27 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Welcome to our first digital newsletter! I hope that this new format will provide our school community a richer and more informative news than in the past. We will also be able to provide more media content in the way of multiple photos and videos. I would like to thank our administration staff for the extra training and work needed to get this edition to publishing stage. Please enjoy!

Not long before the holidays we heard that $190,000 dollars has been earmarked for our school to upgrade the Gymnasium, a facility that has long been in need of refurbishment. Work is to commence as soon as possible and will be completed before the end of this financial year. In addition, the capital works funding we were to receive in the 2019-20 financial year has been brought forward, with the planning stage commencing this financial year and the building work completed by the end of the 2017-18 financial year. With the new newsletter format we will be able to provide regular photo and video updates. The capital investment provides for major redevelopment to provide learning environments including music and performing arts, sufficient staff and support areas, amenities and administration facilities. The project will also include allowances for furniture and equipment, supply and installation of an artwork as required under the governments Arts@Work program. Between the Capital Investment Program and the minor works initiative, there will be in excess of $5.2 million dollars spent on the school site and this will no doubt provide a quality contemporary learning environment now and into the future.

Next week, Wednesday 2nd November at 7:00pm we will have an information session on Years 11/12 at St Marys District School in 2017. If you do not have a child in year 10 but are interested in attending you are most welcome.

Congratulations to Charlotte Lockwood-Roden for her success in the National History Challenge and her award winning account of Truganini.

During the holidays I travelled to Cambodia with 16 of the most amazing students. I have never been so proud of the manners, behaviour, conduct and respect shown by our students during our visit of Cambodia and Singapore. We saw some amazing historical sites, and some emotionally challenging. I am sure the learning from this experience will stay with them for a very, very long time. They worked extremely hard in an oppressive and humid climate. Thank you to all of our students for representing our school and community in such a positive way. On behalf of the students I would like to thank the following parents/grandparent/staff, who travelled with us and supported the students.:- Meaghan Harvey, Jennifer Sliskovic, Dianne Garwood, Karen Campbell, Ros Smith, Hannah Papworth and Charlotte Gray. Thank you also to our tour organiser Melissa Storey for keeping us all busy and safe.

CAMBODIA HIGHLIGHTS

On Thursday 22nd September twenty four intrepid travellers travelled to Cambodia for the 2016 Cambodia Friendship School visit. We had raised over $6,500 prior to our travel and would like to sincerely thank our local communities and the many individuals and business who so generously supported us and Donsava Primary School.

Our project this year was to replace the school fence, and the team painted the new school fence over several days, along with the children from Donsava Primary School. As we had raised additional money, we were also able to pay for the tiles in a classroom, buy a years' supply of exercise books for the whole school and purchase some uniforms and stationery items.

In addition to meeting the children, staff and community at our friendship school, we also immersed ourselves in the culture of the wonderful Cambodian people.

We visited many temples, shopped in markets, rode in tuk tuk's, saw silkworms and crafts men and women making local crafts, swam and swam in the hotel pool, had a blessing from a monk, drank lots of smoothies and ate lots of rice, watched apsaka dancing, visited the landing museum, toured the local village, saw six people on one motor bike, took a cooking class, nursed and ate tarantulas and scorpions!, travelled to Phenom Phen – 48 hours on a bus, visited the S21 Prison Camp and the Killing Fields, met the oldest child survivor of S21 (one of only 4), saw the Emperors Palace and the Silver Pagoda, saw all the treasures at the National Museum, saw 30 people in one van (3 more got in later!), floated at the Floating Villages, swam at a sacred waterfall, played fair games at a local fair and helped a local family make rice noodles.

We then travelled to Singapore where we saw lots more temples, watched Miss Smith get ultra excited at the otter enclosure at Singapore Zoo and went on every ride at Universal Studios. We then had the long flight home to our families.

Thank you everyone for supporting our adventure and hopefully we will be able to do it all again in 2017

2016 Cambodia Trip

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2016 Cambodia Trip

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GRADE 7-10 SPORTS EXCHANGE

Wednesday 21st September 2016

In the last week of Term 3, secondary students travelled to St Helens to participate in a sports and activities exchange. Some of the sports and activities included: Netball, Basketball, Futsal, Cooking, Art and Photography and Drama. Netball and Basketball were held at the Community Stadium. The day was a huge success and students enjoyed participating in their chosen sport or activity. St Marys dominated the basketball and netball events while St Helens were top in the futsal and cooking challenges. A huge thanks must go to Mr H and Mr Park from St Helens for organising the day and hosting it. Thanks also to the St Helens Netball Association for providing a $200 donation to assist our participation and to Darren Calow and Calow's Coaches for donating the use of buses for the day. There was a lovely atmosphere during the day and we look forward to a bigger and better event next year.

