Principal's Report

I hope all of our community had a safe and happy Christmas break, many staff took time out to relax and re-charge after a busy year. Staff have officially returned on site today and been involved in professional learning however many teachers have been in classrooms over the past couple of weeks preparing learning spaces.

COVID safety start to the year

We ask that our community please refer to previous communication on class DoJo and FB to stay up to date with our COVID safe protocols. When students return on Wednesday we understand that some will be nervous in particular our Kinder and early years students. Our recommendation is families drop their children at classroom doors however we understand this may look a little different in week 1 while students learn new routines. If you do need to support children in classrooms this week, please be as brief as possible and follow COVID safe protocols.

ELC playground

We have finally seen some progress with the new play equipment on the grass area. Our hope is this will be operational on Wednesday when students return! It is looking fantastic and will be a great addition to the ELC playground.

Basketball Courts

Unfortunately, during the holiday break in January, the basketball court was damaged due to a heavy rain event. After inspections from DoE it was decided that a new drainage system should be installed. This new system has been installed under the court however we are now waiting on the asphalt to be replaced. We hope that this will be operational in the next week or 2. In the meantime the fencing will remain, and students will be asked to play in alternate areas.

Grace Crichton-Gill Memorial

Many of our community would be aware of the sad loss in late 2020 of a much-loved teacher at AFPS, Grace Crichton-Gill. To honour Grace’s memory and contribution to our school we worked with Grace’s family to develop a memorial which reflects Grace’s impact on many in our community. It was agreed that we would re name our Early Learning Centre in Grace's honour. We have now finalised the signage and memorial plaque which looks fantastic and truly reflects the impact Grace had at our school.

 New Staff

Stacey King (P/1) – from Forest Primary School

Rupan Singh (Prep) – from New Town Primary

Brydie Pearce (3/4) – from UTAS

Gabrielle Gollogly (3/4) – from UTAS – Replacing Mrs Taylor who has started maternity leave early

Amelia Clifford (3) – from Waimea Heights Primary

Jordan West (5/6) – from UTAS

Rachael Sayers (AP) – from Brighton Primary

Angela Turner (Art) – from Bellerive Primary

Tim Parrot (Intern) – from UTAS

2022 UTAS students – Hannah Bonnitcha (3/4 Nichols), Rebecca Reid (3/4 Sackley), Laura Young (5/6 Perry)

Aleisha Howlett – Psych (return from maternity leave)

Emma Atkinson – Nurse (return from maternity leave)

We know that this year feels very different to last with COVID-19 in the community, but we want to reassure parents that we’re doing all we can to provide a safe learning environment.

Proactive measures are in place at our school, including:

• frequent cleaning and increased hygiene practices
• vaccination of all Department of Education staff, volunteers and contractors
• wearing face masks indoors by all staff 
• increased ventilation in classrooms
• use of outdoor learning areas.

RATs and masks

Students will also be given COVID-19 care packs that include rapid antigen tests (RATs), face masks and useful information. Please know that additional face masks and RATs will be provided (up to two per week) if requested for the first five weeks of term. Please request additional RATs as you use them. 

To keep our sites COVID-safe, if your child has symptoms and you have run out of school issued RATs, we ask that you don’t attend school to collect a RAT. Instead contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Entering school sites

We are looking forward to welcoming parents and carers onto school sites, however, you must follow these COVID-safe measures:

• only enter if you’re feeling well
• limit your time onsite
• wear a face mask (exemptions apply)
• frequent handwashing and hand sanitising
• physical distance of 1.5 metres between adults
• check in using Check in Tas app.

A RAT is not required to enter the school if you have no symptoms. Stop, Drop and Go is preferred (dropping your child at the gate to limit adults on site), but we understand this is not always appropriate.

Thank you for your patience and kindness towards our staff as we navigate these changes together. We will continually update you of any changes, and appreciate your flexibility during this time. Our top priority is providing a safe learning environment for your children.

If you’re wanting to know more information, please refer to the frequently asked questions for parents and carers and Department of Education COVID-19 website.

If you still have a question, please talk to the school office or contact the Department of Education COVID Support Hotline at COVID19support@education.tas.gov.au or on 1800 816 057.

KISS & DROP

A friendly reminder that the school 'Kiss & Drop' zone is not for car parking - please do not leave your vehicle unattended in this zone.

STUDENT PICK-UP

If you need to collect students throughout the school day for appointments please arrive in time to allow us to locate your child.  We do not call to the classroom until you have arrived.   This limits interruptions to the class and avoids your child missing out on valuable learning time.  Thank you for you co-operation.

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. 

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.

CANTEEN & QKR!

Please remember to place your canteen lunch orders through Qkr! prior to the 8:30am deadline.

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOUR CARE & HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Playtime Sports offer both after school care and school holiday care and operates out of our school gym.

After school care is open every week day from 2:45pm to 6:00pm.  School holiday programs operating hours are 7:30am to 6:00pm.

All enquiries to Karen Morgan at Playtime Sports on 0407 199 160.