Earlier this week we experienced the shortest day of the year; hopefully we can start to look forward to some warmer and longer days in the weeks ahead. With two weeks of Term 2 left, we are certainly working hard to ensure continued learning growth for every student.  Our in-school end of term literacy assessments are currently underway – and we anticipate some great results for students - it is truly a time of celebration, before a well earned break.  Our students should be proud of the progress they are making, particularly in relation to reading. 

Passports to Learning

At Launching into Learning, families are being introduced to the new ‘Passports to Learning’ program. Through this initiative, the Department of Education recognises the importance of attendance at early years programs in setting children up for success, at and beyond school. Each session parents attend with their child is stamped/stickered in your child’s passport. When your child collects enough stickers, they receive a beautiful book. Should you want more information about ‘Passports to Learning’ or our SMDS Launching into Learning programs, please contact Bec Hibberd at school.

Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country

This week, 7 of our Primary students participated in the Tasmanian All Schools Cross Country event – well done to Hamish, Oliver, Ollie, Cohen, Ella, Lily and Ellie for their great performances on the day.

Mid-year reports 2022 and Parent Teacher Conferences

Mid-year reports will be distributed today, Friday 24^th June.

The new look report shows your child’s learning achievement differently. A new 9-point visual scale replaces A-E ratings for students in Prep to 10.

The 9-point scale will show more specifically where your child’s learning achievement is against the expected standard for their year level.

There will be no teacher comments on the report. Instead, parent/teacher conferences are being held over the next two weeks. Parents can book face to face, phone or online and we are thrilled with the fantastic response so far with 155 conferences booked already.

For more information about the changes to reports please visit the Department of Education’s website www.education.tas.gov.au

Face Masks

Public Health has advised that from Monday 27 June 2022, face masks are no longer mandatory in schools and Child and Family Learning Centres. This is because of reduced COVID-19 cases in our community.

It’s important to continue to:

• stay at home if unwell, and get tested
• practise COVID-safe behaviours such as frequent handwashing and sanitising
• be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

Students, staff and visitors are supported to continue to wear face masks if they choose to. Face masks are still available at our school if you need them.

Face masks are still required for the following reasons:

If you are a close contact , you are still required to wear a face mask indoors as per current Public Health advice.

From time-to-time our school might identify activities or situations where masks are required to be worn. We ask for your support when this happens and know that it is in the best interests of our students, staff and our school.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly to discuss.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website or contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, or Department of Education COVID-19 Support Hotline at  COVID19support@education.tas.gov.au  or on 1800 816 057.

Carolyn Watson

Principal

After the recent wind-storm children at St Marys District School have demonstrated that they are creative, thinkers, designers, builders and collaborators.

Reading in the primary

In our last newsletter, we shared some information regarding the teaching of reading in the primary school, and the elements of reading which are essential in developing reading proficiency.

As a recap the areas are:

1. Phonemic Awareness: The ability to identify and manipulate the distinct individual sounds in spoken words.
2. Phonics: The ability to decode words using knowledge of letter-sound relationships.
3. Fluency: Reading with accuracy, speed and expression.
4. Vocabulary: Knowing the meaning of a wide variety of words and the structure of written language.
5. Comprehension: Understanding the meaning and intent of the text.

Our focus last newsletter was on the teaching and learning of phonics.  This newsletter, we are focussing on the development of phonemic awareness.

When teaching phonics, our focus is on the graphemes (letters) and their corresponding sounds  within written language and print.

The focus with phonemic awareness is on phonemes (sounds) and deals with spoken language.  Lessons are auditory (sounds that students can hear in words), and our students learn how to manipulate sounds in words.

Early skills in phonemic awareness generally develops prior to the learning of phonics.  Students who are phonemically aware can isolate sounds, manipulate sounds and blend and segment the sounds they can hear into spoken and written words.

At St Marys District School all students in Kindergarten, Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 have daily phonemic awareness lessons, which are conducted with the whole class for approximately 10-15 minutes.  We use a research-based program called Heggerty, which comes in three levels: Kindergarten, Foundation (for our Prep students), and Primary (for our Grade 1 and 2 students).  For any students who have difficulties with phonemic awareness beyond Grade 2 we use a Heggerty program called Bridge the Gap, in small groups.