Laura Swanson

Grade 7-10 Sports Exchange

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Grade 7-10 Sports Exchange

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YEAR 9-10 ENGLISH

Year 9/10 English students are currently studying Poetry, as part of this study an extension assignment on the Romantic Era of Poetry was offered to all students. Below is a masterful essay by Freya Prebble on this poetic era.

The Romantic Poetry Era

The Romantic Poetry era began mainly throughout Western Europe, in around the time of the late 18th century and continued to the early 19th. Romanticism was an exorbitantly large artistic movement. The words and phrases used by countless poets during this time greatly influenced not only aspiring poets throughout the world at the time but contemporary poetry today. "In spite of difference of soil and climate, of language and manners, of laws and customs, in spite of things silently gone out of mind and things violently destroyed, the Poet binds together by passion and knowledge the vast empire of human society, as it is spread over the whole earth, and over all time. The objects of the Poet's thoughts are everywhere; though the eyes and senses of man are, it is true, his favourite guides, yet he will follow wheresoever he can find an atmosphere of sensation in which to move his wings. Poetry is the first and last of all knowledge—it is as immortal as the heart of man."—William Wordsworth, Preface to Lyrical Ballads1*. This particular quote really delves deeply into the true meaning of what poetry is. The many different kinds of poetry, not just Romanticism set it aside as a unique, classic and extraordinary writing style. Romantic Poetry in itself explores emotional and physical passions, the admiration for the world surrounding us and idealism and dreams. It can intricately connect with the mind of the reader on a spiritual level, thus having a significantly strong hold in the portrayal of human reverence, even in the modern day.

No matter where one might be within the world nor what time they lived in, romantics and the lavishes that go with them, remain the same. The words of romanticism flow within the modern world just as much as they did centuries ago, whether they are represented in different forms or not. Poems by the famous romantics of the 18th and 19th century, are still studied, read and recited today. Poets such as William Wordsworth, John Keats and William Blake painted many different scenes and emotion with their words, "Awake for ever in a sweet unrest, Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, And so live ever-or else swoon to death."- John Keats, Bright Star2*. These sentimental and soft natured words are some of many that expressed the inner most desires and thoughts of John Keats. Despite the similarities between the poet's work during the Romantic Poetry era and others of the time, every different piece of work has a different underlying meaning. Every word comes from the mind and heart of each individual artist. Every poem is written in uniqueness and no matter how comparable the pieces of poetry are, they are written in absolute singularity.

Romantic Poetry is about romanticising the very essence of any one thing within the world. It does not necessarily have to be written about the woes of the heart and the pining for a loved one. In many poems, especially written within the Romantic Poetry era, Mother Nature is often emphasised and revered; romanticised in flawless and epic descriptions. "Nor fear, nor grief, nor vain perplexity. So will I build my altar in the fields, And the blue sky my fretted dome shall be, And the sweet fragrance that the wild flower yields"- Samuel Taylor Coleridge, To Nature 4*. Poems such as To Nature describe the bewitching picturesque of nature in pure terms. Many naturistic poems from the era become pessimistic towards city life or the Industrial Revolution.

When the Romantic Poetry era stretched out further within Europe and reached England, the Industrial Revolution had already begun and thus influenced many a writer, especially those living in cities. City life was often referenced and spoken about. William Blake, who is now regarded as one of the finest poets in the English language, was born and spent most of his life in the city of London (1757 – 1827). He shaped many of his poems around the natural beauty he saw around him but he was also influenced by the industrialised city surrounding. He was able to see the sombre sight of his home. "How the chimney-sweeper's cry. Every blackening church appals And the hapless soldier's sigh, Runs in blood down palace-walls."- William Blake, London3*. London is one of Blake's shortest and most revered poems today, despite him being extremely misunderstood and unappreciated at the time. The poem is dark but raw in its truth. In spite of its depth and sullenness it is still romantic poetry nonetheless and is still very much studied in reference to the era.

Romantic poetry is an extremely important part of the writing world. Many poets from the era are highly esteemed for their work in the romantic arts, no matter how dismal or dark and no matter how deep. The poems were the way the poet expressed their individual experiences and shared their idealistic imagination. The Era of romanticism took place in Europe during the late 1700s but in expanded greatly throughout the rest of not only Europe but the rest of the world. Spreading its words of passionate utopia. Romantic poetry is the poetry of a particular time. A time that held the endless and seamless artistic, literary, intellectual and musical movement we know as the Romantic Poetry Era.

