Well done to all our school community on the way we have prioritised our young and with positive intention have provided them with many opportunities for them to engage in a broad range of learning opportunities.

As mentioned in the last communication we welcomed a number of new staff to our school and these people are transitioning well into Port Dalrymple School. We are grateful for the ongoing commitment, efforts and professional approaches that our teacher brings into the classrooms daily. At the end of the term we welcome Mr Tim Elliott back to Port Dalrymple School as he takes on the role of Assistant Principal of our Senior School (7-12), bringing a wealth of educational experience to support ongoing improvements for all in our community. With this we farewell Mr Ed Bastick who will return to his industry vocation as a training. We thank him for his work over the past 3 terms and wish him and his family well.

Fostering respect, belonging, and a strong student voice during a school term can significantly enhance the overall school environment. As a school community we have focussed on respectful relationships and a commitment to learning. A number of strategies have been implemented to achieve this:

Respect

1. Model Respectful Behaviour: Teachers and staff should consistently model respectful behaviour. This sets a standard for students to follow.
2. Clear Expectations: Establish and communicate clear expectations for respectful interactions among students and staff.
3. Conflict Resolution: Implement programs that teach conflict resolution skills, helping students manage disagreements respectfully.

Belonging

1. Inclusive Activities: Organize activities that encourage all students to participate and feel included, such as team-building exercises and cultural events
2. Mentorship Programs: Pair older students with younger ones to foster a sense of community and belonging.
3. Safe Spaces: Create safe spaces where students can express themselves and feel supported by peers and staff

Strong Student Voice

        Student Leadership Boards: Establish student board  that allow students to           voice their opinions, participate in decision-making processes and model                    positive behaviour and relationships

        Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly seek feedback from students on school                policies, teaching methods, and other relevant issues

        Classroom Discussions: Encourage open discussions in the classroom where           students can share their thoughts and ideas freely

Implementing these strategies can help create a positive school environment where respect, belonging, and student voice are prioritized. All staff at Port Dalrymple School are committed to ensuring all students contribute to our school community in a positive way. We will continue to highlight

Is there a particular area you would like to focus on more?

2025 ANZAC Day 

As a school community, we actively encourage students to be involved in the George Town ANZAC Day service.  As you would be aware, ANZAC Day is Friday, April 25th.  

 Students are invited to represent Port Dalrymple School in the ANZAC Day march. Students wishing to participate are to meet supervising staff at the George Town Memorial Hall car park at 10:20 am to have attendance recorded in preparation for the march.   

Students will march to the Max Harris Reserve and participate during the 11:00am service. At the end of the service parents/guardians must collect students from the Max Harris Reserve. Students must be in full school uniform.   The George Town Lions Club will give any student in full school uniform, medals and participate in the mark access to a free BBQ after the march.

Whole School Expectations

During Term 1 staff, students and School Association have been working on developing a consistent set of whole school expectations.   This work has been deemed a priority with a number of concerns highlighted from student, staff and parent feedback around the impact of student behaviour on developing a positive school culture.  

Research and evidence tells us that more than ever our young people need consistency and routines.  In order to support this across the school we have developed 5 key expectations under the banner “This is how we do it here.”  This phrase acknowledges that expectations at sports clubs, the pump track, youth group and even at home might be different, but at Port Dalrymple School all students and staff will follow the same expectations. 

The process to decide on the 5 key expectations was a session with all teachers, looking at what was important for them as leaders in the classroom, ensuring all students are provided the best opportunity to learn.  A student voice group Year 3 – 12 then undertook as session on the most important aspects of the classroom for them.  School Association, including parent reps also participated in a similar activity. 

This is how we do it here

• Follow instructions first time, every time
• Respect ourselves, others and our environment
• Respect other peoples’ differences and strengths
• Ensure our actions and choices impact others positively
• Are accountable and accept the consequences of our behaviour

During Term 2 there will be a huge focus on explicitly teaching and educating all students on these 5 expectations. Each classroom will display visual reminders and prompts to support students.  We will continue to post on social media and provide parents with follow up conversation prompts to help embed and ensure your young people are developing the understanding of these expectations. 

Creating a positive school culture is the work of our entire school community and we are excited to continue to develop this work with our school and community.

Congratulations and thank you to our Yr 9/10 students for their welcome and respectful approach to our two day workshops with Terrapin. It was great for students to share their thoughts and insights with Isabelle Compton- Tasmania's Commissioner for Children, Professor Sharon Bessell -CCYP, Deputy Mayor Greg Dawson, Inspector Grant Twining, Tasmania Police, Colleen Lines, advisor and community engagement officer for Janie Finley MP, Jane Amedee, second representative for Janie Finley MP, Jodie Clifford- AFL Tasmania, Andrew Taylor - Chair of School Association as community decision makers who we asked what action they would take to support our young people. A very powerful and empowering 2 days for our young people. Thank you to Paul who facilitated the visit.

An excited group of Port students set off on Thursday morning to participate in the Annual Bell Bay Aluminium Tree Planting project. Students from Prep- Year 10 were tasked with planting a diverse range of native species along the Bridport Highway to support the revegetation of cleared land. Students discussed the importance of trees and the benefits of having different species for wildlife, before getting their hands dirty and planting well over 200 trees. Our students did a fantastic job of representing Port Dalrymple school and maintained another strong community connection with local industry.

