21 December 2017
Newsletter Articles
- PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
- 2017 Prize List
- GRADE 10 GRADUATION
- Kindergarten East Coast Natureworld Excursion
- The ConocoPhillips Science Experiement
- DERBY CAMP 2017
- MENTOR PROGRAM
- Year 8 English
- ST.MARYS SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
- GRADE 2-3 AND 3-4 BICHENO EXCURSION
- KINDER POOL SESSIONS
- Grade Prep-1 Certificates for December Assembly
- Grade 1-2 Certificates for December Assembly
- Grade 2-3 Certificates for December Assembly
- Grade 3-4 Certificates for December Assembly
- Grade 4-5 Certificates for December Assembly
- Grade 6 Certificates for December Assembly
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
What is education? What is an education? As a parent it can mean different things to different people. But what does it mean for our students today?
Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. Educational methods include storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, but learners may also educate themselves.
"Education is really aimed at helping students get to the point where they can learn on their own. . . " says renowned linguist, philosopher, historian, and scientist, Noam Chomsky.
For years educators based the purpose of education on the definition by a man called John Dewey, who said " — the general purpose of school is to transfer knowledge and prepare young people to participate in … a democratic society." Today, that definition is inadequate for the 21st century. Instead the purpose of schools must be to prepare children to compete in the global environment. So how do we do that? What is it that we have to do if we are to adequately prepare our students? What do we need to do to prepare our Kindergarten students for year 10, 2030. Watch the video.
Some of the key elements in the YouTube video are how do we plan, prepare and educate students for jobs that don’t even exist yet? For technologies that haven’t been invented? In order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet?
In addition and as a result of technology, school education is increasingly becoming complex, extremely time consuming and challenging. I am on my 4th curriculum in the space of 20 years.
Next year we, with support from the Department of Education, will be rolling out an online platform for staff and students called CANVAS. This online platform will be used heavily as a tool for teachers and students. This tool will provide a platform for students to not only access learning 24/7 but to also allow for a differentiated approach to learning. There is a real shift occurring in education and it is moving at a fast pace. It is crucial that we keep up, if we are to prepare our young people for this technological determined world we live in. We are told that the impact of artificial intelligence and robots will make the internet look like child’s play. Something to ponder over the holidays.
Kind Regards
Bruce Campbell
Principal
School Calendar
2017 Prize List
Primary Awards
Merit Certificates for Outstanding Application
KINDER HIBBERD:
- JUDD WILSON
- ELKA WOODS
- SHILOH FAULKNER
KINDER/PREP/1 NICOL:
- BAILEY FREEMAN
- BIANCA FREEMAN
- LILY WOODS
PREP/1 GRAY/MASON:
- CHARLIZE SPEERS
- MILES CHANDLER
- HALLE GILLIES
1/2 BENNETT/BURBURY:
- RUBY HOSKINSON
- PING LI
- JACK SWEET
2/3/4/5 MACQUEEN/KELLY:
- ALEX SYKA
- TYSEN GAMBLE
- MONTANNA REECE
2/3 CROMB
- WALLY FREIBOTH
- MIA HIBBERD
- TYLER SPEERS
3/4 COOKE:
- HELAYNA MCGIVERON
- TARRAN BHARDWAJ
- MARCUS COTTRELL
4/5 STANFORD/COOK:
- JAY BHARDWAJ
- JAYDEN CLARK
- KATY BOND
6 PAPWORTH:
- CHELSEA JACKSON
- TAYLOR JONES
- SAM JORDAN
Academic Awards for Outstanding Achievement
Donated by Hon. Rene Hidding MP.
- GRADE 3: AVA HOWORKA
- GRADE 4: AMELIA MASON
- GRADE 5: OLIVIA BONNER
- GRADE 6: ELVIS RUSSELL
Grade 6 Citizenship Award
Donated by Northern Children’s Network.
- AVA LOCKWOOD-RODEN
GRADE 6 Health & Physical Education Award
Donated by Barry Le Fevre:
- JAKOBE TATNELL
Primary School Sport Tasmania Sportsperson of the Year Award
- RUBY CHURCHILL
East North East Sports Award
- RUBY CHURCHILL
Prue Wardlaw Memorial Award for commitment to self-improvement in Primary Literacy
- BRO CHIPPINDALE
St Marys District School Award for commitment to self-improvement in Primary Numeracy
- ANGUS LOCKWOOD-RODEN
Grade 7/8 Awards
Merit Certificates for Outstanding Application
GRADE 7:
- EVELYN STEWART
- KATE AULICH
GRADE 7/8:
- DARCEY SCOTT
- MONIQUE DUFTY
GRADE 8:
- AYLSSA COOK
- CHLOE MALLEY
- TAHLIA RANDALL
Academic Awards for Outstanding Achievement
Donated by RSL St Marys-St Helens Sub Branch Inc.
