12 April 2024

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

I acknowledge, with deep respect, the traditional custodians of this land, the Mumirimina people and pay my respects to Elders past and present, to the Aboriginal people with us today and to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community who continue to care for Country.  I stand for a future that profoundly respects and acknowledges Aboriginal perspectives, culture, language and history.

Our School Values

Our Commitment:  In partnership with community, we provide a welcoming school of choice that inspires and supports all learners to succeed as connected, creative and curious thinkers.

As the term comes to a close, there has been a whirlwind of events, learning, carnivals and fundraisers. The multitude of events hosted and attended throughout the term have not only enriched the academic experience but also fostered a vibrant community spirit.

The ‘Wear Red and Crazy Hair’ fundraiser organised by our student leaders raised $438.15 for the South East Tasmania Salvation Army. This fundraiser demonstrates the school dedication to making a positive impact to local partners within the region. 

Reporting Requirements 

Recently all families have received their child’s first report for the school year. The Progress Reports serve as a vital means of communication between home and school, offering a summary of learning readiness to ensure the rest of the academic year is productive and positive.

To align with the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) Reporting Requirements, families will receive both a written report including a 9-point scale against the Australian Curriculum and shared evidences of learning at the end of Term 2. We look forward to sharing you child’s progress in greater depth and further building an important partnership with you. 

Staffing

We would like to thank Jacob Hart for leading a wonderful Health and Physical Education program in Prep to Year 6 this term. We wish Jacob an enjoyable trip full of adventure and joy.

Karen Kenny, Luke Hamilton and Brontie Birchall are on leave for Term 2. We look forward to their return beginning of Term 3.

Redevelopment

Stage three of the redevelopment is well underway. The new classrooms and art spaces look to be completed mid-July with the final demolishing of the patio rooms and big picture building occurring term 3. It is hard to believe that the project is nearly at completion however the result is simply incredible for our school and broader community.

With school holidays commencing at the end of this week, we wish everyone a safe and relaxing two weeks. We look forward to seeing you Monday 29 April 2024.

Kelly Dyer – Principal

Email: sorell.school@decyp.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6269 1100

School Photos

School photos will take place in May. Please take note of our school access key and information on ordering.

Primary photos are Wednesday 15 May 2024

Secondary photos are Thursday 16 May 2024

Family photos are Wednesday  15 May from 8am - 9am and Primary Lunch 11.30am - 12pm.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

The School Uniform Shop will be open during the holidays on Tuesday 23 April 2024 from 10am – 2pm.

Discovery Bus Pick Up Locations

Due to safety requirements the collection location of the year 3 – 6 students has changed. The bus is now collecting them at the old location near the Trade Training Centre.

Once collected this bus will head to the main admin building to follow our transport processes, ensuring all children are accounted for.

The Kinder – year 2 will still be collected at the current location outside the admin building.  

These changes started 3/4/2024.

Y3-5 Swimming & Water Safety Program

A reminder to our year 3 – 5 students that the Swimming and Water Safety programme is running Monday 27 May – Thursday 6 June 2024.

Students will need to remember their swimming gear and transport to and from the pool will be provided by the school. More information will be provided early Term 2.

2024 Levy Payments

School levy payments contribute to the cost of your child’s educational program and includes learning materials, stationery, performances and excursions. 

Levy invoices were mailed to parents/carers in January and there was an expectation that levy payments would be finalised by the end of Term One.

A levy instalment plan including Centrepay is made available to parents/carers who are unable to make a full payment at the beginning of the new school year.  Instalment plans offer flexible, sensitively negotiated payment options to assist parents/carers to budget for this cost. Payments can be made weekly, fortnightly, monthly or at other agreed times after payment of an affordable deposit.  You are encouraged to speak with School Business Manager, Xanath Newbold for assistance with this process or if you are experiencing difficulty in meeting levy payments.

Admin staff will follow-up outstanding levy payments with a phone call after the 12 April if you have not made contact with us.

Thank you to those families who have paid, arranged Centrepay payments or who have set up a payment plan.  The levies and charges we receive from families supports our school to deliver learning opportunities for all students. Thank you for your contribution.

Payment of levies and charges can be made by:

• Cash or credit card at the school office during office opening hours
• Bpay, Bpoint
• Service Tasmania.

You are a valued member of our school community and we welcome your feedback on levies and charges at our school.  You can contact School Business Manager, Xanath Newbold, if you have any questions or would like to talk about levies at our school. Personal information relating to levies will always be treated with total confidentiality.

 STAS – Student Assistance Scheme

STAS provides assistance to eligible families by waiving levies for students.  It applies to students enrolled in a school from Kindergarten to Year 12.  STAS is not a direct payment but means you won’t have to pay the levy charge. Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS: 

• Services Australia - Centrelink Health Care Card
• Services Australia - Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
• Services Australia - Pensioner Concession Card or
• Department of Veteran Affairs - Pensioner Concession Card

Parents/carers can complete an on-line application form:  

We understand this online option may not be possible for all families - hard copy paper forms are available from the school office.

Attendance Y7-12 Update

In Term 1, 153 Y7-12 students attended more than 90%, this means they missed less than 4 days of school for the term.

16 students attended 100% of Term 1, congratulations!

90% plus attenders went into the attendance gift card draw. Our lucky recipient for Term 1 was Seth, congratulations!

All students are eligible for the draw in Term 2, we look forward to seeing how many of our students can achieve our 90% plus attendance goal!

Thank you to Homelands Sorell for their continued support of our attendance programme.

Australian Early Development Census

Welcome Sarah, our new School Nurse

Attendance Incentive Term 2

Breem Creek Show

The Bream Creek Show is a wonderful country show that was held Saturday 16th March 2024, it was the 121^st show.

Students in art were busy creating art pieces for this event. Many students entered their favourite cartoon character using drawing techniques that have learned in art.

Congratulations to those who won prizes.

Our Animal Care students had another successful Animal Nursery at the Breem Creek Show this year.

Many weeks of preparation goes into making the Nursery run so smoothly.

Fantastic effort by the grade 9/10 & 11/12 Animal Care students.

Special thank you to Kim and Will.

Year 7 Science

Unveil the thrilling world of separation techniques in Grade 7 Science! Dive into the excitement as students embark on a journey of discovery, separating mixtures with filtration, evaporation, chromatography and more. Witness their minds ignite with curiosity as they unravel the secrets of science through hands-on experimentation!

Animal Care Students at AGB Stonehaven Show

Congratulations to the 9/10 & 11 /12 Animal Care students taking out Best in Show at the AGB Stonehaven Show on Sunday.

The goats were beautifully presented, they're hard work paid off.

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care

At the South East Trade Training Centre - Sorell

Placements available - government subsidies may apply

Commencing Wednesday 24 April 2024