Dear Families

Welcome back to Term 2.

The National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) commenced yesterday for students in Year 3 and 5, and testing was undertaken today (11 May), and will continue tomorrow (12 May) and next Tuesday 17 May. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.  The tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN tests are just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process; they do not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance.

During this time, it is important that your child attends school and has adequate rest and diet in order to support their achievement during the testing period. You can help your child prepare by reassuring them that the tests are just one part of their school program, and by reminding them on the day to simply try their best.  We wish our students in Year 3 and Year 5 all the best in these assessments.

Being at school is the best place for our children. It’s where they learn and grow alongside their friends, and where they benefit the most. The Department of Education’s new communication resources on School attendance highlight the importance of regular school attendance. Going to school not only promotes academic success, but also helps build important social skills, relationships and confidence. Every COVID-safe measure is being taken, so that every student can learn in class safely. What we do know is that every school day counts. Bright futures begin at school, so unless your child is unwell, it is important they attend. Let’s make every school day count! For more information, please visit the Department of Education website.

School attendance in Term 2 - The Department of Education Tasmania

Late last term as a prelude to ANZAC day, the 5/6 class thought about the question “Why do we use symbols and ceremonies?”.  Using the fantastic text, One Minute's Silence, the students examined how history can be viewed from different perspectives.

Here are some of the student’s responses after working with this text.

“It doesn’t matter if you are Turkish or Australian you will still get hit the same by the bullet.”

“They are fighting and doing their all.”  

“Happy that it all ended but sad for all the lives lost. “

“Grateful"

We discussed the indigenous experiences of soldiers in World War I. Alfred’s War is a magnificent text that enabled our class to see the unfairness of how Aboriginal soldiers were treated when they returned from the front after fighting shoulder to shoulder with their compatriots. We wrote sentences that explored our emotional responses to this thought-provoking text.

When Alfred was forgotten, I felt terrible. (Zavier)

When Alfred had holes in the soles of his shoes, I felt sad. (Kadeijah)

When Alfred curled up into a ball and slept in the shadows, I felt bad for him. (Marcus)

When Alfred walked from town to town looking for work, I felt angry because no-one would help him. (Lilly)

If you are in the entrance way at the office, please enjoy the stained-glass silhouettes we created with the symbols of remembrance, including the poppy, Australian soldiers in their slouch hats and the rising sun. They look especially effective when the afternoon sun shines through!

We also talked about how history is being created at this very moment and how new symbols constantly develop. We made some Ukrainian cockerels with chalk pastels – Will this symbol endure as a symbol of defiance and solidarity? Only time will tell.

Just a reminder that school Photo Day is Monday 23 May.  School photo ordering is now online only.

Orders will need to be placed by 4.30 p.m. the night before school photo day

Please follow the process below to order your photos:

A reminder that Kindergarten photos will be taken at a date to be advised and family photos associated with Kinder children will be taken on that day.

Our first Lil session started back for a small group on Monday morning.  We look forward to welcoming old and new families back to our school over the coming weeks.  Bookings are capped at 6 families for each session, with only one adult member allowed to attend with their child.

At the end of Term 1 we had an Easter Colour In  Competition, there were so many fantastic entries. The Gagebrook Community Centre were our sponsors and had the difficult task of choosing the winners. 

Thank you to Cheynee at the Community Centre for supporting our Easter Colouring In competition and for making the difficult judging decision.  Congratulations to this year's winners:

Jaylah - 1st Place in Senior category

Heidi - Runner-up

Jasper - 1st Place in Junior category

Harmone - Runner-up

Herdsmans Cove Primary P & F Association held an Easter raffle at the end of last term.

Congratulations to our winners for this year:

1^st Beth

2^nd Ned

3^rd Harry

4^th Tracy

5^th Steve

6^th Harmonie

7^th Mick

8^th Kayla

9^th Chloe

10^th Lily

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets to help support our school.

This term we are starting up our Numeracy challenge for our early years and upper primary students.

Please come to the office for a hard copy of the challenge and bring your completed form to the office by 2.00 p.m. Thursday.