- GRADE 7: NATHAN SPURLING
- GRADE 8: CHARLOTTE LOCKWOOD-RODEN
Sporting Achievement Awards
Donated by Calows Coaches
- GRADE 7: DARCEY SCOTT
- GRADE 8: TAHLIA RANDALL
Design and Fabrication Awards
- HOGAN REID
- JAKE KERR
- DYLAN PLOWRIGHT
- BILL WHELAN
- ETHAN PARKER
- BRAYDEN SINGLINE
Grade 9 Awards
Merit Awards for Outstanding Application
GRADE 9A
- SEBASTIAN DEAN-PURCELL
- JACK PEDDER
GRADE 9B
- MOOCHIE JARVIS
- CHARLOTTE HARVEY
Academic Award for Outstanding Achievement
Donated by Tania Rattray MLC
- LAURA SLISKOVIC
Sporting Achievement Award
Donated by Eyelines
- BREANNA BROUGHAN
Ricoh Award for All Round Achievement
Donated by Ricoh
- ANNE STEWART
6ty° STEM Incentive Award
Donated by 6ty
- DAVID ESCOBAR
Grade 10 Awards
Grade 10 Merit Awards for Outstanding Application
- NIKAYLA DAWSON
- SOPHIE GUY
Subject Prizes
Donated by St. Marys District School Association & St Marys Lions Club
Health and PE
- JACOB VINEY
English
- SARA GREENWOOD
Science
- SARA GREENWOOD
Mathematics
- BREANNA SINGLINE
Visual Art
- SARA GREENWOOD
Music
- SAREE SALTER
HaSS
- BREANNA SINGLINE
Speech & Drama
- SARA GREENWOOD
Foods
- ISABELLE JARVIS
Grade 10 Special Awards
Jean Schier Memorial Award for Sportsmanship
Donated by the Schier Family
- BREANNA SINGLINE
Award for Drama
Donated by Robyn Hickey
- LIAM DAVERN
- SAMUEL DUFTY
The Lions Club Award for Leadership
Donated by the St Marys Lions Club
- JACOB VINEY
Visual Art Award
Donated by Mr. Brian Mitchell
- SOPHIE GUY
R. W. Legge Citizenship Award
Donated by Robert Legge
- JADE KINNERSLY
Launceston College Bursary Award
Donated by Launceston College
- JACK WHELAN
Newstead College Bursary Award
Donated by Newstead College
- TYSON HAAS
The St Marys District School Year 11/12 Bursary Award
Donated by St Marys District School
- SOPHIE GUY
Cement Australia-Cornwall Award for Maths
Donated by Cement Australia-Cornwall
- SOPHIE GUY
Julia and Charles Viertel Springboard to Higher Education Bursary
Donated by the University of Tasmania
- BREANNA SINGLINE
ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award
Donated by the Australian Defence Force
- AMY TATNELL
Minister for Education and Training Award: Respectful Student
Donated by the Minister for Education
- JACK WHELAN
David Llewellyn Perseverance in Literacy Award
Donated by the Hon. David Llewellyn
- ISOBELLE JARVIS
Music Achievement Award
Donated by Rebecca White MP
- SAREE SALTER
- AMY TATNELL
Caltex All Rounder Award
Donated by Caltex Australia
- AMY TATNELL
Ricoh Award for All Round Achievement
Donated by Ricoh
- SAMUEL DUFTY
St Marys IGA Sports Award
Donated by Hilly’s IGA
- LIAM DAVERN
Break O’Day Council Award for Further Education
Donated by the Break O’Day Council
- JAYDEN COOPER
Medea Park Award for Transition and Pathway Planning
Donated by Medea Park
- JACOB VINEY
Bendigo Community Bank Award for Aptitude in Finance
Donated by the St Helens/St Marys Community Bank
- TYSON HAAS
6ty Architects Award to Support a Pathway in the Building Industry
Donated by 6ty°
- JACOB VINEY
Mark Shelton Award for Special Achievement
Donated by the Hon. Mark Shelton
- JACOB VINEY
Teacher’s Choice Award
Donated by the Parish of the Northern Midlands
- LIAM DAVERN
Principal’s Award
Donated by Bruce Campbell
- JADE KINNERSLY
Swansea/Bicheno Community Bank Bursary
Donated by Swansea/Bicheno Community Bank
- Jacob Viney
Dux of the School
Donated by Mr and Mrs Gerald Aulich
- SARA GREENWOOD
- BREANNA SINGLINE
GRADE 10 GRADUATION
The Grade 10’s celebrated their Graduation at White Sands Resort on Tuesday 12th December.