References:

1. Goodreads, 2014, "Preface to Lyrical Ballads, by William Wordsworth", Preface to the Lyrical Ballads Quotes, accessed 18/08/16,

2. Poet seers, 2015, "Bright Star", The Romantic Poets, accessed 23/08/16,

3. Poet seers, 2015, "London", The Romantic Poets, accessed 25/08/16,

4. Poet seers, 2015, "To Nature", The Romantic Poets, accessed 25/08/16,

5. Poets, 2004, "A Brief Guide to Romanticism", Texts, accessed 25/08/2016,

6. Bachelor and master, 2012, "Romantic Poetry - Definition of Literary Term", Literature, accessed 29/08/16,

7. British Library, 2015, "The Romantics", Discovering Literature: Romantics and Victorians, accessed 29/08/16,

FRED HOLLOWS HUMANITY AWARD

On the 23rd September, Catherine Thomas and I went to Hobart to receive the Fred Hollows Award. It was located in Parliament House where we met the Premier, Will Hodgman and Fred's wife, Gabi Hollows.

Fred Hollows was an amazing eye doctor who went to remote places to help those who could not afford eye care. One of Fred's famous quotes is "every eye is an eye when your doing eye surgery in the developing world it is just as if you were doing it on the king".

The boy who won the ambassadors award is Logan Atkinson.

It was an amazing experience. There were 23 schools and 29 nominees.

After we got bags. In the bags we got a pen, bag and a DVD.

By Deon King

On the 23rd September 2016 Deon and I travelled down to Hobart for the Fred Hollows Humanity Award at Parliament House. There were 23 schools from across Tasmania and 29 nominees. All 29 nominees got the Fred Hollow Humanity Award. Gabi Hollows presented the awards to all the nominees. Will Hodgman helped present the awards. I was one of four finalists for the junior ambassador. Gabi Hollows signed the back of my award.

By Catherine Thomas

B CLASS OF 1966 REUNION

It was a pleasure to host the 50th year reunion of a wonderful group of people representing students and staff of B Class, 1966 on Saturday 15 October.

The group of 25 ex students enjoyed a tour of the school and morning tea, prepared by our catering students.

Current staff members hosting the group were treated to lots of anecdotes, hearing the old school song and viewed lots of memorabilia including Technical Drawing boxes and plans, beautiful sewing sampler books with exquisite needlework and graphics as well as original uniforms worn at that time. We learnt about the story behind the room number ½ above Miss Smith's office door, which was placed there by a student because it was such a small room. We saw our MDT facilities through the eyes of former students and the MDT teacher. The ladies were thrilled to visit this space as 50 years ago MDT and trades was a boys only area. We heard about the pranks the students played on each other and on some unsuspecting staff - learning that the antics of students hasn't changed much in half a century.

While the group had noticed lots of changes as our school has grown in the last 50 years, one thing they all commented on was the feeling that we still offer a personal and family like atmosphere at our school.

It was a pleasure hosting this group in our school.

B Class Reunion

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B Class Reunion

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GRADE 5/6 PORT ARTHUR EXCURSION

THE JOURNEY TO PORT ARTHUR

The journey to Port Arthur was a long one. Over 50 children cooped up on a bus almost bored to death. It seemed as though the ride from Richmond was shorter, maybe it was the hyper activeness or the joy of having something to do.

It was a 45 minute drive to Campbell Town and we didn't end up staying that long. After about 10 minutes there it started to rain then five seconds later it started to hail. Running in the direction of the hail to get to the bus hurt.

It was another hour and a half to get to Richmond and it felt like way longer because we all wanted lollies.

In Richmond we ate lunch then went to the lolly shop. It was massive!!!! You had so many choices. I got a blackcurrant ring pop, a candy lipstick and a variety bag. It started raining after the second last group went to the lolly shop, so Jasmine, Taylia, Coneeka, Zoe and myself got the back seat.

My pillow pet was a huge hit on the bus but when we got bored of it we made fun out of showing our lollies to each other for the fifth time and telling funny/scary stories.

We stopped at the Dog Line in Eagle Hawk Neck. After we didn't listen for a while, Miss Papworth's instructions were to run to the beach as fast as you can. Then five minutes after we got to the beach it started to rain. We ran to the bus praying the rain would go away and thankfully it did.

We got to the cabins at 2.30ish and spent the next hour and a bit settling in and watching Sponge Bob. We walked to the historic site and then when we got there it started to rain.

THE END

Mahalia Baldwin Grade 5

THE GHOST TOUR

On the first night of camp we went to the Ghost Tour. Everyone had to rug up so we didn't freeze. Some brought flashlights, others brought raincoats because there was a chance of rain. We got onto the bus and travelled the road. Some excited, some scared. When we arrived at the Information Centre we stood in our numbers and waited in the bright-lighted room. A group of girls and boys were taken to do their tour and the rest settled for talking.

