Dear Families, 

Welcome back to Term 4!  I hope you had a relaxed and restful break and enjoyed some quality time with family and friends.  

It has been a smooth and very positive start to the term, with students settling back in well and quickly re-establishing routines for productive teaching and learning. It has been wonderful to see students so settled and ready for learning, as well as enjoying other aspects of school life. There is a great energy around the school, and it’s clear that students are keen to make the most of the term ahead. 

In the first two weeks of term, students across the school have been involved in some exciting activities and opportunities, including a Grade 3 Sleepover, 2026 Construction Skillset Course interviews and a Kinder local excursion for Children’s Week. Also, some very excited children, and parents, have commenced Pre-Kinder and the Prep to Year 10 students have commenced PAT testing in Reading and Mathematics. This assessment will provide important information about student progress and inform future teaching and learning support and strategies.  

Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey and School Satisfaction Survey 

Last term students in years 4-12 undertook the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey. Data from this survey has just been returned to the school and first indications are again showing positive trends for students across all year groups.  The data shows clearly that our continuing intensive focus on student wellbeing and engagement, including the implementation of strategies such as The Resilience Project are making a significant difference for our children and young people. 

Data from the Staff and Families School Satisfaction Surveys, which were also completed toward the end of Term 3, has also returned to the school and these data sets have also shown significant upward trends across all measures.   

Thank you to the 55 family members who participated in our Families Satisfaction Survey, your engagement in this process will really make a difference to our school planning for 2026! 

These data sets will be carefully reviewed by our teaching team next week at the Student Free Day on the 31 October. Please find below a snapshot  of the incredible results. 

Making Every School Day Count 

Every school day matters. 

We love seeing your children at school, every day. Going to school every day gives your child every chance to learn, grow and connect with their friends and teachers. It gives us a chance to engage with your child. We all play a part in helping our kids get to school every day. It’s where bright futures start and where they’ll benefit the most. With an education and support for wellbeing, anything is possible for our children and young people. Talk to us at school or visit Anything can happen - Department for Education, Children and Young People.  

Professional Learning Day for staff 

Please note that Friday 31 October is a Professional Learning Day for staff and therefore students are not required to attend on this day.  This leads into the long weekend on Monday 3 November.  These Professional Learning Days are incredibly valuable opportunities for staff to collaborate and apply our value of growth to developing our skills, knowledge and understanding of our work.  Teachers are learners too!  We appreciate our community’s understanding and support of these days, particularly as we acknowledge that it can cause issues for families with care and supervision arrangements. 

World Teachers Day 

World Teachers Day is also next Friday, 31 October. I would like to acknowledge our dedicated teaching staff for all that they do for our students, which often goes far beyond teaching in the classroom.  We have an exceptional team of teachers, both permanent and relief, at our school for which I am very thankful.  Hats off to our teachers!  

This term will seem to go by very quickly. Thank you, as always, for your support.  I look forward to working together with you to make this term a very successful finish to a great year for our students and school 

Regards 

Carolyn Watson 
Principal 

Kinder

A big welcome back to our Kinder children and families. Whilst we were on holidays, a fairy came into our classroom and changed the classroom around and set up new experiences for us to enjoy. Last week we began an investigation on ‘minibeasts’ learning about insects, bugs and spiders, learning about different types, their habitats and what they do for the environment. Please enjoy our dragonfly pictures which we are very proud of.

This week we celebrated ‘Children’s week’ engaging in some experiences about what it's like to be a child and how they learn and grow. We also went on an excursion to the hall joining Building Blocks to celebrate ‘Children’s week’, inviting an older special person to come and play with us. We had a fantastic time engaging in the different learning experiences playing with our peers and our special people.

Launching into Learning

Welcome back to our LiL children and families.  This term we have had a change in time for LiL so that we are able to begin our Pre-Kinder program. For the first seven weeks of term LiL will be from 10.30am – 11.30am. We had a great turn out for our first session of the term with the weather being kind to us, we were able to spend time exploring the outdoor environment as well as the indoor space.  Water and sand play were very popular with the children as well as cooking in the cubby house. The gravel pit was also a very busy area with trucks coming and going.

