What a busy and exciting term it has been at St Marys District School! I’d like to take a moment to share some of the wonderful news and activities that have been happening in our school community.

The big announcement this week came from Premier Jeremy Rockliff and the School Lunch Matters Team, who shared that St Marys District School has been chosen to run the School Lunch Program from 2026. This is such fantastic news for our community. The program will provide our students with healthy, nutritious meals at least one day per week, supporting both student wellbeing and learning. We are especially excited about the opportunities this will create to connect with each other as well as celebrate fresh Tasmanian food. Over the coming term we will be working with the School Food Matters team, SMDS School Association and staff to plan how the program will run in our school. We can’t wait to share further information with you about this exciting opportunity in coming months.

Over the last two weeks of term, our Grade 3–5 students have taken part in the Swimming and Water Safety program. This program is such an important part of school life here in Tasmania, and it was wonderful to see students building their confidence and developing skills that will help them stay safe in and around water. A big thank you to staff and instructors for making this such a positive learning experience.

Our high school bands also had a big couple of weeks, travelling to Launceston to compete in the Rock Challenge heats and finals. Bands played with enthusiasm and flair, and we are thrilled to share that Tide Riders came away with third place! Congratulations to all of our talented musicians—it was a proud moment for our school. Thank you to Sandra Cook and Justin Emmerton for their support of this event.

This week our Grade 10 students return from a wonderful trip to Melbourne, filled with learning, adventure, and plenty of fun. Highlights of the week included exploring the MCG and discovering its rich sporting history, engaging with the interactive exhibits at Scienceworks, taking in the spectacular views from the Melbourne Skydeck, getting creative at ArtVo, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Queen Victoria Markets. These experiences not only broadened our students’ horizons but also gave them the chance to strengthen friendships and grow in confidence and independence. A huge thank you goes to the St Marys District School Association for their generous contributions and ongoing support, which helped make this memorable opportunity possible for our students. We would like to acknowledge Tanya Ringuet, Emma McIntosh, Matt Pinkerton and Sam Smithurst for supporting the students on this adventure. This trip was a wonderful celebration of learning beyond the classroom and the strength of our school community working together.

As we head into the holidays, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for the wonderful way you continue to support one another and our school. I am especially grateful for the encouragement and kindness shown to me while I have stepped into the Principal’s role during Mrs Watson’s absence. The end of term is a great time to reflect on the importance of making every day at school matter. Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom—it happens in the playground, on the sports field, and in the way we work together as a school community. When students show up each day ready to do their best, it builds momentum and helps them finish the term feeling proud of their efforts. Thank you to families, staff, and students for the commitment you’ve shown to learning and to one another this term. Together, we are making our school a place where every day counts, and every learner feels supported to thrive. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holidays and we look forward to seeing you in Term 4.

Meg Burbury

Acting Principal

Every School Day Matters

Staff at St Marys District School love welcoming your children to school each day. Regular attendance gives them the best opportunity to learn, grow, and build strong connections with their friends and teachers. It also allows our staff and students to engage fully with your child, supporting both their learning and wellbeing.

We all play a part in helping our kids get to school every day. Please know that if you’re struggling to get your kids to school, help and support is available.

Talk to us at school or visit:

How to support you and your family - Anything Is Possible

Family Engagement & Connection

Staff are intentional in building warm, trusting relationships with students and families. From the moment a child walks through the gate, whether on time or late, they’re greeted with kindness and care. This consistent focus on belonging helps reinforce that school is a safe and welcoming place.

St Marys District School is an inclusive community, committed to supporting every student. We foster a safe and affirming environment where all students are respected and valued, regardless of gender identity or disability. Our commitment to inclusion builds a strong sense of safety and belonging, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

If your child is unwell, please keep them home as that is the best place for them to be in times of illness.  If you have concerns about your child not wanting to come to school please contact the School Administration Office on 6372 3900 and the relevant staff member will be in contact with you.

Northern Heats

After the successes of performers in the Rock Challenge arena in 2024, students were pumped to have another go this year.  Using the feedback sheets the judges provided last year with suggestions for improvement, students focussed in on these suggestions and put them into practice.

To attend the Rock Challenge, bands had to come up with a name, work on a cover song then write and develop an original composition.