One of our school priorities continues to be improving students attendance at school.  We recognise that attendance is a significant factor in determining student outcomes both academically and socially.  

As part of this we have implemented and continue to look at ways to improve and support students to attend school regularly with our goal of 45% of students attending 90% of the time.

Actions include: 

• Regular parent contact, discussing students learning, positives and supports – building positive parent partnerships
• Student voice workshops around attendance and support
• Daily access to food; including breakfast, lunch program (primary) and access to emergency lunch packs
• Weekly updates through classes on class attendance progress
• Teachers creating MTSS of students attendance
• Professional support involvement in case managing students with attendance concerns
• Regular lunch time activities
• Scheduling and engagement in a variety of interest-based activities

 Success Story

Our year 8 cohort continue to  achieve above the state average for Year 8’s.   We know that the staff in this space have done an amazing job at building relationships, setting expectations and providing engaging learning opportunities for students.    

At the beginning of next term we look forward to celebrating student attendance with presentation of above 90% attendance certificates and attendance growth certificates in sector assemblies.   These assemblies will be partnered with a morning tea to celebrate.

If you would like support with your childs attendance, please reach out to   your childs teacher  to make an appointment to discuss strategies to support.

Students have had opportunities and experiences to participate, learn, make further personal progress and become more confident, resilient and mature young people in our school community.

Let’s reflect on, and celebrate on the very busy, productive and engaging Term that we have had.

As well as writing essays, calculating equations, researching historical facts,  conducting scientific experiments and being physically active; students have been presented with many extra-curricular activities and off-campus experiences to compliment their learning in core subjects.

Some of these events and activities included:

• NAPLAN
• Tree Planting
• Year 7 Camp
• Swimming Carnival
• Mountain Biking
• Yarning Circle
• Hands on Learning
• Minister of DECYP Visit
• Golf Excursion
• Lawn Bowls
• A Mountain of Voices
• Cultural Arts Program
• Whole School Assembly – Student Leadership Induction
• ANZAC Day March and Service Friday 25^th April

The swimming carnival was held on Wednesday 26^th March. Congratulations to all students who participated so we could race all the events on the day. After the races were held , lots of swim activities were held to make the day a huge success.

This term has seen our first term with a whole school combined breakfast club in the Wellbeing Hub/Cafe.  We are thrilled to be able to provide breakfast options everyday for our students, including toast, cereal, fresh fruit, yoghurt and milo.  

We also had the opportunity to host the first of our connections breakfast this term, where members of the Fire Brigade and SES attended to connect with young people whilst enjoying a delicious pancake breakfast. 

During week 7 the breakfast club team also hosted a parents connection breakfast where we made 142 egg and bacon muffins.  It has been a great way for our young people and parents to connect and ensure they are fuelled ready for a full day of learning. 

We would like to thank the many supports of the breakfast club, who make it possible each week with their generous donations.  Tamar Valley Dairy, Bell Bay Aluminium, Hillwood Berries and Woolworths.

The Hands on Learning team have raced out the gates with a huge number of projects already underway this term. The Build team are working on creating a Care Closet for the Junior School area, redeveloping the middle school courtyard area, designing signage for the HOL precinct, growing food in the Foodladder Greenhouse and developing the Yarning Circle with a grant from Liberty GFG Bell Bay. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but students are working well as a team and supporting each other with managing projects.

During Term 1 all students who have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), will have had that plan updated.  Teachers alongside professional support staff and support teachers have reviewed each plan and made adjustments according to students learning needs and progressions.  If teachers haven’t been in contact with you this term, they will early in term 2, to ensure that parents have input into the learning goals of your child. 

During this process, teachers may have spoken with young people around their goals and how they are best supported with their learning.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a transformative program designed to empower young people. The program offers a unique opportunity to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and make a positive impact on the community.

Students Participate in

• Personal Development: The program helps young people discover new interests and talents, build resilience, and improve their self-esteem.
• Community Impact: Through volunteering, participants contribute to their communities, making a tangible difference.
• Life Skills: The DofE fosters essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, which are highly valued by employers and educational institutions

How Does It Work?

Participants set personal goals in each section and work towards achieving them over a period of time. The program is flexible, allowing individuals to choose activities that interest them and fit their schedules. Whether it's learning a new sport, volunteering at a local charity, or planning an adventurous expedition, the DoE offers something for everyone

This term we have focussed on volunteering and completed tasks both at school and in the community.  One of the highlights is the motivated way in which students attempt these activities when they know the benefit is for the whole Geroge Town community.

As Term 1 draws to a close, it has been great  to reflect on the achievements and areas for of our Food Matters school lunch program. Students from Prep – Year 6 have enjoyed weekly meals, shared together in the newly renovated Wellbeing Hub

This term, we included a variety of nutritious options, including more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. We have encouraged students to at least try the meal and have a taste.  Some students are very proud that they now try lunch and eat most of it every time.

Staff enjoy sitting and eating with students, including our Cultural Arts visitors, specialist teachers, senior school teachers and wellbeing and support staff, who also pop over to sit and connect and engage with a healthy meal .

We have enjoyed working with a variety of senior school leaders, who have helped with the preparation of meals, serving and cleaning up.  The leadership and connection provides students with opportunities to grow their learning.

Next term we look forward to a new menu, offering students a variety of different dishes to try.  We will also embark on our first buddy class lunch, where primary classes will be joined by their secondary buddy class students to eat together.