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- PRINCIPALS REPORT
- CANTEEN CLOSED FRIDAY 2 JULY
- 2021 LEVIES - PAYMENTS DUE
- LEGAL AID INCURSION
- BAY OF FIRES YOUTH ART AWARD
- ABORIGINAL CONNECTIONS TO LAND
- HIGH SCHOOL ART
- FINGAL CAMPUS
- BARE ROCK EXCURSION - GRADE 8 AND 9
- SCHOOL SECONDARY SOCIAL
- GRADE 5/6B SEABROOK/KOSTIUK
- SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NEWS
- COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
What a busy few weeks we have had here at St Marys District School. We have had our students experiencing:
- ENE Cross Country at Winnaleah
- Winter Sports
- State Primary Cross Country at Symmons Plains
- Australian Poetry Presentation ‘Hot Pies and Potato Chips’ for Secondary Students
- Year 11/12 Mid-Year Exams
- Grade 8 and 9 Excursion to Bare Rock
- Secondary Social
- 5-6 Sports Exchange at Bicheno
Our staff work tirelessly to ensure the very best opportunities for our students throughout the year, as being a student at St Marys isn’t just about the learning that takes place in our classrooms every day. We aim to provide the most varied and engaging opportunities we can for all our students. St Marys District School is invested in making positive memories that impact on our students in a positive, life-long way.
Grade 10 Transition
Next week our Grade 10 students will participate in Open Days at both Launceston and Newstead Colleges, providing a very important opportunity for students to experience a college environment and build a deeper understanding of the courses and programs on offer. These days are an integral part of the Grade 10 transition program. Attendance is expected on both days and we encourage students to see this as an opportunity to support them to make informed choices as they plan future pathways.
Bay of Fires Youth Art Exhibition
Congratulations to our students who entered the Bay of Fires Youth Art Exhibition. The artworks entered by our students were showcased in the exhibition held at St Helens during the long weekend as well as being part of a travelling exhibition in our local area.
Important Reminders
Mobile Phones: In recent weeks we have been giving very clear reminders to students about expectations regarding mobile phones, aligned to the Department of Education policy. At St Marys District School students are expected to hand their mobile phone into the administration office during the school day. Our endeavours in this area support students to remain focused on their learning and ensure interactions and relationships are respectful.
Safety in the school driveway: The school driveway is a busy place, especially at the start and end of the school day. Following concerns expressed by our Student Leadership Board, we need to remind parents to take care when dropping off or collecting their children, particularly if backing out onto the driveway. We strongly encourage parents to discuss safety in and around the school driveway with your children and to reinforce key safety messages. Your support with this is very much appreciated.
Parent Student Teacher Interviews
Thank you to the many parents who have already taken advantage of our Parent Student Teacher Interviews to discuss their child’s learning progress. Interviews continue next week, if you have not yet made a time please contact the office on Monday or Tuesday to do so. Parent Student Teacher meetings provide an opportunity for you to meet with teachers for a face to face or phone conversation to address any concerns that you have or to discuss how we can work together to best support your child with their learning.
In Closing
With one week left until the term break, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mrs Lucie Cornelius and Mr Nic Wardlaw a wonderful break as they both head away for some very well-earned long service leave. Mr Sean Bradley will be stepping in to cover Grade 10 English and our Music programs for Term 3 and I thank Sean for his flexibility and commitment to our students.
To our students, families and staff, thank you for a fantastic term.
Kind regards
Carolyn Watson
Principal
The Canteen will be closed on Friday 2nd July 2021, the last day of term 2.
Please ensure your child brings a packed lunch on this day.
We would like to remind parents and guardians that Levy payments are now due.
This year families were invoiced for their levies after our book and uniform days, rather than paying on collection of books.
Please see the information below on ways we can assist you with financial support and payment plans.
If you are having difficulty making levy payments, please ring our School Business Manager, Lisa Bean to discuss.
The levy you pay contributes to the cost of your child’s education program, and includes:
- Items your child uses during the school year such as learning materials and stationery.
- Services, such as school excursions, attending performances and school camps that are part of your child’s educational program.
Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) for 2021 School Year
The Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance to low income families towards the cost of levies for students enrolled in a school from kindergarten through to year 12.
STAS is provided through school and college resourcing rather than payment direct to families.
Eligibility
Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:
- Services Australia – Centrelink Health Care Card
- Service Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
- Services Australia – Pensioner Concession Card or
- Department of Veteran Affairs – Pensioner Concession Card.
2021 Eligibility for Previous STAS Recipients
Parents who received STAS during 2020 who do not hold a concession card outlined will be approved using the 2020 process where evidence is provided to support their claim. The Department will contact parents in relation to this.
To apply for STAS please complete the Student Assistance application form.