When the second group left we were greeted by a black jacketed man, his face covered by a small hood. On his chest he wore a name tag with the name: Lynton, and in his pocket a walkie-talkie crackled. He directed us to the second entrance of the centre and handed our lanterns, some electric.

We walked down to an entrance and he introduced himself. He promised a scary night, "some of these stories are true, some are legends passed down through the ages". He began, his big shoes thundered on the steps where he stopped. His face illuminated by the lanterns being held by Darcy and Aaron, who were the lantern bearers.

"There have been cases of people seeing things –ghost – in the worst case people have felt their hair being pulled and once being shoved against a wall, but if anything happened to you don't ask me for help, I ain't a ghostbuster". Some giggled, then he said a saying, something about biting the dust.

We began our walk towards a huge church, the bell tower illuminated by a red light. In two different cases two men had died. One was killed by a pick axe's blow. Another fell while building the roof, others thought he was pushed. Many agreed they heard singing, some swore they heard a shadow block the light from the bell tower.

Two girls arrived from group one, with large, frighted eyes.

Afterwards we trekked to the Reverend George's House, and the haunting stories. We travelled past a cottage where children used to live, after we went down some steps to a room – The Dissection Room. Doctors and surgeons had cut open dead convicts to figure out what was inside of them, an illegal process.

We left and walked towards the solitary confinement prison, this was where people had their hair pulled by convict spirits. Only one man had committed suicide. When we travelled back on the bus we all hoped nothing had followed up back.

By Amy Norris Grade 5/6a

2016 Port Arthur Excursion

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2016 Port Arthur Excursion

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ARTS ON TOUR

Rehearsals are in full swing for the upcoming Arts On Tour Program. There will be a performance in the School Hall on Thursday 24th November, at 7.00pm.

THANK YOU

DONATION FROM BICHENO LIONS CLUB

The Bicheno Lions Club have generously made a donation of $1,000 to our schools Music Department. The Lions Club have made regular donations to the school over the last few years. Funds are raised each year through the Rockpool Music Concert, an annual event held each year on Sunday of the March Long Weekend. The concert often features past and present students who are given an opportunity to perform as well as other local and interstate performers. Huge thank you to the President, Mr Peter Warner and Club members for their continued generosity.

GRADE 2/3/4 FINGAL CAMPUS

In Numeracy we have been learning about angles and using a protractor.

We are learning about right angles, acute angles, obtuse angles, reflex angles and parallel lines.

Right angle – 90 degrees
Obtuse angle – bigger than 90 degrees
Acute angle – is less than 90 degrees

Parallel lines are always the same distance apart. They will never meet.

Perpendicular lines always cross at right angles.

Grade 2/3/4 Angle work

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Grade 2/3/4 Angle work

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COUNTRY GOLD

St Marys District School were well represented at the Country Gold Carnivals which were held in Launceston late last term. There were thirteen students selected in the teams and one emergency. The most exciting thing was the recognition of the leadership qualities of our students by their appointment as captains of their teams.

The football team finished in 4th place after winning three out of four games on the first day. Aaron Mason was named in the ALL-STAR team for 2016.

The soccer boys were undefeated and Darcey Scott was named in the ALL-STAR 2016 team.

The A netball team made the grand final but unfortunately lost by a goal. Evelyn Stuart was named in the ALL-STAR team for 2016.

The B team won three game and lost two by narrow margins.

Country Gold Presentations

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Country Gold Presentations

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ST.MARYS PASS – ROAD CLOSURE

The Department of State Growth will soon commence stabilisation works on St Marys Pass on Esk Main Road. These works will commence in late-October 2016 and will cease in mid-December 2016.

Tasmanian company VEC Shaw Joint Venture has been awarded the construction contract for these works. It is expected that the contractor will commence on site from Monday, 24 October 2016.

From Monday, 31 October 2016 until Monday, 16 December 2016, St Marys Pass will be closed to all traffic from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Outside of these hours, works will continue under traffic management and motorists may experience short delays.

Access to the East Coast will be available via Elephant Pass Road at all times.

Variable Message Boards will soon be installed in the area to advise motorists of upcoming works and closures.

Further information about the project can be found on the Department of State Growth website:

For any queries regarding these works please contact the State Growth Project Manager, Allan Lee on 03 6166 3419 or by email at info@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

Kind regards
Sarah Casey | A/G Project Officer
Project Services Branch | Department of State Growth
10 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000 | GPO Box 536, Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: (03) 6166 3425