Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 4!  Students have had a very positive start to the term. It has been wonderful to see students so settled and ready for learning as well as enjoying other aspects of school life. In the first two weeks of term, students across the school have been involved in some exciting activities and opportunities including the Hurricanes Cricket trials, Year 9 Camp, the Break O’Day Christmas Sign judging, a Year 6 transition excursion to Rostrevor, a Kinder Intergeneratonal Play local excursion and some very excited pre-kinder children experienced their first session in the Kindergarten. Also this week, Prep to Year 10 students commenced PAT testing in Reading and Mathematics. This assessment will provide important information about student progress and inform future teaching and learning support and strategies.

Staffing News

This term we are pleased to welcome Mr Matthew Pinkerton to our teaching staff. Matt joins our English team in the secondary area and brings with him a broad range of experiences from his twelve years working in schools in Western Australia. 

Last week we farewelled Mrs Susan Scolyer from her role as Quality Teaching Coach. Susan has accepted a position working as a Project Officer within DECYP’s Lifting Literacy team. My thanks to Susan for her contribution to our school and wish her well in her new role.

Student Wellbeing and Positive School Culture

Last term students in years 4-12 undertook the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey. Data from this survey has just been returned to the school and first indications are showing positive trends for students across all year groups. Continuing our intensive focus on student wellbeing and engagement, including the implementation of strategies such as The Resilience Project are making a difference for our children and young people.

Key messages students reported were:

• Increased wellbeing in all Learning indicators – Engagement with teachers, Engagement (work flow), Perseverance, Cognitive Engagement, Academic self concept and Learning practices
• Increased wellbeing in Connectedness to adults, School belonging, Peer belonging, School climate and feeling safe at school

An increase in students:

• Satisfaction with life
• Emotional regulation
• Motivation to achieve goals

Further analysis of this data will be a focus for teachers on the Student Free Day on Friday 1 November.

Making Every School Day Count

It is hard to believe we are heading into week three of the final term for the 2024 school year.  Term 4 is a busy term with lots of out of class learning opportunities already scheduled in our calendar including some exciting excursions and carnivals as well as our Year 10 celebration events.

This final stretch of the school year can sometimes be challenging to get your children to school. But being at school is the best place for them to be, and it’s important we make every school day count.

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.

Here are some tips to help:

• Create a routine.
• Give yourself enough time in the morning.
• Be on time, every day. Monday to Friday.
• Schedule appointments and trips outside of school hours.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Set some technology boundaries.

If your child is well enough to attend school, they should be at school. Every day, Monday to Friday. Data tells us that the better a child’s attendance rate, the better off they’ll be. Their future will be filled with more opportunities…. which is what every parent and carer wants for their child.

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.

Again, please talk to us about your situation if you’re having trouble getting your child to school every day.

Professional Learning Day for staff

Please note that Friday 1 November is a Professional Learning Day for staff and therefore students are not required to attend on this day.  This leads into the long weekend on Monday 6 November.  These Professional Learning Days are incredibly valuable opportunities for staff to collaborate and apply our value of Growth to developing our skills, knowledge and understanding of our work.  Teachers are learners too!  We appreciate our community’s understanding and support of these days, particularly as we acknowledge that it can cause issues for families with care and supervision arrangements.

World Teachers Day

World Teachers Day is today, 25 October. I would like to acknowledge our dedicated teaching staff for all that they do for our students, which often goes far beyond teaching in the classroom.  We have an exceptional team of teachers, both permanent and relief, at our school for which I am very thankful.  Hats off to our teachers! 

This term will seem to go by very quickly. I encourage all students to work hard, follow our school values and expectations and make the most of the final term of the year.

Regards

Carolyn Watson
Principal

This year’s Grade 9 Camp was a great success, filled with adventure, teamwork, and lasting memories. From 14-16 October, students had the incredible opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Hobart while participating in a variety of engaging activities designed to foster camaraderie and personal growth. 

Exploring Tasmania’s History and Nature 

The camp kicked off with an insightful tour of the Parliament of Tasmania, where students had the privilege to meet with Rebecca White MP and former MP Dean Young. This experience not only provided a fascinating glimpse into the workings of state government but also allowed students to engage in meaningful discussions about civic responsibility and leadership. 

Next, the group embarked on an invigorating climb to Mt Wellington. The breathtaking views from the summit were well worth the effort, and students took the opportunity to bond while enjoying nature’s beauty. 

The camp also included a captivating Notorious Stumpets and Dangerous Girls tour at the Cascades Female Factory, where students learned about the rich history of the site and the stories of the women who lived there. This unique experience deepened their understanding of Tasmania’s heritage and the struggles faced by those in the past. 

Team Building and Fun Activities 

After a day of exploration, students returned to their accommodation at Dodges Ferry, where the fun continued with a packed schedule of team-building activities. They participated in wheelchair basketball and AFL, promoting inclusivity and teamwork. Rock climbing challenges tested their skills and determination, while various initiatives further encouraged collaboration and problem-solving. 

Throughout these activities, we were immensely proud of the students’ resilience and enthusiasm. They approached each challenge with a positive attitude, supporting one another and showcasing their determination to complete tasks together. Their teamwork and perseverance were truly inspiring! 

The evenings were filled with entertainment, including a movie night, providing a perfect chance for students to unwind and enjoy each other's company. The gaming room buzzed with energy as students engaged in friendly competition over pool, table tennis, and air hockey. The outdoor playground, complete with slides, was a hit for everyone! 