There are 8 Phonemic Awareness Skills which are listed below in order of complexity:

1. Rhyming (hearing and repeating words that rhyme; rhyming recognition in word pairs; rhyming recognition is a series of words; thinking of words to rhyme with a given word; thinking of words to rhyme with a nonsense word)
2. Onset fluency (isolation the initial letter sound from the remainder of the word)
3. Blending (blending individual words into compound words; blending syllables into spoken words; blending the initial sound and the remainder of the word; hearing individual sounds in words and joining them together to say the word)
4. Isolating Final and medial phonemes (isolating final phonemes in spoken words; identifying the words with the same final phonemes in a series of words or sentence; isolating medial phonemes in spoken words; identifying a blend as the initial, medial or final sound)
5. Segmenting (Segmenting compound words into individual words; segmenting spoken words into syllables; segmenting spoken words into onset-rime; segmenting spoken words into phonemes)
6. Adding (Adding words to make compound words; adding syllables to words or parts of words; adding initial phonemes to spoken words; adding final phonemes or syllables to spoken words)
7. Deleting (deleting words from compound words; deleting syllables from spoken words; deleting initial phonemes from spoken words; deleting final phonemes from spoken words)
8. Substituting (substituting a word or syllable in 2 and 3-syllable words; substituting the initial phoneme(s) in spoken words; substituting the final phoneme is spoken words; substituting the medial phoneme in spoken words)

We are delighted to see that this focus is supporting students when developing their early reading and writing skills.  We shared information regarding the wonderful progress our students are making in the last newsletter.  Some certificates will be presented at our upcoming assembly to some students who have made significant reading progress this year.  These will be shared in the newsletter once the assembly has occurred.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of our reading program, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  We would be very excited to share the learning that the students are engaged with.

Tree Forts

On a separate note, our recent wild weather resulted in several limbs falling from trees within our school grounds.  Whilst this was disappointing for the trees and our grounds staff, who have been busily cleaning up to ensure the grounds are safe for all, it has provided some lovely opportunities for our students to build some forts in the primary playground.  It has been wonderful to observe the collaborative way students have worked together to build some amazing structures.  Enjoy the photos and video below of the students at work!!

 Ros Smith

Assistant Principal

At St Marys District School (SMDS) every minute of learning matters. We are highly aware that the structures we place around this learning time are essential if we wish to see continuing increased student academic outcomes.

Every year, the Leadership Team bases almost all its decisions on the School Improvement Plan. Whilst this document covers many pages and contains loads of detail, it can be boiled down to three simple goals:

• Improve our reading, as well as our vocabulary
• Effective pedagogical practices (how the teachers teach)
• Make sure that the preconditions for learning are in place (culture, behaviour, high expectations etc.)

One new initiative that the Leadership Team has begun are Learning Walks and Walkthroughs. This has been developed in consultation with Pamela Macklin, who is an educational consultant/expert working alongside the leadership team to help maximise our efforts.

A Learning Walk is linked to our instructional model, and involves members of the leadership team, on their own and in pairs, visiting several classrooms looking for specific things that are occurring across those classrooms, or other locations in the school. What we are looking for is decided before the walk occurs and is always directly linked back to the Instructional Model and School Improvement Plan. These visits happen at different times of the day, across different classes and subjects, and are aimed at providing a ‘snapshot’ of what is happening in our learning spaces at SMDS on a day-to-day basis. We take data from these walks and then use that to inform decisions and future actions.

Walk Throughs help us to maintain our focus on high expectations and the preconditions for learning. They are a much quicker visit to learning spaces which also help to provide daily contact and relationship building with our students.

Things that we look for on Walk Throughs may be as simple as the number of students in correct uniform, or the number of students engaged in their learning, or students on time to class. Whilst seemingly unimportant, these high expectations are proven to directly support increased student learning outcomes. Put simply, how you do anything is how you do everything.

Notes are taken, and then feedback is provided to the teachers that we have visited, allowing them to reflect on their practice, as well as to gain valuable feedback on how their class is going from a set of “fresh eyes”, possibly looking at things from a different perspective. Shortly, teachers will also be involved in these walks, further strengthening their skills and professional practice.

So why are you telling us this? Well, we also want to share with the SMDS Community some of this important information, as well as to have you along for the ride while we watch further school improvement occurring. Key data and information from these learning walks will be coming out every 2 weeks and we will all be able to focus on our current goals, as well as to see the improvements that we are achieving as a whole school.

We are very pleased to share with you the amazing growth, direction and improvement that SMDS is demonstrating, and we are so very excited to see what the future holds. Great things are just around the corner!

INTER-HIGH CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

The SMDS team of secondary students attended the Inter-High Cross-Country Carnival at Scotch Oakburn Park on Tuesday 7 June.  The second time was a charm, after heavy rain saw the postponement of the event. Our runners competed in cool but sunny conditions, perfect for cross-country running. SMDS students participated in division two and our team finished third overall at the end of the day- only 7 points away from second place.  First place went to Cressy District School and second place to Port Dalrymple.