Please enjoy the photo’s that were taken on the night.





Kindergarten East Coast Natureworld Excursion
Recently the Kindergarten students spent the day exploring East Coast Natureworld. They had a great day learning about the different native animals at the park. The tractor ride was definitely a highlight as was feeding the kangaroos, holding a blue tongue lizard and seeing the Tasmanian devils.





The ConocoPhillips Science Experiement
From Tuesday 5th to Thursday 7th of December, Charlotte Harvey, Sebastian Dean and David Escobar visited the University of Tasmania in Launceston. These students received a scholarship to participate in the ConocoPhillips Science Experience, were they got to participate in a diversity of hands on experiences that the University provides.
Sebastian Dean
I recently attended a three-day science experience scholarship in Launceston from the 5th to the 7th of December with David Escobar and Charlotte Harvey. I am extremely glad that I had the opportunity to participate in this. I learnt a lot about the different areas of Science. On the first day I arrived at 9am and was quickly welcomed by Adele, Nathen and Allanna who were running the program. The first area of Science I participated in was Chemistry where I learnt how to make and purify aspirin. We also used titrate juice to find how much vitamin c was present and made slime (the essential of course). Chemistry was my favourite activity I participated in, although it was very hard to choose. For the rest of the day I had an engineering challenge to make the tallest town using limited resources, later I learnt about geology and radiation. The next two days came like a whirlwind of information on human life, marine, agricultural and medical sciences. We also visited the Australian Maritime College and used the boat simulator. To finish the experience, we had a Science show to impress from Jeremy Just. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in a future job in the fields of Science. It was informative without being boring and helped me learn more about my future career path.
David Escobar
The ConocoPhillips Science Experience was a great chance to see what it was like in an university environment and seeing what career paths were available to us. We visited many different areas of the university and got to talk to many of the current university students studying and completing their degrees. They told us about how they first got interested in their subject, what they're currently studying and about what jobs they are planning to get after university. We also participated in a number of activities ranging from creating aspirin in the chemistry lab to distinguishing different grasses at the Mt Pleasant Institute of Agriculture and piloting a ship in the Derwent River in Hobart using a simulation used to train actual ship pilots in the Australian Maritime College. There were also a lot of other students who participated with us and we got to make friends with people from different schools and get to know each other. The ConocoPhillips Science was overall a great experience and they even provided us food, drinks and a bag to carry our stuff in. I was lucky to be able to participate in this because of a scholarship they provided and hope that anyone else who participates has a great time also.
Charlotte Harvey
On the 5th of December myself, David and Sebastian began the three day ConocoPhillips Science Experience at UTAS, Launceston. During the three days we were able to experience a ship simulator, steering it around an ocean (and possibly crashing it a few times), measuring radioactivity around campus and looking at organ cells under microscopes. We created aspirin in the universities laboratories and work out the level of vitamin C in commercial fruit juice through a process called iodide titration. Through the Science Experience we were given an insight into such a large range of career paths revolving around science, guided by scientists who were there to answer any question we had, or just tell us why they loved science so much. We got to see some of the many things the university had to offer and use some of the amazing utilities that are around the campus and enjoyed every part of it. We would like to say a massive thank you to Miss Hughes for organising scholarship applications and working her magic to get the three of us there and I’m sure we would do it all again in a heartbeat.
DERBY CAMP 2017
Please see pictures in last issue of newsletter
At 9:00 Wednesday the 29th of November 2017 a group of 24 or something students departed St Marys for Derby. We got into Derby at about 12:30 and unpacked the bus. Then we started to set up our camp for the next three days.
On the first day we walked up past the Derby tunnel to a creek with a nice little water hole. People got to dip their feet and have a bit of a wade around while we got our energy back and then we walked back to camp. When we got back a small group of people were made to help with the BBQ. If you ask me they chose the wrong people as it wasn’t that great but it kept us alive. Then we played a short game of spotlight and went to bed where to my surprise I found a sausage in my pillow at about 11.00 at night which I wasn’t happy about at all.
The next day we got the bikes out early in the morning then we separated into our two groups. One group went mountain bike riding while the other group walked up to the Derby tunnel and walked down it as far as we could. We couldn’t walk the last part of it because it was flooded. At 1.00pm in the afternoon we swapped activities and when it was all finished we went back to camp for a paddle in the river, it was so good.
