This time of year gives us all a chance to reflect on the achievements in learning for us as a school, and for the students in it. Student reports went home yesterday, and have been complimented by ‘evidences of learning’ being sent out via SeeSaw to demonstrate student understanding. These ‘evidences of learning will be a feature of reports in future years, under the new ‘Communicating Learning Progress with Families’ procedures. I have been impressed with the high levels of student achievement and development within their grades, and within them as young people in our school community. I have also been so impressed with our Grade 6 students this year and the way they have conducted themselves as student leaders in our community. I feel strongly that every Grade 6 student is set up for success not only in High School but for life with their strong grounding at Burnie Primary School. We look forward to seeing many of you at our Celebration Assemblies on Tuesday, 20^th December. Although all seated tickets have gone, there will still be limited standing room avaliable.

Tomorrow, Friday 16^th December marks the one-year anniversary of the Hillcrest Tragedy. We will be acknowledging the impact of the tragedy and extending our thoughts and condolences to the families, staff, and community at Hillcrest and the wider Devonport area during this difficult time. I have attached two support documents that the Department have produced for families and can also be used for yourselves during this time. We have consulted with our School Psychologist Emma and Camilla our Social Worker, along with our School Association Chair Dr Clare Jensen (psychologist), along with the advice from our Department and have agreed that this acknowledgement is appropriate for our students at this challenging time. It will affect different people in different ways and the media building up to and on the day can be confronting so please refer to the support documents attached or reach out for professional help.  As a mark of respect, Grade groups will be conducting their own last day of school celebration activities next Wednesday rather than conducting a ‘Big Day In’ this year.

Just one way we are catering for a smooth transition into the 2023 school year is our transition morning that was conducted today. Students spent the morning with their 2023 class and with their 2023 teacher. This has allowed time for not only practical and organisational things like knowing where my bag goes at the beginning of the new school year, but also will provide a start to building those quality learning relationships that enhance learning and allows classes and teachers to hit the ground running next year.

Our 2023 Teachers will be;

Kinder               Amanda Hyland              Rachel Johnson

Prep                  Rachel Sykes                  Clare Smith /  Jessica Fidler

Grade 1             Diane Williams                Kendall Sandman

Grade 2             Rae Tevelein                   Cathryn Parke / Georgette Moore (AST)

Grade 3             Jana Kalweit                   Susan Woodward       

Grade 4             Liz Fidler                        Meaghan Hosking

Grade 5             Patti Page                       Christina Cohen / Stephanie Hanson

Grade 6             Sue Smith / Alanna Smith (AST)    Olivia Meldrum (Term 1) / Andrew Woodard                                                                      

Physical Education   Holly Geard

Music     Kathleen Matthews

Makers Space    Christina Cohen

Languages     Vicki Brumby

Principal      Susan Barnard (Terms 1 & 2) / Andrew Starick

We will have some staff changes for next year.  Assistant Principal, Kerryn Duncan will continue her period of leave at the beginning of next year and we would like to thank her for her service to our school community. We would like to express our thanks and best wishes to Anita Mitchell who will be transferring to Havenview Primary School, after a period of dedicated service to Burnie Primary School. Apryl Radford continues her studies next year and Meg Nayler will commence her maternity leave at the end of this year, and we wish her well for the impending birth of her second child. We also congratulate Olivia Meldrum who will commence her maternity leave in Term 2 next year and will tag with Andrew Woodard who has long service leave Term 1. We also wish to farewell Alana Dunstan, Teacher Assistant and thank her for supporting our students this year. Next year, we will be joined by Susan Barnard who will take on the Acting Principal position while I am on long service leave for Terms 1 & 2. Susan is currently Acting Principal at Yolla District School and is excited to be joining our Burnie Primary School community.  

Recently our playground has been updated with painting of the playground line markings and new games which is looking fabulous. Thanks to the P&F for supporting our school this year and for this wonderful gift to our students. We look forward to their continued support of our school community next year.

In Term 1 next year, we will also see the long awaited replacement of the playground equipment in the Kinder / Prep playground. This will be an exciting addition to this dedicated playspace!

Today, our Launching into Learning families held our book giving celebrations and pinic at the park. It was wonderful to see the joy and excitment when children recieved their book bags. Mrs Matthews and Miss Moore would like to thank all the families that attended sessions in 2022. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday! Keep an eye on our Facebook page in early February for information about 2023.

On Thursday, the 8^th of December we held our 2022 Athletics Carnival. The carnival consisted of eight different novelty events for students to engage in. The weather was a bit chilly, and the wind provided some challenges during the day, however students were dressed up representing their houses and excited to get up onto the oval and participate in the activities. The event started with a hot lap around the oval in house groups, creating a sea of colour for all of our spectators. Students then participated in the first half of the activities. Students were awarded participation points for all activities, and house points were tallied up throughout the day. By lunch time Wyona had a clear lead followed closely by Curraghmore and Oakleigh. After lunch students completed the second half of the activities. At the end of the carnival, Curraghmore came third on 2962 points, Oakleigh came second on 3039 points and Wyona house came out on top with 3194 points.

Throughout the day students across the school demonstrated respect towards each other and the activity leaders, and when having a go at the activities. It was also noticed by all staff that all students put in their best efforts giving all activities a go.

All students are to be congratulated on their efforts and well done all on a great carnival! Thank you to all the staff who helped out on the day running activities, scoring and organising grade groups. A thank you also goes to our groundsmen for helping set up and preparing the track for the day, the house captains for assisting set up and running house meetings the day prior to the carnival, Miss Cohen for taking photos all day, and P & F for assiting on the day and in supplying icy poles for all students at lunch time.

On Thursday morning the Parents & Friends provided the students with a Milo morning. Milos helped warm the children up on the cold windy morning. The Parents & Friends stayed on to provide every student with an icy pole at the Athletics carnival. A big thank you to all the Parents and Friends for providing students with the opportunity to have these special treats.

As our school uniforms are sourced thru Todd Rogers Signs, they have advised that uniform sales on Wednesday 1st Feburary 2023 will be closed, due to being off site.

Todd Rogers Signs Pty. Ltd. | 17a Scarfe Street | Camdale Tas 7320|

Ph: 6433 4333

admin@toddrogerssigns.com.au