Student Leaders

Thank you to the parents and guardians who attended the Student Leader Induction Assembly last week.  Student Leaders were presented with their blazers and badges and were introduced to the school community. The guest speaker for the assembly was Shane Power, General Manager of the GeorgeTown Council. 

Mr Power spoke to the school community about many of the projects the council are developing in George Town including the Mountain Bike Track.

Student Leaders 2020

 The International Women's Day Breakfast

Student Leaders attended The International Women’s Day Breakfast in Launceston.  Thank you to the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise for inviting our students, Bell Bay Aluminium for supporting the girls to attend and Rob Burnett Images for the photos.

Student at Port Dalrymple School also had the opportunity to attend the breakfast organised by Soroptimist International of George Town. Thankyou to Lodge Lauriston for supporting students to attend and Soroptimist International.

Sector Assemblies and Merit Certificates

In 2020 we will continue to recognise the outstanding achievements and behaviour of our students in sector assemblies.  Students in each of the class teacher groups are recognised for displaying the school values of Respect, Aspiration, Growth and Courage. 

The recipient names are published in the newsletter each fortnight.  In class teacher groups students continue to learn about the values and what they look like and sound like in the school community.

Important Dates

NHSSA Swimming Carnival Years 7-10 Tuesday, 31^st March

TPSSA Athletics Years 3-10 Friday, 3^rd April

Moderation Day Kinder to year 12 Thursday, 9^th April

Good Friday 10^th April

Restorative Practice

Last week the Student Leaders had the opportunity to listen to Rose Parker who meet with the students to discuss what restorative practice is, how it can be used and how it can resolve social conflict.

Restorative practices repair relationships between people and communities. The purpose is to build healthy relationships, increase social capital, decrease antisocial behavior, repair harm and restore relationships.

Restorative Questions

To repond to a challenging behaviour

• What happened?
• What were you thinking at the time?
• What have you thought about since?
• Who has been affected by what you have done?
  • In what way? 
•  What do you think you need to do to make things right?

To help those harmed by other's actions...

• What did you think when you realised what had happened?
• What impact has this incident had on you and others?
• What has been the hardest thing for you?
• What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

In Daily P.E we have been learning how to become a leader for younger children, and show respect towards adults and students.

Being a Daily P.E Leader is a goal many young students strive to achieve. The Daily PE Leaders have become more confident speaking in front of larger groups, and have started learning new games they can teach younger children.

Miss Warren, took the Year 6 students for training last week, coming together to play games and learn more about leading other and being confident around bigger groups of people.

Being chosen as a leader was a big confidence boost for us. Teaching younger students becomes a big responsibility we are willing to keep.

Luke from the YMCA will be hosting some special basketball activities for the 3 Year 5-6 classes on Thursday and Friday lunch times.

We would just like to say that Daily P.E is a great opportunity for us to have, and thank you to Miss Warren for pushing us forward and teaching us the great qualities of being a leader.

Information for parents and carers

Did you know? Research shows that higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve when they go to school all day, every school day.

• they learn better
• they make friends
• they are happier
• they have a brighter future

Why must I send my child to school?

Under Tasmania law, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have an acceptable reason. Illness, doing work experience or competing in a school sporting event are acceptable reasons for being absent from school.

Principals decide if the reason given for your child's absence is acceptable.

Avoid keeping your child away from school for:

• birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, minor check ups or care such as hair cuts.

Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.

What should i do if our family is going on a holiday in school time?

You are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If your family holiday is during school time, let the school know in advance and talk about what arrangements can be made for your child. Depending on the circumstances the school may be able to provide tasks for your child to complete while they are absent or assist you to organise an exemption from schooling.

Do I need to let the school know if my child has been away from school?

Yes, you must let the school know the reason why your child has been absent from school as soon as possible on their return. It is preferrable to advise the school beforehand of any absences.

Are you having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

• won't get out of bed in the morning
• won't go to bed at night
• can't find their uniforms, books, school bag....
• slow to eat breakfast
• haven't done their homework
• watching TV
• have a test or presentation to do, have an assignment to hand in
• it's their birthday.

If so, consistent routines can help

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively 
• be firm, send your chld to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term.

What should i do if my child won't go to school?

You should contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support.

Last week we had a session on smoking and its impact on your health. It was a great experience for us all. students got split up into three groups and learnt the affects of smoking and what is can do to your health. 

Did you know that there is rat poison, toilet cleaner, tar, battery acid, acetone (nail polish) formaldehyde (a chemical that keeps dead bodies from rotting) and car exhaust in cigerettes? 

Did you know that people spend over $10,000 on smokes per year?

STOP SMOKING!

Ella and Indianna 

On Thursday afternoon the 19^th March at 1.45-2.45pm, we will have a session to begin our Reading Rockets 2020 program. 

We will be starting to listen to students read on Monday 23^rd March.  This year we will have Reading Rockets on two afternoons each week (Monday and Thursday) where we hope you can volunteer.  Please come along to this session in the LIFT room to find out more.  If you know of anyone else who may be willing to support Reading Rockets please let them know about this session and bring them along.  Note: you will need a current Working with Vulnerable People Card.