Later that day Mr King and Miss Papworth took an advanced group of riders up a harder track. It took them about two hours to complete, when they got back they said they had a ball.
Later that night we had spaghetti bolognaise for tea and Frazer ate all of it and left us with the cold stuff. After tea we kicked the football and played with the flying disk then everyone went to bed. The next day we all got up early and had breakfast then we all packed up our stuff and walked up to the abseil place. We all went abseiling then it started to rain so we waited for everyone to finish. We all walked back to camp and waited for the bus. When the bus got there we chucked all our stuff in the trailer and got on the bus. 200m up the road this dude started yelling at the bus driver to stop so he got out and looked back and nearly all our stuff was laying in the middle of the road…Liam forgot to shut the trailer door and Brayden lost the lock. So the teachers got off and ran back and picked up our stuff and put it back in the trailer. Then we shut the door with some string and started to make our way toward St Helens.
When we got to St Helens everyone got off and went and brought lunch. Jayden brought me a mad pie which was fully sick and only cost five bucks. Everyone got back on the bus and we started heading back to St. Marys.
Written by Ethan Parker (with input and assistance from Jayden Brown).
MENTOR PROGRAM
St Marys District School is very excited to begin a student to mentor program with the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House. During this program, students will work collaboratively with mentors from the Neighbourhood house to write articles in the Valley and East Coast Voice, interviewing locals and reporting on events. This is a wonderful opportunity for both the students and the school to express their views and establish bonds within the community. We cannot wait!
Laura Sliskovic
Year 8 English
Year 8 English have been discussing the concept of Utopia. The students each described their own particular Upopia. The following detailed description is a wonderful piece of writing by Charlotte Lockwood – Roden.
My Utopia is a visually breath-taking world with diverse landscapes. My Utopia experiences two distinctly opposite climates, half the year in snow and the other is tropical. Beaches, with warm water of shades of blue, complimented by fine, white sand. Mountains neighbouring and capped with snow for half a year, providing the perfect skiing and snowboarding expanse. Their elevation displaying the picturesque scenery below making it a great hike. Infrastructure, well-designed and suitable for the requirements of the functional Utopia society. Development, however is in harmony with the landscape and the air is free from pollution.
The world’s beauty and cultures are so remarkable that tourism is encouraged through Government funded travelling, including in the air and on the ground. This investment aims to enable everybody, regardless of wealth to experience the wonder of travelling.
Utopia live long-lasting, eventful lives and die peaceful, painless deaths. Variation in lifespans range from 90-150. Similar to today, family units comprise of parent/s and children. Superpowers are allocated to Utopians dependent on their birth month. These include healing, invisibility, water breathing, night vision, omnilinguism, precognition, echolocation, animal communication, intangibility and flying. A Utopian also has an extensive memory, both short and long term.
Children experience childhood with a pet of their selection and therefore acquire responsibility. Utopians are blessed to be born with a fundamental education with the option of expanding knowledge through schooling.
Everyone meets a sustainable and enjoyable standard of living. No one suffers from homelessness or poverty as there has been a redistribution of wealth. In Utopia trees are a source of wealth as they generate money. Each family unit is granted one money tree and therefore the demand for labour decreases. People are only require to work part time and alternatively find purpose and fulfilment through their hobbies, families and general socialisation. Not one job is considered superior to another, with all roles recognised as contributing to society.
Utopians experience all emotions, however there are predominate and subsidiary emotions depending on whether they’re classified positive or negative.
Utopians also enjoy supernatural metabolism, they can eat all the food they desire without negative impact upon their health or body image. Consequently, food is a big part of Utopians lives and people regularly eat out at restaurants and cafes as a way to satisfy their hunger and socialise.
Utopia is a democratic republic in which everyone has a voice in political decision making. Every arguable topic or issue is solved by a referendum. Everyone is entitled to express their opinion without fear of consequent repercussions or ramifications.
Society values equality, peace, unity, individuality and ethicality. Equality is maintained and highly valued in Utopia society in all aspects of diversity, including gender, race and sexuality without discrimination.
Utopian society is free of crime. It is also recognised that wars aren’t the solution to disagreements. These disagreements aren’t as common as people don’t associate with religion, which can be motives to conflict. Although when these problems do occur, leaders rationally negotiate through conversation.
