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- PRINCIPALS REPORT
- LEARNING INTENTION STATEMENT
- DO YEAR 11 AND 12 YOUR WAY
- MASTER CHEF TOURNAMENT
- SWIMMING CARNIVAL POOL PARTY
- EVERCREECH EXCURSION
- GRADE 3-6 ATHLETICS CARNVAL
- EAST NORTH EAST ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
- PRIMARY CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY 31ST MARCH 2021
- SECONDARY ASSEMBLY
- LIFE SKILLS
- DEVIL OF A SWIM
- ANZAC DAY
- INTER-HIGH SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2021
- PRIMARY NEWS
- EAST NORTH EAST COMBINED ATHLETICS- FRIDAY 23RD APRIL 2021
- COLD AND FLU SEASON
- SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
- EAST COAST SWANS AUSKICK
- COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
I warmly welcome all members of the school community back to Term 2, and trust that the extended break was enjoyed. An early highlight to the term has been the participation of our student in their local community ANZAC services on Sunday. Our students showed great respect, and courage as they honoured and remembered those who have served our country and reflected on their sacrifices.
NAPLAN Online 2021
In Week 4, we will commence annual NAPLAN testing for students in grades 3, 5, 7 and 9. These tests provide teachers with valuable information about student learning needs to inform our classroom programs, and to enable us to provide targeted support and extension.
The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was first undertaken as an online test in Tasmania during 2019. Tasmanian schools will again participate in NAPLAN Online this year. NAPLAN Online provides better assessment and more precise results. The assessments feature a tailored test design where the questions a student receives will depend on their answers to previous questions.
NAPLAN testing will be held from the 11th to 21st May 2021 with online testing available for each of the NAPLAN year levels (3, 5, 7 and 9). NAPLAN assessments include four components, Writing, Numeracy, Conventions of Language and Reading. Please note that all year three students will be completing a paper-based Writing Test.
Schools will receive reports and results for participants following the completion of the NAPLAN Online assessment window. These Individual Student Reports will have the same format as in previous years. This format is used for every student in Australia.
If you have further questions, please contact us through the school office.
School Uniform - Beanies
Autumn, and colder weather it brings is now a reality for our students. The school association committee has supported the addition of a beanie to our school uniform and are committed to donating a beanie to every student as soon as they arrive. Currently, students are assisting in the development of the final design and we hope to have the order completed by the end of next week. Our thanks to the committee for their ongoing support of our students.
Health and Hygiene Practices
As the weather rapidly turns colder, and we enter the ‘Cold and Flu’ season, it is a timely reminder to ensure we are all responsible around our health and hygiene practices. It is important that we are vigilant and alert to cold and flu symptoms, and get tested for Covid-19 if you or your child have symptoms. Students should stay at home until symptoms have passed, even if a Covid test is negative. To keep our school safe, we are continuing with increased cleaning and providing soap and sanitiser. Some restrictions to larger gatherings still apply, and parents and visitors may enter classrooms for brief visits. For longer visits the sign in process is required.
The SLB has made fantastic progress in developing a School-wide learning intention statement. This statement basically sums up who we are and what we aspire to be as learners at St Marys District School.
Last Friday 26th March, the SLB met with class representatives from all classes, in primary, secondary and across both campuses. There was rich discussion and amazing teamwork across the board. In the end, a fantastic statement was created, that will now be proofread and go through the final stages of checks before it is revealed to the school community.
Congratulations to the SLB and all class representatives for engaging fully in this process and for achieving such a great outcome.
Do Year 11 and 12 your way
When you finish Year 11 and 12, anything can happen. In Tasmania, you need to stay in education and training until you turn 18 years of age or meet a leaving requirement, under the Education Act. A leaving requirement includes the following:
- Completing Year 11 and 12 (this may include an Australian school-based apprenticeship);
- A full time VET program at TasTAFE or other Registered Training Organisation;
- An apprenticeship or traineeship with an employer; or
- A combination of these options, if the provider(s) allow.
Once you leave school, it can be tough out there. Most jobs today require you to complete Year 12 as a minimum and 91% of all new jobs will also require a VET or university qualification. That’s why there are now more ways than ever before to finish Year 11 and 12 your way.