Pre-Kinder

We have welcomed our Pre-Kinder children to SMDS last week and this week, the children were very excited and eager to explore both the indoor and outdoor learning spaces.  Beginning to learn the rules and routines of Kinder which began as soon as the entered the space: finding their tub for their bags, finding their leaf for the tree and handwashing on arrival. The children soon learnt the packing away song with everyone working together to pack up the room and learning that when you hear the bell it is time to sit on the mat to commence learning. We are looking forward to getting to know you all and your families.

An energetic four‑day adventure saw our Year 10 students travel to Melbourne from 23–26 September. The carefully planned itinerary balanced guided excursions with time to explore the city, creating a programme full of learning, laughter and fresh experiences.

Accommodation at The Village Melbourne proved a highlight for students. The common room quickly became the social hub where groups gathered to play board and card games, listen to music, catch up with friends and practise yoga. The comfortable, communal atmosphere gave everyone space to relax between activities and strengthened friendships.

On arrival students visited DFO South Wharf before heading to the Melbourne Skydeck for sweeping city views that set the tone for the trip. Day two featured a behind‑the‑scenes MCG tour during Grand Final week, where students accessed changerooms, the media room and getting down to the ground - although not actually touching the hallowed turf. We also had the chance to catch up with Taekwondo Olympian Stacey Hymer who share her experiences and even taught us some moves. That same day Scienceworks and IMAX delivered hands‑on science exhibits and immersive films that captured many curious minds.

Day three focused on art and media: ArtVo’s interactive 3D installations encouraged playful creativity and great photo moments, while ACMI offered insight into film, media and digital storytelling. An exploration of the CBD introduced students to Melbourne’s laneways, street art and café culture, giving them a taste of the city’s character and independent spirit.

The trip also offered plenty of opportunities for shopping and sampling new foods. DFO South Wharf and Queen Victoria Market provided a wide variety of retail and culinary choices, and many students tried cuisines they had never tasted before, broadening their cultural and culinary horizons.

Beyond the attractions, the trip delivered important personal growth. Students practised independence by navigating public transport, managing time between scheduled activities and free exploration, and taking responsibility for group planning. New friendships were forged through shared rooms, mealtimes and evening games, and confidence grew from small challenges such as ordering food and representing the school in public venues.

Everyone involved is very appreciative of the generosity and support from our School Association and the support of local businesses for donations who made the trip possible. I would also like to acknowledge, the tireless behind the scenes work undertaken by our admin team to ensure we were well prepared. Thank you to the staff Emma McIntosh, Matt Pinkerton and Sam Smithurst whose supervision and planning ensured the trip ran smoothly. The students returned with new stories, strengthened friendships and fresh curiosity — a memorable example of experiential learning outside the classroom.

On Thursday 16 October, our Grade 3 students were very excited to be sleeping over at school. After the school day finished the fun and games started with an exciting and much enjoyed swim, with Mrs Bramich ending up in the pool fully clothed!! The Grade 3 students found this hilarious, and it started our event with a bang!

A snack platter was much needed after all the swimming, followed by setting up the sleeping area. Then on with the outside games with cricket and the swings being the firm favourites. Mr Smithurst was keen to get out there and organise the cricket game.

Dinner arrived and we tucked in to chicken nuggets, pizza and chips followed by ice- cream, enjoyed by all. To wind down we then played a game of charades before getting ready for bed.

Once in our PJ's the students snuggled down ready for a movie and Milo.

Then it was time for lights out and a peaceful sleep with just a few late-night giggles!

The morning started bright and early and the students were ready for breakfast just after 6am! After a selection of cereals and toast the students were ready to get washed, dressed and tidy up their sleeping area. They did a great job and had some time to play outside games whilst we waited for the start of the Friday school day.

The fun didn’t stop there and with a toy making STEM activity and some extra time to enjoy games, art and chatting to friends, the event was a great success. Students enjoyed their lunch by making their own rolls and I’m sure would have slept very well on Friday night.

The event was a great chance for an overnight experience, the first for some, having fun with friends and Mrs Youdale and I enjoyed being part of it. Thank you Grade 3 students for being fabulous!

Thank you to Mr Smithurst, Mrs Burbury and Miss Bramich.

Mrs Kirk and Ms Youdale.

