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- From Kristy's Desk
- Friendly reminder Student Free Day Monday 24th July 2023 student's return Tuesday 25th July 2023.
- KP Class
- 1/2 Class
- 3/4 Class
- 5/6 Class
- School Food Matters Lunch Menu Term 3
- Grade 6 Leaders Out and About
- Feeder School Arrangements
- Mid-year Reports
- Term 2 Assembly
- The Great Swansea Art Auction - Friday 4th August 6pm
- LEGO CLUB
- Free Access to more books
- Book Week Parade 23rd August
- Regional Sport Coordinators
- Cancellation of RFDS Dental Visit 24th July - 11th August 2023
- Winter wellness factsheet for parents and carers
- Tasmanian Premier's Reading Challenge
- Kidshelpline
- Open Day Emergency Services
- Bicheno Beams
- Glow Tour Natureworld
- Things to do in Tassie this school Holidays
- Basketball Tasmania School Holiday Camps
- Woolworths NetSetGO Month Events
- She Shreds Girls Learn-to-Skate Program
- JackJumpers School Holiday Clinics & After-School Programs
- Girls Only Rugby Academy
- Calling All Girls: Come and Try Football (Soccer) this School Holidays!
- Domain Tennis Centre School Holiday Camps
- Girl's Race Too
- Vaping Resources
- Girl's Mini World Cup
Can you believe we are halfway through the 2023 school year?
It has been lovely to see many families visiting classrooms this fortnight for Parent Teacher conversations. Reports will be sent home today. If you haven’t booked a Parent Teacher Meeting this term, it’s not too late, please pop by the office and make a time for early next term– I know the teachers would love to see you.
As you know, improving literacy skills has been a DECYP priority over the last 18 months when the Premier made a commitment that all Year 7 students will reach an expected reading standard above the national minimum by 2030. We are making significant gains here at Swansea Primary School and I wanted to share some data with you.
90% of students in P-6 have demonstrated medium or high cognitive engagement, 5% higher than students attending a similar Government School in Tasmania.
The percentage of students achieving a C rating or above is just over 85% at Swansea Primary School, compared to the state average of 78%. SPS is 7% higher than the state average and 5% higher than like schools.
We are also excited to share that 90% of Swansea Primary students have demonstrated medium to high expected annual growth in literacy and 85% in numeracy. 10 percentage points higher than government state-wide progress and 10% higher than students in similar schools in Tasmania, which is a wonderful achievement.
Another area we measure and take very seriously is staff and student wellbeing. The percentage of students reporting medium or high wellbeing is 90%, 20% higher than the state average.
I have been working with several schools over this year including Sandy Bay Infant School – where I visited last week for Instructional Rounds to view their teachers in action and provide recommendations for their future work in teaching mathematics and Cambridge Primary School principal, diving deeper into Student Agency and how they are championing this work in the South. My time has been extremely valuable, and I look forward to continuing to build these connections with similar schools.
Speaking of building connections and working with like schools, we are very excited to be hosting the East Coast Cluster staff here with guest speakers from Melbourne from the Australian Childhood Foundation for some Trauma Informed Professional Learning. We will also be hearing from our Community Liaison Officers from Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line around mandatory reporting on the first day of Term 3. Please be mindful this is a student free day.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our School Association for all of the work they are doing behind the scenes to support and create two exciting community events as part of our annual fundraiser. Last night we held our first event - Frida's Sip and Paint and it was a huge sucess raising over $2000 for the Art Space! What a wonderful acheivement.
Happy holidays, everyone!
The following video is a sneaky peak into a classroom rehearsal of the 1/2 Class Assembly item we performed last week. A special thank you to Mrs Wells for filming our rehearsal and creating a video for us to share with the school community.
The medley features our students’ favourite leaning songs from Term 2. I believe this video demonstrates out school values so perfectly. We are all so proud of the 1/2 class! Thank you to everyone for another great term of learning fun! We look forward to seeing you all next term!
