29 August 2019
Newsletter Articles
PRINCIPALS REPORT
Congratulations to Ros Smith, Heather Prebble and Amanda Hughes for their graduation from UTAS on Saturday.
Ros received her Graduation Certificate in Education: Inclusive Education.
Heather received her Graduation Certificate in Education: Technologies Teaching.
Amanda Hughes received her Graduation Certificate in Education: Technologies Teaching. This is a fantastic demonstration to our school community that learning is a life long opportunity. Congratulations ladies on your fantastic achievements.
School Calendar
BOOK WEEK
Each year, St Marys District School students and staff eagerly await the month of August when we celebrate and commend Australian authors and illustrators. This year, both primary and secondary sectors celebrated Australian children’s literature through inter-grade art activities focussing on the shortlisted books, themed classroom doors, book readings including a “mystery reader” as well as book reviews. A highlight of the week long celebration was the annual Book Week parade. Students of all ages, dressed in an array of costume and colour reflecting this year’s Children’s Book Council theme – “Reading is my SECRET POWER.” Do look out for the personalised participation certificates which make for a wonderful memory keepsake of the day. A heartfelt thank you to all students, teachers, parents and community members who contributed in making the event so successful.










Book Parade at Fingal Campus
The Book Week Parade was held under a sunny blue sky and our students in full character dress began the walk towards the Fingal Community. They walked and chattered along the street to Chelle’s Place where they stopped for a much needed rest. From here the walk continued to the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House where a book reading happened.
Our school community would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the parents who joined us on the walk, Gary Barnes for supporting our campus by providing the library in the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House for our book reading and to Elizabeth Death who read the book “Chalk Boy” written by Margaret Wild and Illustrated by Mandy Ord. The children and adults really enjoyed this reading as Elizabeth brought the characters to life.





GRADE 9/10 ART WORK


Leah Barnett’s visual response to Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist, and her own self portrait using similar ideas.


Lily Haarmann created a pink landscape using acrylic paint on a board and then she created her first oil painting on a board, following a ‘Bob Ross’ instructional video.
Well done Lily!
CHESS
St Marys District School hosted the East Coast Chess Tournament on Wednesday 14th August with Bicheno Primary and St Helens District High joining us.
We entered a Grade 3/4 team, a Grade 4/5 team and a Secondary team. There was enough time for six rounds of matches. It was good to see the sportsmanship displayed by all participants, shaking hands at the start and congratulating each other when the game was over.
At the completion of the tournament all students were recognised for their efforts with certificates. Tasharna Pursell gained an award for the highest ranked girl which was well deserved as she has practised very hard leading up to the tournament.
St Marys B team (Grade 3/4) placed 4th and the St Marys A team finished on top of the Primary section and our Secondary team were the victors in their section.
The winning teams have gained selection to participate in the State Finals in Launceston in October.





LIFT
Complete our family LIFT challenge to go in the draw to win a prize. Show your teacher (via class dojo app or hard copy) a photo your challenge participation or email a photo to Mrs Mason with your name and class by the 6th September: rebecca.mason@education.tas.gov.au and you will get a ticket. The winning ticket will be drawn in assembly!
LIFT Challenge: Create a boat that floats!
Using recycled household items create a boat or ship that will float on water.
Have a discussion and brainstorm materials you may find around the house that will float. Use your own creativity to design and assemble your vessel!
Family members are encouraged to assist and help out where they can.
SAFETY ALERT: Please ensure children are supervised around water when testing their vessel.
DRAMA DAY REPORT
On Thursday 8th August, St.Marys District School hosted St.Helens District School for Drama Day. Students showcased original improvisations competing for great prizes. It was a thrilling day with many laughs.
Congratulations to “Magic Shoes” from St.Helens and “Magic Book” from St.Marys for placing first and second in the years 6-8 age group. “Chunga Chunga” from St.Marys took out first place in the years 9-10 age group followed by “Nuts N Bolts” from St.Helens and “Out of Control” from St.Marys. Congratulations to all those students who participated for showing great courage and enthusiasm. Thank you to Ms Hickey and Mrs Jordan for organising the day. A big thank you to Hub4Health for sponsoring the day, allowing students to enjoy pizza and soft drinks at lunch and receive awesome prizes. A big thank you to the hospitality students, Mrs Amanda Jordan and Mr Piscitelli for the fantastic pizzas.





GRADE 7-10 SOCIAL
The Grades 7-10 Social on the 22nd August was a great success! The theme was “Iconic Characters” and there were some fantastic costumes. Best dressed was awarded to Mia Gillies for her Avatar outfit.
The Limbo competition was won by Sofia Agostonelli with a close second to Brayden Singline. Alyssa Cook and Chloe Malley won the karaoke with their rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody and the dance-off was convincingly taken out by Lola De-Boer, Sofia Agostonelli and Zoe Johnson.
Staff were incredibly impressed with the leadership of the Student RC and the behaviour of all students in attendance. The social was a great example of how respectful and caring our students are. A fantastic night was had by all.





SCHOOL FARM
A huge thank you to Tristan Nicols of “Nichols Chickens” for supplying fourteen day old broiler chicks and advice for our project based learning experiences on our school farm at St.Marys District School.
PRIMARY ASSEMBLY (St Marys Campus)
Parents are welcome to join us for our next Primary assembly which will take place in the Performing Arts Centre on Friday 5th September at 11.50am. Please come along to hear about what has been happening in our primary classrooms. Parents are reminded to sign in at the Administration Office, prior to moving to the Performing Arts Centre.
SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
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
Fingal Campus Assembly
Fire Education Program – St.Marys and Fingal
Campus
SECONDARY
Australian Business Week – Selected students
WHOLE SCHOOL
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTICEBOARD
Table Tennis - Community Group - St Marys School Gym
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