Comments from the students:

Harry- I loved the cricket with Mr Smithurst. It was so fun!

Vann- I just loved everything!

Lillee- I really loved the swimming, and I was proud of Lincoln for putting his feet in.

Max- I really loved the delicious pizza! It was yummy!

Matilda- I really just loved everything!

Sidney- I loved all of the food as it was all delicious!

Lincoln- I liked watching Lillee do her swimming.

Aria- I loved the swimming, especially when Miss Bramich jumped in! I loved the whole sleepover.

Attendance: At SMDS, students’ attendance and safety are high priorities.  If your child is absent or late, please let us  know by:

• Phoning the school office - 63723900
• Absentee Form on our Schoolzine app  
• Absentee Form on our Website
• Texting 0419 487 425
• Emailing  st.marys.district.school@decyp.tas.gov.au

All lateness and absences must be explained.  This is a legal requirement by the Department for Education Children and Young People. Each day your child is absent without explanation, a message from EdSmart platform will be automatically sent to the mobile phones of parents/carers. 

Entering School Grounds: All visitors must sign in at the school admin office. You will be required to show your Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card EVERY time you enter the school grounds or volunteer at the school, please make sure you have it with you.

Parents who wish to drop off or collect their children from their classrooms, are asked to come into the school grounds and access classrooms by walking up the driveway and entering through the Administration Foyer or via the yellow boom gate. 

Please observe the 10kmh speed limit and use caution in the driveway and car parks.

Uniform: At SMDS we require all students to wear full school uniform. We believe that wearing our school uniform reinforces the notion of school identity, belonging and pride. Our uniform also assists staff to provide a secure and safe school environment. If you need any assistance with school uniform please let us know. Please name your child's uniform - we have a number of unnamed/unclaimed items at the school office.

Uniforms can be ordered from our Uniform Supplier:

Online: St Marys District School - St Marys | Lowes Menswear Australia // Lowes

Telephone:  (03) 62726142

In Store: Lowes Glenorchy  387-393 Main Road, Glenorchy

Parent Help and Volunteering: It is a Department of Education, Children and Young People requirement that anyone helping with our children must have a Working with Vulnerable People (RWVP) volunteer card and they must complete Safeguarding Training before they start working with children. Please contact the office to discuss if you wish to apply for RWVP, this will enable you to have the opportunities to help with excursions, at carnivals, events or in the classroom.

Non-DECYP Employed Workers: Volunteer, trainer, contractor or sub-contractor, external service provider, aged 18 years or over, must complete the Your Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video each year before engaging with children and young people. Certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of completion.

Apps and Websites:

Website:Home - St Marys District School

To Download Schoolzine App:Installing SZapp - Schoolzine

Facebook: StMarysDistrictSchool

QKR Canteen Ordering App:  Download the Qkr App from the App store or Google Play.  See the info sheet below for how to set it up.

A new face has been in the canteen over the past few weeks, while Emma is on Leave.  Paul has taken on the the demands of feeding our school community and is doing a fantastic job.  We also wish Emma the very best and look forward to  her return.

To celebrate, Paul has introduced Veggie Burgers to the canteen menu.   Veggie Burgers with lettuce, cheese, mayo and tomato are available to order on the QKR app for $6.50.

QKR Canteen App

Our Qkr (pronounced quicker) app is the quicker way to get your lunch orders sorted!

Qkr allows parents to order and pay for their child's canteen order straight from their phone.    

Ordering with Qkr allows parents to select their student's lunch and ensures that lunch money is spent on nutritious food.

No more lost lunch  money,  No more rummaging for change on the way out the door!

Some Tips to make QKR Quicker

Fridays are our busiest days in the canteen, which is understandable - the bread has just about run out and everyone is sick of sandwiches for lunch.

Not only is our Canteen busy on a Friday, but so are most QKR canteens around the country.  The amount of traffic on the QKR app on a Friday morning sometimes causes the app to slow down or time out.

QKR TIP: Be an early bird -  Order your lunches early!   (Cut off time 8.45am)

QKR TIP: For those who like to be on top of their lunch ordering, QKR allows you to order in advance.  Order the night before, the day before, the week before! Prebooked lunch orders can be cancelled at any time before 8.40 on the day of the order.