For further information please view the Frequently Asked Questions.
Financial assistance
- Families on low incomes who meet the eligibility conditions of the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) will not be required to pay school levies. Grandparents raising grandchildren may also be eligible for STAS.
- Families who are not eligible for STAS, but who may experience financial hardship should talk to the school about payment arrangements and other financial assistance which may help.
- School staff understand that financial matters are highly sensitive, so your questions will remain completely confidential.
- These matters will also be dealt with directly with you and not through your child.
- Your child’s participation in learning will not be affected.
Levies when transferring to a new school
If your child is transferring to a new school during the school year, you will need to find out from both schools what their policies are for refunds and payments of levies on transfer.
Other charges
- In some subjects there may be an option of extending a project or task at an additional cost. This contribution will only need to be paid if your child chooses to take up the opportunity.
- Other charges for students may apply to optional activities such as school social events, extra music tuition, and recreational or holiday trips.
Centrelink student allowances
There are several student allowances available through Centrelink, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Where can I get more information?
- Talk to the school business manager or principal at your child’s school.
- Contact the Department of Education, Finance and Budget Services on 1800 827 055 or email stas@education.tas.gov.au
- For information on Centrelink assistance programs, contact Centrelink’s Youth and Student Services on 13 24 90 or visit the Services Australia website.
The 3rd June was a fantastic day in the life of St Marys District School. Our students were able to access some fantastic advice, knowledge, and common sense around the law and what certain situations that our students face, every day, look like through the ‘eyes’ of the law.
Stuart Davey, who works for Legal Aid Tasmania, visited us from Hobart and donated his time to provide our students with some amazing advice and tips. Having been a court lawyer, as well as legal practitioner, allowed him to answer many student questions and concerns with great clarity and simplicity.
There were three sessions for the day, the Grade 9-12 team were instructed in the details of “Parties, Drugs, Alcohol and the Law” as well as “Consent and E-Safety”. In between these two sessions, our Grade 7 and 8 team members were taught about “Being Cyber Safe”. This covered various topics such as online bullying, smart internet use, requests for inappropriate images, people not being who they claim to be online and consent.
Stuart provided many real-life scenarios and facts that were surprising, but that also gave our students much reason to think. Some of the most powerful messages for the day were around safety, unintended consequences, and common-sense ways to navigate this challenging time in our students’ lives.
We would very much like to thank Stuart for his time, effort and expertise and we can’t wait to see him back, presenting at St Marys District School soon.
This year our students were invited to participate in the annual Bay of Fires Youth Art Prize culminating in an online and live exhibition from 11th June to the 14th June inclusive held at the Portland Hall, St Helens.
The 2021 theme was:
‘Children and young people are connected with and contribute to their world. There is an interdependence between land, people, plants and animals. Sustainable patterns of living rely on the interdependence on healthy social, economic and ecological systems”
Entrants were able to submit their artwork either as individuals or as a group using a variety of Visual Art forms.
St Marys District School students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 had a session with Natasha Lowe to support them and to assist them with the development of their ideas towards the theme. Secondary students were encouraged to enter.
Congratulations to the following students who were recognised for their high levels of art work and were named up as finalists in their age groups.
Kinder to Grade 2 | Grade 3 to Grade 6 | Grade 7 to Grade 9 |
Kylah Potter-Freckelton | Sienna McGiveron | Rio Kiely |
Claire Ward | Katy Bond | |
Etta Cornelius | Ayla Clark | |
Daisy McCullagh | ||
Nikki Gamble |
Students would like to thank Tanya Greenwood and Natasha Lowe for inviting them to participate in this Art Prize opportunity.
For a full list of award winners please view the PDF below.
ABORIGINAL CONNECTIONS TO LAND
Students up to Grade 4 at the Fingal Campus have been learning about the Aboriginal connection to land. They have explored how this connection is part of everyday life from how people act, talk, who they can talk with, totems and artwork.
Students have learned that children have a totem from the moment of birth and that they are custodians of the animal, bird or object that is their totem. Students have learned that if they have an animal totem, they cannot eat the meat or eggs from that animal but others who do not have this totem can. Some examples of totems include wind, water, bushberries, kangaroos, Burdekin plum, fire and perentie.
Students also learned that Aboriginal artwork uses icons to represent meanings. They have made a short story using icons.
A woman hunting a goanna near more women but then she sees a snake and huns it for dinner.
