Term 2 is very close to the end, it has flown by with a huge amount of learning happening in the school. We have had our challenges with COVID and general sickness but despite this students and staff have continued to reach their goals set out earlier in the year. I would like to wish all of our staff and community a safe school holidays and hope that everyone is able to re charge the batteries and return ready for a busy second half of the year.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

A huge thank you to all our parents and carers who attended meetings over the past 2 days.  Our teachers have really appreciated the opportunity to share their insights about students and where they sit on their learning journey. I would also like to acknowledge our teachers who prepared at length for these conversations and their commitment to be on site both evenings to support the meetings.

Values Morning Tea

This week I had the pleasure of hosting a morning tea in our staffroom as part of our values program. Our focus in Term 2 was on Respect and teachers were asked to select 1 student who displayed this value throughout the term. All of these students joined me in the staffroom for some morning tea to celebrate and acknowledge their efforts!

Student Reports

Students who did not have a parent/teacher interview or a phone meeting this week  will receive their reports on Friday afternoon.

Term 3 Staffing

Kerrie Riewoldt – I would like to acknowledge the amazing work that Mrs Riewoldt has supported while at AFPS and throughout her career. Kerrie will officially retire at the end of this week after many years of service in the Department of Education.  She has made a huge impact on many students lives throughout her career. We hope that she is not completely lost to the system, and we look forward to twisting her arm to do the odd days relief here and there.

Mel Granger – Mel finishes up this week to begin maternity leave and prepare for baby no. 2.  We wish Mel and her family all the best with the impending arrival

Chris Lewinski – Chris will move into a support role 2 days per week

Tim Parrot – Will step into 5/6 Lewinski 2 days per week replacing Chris

Rachel Huizing – Will join 1/2 Bailey replacing Mel Granger as she goes on maternity leave

Sophie Gallen – Returns to our school in an Art role supporting Year 3-6 students

Maggie Florence – Will return to our Year 2 class and work full time for the rest of 2022

Pip Bailey – Will increase her days and teach the 1/2 class 3 days per week

A reminder that being at school is the best place for our learners. COVID-safe measures continue to be implemented, so that all students can learn in class safely.

If your child is well enough to attend school, being in the physical school environment is the best place for them.

If your child needs to stay home due to illness, but is well enough to continue learning, they can access the Virtual Learning Centre via Canvas. If your child is unsure of their school username and password to access the VLC, please let us know and we can provide these to you.

For Kindergarten to Year 10 students, the VLC provides access to an online learning program where you will find lessons and activities for your child on various focus areas including Reading and Writing, Number, Science, Physical Activity and Wellbeing.

In Term 3, the VLC will no longer run daily live sessions with a teacher, rather the courses will be self-directed, and your child can complete activities of interest to them for the relevant year level.

You can also access resources and ideas to support learning at home at Learning at home - The Department of Education Tasmania

Whilst we acknowledge that illness may mean students are at home for a short time, we look forward to having all our students in class with us during Term 3.

For more information about the Virtual Learning Centre and changes to program delivery, please visit the Department of Education website.

If you need support translating or interpreting this information, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Getting kids to school isn’t always easy. But being at school is the best place for our kids.

If your child is unwell, they need to stay home. But if your child is well enough to attend school, they should be at school. Every day, Monday to Friday.

Reality of missing school

Data shows us that regular school attendance is one of the best things a child can do to set them up for success. But if they don’t attend, things get harder for them.

Let’s do the maths:

• If your child misses even just one day a fortnight, that adds up to 20 days of the school year. That’s the same as missing four whole weeks of school!
• If they miss one day a week, that doubles to eight weeks of school they’ll never get back.
• Over the course of their childhood, that equals two and a half years of vital education they’ll never receive…

We mean it, every school day counts. It all adds up.

Bright futures begin at school

The data also tells us something else: the better a child’s attendance rate, the better off they’ll be. Their future will be filled with more opportunities.

School is where they learn and grow alongside their friends, and where they benefit the most. Going to school not only promotes academic success, but also helps build important social skills, relationships and confidence.

Good attendance habits in primary school lead to good attendance habits in high school. This will help expand your child’s options even further as they grow older.

Watch this video to see the benefits of going to school.

It’s ok if you need help

If you’re struggling to get your child to school, help is available. Please talk to us at school about your situation. We’ll support you, in whatever way we can.

If you need support translating or interpreting this information, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

In Kinder Duncan this term we have had a wonderful time exploring, discovering, and most importantly playing.

In Week 8 we went on our first excursion of the year. We went to the Cenotaph and students learned about the significance of the site. From the Cenotaph, we walked to the Botanical Gardens along Soldiers Memorial Avenue. On the walk students recorded information about soldiers who died in World War One. 

On Thursday 30 July 2022, 5/6 Lewinski went to the Sustainability Centre at Mount Nelson as part of our focus on indigenous studies.

We were lucky enough to be able to explore the surrounding bush area and identify fungi, bush foods and animal tracks and scat. The educators spent time informing us of indigenous history in the area and the modern history of Hobart. Students then built shelters out of natural resources, an activity we have been continuing on with in the bush surrounds at school.

We practiced mindfulness and writing down or illustrating our surroundings. A favourite activity was a STEM based activity where students designed and built contraptions that would help animals in a bushfire. It was fantastic to see the team work, problem solving and resilience in this activity.