Grade 3/4 have excitedly commenced a new text structure in our writing this fortnight. We have begun writing expositions, designed to persuade others of a particular point of view. Running is the Best Sport, and Swansea Primary is a Wonderful School were our beginning topics, and now we are eagerly writing about a topic of our own choice.
In our whole-class scaffolding sessions, we have looked at high modality/strong language to persuade, such as 'I strongly believe...' or 'It is imperative that...' We have looked at connectives to begin our argument paragraphs and also brainstormed synonyms for 'good'. Next we will be looking at sad and happy, and all the synonyms we can find for these words to improve our writing.
Our goal is to bump up our writing from good to exceptional!
English
Figurative Language and Literary Devices.
Students have been learning about the range of tools authors use to add rich descriptions to their writing. Authors like Emily Rodda use these techniques to captivte us as an audience and compel us to read more.
Below are some samples of writing that show how students have been challenging themselves to use a range of techniques in their own writing to make interesting and sophisticated texts.
Mathematics
Fractions Party!
As a fun way to celebrate recent learning about fractions, the class held a party where food was divided into various fractions. Students shared what fraction they were using and a number story to demonstrate they understand the ways to add, subtract, find equivalent fractions and fractions of a group.
HPE
Football Tas!
Some photos from this Friday's session.
Grade 6 Leaders have had a wonderful time out and about in our community with Steve and Linda from the Salvos. We’ve helped to sort mail at the Swansea Post Office, visited Bendigo Bank to talk finance and learn from the new manager Mrs Kristen Darke. We’ve also been to the RSL, Mayshaw Doctors and Aged Care Residences, Saltshaker, Barkmill Bakery & Tavern and the Pharmacy and we look forward to continuing this next term as we have many businesses yet to visit.
The Year 6’s and Swansea Teachers would like to thank Steve and Linda our East Coast Salvation Army Reps for supporting this wonderful opportunity and getting our leaders out and about in the community.
Most Fridays this term Ivy and I have been volunteering as part of our SRC role at the Anglican Church Op Shop. We’ve had a lot of fun meeting the other volunteers, Gloria and Jane who have been teaching us new skills about the day to day running of our local community op shop.
Have your say on current feeder school arrangements
The Department for Education Children and Young People is seeking feedback from families on current feeder school arrangements. These arrangements have been in place for many years and are currently under review. The current feeder school arrangements have been published and can be found on the Department’s Find Your Local High School webpage. Feedback on these current arrangements can be provided via on online survey at https://forms.office.com/r/q6SrdMne2i . Your feedback will be a valuable input into the review process.
Mid-year reports
A reminder to families that mid-year reports will be distributed on 30th June 2023.
The report will show your child’s learning achievement on a 9-point visual scale for students in Years 1 to 10 (and for Prep students at the end of the year).
The 9-point scale shows where your child’s learning achievement is against the expected standard for their year level.
There will be no teacher comments in the report.
For more information about reports:
- School Reports FAQs
- Understanding the 9-point scale
- Visit the Department’s website at: Reporting - The Department for Education, Children and Young People Tasmania (decyp.tas.gov.au)
Did you know your child can get eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics and graphic novels for free?
The adventure begins with free access using the Sora app. Sora can be used on all mobile devices by downloading the Sora app or downloaded on any computer by going to https://soraapp.com
Website: www.basketballtasmania.com.au
McDonald’s and Basketball Tasmania will be partnering with NBL1 teams the Hobart Chargers, Launceston Tornadoes, and Northwest Thunder to bring the BTAS 'Macca’s On Your Team' Basketball Camps to young basketballers these school holidays!
As part of the extended partnership, 'Macca's On Your Team' camps offer aspiring basketball players expert coaching, skill-building activities, and immersive basketball experiences to boost their abilities and confidence on the court. Accredited coaches from Basketball Tasmania will lead participants through drills and exercises tailored to each age group, focusing on improving shooting, ball-handling, and defensive skills for players of all levels. The camps also offer the opportunity for attendees to keep active and form new friendships throughout the school holidays.