You don’t need to finish school the old-fashioned way. There are courses and training programs available to suit everyone. Just ask your teachers, year level coordinator or My Education Coordinator – they will be able to tell you all about your options. There are so many more opportunities available to you if you complete Year 12.
Remember if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing at school, you’re not stuck. You can always shift focus and find the best options to suit you. If you are a parent or carer and you are confused about your child’s options or whether they are reaching their full potential, speak to their teachers or email years9to12@education.tas.gov.au To find out more and see real stories and videos on Tasmanian education pathways, head to www.anything.tas.gov.au
With small numbers of students, the day after the flood, our legendary students engaged in a modified learning programme. The highlight of the day was the Master Chef competition run by Mrs. Hodge.
Tensions were high as the students laid it all on the line with amazing culinary skills and creations being demonstrated across the board. Entries such as: Coconut and bacon rice, caramel slice, apple strudel, kiss biscuits, peppermint and wild berry slice, apple pie and chocolate mud cake were all certain to impress the judges. We were most impressed with the entry that was simply named “Ramen Noodles with Bits”… so creative!
The judging was delivered by a highly qualified panel of gourmet-trained, food aficionados (Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Yodgee) as well as Mr. Martin, who can’t even figure out two-minute noodles. The deliberations were long and tense, as will be the training sessions required to lose the weight that we gained during the tastings.
In the end, Jimmy Jackson claimed victory with his amazing Apple Pie. He received 28 points out of a possible 30, including a perfect 10 from one judge! One point behind, in second place, we had a tie. The judges simply couldn’t separate their praise between Kane Jackson and his amazing caramel slice, as well as Aman Bhardwaj and his “Ramen noodles with bits”.
Overall, our students should be congratulated for an amazing effort, fantastic competitive spirit and mind-blowing culinary skills. Well done!
Many of our students recently enjoyed spending the afternoon in the pool and feasting on pizza and hot chips. This was not your average afternoon at St.Marys District School, but rather, a celebration of the fantastic efforts by all of the students who were BRAVE enough to jump in the pool, represent their house and give their best at our swimming carnival. One of our key messages to the students is about belonging and getting involved, whenever and however we can. These students embodied the virtues of courage and growth as well as bringing a fantastic attitude to the day. We could think of no more fitting way to celebrate and reward their efforts than by having a relaxing and delicious afternoon of feasting and games. Special thanks must go to the Coach House for stepping up and providing amazing pizzas and chips, as well as to Mrs Swanson and Mr. Wardlaw for their efforts, organisation and supervision.
On Friday the 19th of March the Grade 9 students visited Evercreech Forest Reserve as part of their Ecology unit in Science.
The students explored the temperate rainforest and White Knights, comparing the species in each ecosystem and climatic changes across the valley. They all showed courage crossing the creek with only several wet shoes.
The cohort also had the opportunity to build stronger relationships through a variety of group challenges including some very impressive rock towers and creative group photos.
Now the students are back at school, working hard on their final assessment piece for the unit using their findings from the excursion.
Thank you for a very enjoyable day out Grade 9s.
The weather on Thursday 11th March set the scene for the most wonderful Grade 3 – 6 Athletics Carnival. Our students had been learning, developing and refining many physical movement skills within the HPE curriculum in their weekly Physical Education lessons. These skills included a range of running, jumping and throwing learning opportunities designed for students to develop whole body coordination and specific athletic skills.
In 2020, our Grade 3- 6 Athletics Carnival was fully organised but it became one of the many sports events that were cancelled due to COVID – 19. So this year our Athletics Carnival was the very first for students in both Grade 3 and 4.
The day commenced with all students assembling in house groups in front of the primary school. The students embarked on their colourful March Past in house groups down to the bottom sports oval. Our students then proceeded to participate in a number of track and field events, rotating from activity to activity in grade groups (100m, 200m, Turbo Javelin, Discus, Shot Putt and Long Jump). Our students also participated in an individual Gumboot Throw event and a Teams Flying Disc competition. The 400m, 800m, 1500m and High Jump events were held prior to the day in HPE lessons. We would like to congratulate the following new record breakers, track and field champions AND the champion athletic School House for 2021. Congratulations to all!!
TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONS
NEW RECORD BREAKERS
- Ella Gillies – Grade 3 Girls 200m - New Record 36.50 seconds (old 37.28 seconds)
- Jaxon Harrison – Grade 6 Boys High Jump - New Record 1.33 metres (old record 1.30 metres)
OVERALL HOUSE RESULTS:
1st Dalmain 384 points 2nd Duncan 312 points 3rd Blackwood 288 points
EAST NORTH EAST ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
A strong team of 38 athletes represented our school at the ENE Athletics Carnival on Friday 26th March at the St. Helens athletic grounds. Heavy rain on Wednesday 24th resulted in the carnival being postponed to the Friday 26th March. From the moment the team was selected, the students truly demonstrated a strong sense of what it means to be a member of a TEAM. They met Miss Bramich eagerly and promptly for student meetings to share important information and to issue athletic singlets. The students returned all permission, major excursion and medical forms promptly. This is very much appreciated as it supports the hours of administration that needs to be completed for this carnival prior to the day. The ENE Athletics Carnival for 2020 did not get off the ground due to COVID-19 cancellations, so we had our Grade 3 and 4 team members who had never participated in an ENE carnival before.
Prior to jumping on the bus to head over to St. Helens, the Team Captains were announced. In the event that Team Managers (Miss Bramich and Mrs. Fyle) need support with supporting younger students who are unsure about their events, to help with athletic singlet distribution, run messages at the carnival or to show students around the athletic ground, Team Captains are chosen. Congratulations to our 2021 Team Captains Mia Hibberd and Jaxon Harrison. Both students consistently demonstrated a positive attitude, exemplary behaviours, superb sportsmanship and they participated in many athletic events with courage and determination to do their best. They were indeed wonderful role models for the other team members; clearly demonstrating the reasons why they were chosen as team captains.
Our team of 38 athletes competed in over 110 events on the day!! The programme consisted of the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m running races. A running relay was also held at the end of the carnival. Selected students also participated in the Long Jump and Shot Put.
We are so proud of our students! They looked the part in our school singlets and school sun hats. It was wonderful to hear so many positive and encouraging comments about how wonderful the St. Marys team spirit was, not only from our parents and friends who supported us at the carnival, but from other spectators and by the announcers over the PA! Many of our students had more than 5 events, with some students having 7!! As the carnival progressed during the day, some of our younger students became fatigued and a little emotional. It was SO AMAZING to see these students bounce back positively and respond to encouragement, empathetic understanding, friendship and kind words from team managers, students and the many supportive parents and friends at the carnival. Our team managers, our students and all the friends and family who supported our students truly demonstrated what an amazing school community we really are!!
Please enjoy these pictures as memories of our students’ performances at the carnival.
Karen Bramich – ENE Team Manager
PRIMARY CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY 31ST MARCH 2021
The Primary Celebration Assembly was hosted by Grade 5-6A Burbury/Cook and supported by our Grade 10 Student Leader Board at the end of Term 1. Students were able to share in the learning of the Grade 5-6 students from Mrs Burbury’s and Mrs Seabrook’s classes as they explored the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery at Inveresk, Launceston. Students learned about the Tamar River Wetlands and were able to view the Launceston night skies at the Planetarium.
Mrs Youdale’s Grade 1-2 students shared their responses to the narrative Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds while Mrs Seabrook’s Grade 5-6B shared some Identity Art completed in their ICT learning. Students who presented these samples of work did so with pride. Miss Hilliard’s Prep-1 class shared a touching video called Including Others. In this clip, members of the class demonstrated ways in which they can support each other in play or learning activities by inviting other students to join them.
As well as class certificates, this assembly also celebrated the success of student learning, participation and achievement in other areas. Miss Bramich presented the Runner Up and Champion Pennants for both Track and Field events from our recent Primary Athletic Carnival. Mrs Sue Bennett provided participation certificates for the primary students who participated in the annual Mathematical Association of Tasmania (MAT) Problem Solving Competition. This assembly is the first time specialist subject teachers have been invited to acknowledge the learning of our students and we look forward to these teachers presenting further certificates.