Reflections 

Overall, the Grade 9 Camp was an enriching experience that combined education, adventure, and plenty of fun. Students returned home not only with new friendships but also with a greater appreciation for their surroundings and each other. 

A big thank you to the teachers and staff who organised this fantastic trip and to the students for making it such a memorable event.  

Last term St Marys District School had the privilege of hosting the R U OK? Conversation Convoy on school grounds.

The R U OK? Conversation Convoy travels to regional communities around the country to help Australians understand the important role they can play in looking out for their friends, family and colleagues.  

Community Director, Lach – from R U OK?  sent through a snippet of their time in Tasmania.  The crew from R U OK? were super impressed with our students and the opportunities that are available for them to engage in.   

"At St Marys District School we were invited to speak to all students from Year 7 to Year 10, breaking them into small groups for in-depth conversations about what it means to have an R U OK? culture at school, before then meeting parents and teachers at a School Open Farm Day, where the ‘Taste of Tassie' was definitely on display in their paddock to plate set up." 

"To hear of how so many students are benefiting from the practical learning of the farm skills and hospitality courses on offer, shows just how hard the school community is working to engage and encourage students in the Northeast of the state." 

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up.  Please follow the link for resources and strategies to feel confident on how to ask if someone is OK. 

How to ask "Are you OK?" | R U OK? 

Some pictures of our first two week of Term 4.

Please enjoy.

It has been a positive start to Term 4 in our secondary classes. We welcome Mr Matt Pinkerton to our school. Mr Pinkerton will be teaching secondary English and HaSS while taking over as the Year 10 Class Teacher. The Year 9 Hobart Camp was a great success and a wonderful way for these students to commence the term.  
 
We are excited to see our students continue to strive for success this term, especially with the upcoming Secondary Athletics Carnival on the horizon. Additionally, we are busy preparing for our Year 10 end-of-year celebrations, which promise to be a memorable way to mark the conclusion of the year. 

Progressing Achievement Testing (PAT) 

This week, our students have been participating in the Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT), which measures growth in Reading and Mathematics. These assessments are crucial as they help us identify areas where additional support may be needed, ensuring that each student receives the resources necessary to thrive in these key subjects. We appreciate the efforts of our students as they engage with these assessments. 

Student Leadership Elections 

Excitement is in the air as we kick off the nomination process for the 2025 Student Leadership Board! Students in Years 8 and 9 interested in taking on leadership roles will participate in interviews with members of the School Leadership Group. Following this, they will deliver speeches to their peers in Grades 3 to 9 during Week 5. We encourage all students to consider this valuable opportunity to make a difference in our school community. The successful candidates will be announced at the Presentation Assembly in Week 9. 

Drama Performance 

Our 9/10 Drama Elective students are gearing up to showcase their talents with a performance of a modified version of "Romeo and Juliet." This exciting event will take place on Thursday, 31 October, at 1:30 PM, and all parents of Drama students are warmly invited to attend. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity for students to display their hard work and creativity, while also entertaining our younger primary school students. 

College Enrolment Conversations 

Next week, we will host College Enrolment Conversations on campus, featuring representatives from both Newstead College and Launceston College. These discussions are an essential part of our students’ journey as they explore their future pathways. We encourage all students to actively engage in these conversations, ask questions, and consider their options as they prepare for the next steps in their education. 

Year 10 Exams

Students in Year 10 will have the option to sit for exams in English, Mathematics, Science and HaSS in Week 4. These are a valuable experience for students as they transition to Senior School to demonstrate learning and skills under exam conditions.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to foster an environment of growth, leadership, and creativity within our school community!  

Stephen Smith 
Assistant Principal 

The Grade 4/5 students have been hard at work completing their healthy frog habitat dioramas and crafting clay frogs. These creations will contribute to the interactive art installation featured in the upcoming art exhibition.

Term 4 PE has begun with students engaging in a range of exciting and fun learning opportunities. Our Kindergarten to Grade 2 students will be experiencing traditional cultural games played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They are incorporating geography into their learning by identifying where in Australia certain activities are played. To value-add to their vocabulary, our students are learning some indigenous words to describe equipment used to play games eg. a ball is called a " jillara", a bowl is called a "pirrha", a team is called a "totem". Our K-2 students are also participating in another unit of work using " nets". 

Grade 3 - 6 students have two main units this term to learn, develop and refine their skills and knowledge in PE. Students will be commencing PE Aquatics from Week 3 - 6. Currently, they have begun a unit called "Body Rhythm". Our students are learning traditional dances from around the world including traditional folk dances and Australian bush dancing. They are also composing individual/ group rhythm drumming sequences using "drum pipes". These are 50cm lengths of hollow black polypipe. What fabulous sounds these create!!  Please enjoy this selection of PE photos from Week 1 and 2 this term.

Karen Bramich.

These notices have been sent home to parents in the last fortnight.  If you did not receive one and would like to receive a copy of the notice, please contact the school office on 63 723 900.

PRIMARY

• Grade 3 Sleepover - Wednesday 30 October 2024
• Prep/1 & Grade 1/2 classes - Excursion to Easy Tiger Cinema - Monday 28 October 2024
• Kindergarten - Vist from local SES volunteers - Wednesday 30 Octobeer 2024