Bands Payroll, Break the Chain, Tide Riders and Superstition, and their support crew headed to the Launceston Conference Centre for a sound check before having a break and time to relax. The doors opened at 6.00pm with the last performance at around 10.30pm.  All four of our bands performed well and scored highly with the judges.  Tide Riders were the only band to move to the finals.

The journey that students take to work as a team, develop their skills as a performer, rehearse until they get really tired of it and each other, then come together as one is the real success of this opportunity.  This level of participation, support and courage was clearly demonstrated by Mieka who was losing her voice and had an injury but kept performing, Isaac who lost his voice the day before the Rock Challenge and Charli who learned the keyboard part to a song in record time to support Superstition.  This is true teamwork. They didn’t want to let their friends/band members down – and they didn’t.

Break the Chain

Payroll

Superstition

Tide Riders

State Finals

Within a fortnight of the northern heats, Tide Riders were an excited group of students ready to take on the world.  They attended the sound check before spending time with family and friends.  The evening began at 5.00pm and the last performance was at 11.00pm. Tide Riders were in the middle – plenty of time to see who they were competing against and plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.

Just before their performance, they made their way to the Green Room for last minute preparations before walking out on stage to the cheers of students, families and staff who attended.  Tide Riders performed two original songs that were developed, honed and performance ready in two weeks. 

The finals consist of all successful performers from the South, North West and North. After a tense wait for the judges to finalise the results, Tide Riders was announced as third from all of the High School Rock Bands that played on the night. They will be receiving their prize courtesy of Barratts Music.

We would like to thank the students for their dedication to perform, staff and the admin team for their support in enabling students to attend additional rehearsals and compete, and finally Nic Wardlaw and Pete Cornelius for volunteering their time and expertise to work with our students.

HIGH SCHOOL NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Girls 2025

On Thursday last week, St Marys District School sent a team to compete in the High School Netball Championships for girls at the Silverdome in Launceston. There were 13 teams competing in the tournament, from schools in the North of the State- both Independent and State Government schools.

Our girls tore up the courts at the Silverdome in an undefeated run to the semi-finals, winning all 5 games in pool B to finish top of the ladder! What an amazing group of girls they are....they showed such determination, grit, skill and sportsmanship to achieve BY FAR the best result we have ever had at this tournament. We were one game away from making the state final!!!

Congratulations girls..............SUPER STARS!

The students who represented St Marys District School in this tournament were: Isla (captain), Mieka, Ellie, Sienna, Indi, Emily, Paige, Layla and Lily.

Congratulations to our student representatives for having the courage to step up and give the tournament a go. We were up against teams consisting predominantly of grade 10 students, so our effort was outstanding.  There was some amazing teamwork, sportsmanship, resilience, encouragement and leadership on display throughout the day and most importantly, we all had heaps of fun.

A big thanks to Rachel McGiveron for coming along as our badged umpire, greatly appreciated thanks Rachel.

Thank you to Sommer for supporting this event, scoring each game and offering advice and encouragement to our team. Thanks to all the parents and friends who came along to support our team. Your encouragement was amazing. We always seem to have the largest and loudest cheer squad.

Thank you to Netball Tasmania for organising this event and offering this opportunity to our students.

Please enjoy some photos from the day.

Laura Swanson

HIGH SCHOOL NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS - BOYS 2025

On Friday 19 September, St Marys District School sent a team of boys to compete in the High School Netball Championships at the Silverdome in Launceston. There were 11 teams competing in the tournament, from both Independent and State Government schools in the north of the state.

Our team was very small this year, with only 7 participants- just enough for a team. They played hard all tournament, improving with each game and working together against much larger opponents. We were unfortunate not to get a win; there were some close games. Congratulations to the boys who not only represented with pride and determination, but also wonderful sportsmanship. 

Congratulations:

Byron, Wally, Dakoda, Ping, Lachy B, Levi and Ryan.

Thank you to our students who came along to help officiate at the tournament. These students took on the roles of umpires- Sienna and coaches- Isla, Mieka and Ellie. What amazing leadership you all showed and excellent encouragement for our team of boys.

Thank you also to Michelle Bennett for supporting this event, scoring every game and offering advice and encouragement to our team. Big thanks to Rachel McGiveron for umpiring both days for us, we really appreciate your support.

Thank you to Netball Tasmania for organising this event and offering this opportunity to our students.

We again had the largest cheer squad of parents/supporters from our community. Thank you, supporters. We were all highly entertained throughout the day but also extremely proud of our students, their conduct, the way they represented our school, their sportsmanship, teamwork and encouragement of each other.