One of the highlights of our teachers’ day is to be able to recognise effort, improvement and growth in our students. This is precisely what I asked our staff to do, by nominating their top two students in each class. These nominated students were then to be recognised at our formal academic assembly, at the end of term 1. The criteria that I asked our staff to specifically look for was BRAVERY, in an academic, social or personal manner as well as MAKING EVERY MINUTE COUNT during learning time. The responses came flooding in and it was a truly beautiful moment to see the large number and great quality of amazing student efforts that were so easily identified by our staff. I would like to congratulate each end every recipient of these students for their growth, effort and courage in their learning at SMDS. It is also important to remember that not all efforts are seen, or recognised, every time. To those amazing students who missed out on recognition this time; keep at it, give your best, be brave and keep making every minute of learning matter at our school. You are doing amazing things, your results speak for themselves and your time will come. Well done, we are very proud of you!
Secondary Students participating in their 'Life Skills' Option learnt how to tie a neck tie. What a skill!
During the holidays 5 members of our successful Swim Squad swam in the 1km Ocean Race at the Devil of a Swim Event held at Waubs Bay Bicheno. Over 160 swimmers competed on the day in the 5k, 1 and 2k events. Conditions were not ideal with very strong winds and cooler air temperature, the water was a balmy 17c. Commentator Shane Gould congratulated the students on their efforts and talked in depth about their training and the swimming program at St Marys.
Still fit from their pool training our students showed great courage in completing the swim, with Jimmy coming 3rd in the Mens Division and ex student Bridie Aulich, who has continued her training in Launceston, came 5th in the Womens.
Pictured with Nic Wardlaw are Elise Sliskovic, Jimmy Freiboth, Sam Jordan, Ella Triffit, Bridie Aulich, and Zali Taylor.
ANZAC Day, a day set aside in history to honour, commemorate and give thanks, to those 416,809 Australians who fought tooth and nail for the nation we call home.
In schools today, we continue to learn, teach and remember those who gave their tomorrow, to give us our today. Their sacrifice will continue to remain as that of unwavering heroism, and we shall honour them and give others the power to honour them also.
Everyday, as we go about our routines, and live freely we have our ANZACs to thank. We are free because they chose not to be, and for that we are entirely grateful.
The loss faced will forever be a heartbreaking reminder that our freedom, was not free for all. So every year with the 25th of April approaching we shall continue to educate our young Australians on the fallen, the wounded, the lost, the surviving, and the devastations of war, as it’s simply the least we can do to honour those who gave their all for our nation.
Thank you.
Students at Fingal Campus focussed on the colours of the dawn in their Anzac Day artwork.
Grade 5/6 Seabourne students were influenced by the red and black of the poppy in their reflective Anzac day charcoal drawings.
ANZAC DAY 2021 Sunday 25th April Dawn Service – St. Helens
In many households in the towns on the east coast, alarm clocks and mobile alarms were set for 4.30am. It was dark, the morning was crisp, the air was still. Coats, scarves, gloves and beanies had been laid out the night before – and for me, my special black Winter hat with red poppies pinned on the side. For some, maybe a pot of tea was made or a quick kick-start morning coffee was gulped.
The drive to St. Helens is always a cautious one – keeping to 80 kph so as to avoid the many wallabies, roos and possums foraging for breakfast. This year, my family had a chuckle at a particularly funny sight, Walking briskly over the Scamander bridge at 5.15am were 3 people. One was wearing a tiger onsie, one was wearing a cow onsie and the other was wearing a zebra onsie – all with their animal hoodies on!!
A trail of car lights indicated other early risers were making their way along the Tasman Highway to the ANZAC Day Dawn Service.
On arrival to the ANZAC Park in St. Helens, participants followed COVID protocols by signing in, using hand sanitiser and trying to keep physical distancing.
The Dawn Service began with the beautiful sounds of the bag pipes – accompanied by a chorus of early morning bird call. Behind the lone piper marched our Diggers, ex-servicemen and women, family members and children – many wearing the medals of fallen heros or family members who could not attend the service. Scouts, cadets, military representatives and a well-behaved white dog on a lead marched into position with heads held high.