Utopians implement ethical practices with consciousness of the effects certain human activity has on the environment. The education of carbon emissions has been a huge ethical application with the goal to decelerate global warming. This is being achieved through alternative energy sources such as hydro power, wind power and solar power. Public transport is an addition way of reducing carbon emissions, particularly in densely populated areas. Electric trams and trains are the main sources of transportation. There have been advances in public transport, speed, convenience (more regular stops), efficiency and safety. No cars run on petrol or diesel, instead cars are powered by electricity or solar power. Recycling is also ethically prioritised and government funded. Sites allocated for the deposition of rubbish are banned and laws implemented disallowing the use of unrecyclable coffee cups, this plastic bags etc.
Technological advances improve the quality of life, with many manual tasks automated. Free Wi-Fi and extensive coverage in lowly populated areas ensure that everyone has access to the same services.
Disease, illness and injury doesn’t exist as Utopians have birth-assigned healing powers. Death eventually comes when a Utopian has reached life fulfilment.
Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy all exist in My Utopia.
There is no occurrence of natural disasters as the ramifications are devastating.
The ideal that everyone is equal is a reality in My Utopia. Fame and celebrity is non-existent. Time isn’t wasted engrossing and envying over the “perfect life” and “perfect appearance” of celebrities.
My Utopia is a place where people enjoy equality, are empowered to feel safe to express their ideas and opinions. It provides a sustainable environment where inhabitants can dedicate time to travel, family and pursuits which provide pleasure rather than working to maintain a basic standard of living.
By Charlotte Lockwood-Roden
ST.MARYS SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
This year the School Association has supported the school both financially and in many other ways. Some of the support we have provided through 2017 include:
- A donation towards the St Marys Community Space:
- We have helped provide class resources and supported camps and excursions;
- We have provided assistance to the Cambodia trip
- We assisted in updating the sand pit at the Fingal Campus and supported the continuation of hot lunches at Fingal;
- We have supported parents through the Fathers’ Day BBQ and the Mothers’ Day morning tea;
- We continue to support the early childhood recycling and gardening programs;
- We provide funds to the ever-popular swimming program through the summer school holiday break
- A big thank you to the school Op-Shop and Janet Drummond for her co-ordination and the volunteers for their dedication and commitment. The Op Shop is continually improving the service that we provide to the community and increase in funds from this venture, helps us invest back into the school.
Finally, thanks to all of the School Association members, the staff, the community members and the parents and volunteers, who give their time freely, to attend meetings and organise functions. It’s been another interesting and rewarding year.
Wishing you happy Christmas and safe holidays until you return in 2018.
Gary Barnes
GRADE 2-3 AND 3-4 BICHENO EXCURSION
There was much excitement the morning of Thursday 14th December, 2017 as the students from Grade 2/3 and 3/4 were getting ready to board the bus and head to Bicheno for a celebration of the years’ worth of learning.
The first stop was the Lion’s Club Park where everyone celebrated Jayden Garth’s birthday with a cake provided by Fiona Lowe. There wasn’t even a crumb left for the seagulls. After a play and drinks, students made their way across the oval and headed to The Gulch. Miss Bronti’s class were the first group of students on the Glass Bottom Boat where they saw a school of mullet, birds, a seal on the rocks and even some fishermen going past on their business.
Miss Lisa’s class went for a tour of Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods. Students met Arnold, the stripey trumpeter, handled a crayfish and watched Marley the fish being fed. After this they were able to handle oysters before seeing a few being shucked and being invited to try one. Dalton enjoyed his oyster, Jayden pulled a funny face as he was thinking about whether to spit his oyster out or swallowed it. He decided to swallow it, but had a very large drink of water to help him. Leon tried, but couldn’t eat it. When they finished, all students went to the front of the building where they were served a drink. When they had finished they watched Miss Bronti’s class on the boat until it was time to swap over activities.
Staff and students would like to thank the following people for helping make the day a success: Maitreya from the Glass Bottom Boat; Ken, Dave, Lydia and Hamish from Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods and for Natasha Speers for volunteering her time to join us.





KINDER POOL SESSIONS
It has been wonderful to see the kinder students gain confidence over the past weeks.
They have progressed from the steps to the wall and now are moving freely about, using equipment and experimenting with buoyancy.





Grade Prep-1 Certificates for December Assembly





Grade 1-2 Certificates for December Assembly





Grade 2-3 Certificates for December Assembly
Grade 3-4 Certificates for December Assembly
Grade 4-5 Certificates for December Assembly





Grade 6 Certificates for December Assembly
NOTICEBOARD
Table Tennis - Community Group - St Marys School Gym
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