Already looking forward to next year.

Laura Swanson

Please enjoy this fairy tale, written and illustrated by  Kinder

Grade 3 – 5 Swimming and Water Safety Programme

On the last day of our annual 10 day Statewide Grade 3 – 5 Swimming and Water Safety Programme, I would like to share a collection of pictures to show our community the huge array of learning opportunities provided to all our students – no matter what level of swimming and water safety ability.  A more detailed report will be provided after the holidays.  Miss Bramich, Mrs. Dudgeon and Mrs. Frost have been very impressed with the growth demonstrated by many of our students – particularly the Grade 3s who have not engaged in this programme before.

• How do I identify different emotions and feelings?
• How can I manage my different emotions and feelings?
• How do my emotions and feelings affect me and those around me?

That’s not fair!!    It wasn’t me!   You can share my toys!  It’s not my fault!   That’s mine!   Do you want to play with me?  I feel happy!  I cry sometimes when I am sad.     I get tummy butterflies when I am excited!

When educators begin to teach children to count using numbers or spell words, they use many explicit strategies to ensure our children learn the skills required by a certain age or by a certain grade.  There are many teaching tools that teachers use to support all learners.  Some children learn quickly, and some need a little extra time.   This is the same for teaching children to understand and manage their emotions and feelings. 

• A child who is losing a game might become angry and throw the game pieces off the table and onto the floor and storm off in a big huff!
• A child who doesn’t understand that their friend might want to play with another child during recess, might feel abandoned and upset. Another child might deal with situations with their fists and unkind words.
• A child who is uncomfortable in a situation, might not know how to express their feelings and might hide in the playground.

In  Prep- 2 Health Education, we have been learning that emotions are reactions our body has to different situations and feelings are the sensations we have in our mind that accompany our emotions.

• Our students are learning that the emotion comes first, and the feeling comes after that. Our students are understanding that emotions only last for a short time, but the feeling can last for much longer. 
• For example, a person might cry when losing a family pet. They might cry for hours or over a week – but they may feel sad for many months.
• A person might shriek or jump up and down with happiness when opening a much-wanted birthday gift. They don’t keep jumping up and down and shrieking with happiness for days or weeks, but the surprise, joy, gratitude and happiness they feel might last for a long time.

Our Prep to Grade 2 have been learning how to identify emotions and feelings through playing a range of different games.  They have been comparing different types of rules and explaining why we need rules.  Our students know what winning and losing means.  They have been extending their knowledge by trying to understand why some people react differently when they win or lose.  Some students didn’t worry if they lost but they explained why they felt irritated when their friends did not help pack up the game.  Some children began to understand that if they were a “bad loser”, their mood affected those around them.   

Please enjoy these wonderful pictures of our P – 2 children playing games.

Miss K Bramich

Kindergarten to Grade 6 Physical Education with Miss Bramich

During Term 3, our students have been engaging in many learning opportunities that have been designed to introduce, develop and refine a huge number of physical, emotional and social skills.  Each grade has had a different focus, depending on which aspect of the Australian HPE Curriculum that has been taught.  Our Kindergarten children have concentrated on a range of independent and group play activities with a focus on both fine and gross motor tasks including how to move our fingers and toes.  They have continued learning about sharing equipment, being safe and understanding the different words that support moving safely in different directions, eg. forward, backward, behind, next to, around, at the back, under, over and above.

Our Grade 3 – 6 students have focussed on learning games from other cultures, gymnastic and rhythmical movement, tactics and strategy in team games and on occasion, combining with other grades to share good PE times in a cooperative and collaborative manner.  Our students have followed explicit teaching to maximise skill acquisition.  They have then been given opportunities to use these skills to create their own movement sequences for assessment.

Please enjoy this selection of photos displaying a vast array of individual and group challenges.  Physical Education offers opportunities for students to display leadership and personal skills.  The learning area also offers positive inclusive experiences to ensure all students are safe, engaged, seen and heard.

Miss K Bramich

What is EdSmart?

EdSmart is an Australian-based communication and workflow platform. It has cloud-based software to enable schools to handle communication with parents/carers electronically.

How is SMDS using EdSmart?

One-way messages: Schools can send broadcast messages to individuals, classes, or all parent/carers for general notices and reminders. Broadcast messages are one-way, meaning there is no response expected from recipients. Example broadcasts include notices of school closures in inclement weather or reminders for start of term dates. 

