It is hard to believe that half a year has passed already! That means approximately 20 weeks of schooling; building knowledge and skills for our students. It is always a great time to reflect on what has been achieved in the first half of the school year. All of the experiences that students have, both in and outside the classroom, help create their story and learning journey.

The staff are committed to providing the best possible learning experiences for our students. They work hard to meet the needs of all students at any stage in their learning journey. In order to support them in the best way possible, it is also important for them to be continually learning and reflecting on their practice.

This year has seen the introduction of our DECYP's Lifting Literacy priority. This is important as it works towards every student having the reading skills that they need to function in society when they leave school. Staff have introduced our structured and evidence based approach to reading and supporting those who require additional help. Part of this is ensuring that our staff have a common and consistent language around literacy instruction, it helps students when they move from one class to another and it is putting our students first when planning lessons. You may have heard your children discuss their ‘UFLI’ lessons with you. This is part of our united approach to literacy. As we move further through the year you may hear more about this.

This afternoon you will receive your child’s report. This report assesses where their learning is on a 9 point scale. This will indicate if they are ‘below the expected standard,’ ‘at expected standard for their year level,’ or ‘well above.’  The report for year 1 – 6 students reflects their learning in English, Maths and Science.  The report also reflects the effort and attitude displayed by students for each of these subjects. This is an important aspect of the report. This report follows our successful conferences where student learning was celebrated and discussed.

I am pleased to announce that we have secured a Chinese teacher for our students for term 3. Xinman Wang has done some relief work in our school this term and is keen to join our team. She will be working with classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Term 3 will also see some changes to staff. Rachel Huzing will be heading off on an exciting adventure with her family. Rachel has been instrumental in supporting our students and developing plans that enhance their learning opportunities. Her calm and respectful manner in all interactions with students does not go unnoticed. All the best in your travels, Rachel. Stay safe!

Brydie Pearce will be travelling a bit further afield, setting off overseas! We thank Brydie for her commitment to her students and building strong relationships with them. Safe travels!

Ollie Farid will also be travelling overseas for the second half of the year. We thank Ollie for his wonderful flexibility and engagement with the students. In both his PE lessons and teaching on class has seen many positive relationships formed.

Maggie Sandhu and Jess Collins will both be taking maternity leave in term 3. Maggie leaves us at the end of this term, while Jess will be with us for two more weeks. We truly appreciate their dedication and rapport that they have with all students. All the very best with the new additions to the family! We can’t wait to see the photos!

We farewell Anne-Marie Reschke who has worked in our Literacy support and who also worked on our Behaviour Management structures. Anne-Marie has accepted an AST position at Herdsman’s Cove. Her expertise and knowledge will be missed at AFPS, as well as her genuine care for our students. All the best in your new role.

Tim Parrott will be moving interstate and I know that there are many students who will miss Tim’s approach to learning and wellbeing of students. Thank you Tim for what you have brought to our school community. All the best with your move.

I am also moving onto another school for terms 3 and 4. Ms Liz Graham comes to join the AFPS team from Glenora District High School. We have had an extensive handover and the school is in good hands with your new principal. On a personal note, I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity and experience at AFPS. This school has wonderful students and families and I am so pleased that I have been able to meet and work with them. When we talk about the school values, I see evidence of them each and every day I am at work. I have made such lasting connections with students and families, I’ve seen students showing courage and growth through academic, social and sporting activities, in conversations with me – they are respectful and thoughtful. It will be hard to say goodbye to this community as I have loved being here, both through the challenges and successes!

Term 3 promises to be a busy one with Book Week, Swim and Water Safety (years 3 -5 and some year 6 students), school swimming carnival and the continuation of the Premiers Reading Challenge. Stay updated with events through Schoolzine, the newsletter and Facebook posts!

The end of Term has arrived very quickly and I would like to thank you all for your connection to the school, commitment and hard work that is shown every day in supporting your children to be ready for learning. I would like to thank the staff for their tireless efforts in ensuring that our students are experiencing success. They demonstrate strong commitment in engaging in Professional Learning that supports their growth and learning. They continue to plan collaboratively and work together to provide the best learning opportunities for our students. All staff have such an important role in our school and I thank all of them for making Austins Ferry Primary a great place to be.