DIVISION 2 OVERALL SHEILD RESULTS

AGE GROUP TEAM PENNANTS - DIVISION 2

We congratulate all students who attended this event on their bravery and the fabulous way they represented our school.  Thank you to students who joined the team late in order to cover other students who were absent for the rescheduled event. These students were: Georgie, Ned, Kiara, Alice, Tyler, Jackand Axel.  Outstanding achievements came from:

Congratulations to Tysen and Zali for their selection in the Northern High Schools Sports Association (NHSSA) team to represent at the All -Schools Cross-Country at Symmons Plains on Tuesday 28^th June.   Please enjoy some photos (thanks to Miss Draghici) from the day.

ENE CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

The St Marys District School Primary Team attended the East North East Cross-Country Carnival at the Winnaleah Tree Farm on Tuesday 7 June.  Heavy rain saw the postponement of the initial date of the Carnival, but the weather was kind to participants on the day. Our runners competed in cool but sunny conditions, perfect for cross-country running. The primary team participated in Division One competition and our team finished fourth overall with St Helens taking the George Shaw Shield as the 1st placed school, Scottsdale 2nd placed with Bridport taking third position.

We congratulate all students who demonstrated Bravery, Courage and Aspiration during the carnival.  We also witnessed moments of great sportsmanship with students encouraging everyone who completed the race.

  The following students had outstanding achievements in their races:

Oliver   - 3^rd Grade 4 Boys

Ella      -  2^nd Grade 4 Girls

Ellie     – 3^rd Grade 6 Girls

Commendable results:

Hamish  – 6^th Grade 3 Boys

Oliver    – 7^th Grade 3 Boys

This was the first time our Grade 3 students participated in this event,

Congratulations to the following students who will be competing at the Primary School Sport Tasmania (PSST) Cross Country Event held at Symmons Plains on Tuesday 21^st June with support from Mrs Bec Hibberd and Mrs Genevieve Aulich.

• Ellie – Grade 6
• Lily  – Grade 5
• Oliver – Grade 4
• Cohen – Grade 4
• Ella – Grade 4
• Hamish – Grade 3
• Oliver – Grade 3

• An agamograph is a series of images that change at different angles
• The agamograph style of art was named after an Israeli artist names Yaacov Agam who made kinetic art, or art that moves by itself or requires the viewer to move for it to have the desired effect.

Do you enjoy sports and enjoy helping our young people achieve success in the sporting arena? 

We are looking for Coaches and Team Managers for the up coming Country Gold Competitions.   

Please see below how to express an interest.

ONE POINT PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

...a mathematical system for representing three-dimensional objects and space on a two-dimensional surface by means of intersecting lines that are drawn vertically and horizontally and that radiate from one point on a horizon line…

Although this definition sounds complicated, 3/4B learnt that the concept is relatively simple!

Within maths-based art lessons, 3/4B explored how one point perspective is a drawing method that shows how things appear to get smaller as they get further away, merging towards a single ‘vanishing point’ on the horizon line.

It is a way of drawing objects upon a flat piece of paper (or other drawing surface) so that they look three-dimensional and realistic.

During Term 1 and early into Term 2, the Kinder children explored identity and belonging.  As part of this learning we explored drawing faces and creating people from loose parts.  We used this learning to inspire our art entries for this year’s Campbell Town Show.  The theme was sustainability, so we collected used and recycled items to create portraits.  Congratulations to McKinley for winning first prize in the Kindergarten section with his portrait of his mum, and for Zale who received highly commended for his self-portrait.  We are sure you will agree that their artwork looks very creative.

The Bay of Fires Youth Art Prize and Award Winners for 2022 were announced on Sunday 12th June. 

Congratulations to the following students: 

Kinder to Grade 2 Finalists: 

• Bella  
• Victoria  

Grade 3-5 Finalists: 

• Gino 
• Jett
• Daisy
• Lilly 
• Myra
• Aiden

Kinder to Grade 2 Awards: 

• Evie - Emerging Artist
• Huntta - Emerging Artist

Grade 3-5 Awards: 

• Cohen - Highly Commended
• Sofia - Highly Commended

Thank you to all staff who supported our students in continuing to be active participants in a local Art Prize and Exhibition. 

Acknowledgements must also go to Tanya Greenwood from Building Blocks and to Tash Lowe for facilitating and assisting our students in their continued success with the Bay of Fires Youth Art Prize.