• Two-way messages: Schools can send forms (known as slips in EdSmart) to parent/carers which require a response. 

Major Excursion Consent and  Medical Forms - A New and Easier Way!

We know how frusting it can be to fill out the same forms for every excursion and we  have good news - that's changing!  

Thanks to Edsmart and updates to DECYP Excursion planning guidelines, we can now send you one form each term to cover all major excursions.

What's Changing?

• You’ll receive one EdSmart form for all major excursions and activities for the upcoming term.
• This form gives permission and includes medical details — no more repeating the same info!
• Before each excursion, you’ll still get a detailed notice with all the usual information about the date, departure and return times, activities etc.

Need Help?  

If you’re unsure about the new process, our Admin Team is here to help.

Coming Soon - Edsmart Absences.

Soon our Admin Team will have completed the Absences training in Edsmart - which will change the way we communicate absences and how you respond.

How will it work for absentee notifications and responses?

You will be sent an email or SMS notification with a link to a secure online version of an absentee response form.

These links can be accessed on your phone, tablet or computer at your convenience.

What about Privacy & Data Security? 

All of the data you submit in the forms is held in a secure database only accessible to authorised DECYP, school staff and EdSmart personnel.

EdSmart is accredited to Australian information security standards

Reducing skin cancer risk

A reminder to families that hats are required to be worn during outside activities in Term 4.

Has yours gone missing?  Hats are available from the School Admin Office.

UV exposure during childhood has a big impact on skin cancer risk – but it’s almost entirely preventable with good UV protection.

SunSmart recommends to reduce UV exposure and encourage the use of all five forms of sun protection:

• Whenever the UV Index hits 3 or above, cover up and protect your skin.
• When you cover up, you create a barrier between yourself and UV.
• Protect your skin by wearing a hat, clothing and sunglasses, apply sunscreen to any skin you can still see and enjoy shady areas outdoors.
• Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

For  more information and resources visit :  Protect your skin - SunSmart

What Is Health Literacy—and Why Does It Matter?

Health literacy means knowing how to find, understand, and use health information to make good choices for yourself and your family. It’s not just about reading—it’s about asking questions, knowing where to go for help, and feeling confident when talking to doctors, nurses, or teachers.

According to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, health literacy helps families work better with health professionals and make safer decisions. But did you know that 60% of Australians have low health literacy? That means many people struggle to understand health advice or know what to do when someone is sick.

Here are some ways families can build health literacy:

• Talk to your child about health in everyday life—like why we wash hands or wear sunscreen
• Use trusted websites like Healthdirect (https://healthdirect.gov.au) or Eat For Health (https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au) for simple, clear advice
• Encourage kids to ask questions at the doctor or school nurse
• Share health information in ways your child can understand—using pictures, stories, or games

When children learn about health early, they grow up feeling confident and capable. And when parents feel informed, they can better support their child’s wellbeing.

Let’s work together to build strong, healthy families—starting with knowledge!

The new 2025 Tasmania Fire Service Bushfire-Ready Challenge is coming this Spring!

This completely online experience will challenge you across 4 weeks, prompting you to understand your bushfire risk, create a bushfire plan, complete a property assessment, put together an emergency kit, and most importantly keep your household safe!

Register now and ensure you're ready for the bushfire season. https://bushfire.tas.gov.au/bushfire-challenge/bushfire-ready-challenge

Why not invite others? Share this message and encourage friends and family to register to increase their bushfire safety knowledge and strengthen our community's preparedness.

Questions? Email us at community@fire.tas.gov.au

Take it on. Be prepared.

Expressions of interest for the Newstead College residence for 2026 are now open!

View the details about the residence and express your interest here: Newstead Residence - Newstead College (education.tas.edu.au)

Please note, there have been significant changes to the management and processes associated with the Residence- view the PDF below for more information. 

School Satisfaction Survey 2025 – Thank you

The 2025 Families School Satisfaction Survey has closed

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Families School Satisfaction Survey 2025. Your feedback is very important to help us improve our schools and practice.

The survey is now closed, and schools will receive summaries of the results in Term 4. Responses from individuals or small groups will NOT be disclosed to anyone.

School Holiday Program

* Event is organised and managed by Community organisations external to SMDS

REGISTRATIONS:  Register | PlayHQ