Principals Newsletter

Hard to belive but we are into week 4 already of Term 1, our students are underway with learning activities and units of work in the classsrooms. As senior staff visit classrooms it is wonderful to see the students engaged in the learning and motivated to achieve at the highest of standard.

Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival - Our first day of the athletics carnival was a huge success, the weather was very kind to us although a little hot at times. Students were fantastic at supporting each other and putting their best foot forward during the events. Our house teams were full of colour and action supporting team mates and spurring each other on. After the first day of action Ruby house were slightly in front followed by Emerald and Sapphire all within 20 points of each other. Unfortunately due to poor weather conditions on day 2 we were forced to cancel so those events will now be run during lunchtimes and HPE lessons. A big thank you to all the families who came along to support and Mr Bailey for his organisation.

School Asociation - We are looking to extend our School Association team and are inviting community members to join our AGM to be held on Tuesday 7 April at 6:00pm. This is a great opportunity to have input into future planning of our school. A letter was sent home to all parents last week explaining the process and group further.

Launching into Learning Program for 2020- We are excited to welcome Wendy Flood our new LiL teacher into the school. Our LiL sessions are now underway on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please drop into our school office for more details and bring your children along to our next session.

Year 6 Camp- Our Year 6 camp is fast approaching with staff and parents very busy organising and preparing for the event. It was great to see so many families attend our camp information session on Tuesday afternoon this week. We are hoping for lovely weather in Swansea starting Wednesday next week at Gumleaves Camp. A reminder also to Year 6 families that permission forms and camp payments can be made to the office at any time.

Progress Reports- Prep to Year 6 students will receive Term 1 progress reports on Tuesday 7 April. These reports will contain a comment on students start to the year and also have tick boxes explaining how students are progressing in class.

Kindergarten families will be contacted by class teachers individually for a short conversation re student progress.

Student Voice Team- We are excited to announce our Student Voice Team members for 2020. The below students will be presented with badges at our assembly today and are also looking forward to an overnight school camp on Thursday 19 March.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO RETURN:

• Validation Forms - all students
• Year 6 Leadership Camp premissions, medical forms and major excursion form
• ICT Agreements - Years 3 - 6
• ELLA permissions - Prep & Year 1
• Primary School Health Assessment Form - Kindergarten students

UPDATING STUDENT DETAILS

It is vital for the school office to have updated details for all students.  In the event of a medical issue or emergency event this information is crucial in the care and response that we provide for your child/children.  Please ensure to update information with the office staff as required: emergency contact details, phone numbers, address details and any changes to your childs' medical needs eg. asthma, anaphylaxis.

ABSENCES / ATTENDANCE

If your child is absent please notify the school office before 9:30am:

• Leave a message on the answering machine 6275 7272
• Speak to the office staff face to face
• Call the office staff 6275 7222
• Email:  austins.ferry.primary@education.tas.gov.au
• Via the web form:  www.austins.ferry.primary@education.tas.gov.au
• Submit details through the Schoolzine SZapp

We care about your child's safety and will text you if your child is absent unexplained.

CAR PARK SPEED LIMITS

Speed limits throughout the school are restricted to 10km.  Please note that regardless of what time of day, if the gates are open there is someone here! Everyone's safety is important. 

KISS & DROP

Please note that the 'Kiss & Drop' is for drop off and pick-up only and not a parking zone.

END OF DAY MESSAGES

Please notify the school office as early as possible and prior to 2:25pm if you need to get a message to your child/ren for the end of the day. Class notice bags are collected at 2:30pm and passing on messages after 2:30pm becomes quite difficult.  We cannot guarantee messages will be received effectively after this time.

Does your child need extra support at school?

Are you committed to your child's education?

Do you have a health care card or pension concession card?

Contact Joanna to find out more!

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Scholarship program provides:

• Programs to help improve literacy and numeracy, support with the transition to high school and mentoring programs.
• Access to a local Family Partnership Coordinator (Joanna) who can link families into services to increase their child's engagement in education.
• Financial support in the form of a scholarship to help pay for the cost of education-related expences.

** Joanna is based at Austins Ferry Primary School (the early years building) each TUESDAY between 9.30am and 2.15pm – drop in to find out more about the Learning for Life program or contact Joanna on phone/email below **

Joanna Wiese                                                                           
Ph: 0466 942 782

Email: Joanna.Wiese@thesmithfamily.com.au