Our Holiday Camps offer junior basketballers born between 2010-2015 (ages 7-13), the opportunity to develop their skills while having fun!
The camp cost ranges from $40 for one day, through to $80 for four days. Participants can choose how many days they'd like to attend.
All participants will receive a Molten basketball as part of their registration pack.
Please bring your own lunch and a water bottle to all camps.
Camps will be held in the following locations:
North
Launceston (Elphin Sports Centre) - July 12, 18 & 20.
North West
Devonport (Forbes Street Stadium) - July 12 & 19.
Burnie (Upper Burnie Stadium) - July 11 & 18.
Ulverstone (Ulverstone Sports & Leisure Centre) - July 12 & 19.
South
Sorell (Pembroke Park) - July 12 & 20.
Kingston (Kingborough Sports Centre) - July 12 & 19.
Warrane (Warrane Sports Centre) - July 12 & 19.
For more information and registrations please visit the Basketball Tasmania website.
Please contact Heath Willis if you have any questions.
Heath Willis - Basketball Tasmania
Phone: 0427 436 246
heath.willis@basketballtas.com.au
Looking for an exciting activity to do these school holidays? Why not join in the Woolworths NetSetGO Month clinics in Hobart and Devonport!
These clinics will be run by experienced coaches and are designed to give little ones a deeper understanding of netball through fun games and activities. Best of all, they are FREE!
Hobart Clinic: Monday July 10 and Tuesday July 11 at Hobart Netball & Sports Centre.
Devonport Clinic 1: Tuesday July 11 at the Devon Netball Centre, Spreyton.
Devonport Clinic 2: Wednesday July 26 at East Devonport Primary School.
For more information, or to register your child, visit the Netball Tasmania NetSetGO webpage.
Get in quick because spaces are limited!
Jordy Sice - Netball Tasmania
Phone: 03 6159 6139
jordy.sice@tasnetball.org.au
Closing Date: 10 Jul 2023
Website: https://www.sheshredsaustralia.org/
She Shreds Australia are offering young girls the opportunity to learn and develop their skateboarding skills in a 10-week programme, starting the July school holidays.
The organisation introduces skateboaring to girls as a safe, healthy and challenging opportunity to develop fitness and improve wellbeing.
The 10-week programme commences in the school holidays, on Saturday July 22. Further sessions are available during the week and on weekends. All ages and abilities are welcome.
She Shreds has designed the programme to hep katers learn and develop their skills one-on-one with professional qualified coaches. It is a great way for girls to make new friends and skate at multiple indoor and outdoor skate parks.
The programme is offered at three different levels - Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Cost is $200 for the full 10-week program. In return all skaters receive a She Shreds T-Shirt and Goodie Bag, along with a free end-of-term barbecue. Registrations close on Monday July 10.
To learn more, click on the flyer, program information and registration links below.
Contact She Shreds if you have any further enquiries.
Programme Coordinator - She Shreds Australia
info@sheshredsaustralia.org
Website: https://www.jackjumpers.com.au/
The JackJumpers are continuing to jump around the state during the July school holidays with new fun and engaging clinics for all kids.
The JackJumpers school holiday basketball clinics are led by the JackJumpers community coaches, and of course include plenty of games with Tasmania’s fun-loving mascot Jack the Jumper.
There are several dates, times, locations, and age groups to choose from, ensuring there is an event for many Tasmanian families.
The clinics series will tip-off on July 11 with an all-girls clinic in the North led by Launceston Tornadoes players before we roll out a series of fun clinics for a range of ages all across Tasmania.
