.  Only children who have returned Enrolment Forms are invited to attend these sessions. If you haven’t yet completed an Enrolment Form, they are available from our school office. 

The Department of Education also require us to be provided with original or certified copies of evidence of the following, as soon as possible so your child can attend these sessions

1. The student’s identity – Birth certificate or Passport
2. The identity of the enrolling parent/guardian – Drivers Licence
3. The students residential address – lease agreement, telephone, utility account
4. Immunisation records

Thank you to everyone who participated in Crazy Hair Day. A total of $261.30 was raised for a great cause at Diabetes Tasmania.

Students who are intending to play spring/summer sport may wish to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Ticket To Play initiative provides students whose parents/guardians/carers have a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with a voucher of up to $100 to pay for registration/membership of an approved activity provider/sports club.

https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/ticket-to-play/about-ticket-to-play

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)