Thanks,

Cheryl Broomhall

Literacy Coach

An Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) is an employment-based training arrangement where a Year 10, 11 or 12 student, as an apprentice, has the opportunity to combine employment with training and school. This provides students with an “Earn and Learn” pathway that offers them a head start in a chosen career. In association with KEEN Partners, Port Dalrymple School currently has 4 students involved in an ASbA in the advanced manufacturing sector within the Bell Bay area.

Our ASbA students have entered into a contract of training and undertake a VET qualification as an apprentice, while completing their secondary and senior secondary education. The ASbA pathway allows students to continue to attend school and study the Australian Curriculum and/or Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE), at the same time undertaking a nationally recognised qualification whilst in paid employment. Our boys are just beginning their journey and we will keep you updated with their progress throughout the year.

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the following students who received merit certificates in our Junior School assmebly

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the following student who received Merit Cetificates in our Senior School assembly

Brixhibition Kids Comp 2020

The Tasmanian Brick Enthusiasts Inc. and Brixhibition invite all Primary School students in the Northern Tasmania area, to compete in an individual Lego Competition running in the first term of 2020.

Each student to have their Lego creation completed and ready for judging by your school by Monday 23rd March 2020

• Entries and Entry forms need to go to Miss Kuruvita
• Medallions and Prizes to win
• Each overall winner is invited to display their winning Lego creations, at Brixhibition Albert Hall, Tamar Street, Launceston on Sat 25th and Sun 26^th April 2020.
• Entry Forms and Conditions or Entry are available from your school.
• All Brixhibition Kids Comp winners displayed at Brixhibiton will be judged by Tasmanian Brick Enthusiasts Inc. members (approx. 30 judges)

Brixhibition Grand Prize Winners to be awarded at Albert Hall

 1^st Place: Trophy and $300 Gamesworld Plus Voucher

2^nd Place Trophy and $200 Gamesworld Plus Voucher

3^rd Place Trophy and $100 Gamesworld Plus Voucher

4^th Place Trophy and a Lego Set

• Winners announced at 3pm, Sun 26th April 2020 at Brixhibition

Brixhibition Kids Comp

Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th April 2020
9:30am – 4:00pm
Albert Hall, Tamar Street, Launceston

Use of Mobile Phones by Students at School

For the last 2 weeks I have been in classes in the primary school showing students how to keep not only themselves safe from the flu, but their friends and family as well.

The message is easy and simple. No doubt you have all been seeing the same messages on the news or on Facebook.

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and then wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds. If you are having trouble with that, ask one of the students at Port Dalrymple Primary school to show you. 

This is something that should be done all the time. Not just in flu season.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me through the school.

Keep safe and healthy 

Pete

School Health Nurse

Attention: Parents and Carers of students in Years 4-12

The wellbeing of our students is important to us.

To get an understanding of how students across Tasmania feel about their own wellbeing, students in Years 4-12 at Port Dalrymple School will be taking part in a wellbeing survey.

The Student Wellbeing Survey is part of the Department of Education’s Child and Student Wellbeing Strategy.

The details for the survey are:

When:               16^th March – 3^rd April

Who:                 Students in Years 4-12

What do I need to do:   You and your child don’t need to do anything. The survey will be done in class time and will not require your child to prepare in any way.

A letter with more information has been sent home with all Years 4-12 students, including Frequently Asked Questions and a form to sign and return to the school if you do not want your child to participate in the survey.   

If you would like further information, please contact Luke Padgett on 6382 0500.

Thank you for supporting us to ensure that all our learners are safe, feel supported and are able to flourish, so they can engage in learning.

Following on from our first full year at the school in 2019, 2020 is set to be another big year for Collective ed. in George Town and at Port Dalrymple.

We begin by saying farewell to Ben Bowering, who has been building the Collective ed. initiative here in George Town over the last 18 months. As part of a significant, community-led redesign process of the Collective ed. resourcing model in George Town, Ben will be moving into a new roles as Partnerships and Sustainability Lead with the statewide Collective ed. team, supporting all six Collective ed. School communities across Tasmania. Ben passes on his thanks to the staff and students at Port Dalrymple who made him feel so welcome and helped him start the exciting work of Collective ed. in George Town. It isn’t a full goodbye to Ben, though, he will still be dropping in to support the school from time to time, so make sure you say hello if you see him.

An exciting part of the changes to local staffing is that Port Dalrymple now has an Assistant Principal involved in the Collective ed. Space. Luke Padgett, who joined the school last year, moved into this position at the beginning of 2020. Luke will be leading the school’s efforts to help more young people to enter a positive post-school pathway, including by completed year 12 (or equivalent); as well as to support young people to have a voice and actively participate in local decision-making processes. As in 2019, there will be lots of opportunities for staff, students and members of the school community to get involved in this work; you are also always welcome to get in touch with Luke, though, if you want to talk about how you think we can help more young people in George Town to thrive.