Clinic Details:
Tuesday July 11 - Launceston (9am-3pm all-day, or half-day either 9am-12 pm or 1pm-3pm)
Wednesday July 12 - Launceston (9am-3pm all-day, or half-day either 9am -12pm or 1pm-3pm)
Thursday July 13 - Ulverstone (9am-3pm all-day, or half-day either 9am-12 pm or 1pm-3pm)
Monday July 17 - Moonah (9 am - 3pm all-day, or half-day either 9am-12 pm or 1pm-3pm)
Tuesday July 18 - Kingston (9am-3pm all-day, or half-day either 9am-12 pm or 1pm-3pm)
Wednesday July 19 - Moonah (9am-3pm all-day, or half-day either 9am-12 pm or 1pm-3pm)
Thursday July 20 - Kingston (9 am - 3 pm)
Friday July 21 - Clarence (9 am - 3pm all-day, or half-day either 9 am - 12 pm or 1 pm - 3pm)
Click on the link below for more information about the clinics, and links to register.
The fun doesn’t stop when kids go back to school though! The JackJumpers are proud to be launching two new after-school offerings for kids aged 5-8 and 9-12, over a 6 week period.
Mini Ants will help 5-8 year olds learn basic basketball skills with plenty of fun, games and giggles, while Junior Jumpers is aimed at 9-12 year olds to help progress and refine their skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Click on the links below to register for an applicable program.
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Jack the Jumper and his team of community coaches are coming to a court near you!
Skills Clinics taught by our community coaches. These clinics are designed for 9-14 year olds.
Each session runs for one hour and includes a basketball (size 5 or size 6) plus plenty of great prizes, and don't forget your post-basketball snacks provided by Banjo's, our proud community partners!
Cost is $50 per child.
(Please note that appearances by JackJumpers players are not included at these clinics.)
Upcoming clinics:
Saturday 5 August – Queenstown
1.00pm: Ages 5-9
2.15pm: Ages 10-14
Registrations will open soon.
Nick Smith - Tasmania JackJumpers
Phone: 0406 322 293
nick.smith@jackjumpers.com.au
Website: www.tasrugby.com.au
Girls, do you need something to do in the holidays? Come and learn to play Rugby 7's!
Tasmanian Rugby Union is offering an exciting opportunity for girls aged 12-18 to learn the rules, tactics and techniques required to excel in the exhilarating sport of rugby. It is also an excellent way to stay active and meet new people.
Join us and try it out! The academy is suitable for girls of any experience or skill level.
Details
Date: Saturday July 22
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $50 per participant
Venue: Rugby Park, 1 Self's Point Road, Cornelian Bay
Share the flyer below with your friends or display in your school.
Following the academy day there will be an opportunity for girls to register and play in the TRU's Term 3 Rugby 7's competition, which begins on Friday July 28. The Term 3 competitions include:
- Mixed gender Under-8's, Under-10's and Under-12's
- Under-14 Girls
- Under-14 Boys
- Under-16 Boys
- Under-18 Girls
- Under-18 Boys
To register for the Girls Only Academy and/or ask questions about the Term 3 competitions, please contact Tasmanian Rugby Union.
Matilda Grant - Tasmanian Rugby Union
Phone: 0456 792 874
matilda.grant@tas.rugby
Website: https://footballfedtas.com.au/play-football/
Football Tasmania has announced three regional gala days for girls in primary school who want to come and try football during the school holidays - a month out from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
The gala days will be held in:
- Hobart on Wednesday, 19 July at Wentworth Park
- Launceston on Thursday 20 July at Birch Avenue
- Devonport on Friday 21 July at Meercroft Park
Two 2-hour sessions will be held each day; from 10am – midday for 6-9 year olds, and 1pm-3pm for 10-12 year olds, consisting of ten-minute, four-aside games.
Players can register individually ($6) or as a team of up to six players ($30).
To register, click here on the link below or visit the Football Tasmania website and select Get Involved > Play Football.
More information is available in the flyer below and on the Football Tasmania website.
Lucy Poskitt - Football Tasmania
Phone: 0488917907
media@footballfedtas.com.au
Website: https://domaintennis.com.au/
Domain Tennis Centre is offering two school holiday camps in July, designed for every child at every age and ability.
Key details:
Camp 1 - Wednesday July 12 & Thursday July 13
Camp 2 - Wednesday July 19 & Thursday July 20
Ages: 5 to 17
Times: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Cost: $110 for a 2-day camp or $65 per day
NOTICEBOARD