There were 324 entries and many awards for the fabulous art on display.  Some of the entries will be on display at St Helens Library, Break O’Day Regional Arts Market and the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House throughout June/July.  

 A reminder that all art work is at www.bayoffiresyouthartprize.com

Our students visited the exhibition to see their work and the work of other students, as well as enjoying some time in the sunshine.  Please enjoy these photos.

This year the annual ‘Bless Up Day’ organised by the local Salvation Army was run in a slightly different format. So as to share the love and warmth of handknitted beanies, scarves, blankets and jumpers across the community and neighbouring schools, only a limited number of students were selected in various classrooms to choose an item.  Some classrooms were blessed to have plenty of items in appropriate sizes so that all students had the opportunity choose an item.  Much thanks to the dozens of knitters from across Australia who donated their time and wool to make the fabulously warm items, and a huge thanks also to Melanie from the local Salvation Army for organising this lovely gesture.   

I very much enjoyed once again being involved with the distribution of these winter warmers and seeing the joy of children receiving a ‘handmade with love’ gift.

Hannah Rubenach-Quinn

School Chaplain

This week we farewelled Envoy Melanie Norton of the Salvation Army, long-term tennant of the old Kindergarten at our Main Road site.

Mel has had a long-standing relationship with the school, as both a parent and the provider of the much loved JAM after school program. Twenty-one years ago our first students began participating in JAM.

Throughout that time Mel and her ministry team have welcomed, encouraged, supported, laughed and cried with our school community. She has offered unconditional love to our students and their families through the JAM ministry, the much loved Bless-up days and many outreach programs to families.  Many students and former students will remember the road trips to see Colin Buchanan in Launceston, the Colin poster collection and Liam's lunch box, covered with Colin signatures.

Mel and her team provided more than just a ministry to the students who passed through.  She taught them leadership skills, through the Junior Leaders' program, acceptance, confidence and self esteem.  Students learnt how to communicate with their peers and adults respectfully, and most importantly they had fun.  Many parents in our community would still have the thoughtfully made cards, artistic cups, plates and beautiful smelling soaps in a cupboard somewhere.

On Tuesday 21 June, Mel, and chaplaincy dog Holly took down the JAM Banner, which has moved around the community as JAM grew and moved, finally ending up in the Main Road site. 

Mel, we thank you for your service to our school community and for being a positive role model for our young people and wish you all the best for continuing your ministry into the future.  

And now, a final word from Mel herself.

Dear Parents and Carers,

The SLB team would like to invite all students from kindergarten to grade 12 to join us on the 1July for Music on the Green at lunchtime. Music on the Green will be performed by some of the high school bands and the goal is to simply relax and enjoy each other’s company.

We encourage all students on this day to dress up in their cosiest, warmest, and most comfortable clothes for our theme of “Winter Warmers”. As always, we need to make sure that whatever you choose to wear is appropriate, both for the weather and for our school setting.

This is a day to celebrate our students getting through the worst of the covid pandemic together as a team, to relax and enjoy each other’s company and to have the chance to re-engage and reunite with each other. Connecting as a whole school is important to us.

We look forward to this day, as well as to seeing everyone in their warm, cosy and comfortable clothes next Friday 1 July.

Your sincerely,

 Student Leader Board (SLB) 

As we move into the winter months, the Op Shop is experiencing high demand on warm winter clothing.   Stocks of summer clothing are high and due to space limitations the Op Shop will only be accepting winter items for the time being. 

The mannequins are currently having trouble keeping dressed, as the winter clothes they  display are purchased faster than the mannequins can be dressed. 

Sadly petrol prices are impacting and we had to temporarily say good by to volunteer Tammy.  Tammy, thank you for your time and contribution to our school community.  We hope to hear your laugh and see your smiling face soon. 

We wrapped the community in warmth with a Winter Wonderland Wrap, as part of the Wrapped in Break O Day competition, winning a runner-up award and perservered through the terrible weather over the long weekend in support of the St Marys Car, Bike and Pedal Show.  

Don't forget that items available in the Op-shop change frequently, so make sure you visit often. 

We always welcome volunteers, please call in and find out how you can join our  motivated team. 

Don't forget to visit our Facebook Page to keep up to date with what's new in and bargains to be found.

PRIMARY

Assembies are back!!

Tas TAFE are offering a number of community short courses including:

• Get That Job!
• Every Day Maths
• Prepare Simple Budgets
• Intro to Computing

Interested…?

Check out the brochure below.

Find out more about the locations, dates and times for these courses:

>> email  general.education@tastafe.tas.edu.au.

>>  call on 03 6165 5795.