The Grade 5/6 classes recently went on an excursion to the Sustainability Learning Centre at Mount Nelson. We were invited to participate in a range of hands-on, STEM activities.

Students had the opportunity to create Rube Goldberg machines, create reed rafts, participate in orienteering challenges, and explore what the centre had to offer.

Students were kept very busy and thoroughly enjoyed their day!

We’ve been having lots of fun at Launching into Learning lately! Did you know that play is the key to children’s learning, development, confidence, and wellbeing? LiL is a wonderful program available to families and children aged 0 to 4 years. It is free and it is fun! Pop in to any session to find out more. Check out some of the fun we have…

It was great to see 45 of our students, from Grades 3-6, attend the all schools cross country at Bayview Secondary College.

Students represented our school magnificently both on and off the track.

One of our students won 1st place in the Grade 4 boys race by quite a distance!  The rest of the Grade 4 boys team put on a great performance and took out 1^st place in the teams event.

Our Grade 3 girls team also performed well and were awarded 4^th in the teams event.

Thanks to Scott Docking for his organisation and leadership of the team and Seth Carter who also supported the team at the venue.

Thanks also to Molly and Esther from Montrose Bay High School for their support in operational aspects of the event at the venue.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge has begun and classes are gearing up ready to go! Mrs Lincolne’s class have already taken up the challenge and aim to read as many books as they can to build their reading skills and earn a special certificate. Please encourage your child to participate by supporting them to read (or be read to) at home.

"The Challenge is not a competition, but a way to encourage children to develop a love of reading for life. No matter what you aspire to do or be, reading and literacy skills will help you get there.

I encourage all Tasmanian students from Kinder to Year 12 to take part, no matter what your reading level. Whether you’re a bookworm or just starting your reading journey, this challenge is for you!

It’s not about how many books you read, but about the joy and excitement of exploring new stories, characters, and ideas.

And for families – you can help your child get involved in the challenge by reading with them, talking to them about what they are reading and providing lots of encouragement!

So grab something to read and challenge yourself!"

Jeremy Rockliff
Premier

All information is available from the class teacher.

The Premier's Reading Challenge began on 17 June and will conclude on 23 August 2024.

Launching into learning (LiL)

Launching into Learning is a free program where you and your child get to know your local school and other families.

LiL is for families with children from birth to 4 years of age.

Children learn a lot in the early years of life. LiL provides opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s learning in a supportive environment, helping to give your child a great start.

All sessions are held in the Grace Crichton-Gill Early Learning Centre (ELC) and are conducted by a fully qualified Teacher and Teacher Assistant.

Session Times

Mondays

Birth to 4 years:  9:00am–10:30am and 1:30pm-2:50pm

Tuesdays

Birth to 4 years: 9:00am-10:30am

Baby Group: 2:00pm-2.45pm

Friday afternoons

Birth to 4 years: 1:30pm-2:50pm

Friday mornings

Pre-Kinder 9:00am-10:00am

Pre-Kinder Program

In Term 2, children who will commence Kindergarten in 2025 can attend the Pre-Kinder program. These sessions are designed for families in the Austins Ferry Primary School (AFPS) enrolment catchment and prepare children for entrance into Kindergarten in the following year.

Download the Schoolzine App today and keep up to date with the lastest information from Austins Ferry Primary!

Parents can submit absence notifications, access the School Calendar, Newsletters and notices all from one easy to use App. 

Do you have a few bananas that have been going backwards and forwards from school all week?

Use them up in this quick and delicious Banana Muffin recipe!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (180g) all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
3 large overripe bananas, mashed
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan oven, and line a muffin pan with baking paper

2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt) and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, mashed banana, melted butter, vanilla.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until mixed. *do not over mix

5. Using a large cookie scoop, divide the batter between 12 muffin liners.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the centre of a muffin.

7. Cool on a cooling rack, serve at room temperature.

Enjoy a safe and restful holiday break!

We will see our students return for Term 3 on Monday 22 July, 2024.