Dear Herdsmans Cove Primary School Community,

Welcome to our latest newsletter, we have some exciting updates and important announcements to share with you all.

Calling for Members of Our School Association

We are thrilled to announce that we are calling for members to join our school association. Currently, we do not have an active school association, and we believe it's time to change that. But first, what exactly is a School Association?

The School Association is comprised of parents, staff, and community members of our school. It serves as an essential part of our school community, working hand in hand with the principal to achieve shared outcomes for our learners and for the benefit of the whole school community. Here are some key aspects of our School Association:

Creates a Collaborative Culture: We believe in harnessing the strengths of our community to benefit all learners.

Encourages Teamwork: By fostering collaboration between staff, parents, and the community, we can achieve greater success.

Builds Understanding: It helps create better understanding between the local community and the school, fostering support and appreciation for education.

Fosters Community Support: Our School Association plays a crucial role in creating community support for our school.

We are currently seeking members to help us establish our School Association. If you're interested in being part of this initiative, please let us know in person or electronically. Our meetings will be held once per term at a time that is convenient for all members.

Helmets

We're delighted to see students beginning to wear helmets when riding their bikes and scooters. Safety is our top priority, and we kindly request that if your child does not have a helmet, they keep their bikes and scooters at home.

School Values

At Herdsmans Cove Primary School, we uphold three core values: Connection, Respect, and Courage. These values guide everything we do, and we're proud to see our students uphold them each day.

Connection: We believe in building positive relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

Respect: Caring for ourselves, each other, and our environment is fundamental to our community.

Courage: We encourage our students to accept challenges and embrace opportunities bravely.

Mid-Term Rewards Day

This week, we celebrated our mid-term rewards day, where students who have consistently demonstrated our school values were recognised for their hard work. Upper primary students had the opportunity to visit MONA as part of our 24 Carrot Garden Program, while P-2 students enjoyed a movie afternoon.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can make Herdsmans Cove Primary School an even better place for our learners.

Warm regards,

Tobin McColl, Principal

On Monday 4 March, our LiL group attended our first excursion for the year. The team at tagari lia put on a fabulous morning for us filled with messy play spaces, outdoor learning environments and a delicious BBQ lunch!

We are always excited to welcome new families into our LiL space. Please see the Term 1 LiL timetable for more information.

As part of our Positive Behaviour Support Program selected students from grades 3 to 6 attended the MONA 24 Carrot Gardens Carnival (Plants and Energy) on Wednesday 6 March.

Students enjoyed a range of activities, including music, dancing and singing, storytelling and craft activities on such a beautiful day at the MONA grounds.

Thank you to Mrs Roberts, Miss Levett and Mrs Wells for accompanying students to this fun event.

This Friday, 8 March we will be holding our 2024 Athletics Carnival for students in grades 3-6.  Parents are invited to attend from 9:30 am with the carnival concluding at 12:30 pm. If you have your Working With Vulnerable People card and would like to volunteer on the day, please let Miss Prendergast or the office know.  Please see the flyer below and scan the QR code to complete safeguarding training if you would like to volunteer.

We will be having a sausage sizzle during the morning, please bring a gold coin to show your support. Canteen will also be open for food and refreshments.

Please make sure your child wears their house colours and appropriate footwear on the day.  Looking forward to welcoming families and friends to support our junior athletes.

Some amazing photos of students during STEAM classes attempting to build the tallest tower using very few resources. Congratulations to all winning teams who got to enjoy a hot milo and some cookies!

Miss Lovell, STEAM Teacher

If your child is in grade 2 or above and would like to become a part of our current Children's University group please contact Miss Lovell or the school office to add your name to our list.

Children's University Tasmania works with schools and the community to inspire children, build confidence and develop curiosity through a range of informal learning opportunities.  Children's University participants gain stamps in their Passports to learning for:

* activities at outside learning destinations (eg museums, art galleries, wildlife parks, libraries)

* school holiday programs and University of Tasmania events

* activities that take place after school (eg chess club, choir, volunteering)

* regular activities (eg sport, music or swimming lessons)

* on-line learning resources and activities

Achievements are celebrated at the end of each school year with a special graduation ceremony held in Hobart.

Remember, the more outside school activities your child takes part in, the more stamps they will receive.

Reminder:  Students in years 3 and 5 will be undertaking their Naplan testing over the next two weeks.