By Shelby
A woman was playing with her boomerang, then she finds bush berries and it starts torain. So she goes and eats the bush berries and witchetty grubs and she watches the rain. The sun comes out and she goes outside to play with her boomerang
By Indi
Factual Recounts of the Campbell Town Show
On Friday we went to the Campbell Town Show. It was so cold. When we got there, we went and watched the horses. We also went to the shearing, SES, the Art display and the Wool display. We had hot chips and our cut lunch that we packed to take with us. After we had lunch, we played ‘mushroom’ in front of the hay bales. On the way out we watched Chester the Jester Juggler but he couldn’t juggle!!!! Indi |
On Friday morning we got on the bus and went to Campbell Town to the show. When we got there we had recess and then we watched the horses and then we went over to the SES and saw Patty the platypus SES Mascot, that chased us, then we went to the sheep and watched Stephen Rigby shearing and we were given some free samples then we went and saw the art and saw someone juggling. We also went to look at the sporting gear, it was then time to go home on the bus. We had a good day at the show. By Aiden |
On Friday the 28th May 2021, the Fingal Campus went to the Campbell town Show. I sat next to Indi on the way there. We went on a little bus. When we got there, we looked at the horse first. They were very good and there was a big black one. After that we looked at a big sheep and the fine wool. Next, we had a snack and we ate our recess. Then we went and got some free things. After that went to see Paddy the Platypus at the SES. He was their mascot. We then had some lunch and got some hot chips. We then looked at the art. Next, we saw the shearing, then we left to head home. On the way out we saw some juggling and I sat next to Layla on the way home. We had fun! Lily |
On Friday the class went to the Campbell Town Show. We travelled on the mini- bus. First, we looked at the horses and one of them won a ribbon. We then had recess and after that we saw the Red Cross stall. We saw a lady dressed as a nurse and had our picture taken with the dog. We then looked at the sheep wool. A lot of wool won ribbons. We had lunch, and we got some hot chips. It was almost time to leave so we went to watch the shearing. After that we got on the bus and came home. Layla |
Some of the items displayed at the Campbell Town Agriculutral Show 2021.
Craft items on display included art, crotchet, cooking and photography.
On display was some memerobelia including Red Cross Nurse, reminiscent of WW2. Pidgeon’s were used to carry messages and horses used to carry supplies and injured soldiers. Trained dogs, sniffed out enemy soldiers, carried aide to the wounded and took messages between the war lines. Dogs, horses, and pigeons played an important role with the Red Cross.
In the Home Arts pavillion: Items are baked and judged at the Campbell Town Agricultural Show. These include cakes, scones, bread, pastries, and biscuits. Other items which are judged are knitted wool jumpers, spun wool items such as shawls, socks and beanies.
It is quite prestigious to take home a first, second or third ribbon.
Fingal Campus students with Paddy the Platypus the SES mascot.Winning entry by Fingal Student Shelby Gamble Gr 5 - Second Prize
CAMPBELL TOWN SHOW WINNERS
Grade 1/2/3/4/5 Fingal Campus
Changing State of Matter
Lego
BARE ROCK EXCURSION - GRADE 8 AND 9
On Tuesday the 22nd of June, members of Grade 8 and 9 Science and Geography classes went on an excursion to “Bare Rock” in Fingal. 49 brave, happy, energetic and confident students started the delightfully gentle walk up the foothills, through to the very base of the cliff, where a refreshing beverage was enjoyed by all before the main ascent. During this break, a brief discussion on the formation processes of Bare Rock, rock type (Dolerite), nivation – also called frost shattering and the various types of Erosion were all entered into while tired legs attempted to recover.
The 220m of vertical gain that then followed was met with mixed feelings from our student body. Some students were quoted as saying “this walk is great”, “It wasn’t that bad”, “Let’s do it again” and “this was so much fun”. Others, however, were less positive, featuring comments such as “my legs died ½ a km back”, “I am in a world of pain”, “You are no longer my favourite teacher” and “The most exercise I do is on my X-Box… this sucks”.
Once at the top, it was all worth it. Spectacular views over the highest section of cliff, combined with perfect weather conditions, allowed each of the students to take in the sheer beauty and scale of the Fingal Valley, Ben Lomond and Bare Rock. After that, the long and more technically challenging walk back down the mountain followed. During this descent, Zali Taylor won the “human bowling ball” prize, when trying to find a quicker way down the path. After another 30minutes of walking back to the bus a far quieter, less boisterous and strangely still group of students sat in the bus, imagining just how good a hot shower and warm bed were going to feel.
Well done to all students who managed this hike, it was a challenging walk and a great testament to all students that we worked together, that no one quit, that we all got there and back and that great humour and friendship shone throughout. A special mention to our support staff who volunteered to come and keep things safe and interesting. Mr. Gidas, Mr. Levett, Ellie and Mr. Innis were absolutely crucial to the success of the day. We must also congratulate Mr. Innis and Miss Draghici for their efforts in planning, mapping, and organising this trip. They had the organisation sorted down to the minute and we can be certain that their efforts have added to the lives and knowledge of many of our students. We look forward to the next hike… coming soon!