The Dawn Service was a half hour of reflection. Those who could stand, did so. Those who needed to sit down were provided with seating. And those who struggled to walk alone where supported by family and friends. As the ANZAC Day bugle commenced playing the Last Post, all those gathered reflected in silence.
Our Grade 10 student leaders Maggie Egan and Evie Simpson attended this Dawn Service on behalf of our school community. Olivia Bonner also attended and looked resplendent in her Cadet uniform. Thankyou girls for your attendance at this service.
On the drive home to Scamander at the conclusion of the Dawn Service, the sunset over George’s Bay was too sensational not to stop and capture in a photograph. Please enjoy this photo as a memory of 2021 ANZAC Day Dawn Service. LEST WE FORGET.
INTER-HIGH SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2021
The first win of the day came in the Junior girls medley relay
Sienna- Backstroke, Arielle- Breaststroke, Helayna- Butterfly, Halle- Freestyle
Senior boys medley relay 3rd place
Sam- Backstroke, Jimmy J- Breaststroke, Jimmy F- Butterfly, Max- Freestyle
Helayna McGiveron…..First in everything
1st Medley relay, 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Butterfly, 1st 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st Freestyle relay and 1st combined age relay.
What an amazing achievement!
Grade 10 girls had an awesome day out………
Congratulations girls on many individual and team ribbons. Shout out to Darshini who also won every event she was in and came away with a lazy $350 from Dad
Other amazing performances came from:
Jimmy Frieboth: 1st in 100m Freestyle and he gave his all in the many events he had for the day- kept Star of the Sea guessing.
Daniel Cook: Swum two 50m legs of the one relay allowing the grade 7 boys to enter a team.
Byron Ball: Swum the butterfly leg of the medley relay even though his confidence was diminishing with every passing second!!! Byron also had a lot of events to swim in for the day and did himself proud in all of them.
Sienna Patmore: So strong in her Freestyle. She and Hallie together made up about half a pool length in their grade freestyle relay to come from last to first place.
Hallie Thomson- Amazingly swum up a grade to represent in the 100m Freestyle for grade 9 girls. True bravery and spirit Hallie.
Zali Taylor- Gave true fighting spirit in all her events and came away with lots of ribbons for her efforts.
Congratulations to our students on what was a truly inspirational team performance, filled with lots of encouragement, cheering and support for each other. St Marys District School 1st in the Junior Shield, 1st in the Senior Shield and 1st Overall.
Dear Parents,
It has been pleasing to welcome our students back to school for Term 2, following what we are certain was a fabulous Easter holiday with family and friends. We know that the students have returned refreshed and ready for a positive term of learning.
ANZAC Day
Thank you to the staff and students who represented our school at ANZAC Day services across our region and beyond on Sunday. Please enjoy the photos and report in this newsletter. Lest we forget.
ENE Combined Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to our 19 primary students who represented the ENE Miners at the Combined ENE Athletics Carnival at St Helens on Friday, 23rd April. The students presented themselves and their school with pride and we look forward to hearing of selections for the State Athletics Carnival!!
Primary Library
Primary classes have been enjoying library classes in our new library space with Mrs Michele Bennet. Mrs Bennet is pleased to encourage the students to regularly change their library books and choose new books to enjoy from the wonderful selection in our library.
Reading Parent Information sessions
Parents and friends are cordially invited to join Ros Smith for an information session on how children learn to read and supporting child’s reading development both at home and at school.
A session will be held at St Marys District School on Wednesday, 19th May at 10am. This session will be followed by the National Simultaneous Reading event at 11am and the Primary Assembly at 11:50am. A session will be held at the Fingal Campus on Thursday 20th May at 12pm.
The purpose of these sessions is to provide current research regarding how children learn to read, the way that the teachers at our school are supporting your child to learn to read, and how you might support this development at home.
In addition, we are hopeful that some parents may be able to support us by joining a parent group which would focus on listening to children reading at school on a regular basis.
Letters of invitation will be sent home in the coming week. Keep your eye out for this invitation!!
NAPLAN 2021
Naplan testing for years 3,5,7 and 9 will occur on Tuesday 11th May, Wednesday 12th May and Thursday 13th May. The Parent Information brochure which was sent home to parents last term and included on our Facebook page has been included in this addition of the newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact Ros Smith via our school administration on 63723900.
Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)
Every three years since 2009, the Australian Government has undertaken a census of all children in their first year of full-time schooling. This information is used to identify communities where families and children may require extra support and to help shape the future and wellbeing of Australian children. This data collection will occur in our school in May.
A Parent information letter has been included in this newsletter and will also be sent home to all parents of Prep children this week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school administration on 63723900.
Ros Smith
AST (Primary)
Dear Parent/Carer,
Re: Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)
Between May and July this year, our school will be taking part in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). This is a nationwide census/survey of early childhood development held once every three years. The AEDC is an Australian Government initiative run by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and includes all children in their first year of full-time school.
The AEDC provides vital information to communities about how children are developing in the crucial early years. AEDC data is relied upon by schools, early childhood organisations, researchers and government to inform planning and improve services and supports for children and families.
The AEDC Instrument is completed by teachers about children in their first year of full-time school. The AEDC is voluntary and is not a school test. The information collected gives a picture of how children are developing before they start school in five key areas or domains. It shows what is being done well, and what can be improved. This is why it is important for all children in their first year of full-time school to be included in the AEDC.
What does this mean for your child?
Children do not need to do anything to be included in the census and will attend class as usual throughout the data collection period, which will commence in May. During the census, teachers will record information, including children’s names and dates of birth, based on their knowledge and observations of each child in their class. Teachers answer questions relating to the five key domains of early childhood development including; Physical health and wellbeing, Emotional maturity, Social competence, Language and cognitive skills (school-based) and Communication skills and general knowledge. You can see all the questions at https://www.aedc.gov.au/avedi.
You can be confident that your child’s privacy will be protected.
We understand how important it is to keep your child’s information private. This is why we use a secure site to collect and keep your child’s information. The AEDC is managed in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The APPs regulate the collection, use, disclosure and storage of personal information by Australian government agencies, and some private sector organisations, and is part of the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth). APPs also form part of applicable state and territory privacy legislation and policies.
AEDC results for individual children are not reported and data about each child is de-identified. Children’s names, ages, addresses and schools are not included when AEDC information is made publicly available. Individual children cannot be identified when AEDC information is linked with information from other organisations (such as health departments).
You can see how data is collected and presented by visiting www.aedc.gov.au/data. Data from the 2021 collection will be presented in a similar way.
Access to the de-identified AEDC data is limited to the following groups:
Communities
Your child’s data will be combined with data from the other children living within the same community. Communities only receive information about how their children are doing when most schools and children participate.
Schools
Your child’s data will be combined with data from the other children in the school. Only schools have access to their school report and individual children cannot be identified.
Governments
State and Territory government and non-government (Catholic and Independent) schools receive de-identified information for all children in their schools.
Researchers
Researchers can apply for de-identified data from the AEDC program or for AEDC data linked to other data to answer research questions. For examples about how researchers have used AEDC data visit https://www.aedc.gov.au/snapshots.
What do parents need to do?
The department seeks your consent to collect personal information about your child from our school, for the purposes of the AEDC. This includes known information about your child’s health.
If you consent to the collection of your child's information, you do not need to do anything.
If you do not consent to the collection of your child's information, please contact Ros Smith via the School Administration office on 63723900 before Monday 17th May, 2021.
To find out more about the AEDC, please read the frequently asked questions section on the AEDC website at https://www.aedc.gov.au/parents/faqs or phone 1800 092 548.
Your child’s data will only be used for the purpose described in this letter. The Privacy Statement contained on the AEDC website provides detailed descriptions about protection and access and can be found at: www.aedc.gov.au/parents/privacy-statement
Thank you for supporting the AEDC.
