Welcome to 2024

What a fantastic start to the 2024 school year. A huge thank you to our parents/carers for being so organised as the children looked fantastic in their school uniform. 

Our focus this year will be on ATTENDANCE. I expect every child to be at school unless unwell. I thank the parents who send their child to school and then take them out for appointments (and return them). Parents who send their child to school every day are giving their child the best foundation for their life. A reminder that reasons such as a birthday are an UNAUTHORISED explanation and there is not an unlimited number of unexplained absences. For more information on what is an authorised absence please follow the link:

Authorised Absences in Tasmanian Government Schools (decyp.tas.gov.au)

The Department for Children and Young people has a very clear Attendance policy and medical certificates must be provided if requested. ATTENDANCE IN TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS (education.tas.gov.au)

New staff

Welcome to our new teaching staff, Mr Edward Lindsay (4-5L), Miss Jessica Carter (1-2), Miss Sophie Wotherspoon (TIPP, 5-6Sc) and Mrs Ruth Buckley (Art). Included in this newsletter is an updated East Devonport staff list with roles.

Retiring Staff

This term we have two staff retiring from our team. Mrs Merrilyn Mahoney (Art) has retired from regular teaching, however you may see her about the school from time to time as a relief teacher. Mrs Karen Graham (Teacher Assistant) is currently enjoying her Long Service Leave and will retire at the conclusion of this leave. We would like to thank them both for their dedication and support of our students in their learning journey. We hope you enjoy your retirement.  

Camps

This term we have our Year 2 camp at Camp Clayton (Thursday March 21- Friday March 22) with Mrs Eve Marcus and Miss Jessica Carter accompanying. I will be staying overnight and a First Aid Officer to be confirmed closer to the day.

The Year 3-4 camp is being held at Hagley Farm Agricultural School on Wednesday 10 April - Friday 12 April. 

There will be a cost associated with camp and we expect the sum to be paid in full before the camp. We will keep the cost reasonable as the school will cover most of the expenses. Camps are expensive but I believe they are so valuable for the learning and social growth of all who attend. Part payments are encouraged, (but are required to be finalised prior to camp) just speak with Gail, Melissa or Jess in the office.

School Lunch Program

Our school lunch program started on Monday 19 February, and it has been a big hit having it run all five days. All students who have opted in to lunch head down to the GP Hall, including our Kinders. To participate students must be at school by 9.15am as our volunteer staff and TasTAFE students must know exact numbers. If you child is at medical appointment, please let the office know they will be having a school lunch.

Athletics Carnival

Our Athletics Carnival is being held tomorrow (Wednesday 28 February). We welcome parents/carers to attend and cheer on our students in their races. Please remember to sit in the designated visitor seating.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will be held this term starting Monday 13 March. Information sheets were provided to families recently. 

LIL Programs

Our LIL Program commenced last week with PreKinder on Wednesdays (1.30pm - 2.30pm) and Playgroup on Thursdays (1.30pm - 2.30pm). PreKinder is a fantastic opportunity 

2024 House Captains

School Association

This year we are seeking additional parent members to join our School Association. We meet once per term. If you are interested please complete a form at the office.

Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 5th March at 5.30pm.