The School leadership Board hosted the secondary social this week. The theme ‘Op Shop’ was embraced with students and staff dressing in their Op Shop best. The awards for best dressed went to Zali Taylor and Rio Kiely who shone with understated style… and to Mr Martin where style was no-where to be seen! The music was perfect with every taste catered for. Chelsea and D’arna won the best dancing award for their outstanding moves and Mathew went low, low, low in the limbo. A huge thankyou to the SLB for the thought, time and effort they put into the event and to the staff that attended and worked behind the scenes. The biggest thank you goes to all the students who attended, their attitude, gratitude and behaviour was exceptional and appreciated.
What’s the matter?
The last few weeks 5/6A have been studying matter and the different types of matter and how matter can change. One of the experiments we have completed was called “States of Matter” and it involved mixing a solid with a liquid to create a gas. Students really enjoyed this experiment as they decided to change some of the variables to create a couple of different reactions one being a small explosion of a balloon from too much gas being produced. Don’t worry parents no one was hurt in the process.
Art Challenges
All students have really enjoyed doing some art challenges over the past couple of weeks one of their favourites being the best dressed challenge. In groups of 2 or 3 the students had to design a formal dress to wear to the Academy Awards, the dress was to be made from 2 rolls of toilet paper and a roll of sticky tape. All students put a lot of effort into their designs and were really proud of the finished product. Well-done everyone you did a fantastic job!
The School Association have made the decision to purchase School Beanies and provide a beanie to each student. A final design has been selected to and Beanies ordered. Two options will be available - Navy with school logo, or Navy & Maroon with logo and pom pom. Beanies should be delivered early in term 3.
Our School Op Shop – WOW! Under the guidance of Janet Drummond, the Op Shop is going along amazingly, but, they need our support. If you have a couple of hours spare and would like to do some volunteer time, please give Janet a call at the Op Shop. We’re always looking for extra helpers! On that note, we’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of the volunteers that contribute to the Op Shop and at the school. Funds raised through the Op Shop are donated back through to the school to help support programs, awards and additional contributions to support our students learning.
In each of our newsletters, we’d like to introduce the many teams that work and operate within our school. Our first team we’d like to introduce is our Awesome Admin Team!
Name |
Lisa Bean |
Your Role at St Marys DS
|
School Business Manager I have worked at SMDS 25 years, starting in the front office in 1995 and beginning my SBM Career in 2012. I manage the school’s budget, finances, facilities, pool and much more. The role means I need to know a little about or where to find information about all sorts of different things from educational programs farm practices, to roofing, plumbing. My days are always interesting because I am never sure what will come up next. I love seeing our students and my favourite places for a break at school are in our early childhood areas, the veggie garden or school farm when we have baby animals. I love working in my office – especially on options day when I get to hear our music students practicing. |
Favourite Place in Tasmania |
Anywhere on our beautiful Tasmanian coastline, especially if it involves my family and my dogs. Our wild temperate rainforests. |
Name |
Janine Burt |
Your Role at St Marys DS
|
School Business Manager Day to day tasks in Finance, ordering of supplies and materials, Admin at Fingal Campus, working through and assigning of maintenance requests, ESS, Teacher Assistants, OHS, Credit Card payments, First Aid and more!!! I started working as a Teacher Aid at Fingal Primary School, before becoming a School Executive officer there. I work at both the St Marys and Fingal Campus. |
Favourite Place in Tasmania |
Spending time up at the block at Elderslie |
Name |
Sharlene Ridler-Mason |
Your Role at St Marys DS
|
School Administration Officer I started in the St Marys Administration office as a relief Clerk approximately 19 years ago. Day to day tasks for me include reception, preparation of excursion folders, notices, timetables and the schoolzine app. I also update and prepare our Information booklets, policies, manage the school calendar, help co-ordinate Presentation day, produce our merit certificates, manage the pool keys and most importantly co-ordinate and collate our annual school magazine plus a lot of other behind the scenes tasks that help keep our school running. |
Favourite Place in Tasmania |
Scamander of course, though Sheffield is a very close second ? |
Name |
Heather Gillies |
Your Role at St Marys DS |
School Administration Officer I started working at St Marys many years ago as a Teacher Aid, where I assisted in the classroom, supported reading and learning programs and made lots of resources. My day to day tasks in the SMDS administration office include: Co-ordinating and producing our newsletter, Receipting and banking, Reception, attendance reporting, typing correspondence and notices, maintaining, our bus lists, signing in and out of our students and collecting their mobile phones. I support our reporting process by printing report covers, sorting and collating all of our student reports and enveloping them to send home. |
Favourite Place in Tasmania |
I love visiting Evercreech Forest Reserve. It is such a beautiful place, right on our back doorstep. |
NOTICEBOARD