Carolyn Watson
Principal
EAST NORTH EAST COMBINED ATHLETICS- FRIDAY 23RD APRIL 2021
A team of 18 Grade 3 - 6 students travelled to St. Helens athletics grounds on yet another glorious Autumn day for the ENE Combined Athletics Carnival. Again, what a privilege and a pleasure it was for me to be responsible for the team as Team Manager. Our students behaviour, attitude, effort, sportsmanship and support of each other was second to none. When the team returned to school, each student wrote some of their thoughts on paper about the day. A number of students wrote that the support by team members and team spirit was really special and contributed to such an amazing day. The team members were:
Grade 3 GIRLS - Ella Gillies |
Grade 3 BOYS - Levi Woods Oliver Jones Oliver Hibberd |
Grade 4 GIRLS - Halle Gillies Sienna McGiveron Lily Woods |
Grade 4 BOYS - George Austin |
Grade 5 GIRLS - Ellie Woolley Paige Walker Mimi Burbury |
Grade 5 BOYS - Ryan Gorham Bowen Sutcliffe Steely Zorn |
Grade 6 GIRLS - Mia Hibberd |
Grade 6 BOYS - Jaxon Harrison Wally Freiboth Bo Bryant Connor French |
A number of our students were “promoted” to other events due to the illness of other athletes. Congratulations to Ryan Gorham and Paige Walker for supporting the team by competing in extra events. EVERY athlete in the team demonstrated our school values—particularly courage and growth. Thank you to all our wonderful family members and friends who attended the carnival to support our selected students. A huge thankyou to the hosting school St. Helens District School and to members of the local Little Athletics Association for organising the carnival. Thanks to Ros Smith and our Administration staff members who worked with me to organise another fantastic sporting opportunity for our students. Please enjoy these photographs of the day!
Karen Bramich—Team Manager
Dear parents,
Coming into the cold and flu season, it’s important that we all continue to keep healthy and safe. To ensure we can keep on top of COVID and also cold and flu, make sure you:
- Be alert to any symptoms of cold or flu that you or your child may exhibit
- Get tested for COVID if you or your child have symptoms
- Practise good hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands
- If you or your child do get sick, stay at home until symptoms has passed, even if a COVID test is negative
Remember, symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, headache, sore throat, sniffling and sneezing.
To keep our school safe, we are still:
- continuing with increased cleaning
- making sure there is plenty of soap, sanitiser and tissues available
- applying restrictions to large gatherings of adults and encouraging physical distancing
- requiring visitors to check-in on our sites
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
SECONDARY
WHOLE SCHOOL
East Coast Swans 2021 Auskick Season
St Marys Centre
Come and try afternoon
Wednesday 5th May 3.10pm – 4.10pm on the SMDS School Oval
If we have sufficient interest and support from parents, the East Coast Swans in partnership with AFL Tas will run a Auskick Centre at St Marys in 2021. We are excited about this opportunity.
Ticket to Play, if you are eligible for the Tas Government Ticket to play, redeem a voucher online
Ticket to Play provides two vouchers up to $100 each towards club membership for children aged 5-18 years and listed on a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card or in Out of Home Care. Vouchers can be used either both at one activity provider, or at two different activity providers.Learn more
To find out information about the East Coast Swans St Marys Auskick Centre and to register, go to the National Auskick website. Auskick 2021 Registration | Play.AFL
The registration fee will be $35 per participant. Most centres pay $75, we have negotiated a reduced fee of $35 for this season with AFL Tas. Participant will be provided a football however not a full pack.
What it will look like
- Come and try and parent information session Wednesday 5th May 3.00pm – 4.00pm on the School Oval – left of the driveway inside the school entrance.
- Training sessions each Wednesday on the school oval, weather permitting, through term 2.
- A minimum of four weekend game days, a combination of Saturday mornings before the Snr Swans Games or Sunday before the Swans Jnr games combined with the St Helens Centre. Players are provided with a Swans playing jumpers handed out prior and returned after the games on game days.
- End of season presentation event.
The St Marys Auskick Centre is for Kinder through to Grade 4+, Under 12s that would prefer to participate with Auskick rather than train with the East Coast Swans Under 12s may attend this Auskick centre and can be registered with either Auskick of the East Coast Swans. General sports attire will be fine for training sessions. COVID Requirements need to be followed.
Please let us know if you are up for helping in any capacity.
Stephen Walley 0408502290 stephen.walley0@gmail.com
Our facebook page is a key source of communication throughout the season, this page will be for both the St Marys and St Helens Centre’s.
NOTICEBOARD