What a year to be the Principal of such a wonderful school.  100 years in the making and 200 years of Swansea township.  We were excited to begin the year with the capacity to run four classes, a Kindergarten in the cottage, Prep/1, 2/3 and a 456.

This year, we saw the addition of Swansea Primary School bags, leggings and a new style pair of shorts for our students. We have installed the much anticipated Bike and Scooter Track and new flagpoles and fencing at the front of the school. Please note, the rules for the track, fencing and surveillance will be installed over the holidays.

Our curriculum priority for 2021 has been on developing student’s mathematical thinking skills and understanding of the number system.  Data has shown our efforts in developing teacher proficiency in delivery the mathematics curriculum with an obvious spike in our results across the school. 

100% of students said they feel more confident in Maths lessons and were positive about their ability, performance and developed mental computation strategies which is excellent. All staff too, identified that they felt more confident teaching maths and by focusing on hands on, fun and engaging lessons helped them to focus on explicitly teaching mathematical vocabulary to improve overall performance.

This year we saw a snap lockdown and the continuation of COVID safe provisions across the school. We felt better prepared for online learning (for if and when it occurred) and reintroduced the digital technologies curriculum during our Sustainable Learning Program to maintain the rapid rate of digital literacy we experienced in 2020. 

This year, students from 3-6 were able to participate in the SPSSA Swimming Carnival and our Squad training with our resident SBM and Aus Swim instructor Melissa was a huge success.  Thank you for your time and contribution to our swimming program Melissa and to Camilla and Andrew – the resident doctors for allowing us to use their pool.

This year we welcomed the Royal Flying Doctors Dental Van onsite for two weeks, completed NAPLAN, worked intentionally as part of the East Coast Cluster, conducted professional learning with Triabunna and Orford schools, we saw the closure of the Tasman Highway and all the disruptions it caused and built upon our sense of community by hosting an East Coast Colour Run at Spring Bay Mill and an East Coast Cluster Olympics held at Triabunna District School.  What an eventful year it has been and a whirlwind of fun, learning and memories to treasure for the next century.   

Thank you to those families who are leaving SPS this year after many years including the Mellings, Pyke/Elmer, Menzies and Whelan/Ford families. It has been wonderful to have you as part of the SPS community.    

Thank you for your support of Swansea Primary School in 2021.

Happy Holidays!

Kristy Hay

Principal

Dear Families

Please ensure all outstanding invoices are paid prior to the end of the school year.

If you have any questions please contact the school office on 62578 126.

We are very excited to announce that the Swansea Community Bike and Scooter Track has been opened to the students at SPS.  The community are able to access the Bike and Scooter track free of charge.  

This project wouldn't have been possible without the grant from Tasmanian Community Fund Investing and Strengthening Tasmanian Communities.

Please report any concerns including photos to the school during office hours or via email - swansea.primary@education.tas.gov.au.  These will be used to inform our local police.

Community Bike & Scooter Track Rules

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

The community bike and scooter track is designed for bikes, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades but is not suitable for tricycles or bikes with training wheels.

• Go Karts, motorised vehicles and escooters and any other equipment are NOT allowed on the track.
• Epic fails can happen, wear a helmet at all times.
• Maximum of 6 riders on the track at any one time out of school hours.
• The community is welcome to use this bike and scooter track out of school hours.
• Keep a safe distance between yourself and the rider in front.
• Adult supervision is required at all times.
• Do not ride the track if the surface is wet or after the sun has set.
• Ride in the same direction and watch for other riders when entering and exiting the track.
• Ride within your ability and in control at all times.
• Do not add materials or equipment to the track.
• No pedestrians on the track at any time.
• Riders are not to enter the centre of the track.
• No smoking or alcohol consumption allowed.
• Use of the track is prohibited under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• No food or drinks within the fenced area.
• No pets allowed on track or in fenced area.
• If you see any hazards or damage on or around the track, please stop and exit.
• If you have a pre-existing injury or suffer from dizzy spells, headaches, or blurred vision please refrain from using the track.
• Riding on the bike and Scooter track is at your own risk.
• Please be mindful and respect our community bike and scooter track.

Grade 2 and 3 have had their first woodwork taster this week! Steve, Pia, Ann and Craig have given our students a wonderful unique experience, helping them to learn an array of new skills. Our students have used handsaws, chisels, sandpaper, the drill press and a cordless drill to create beautiful ornaments for Christmas. What a joy it is to see delighted students in our Community Hub, enjoying this novel experience.

Thank you to everyone for a fantastic year of growing and learning together in Kindergarten!

End of Year Reflection:  

What has been your favourite thing about being in Kindergarten?  

Noah - My name writing.

Liliana - Buddy reading and swimming.

Olivia - The colour run and playing down ball.

Max - Doing the buttons.

Peter - Me and my friends rocking on the see-saw.

Abbey - Going underwater at the pool and reading stories.

Molly - Getting the first-time award at assembly.

Bella - My best day has been counting the buttons.

Matilda - I like the pack up song and at the end we get to dance.

Eli - Absent