Chair	Kayla Newton
Treasurer	Mel Woods
Secretary	Louisa Rhodes
Committee Members
	Lisa Bean
	Greg Bean
	Hannah Rubenach-Quinn
	Janet Drummond

School Association Email:  stmarysds.schoolassociation@outlook.com

NEXT MEETING: 

Wednesday 29 October 2025 @ 3.00pm

What is EdSmart?

EdSmart is an Australian-based communication and workflow platform. It has cloud-based software to enable schools to handle communication with parents/carers electronically.

How is SMDS using EdSmart?

One-way messages: Schools can send broadcast messages to individuals, classes, or all parent/carers for general notices and reminders. Broadcast messages are one-way, meaning there is no response expected from recipients. Example broadcasts include notices of school closures in inclement weather or reminders for start of term dates. 

• Two-way messages: Schools can send forms (known as slips in EdSmart) to parent/carers which require a response. 

Major Excursion Consent and  Medical Forms - A New and Easier Way!

We know how frusting it can be to fill out the same forms for every excursion and we  have good news - that's changing!  

Thanks to Edsmart and updates to DECYP Excursion planning guidelines, we can now send you one form each term to cover all major excursions.

What's Changing?

• You’ll receive one EdSmart form for all major excursions and activities for the upcoming term.
• This form gives permission and includes medical details — no more repeating the same info!
• Before each excursion, you’ll still get a detailed notice with all the usual information about the date, departure and return times, activities etc.

Need Help?  

If you’re unsure about the new process, our Admin Team is here to help.

Coming Soon - Edsmart Absences.

Soon our Admin Team will have completed the Absences training in Edsmart - which will change the way we communicate absences and how you respond.

How will it work for absentee notifications and responses?

You will be sent an email or SMS notification with a link to a secure online version of an absentee response form.

These links can be accessed on your phone, tablet or computer at your convenience.

What about Privacy & Data Security? 

All of the data you submit in the forms is held in a secure database only accessible to authorised DECYP, school staff and EdSmart personnel.

EdSmart is accredited to Australian information security standards

Studiosity: Get Study Help Anytime, Anywhere.

Need free study help with schoolwork and exams?  

Get 24/7 online study support with Studiosity – free for Libraries Tasmania members. 

What’s included: 

• Homework support and writing feedback for students in grades 3–12. 

• Real subject specialists covering core Australian Curriculum subjects. 

• Live chat about study or exam questions. 

• Unlimited access to 750+ practice tests and downloadable worksheets. 

How to get started: 

• Go to Libraries Tasmania’s Studiosity login page in a web browser. 

• Log in free using your library barcode and PIN/password. 

• Your Studiosity account is created instantly for immediate access.  

• Once you’re set up, download the Studiosity app and link your account: 

Download on the App Store 

Get it on Google Play 

Need help?  

• Read How do I connect my account to the mobile app? for step-by-step instructions.  

• Ready to join?  Sign up online for instant access to Studiosity.  

• Learn more on our Studiosity webpage. 

Discover your library. It’s free. Ready to join?

Visit your local library or sign up online today!  

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

• Kindergarten- Serpentarium Wildlife Park Excursion - Wednesday 5 November 2025
• Grade 5 Camp - Rostrevor - Wednesday 29 October - Thursday 30 October 2025
• ENE Hurricanes Country Gold Cricket Carnival Selection Trials - Windsor Park Launceston - Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November 2025  -  Selected Students Grade 5 & 6

Reducing skin cancer risk

A reminder to families that hats are required to be worn during outside activities in Term 4.

Has yours gone missing?  Hats are available from the School Admin Office.

UV exposure during childhood has a big impact on skin cancer risk – but it’s almost entirely preventable with good UV protection.

SunSmart recommends to reduce UV exposure and encourage the use of all five forms of sun protection:

• Whenever the UV Index hits 3 or above, cover up and protect your skin.
• When you cover up, you create a barrier between yourself and UV.
• Protect your skin by wearing a hat, clothing and sunglasses, apply sunscreen to any skin you can still see and enjoy shady areas outdoors.
• Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

For  more information and resources visit :  Protect your skin - SunSmart