Welcome back to the start of Term 2!

Many of you will be aware that I began in the school last week as the new Acting Principal. I have been overwhelmed with my start at Austins Ferry Primary School. I have arrived at a wonderful school with very dedicated staff, friendly students and a supportive community. I have spent much of my first week getting to know the students. Knowing their names and their stories is of high priority to me to ensure that I can play a positive role in their individual development whilst at school. 

I have enjoyed meeting parents in my travels around the school - if you see me around please make sure you stop me to say hello and to introduce yourself. Let me know which children in the school belong to you, as this will assist me in making connections between students and families over the remainder of the term.

Term 2 is traditionally a busy term where students start to show their real promise in their learning, building on from their learning achieved during Term 1. Alongside this there are a number of programs and events that will be occurring: the winter sports roster and Fire Safety, to name just two events coming up.

During the term we will also be communicating with you your child’s ‘Evidence of Learning’ in English and Maths. You would be aware that there have been some changes to the way in which we report this year, with the focus on building greater communication and sharing of your child’s learning more frequently throughout the year. This also provides greater opportunity to build the working relationship between school and home, working together to help students achieve their best. I feel very fortunate to be working at a school that has such a committed and dedicated staff, ensuring that they are providing them with rich learning opportunities to help them develop both academically and socially.

I could not have asked for a better introduction to Austins Ferry Primary School. The students have been so engaging and thoughtful, coming to introduce themselves to me, greeting me each day and helping me out when I have had questions. What a fabulous group of students we have!

Again, please come and say hi when you see me out and about throughout the school. I look forward to meeting you.

Suzanne Oates

There are so many reasons to go to school. Make every school day count this term!

Remember: You can talk to us at school if you’re having trouble getting your child to school. We’re here to help.

When your child goes to school every day, it helps them to:

• Learn better

• Find interests

• Make friends

• Connect with teachers

• Be happier

• Have a brighter future

If you’re struggling to get your child to school, help is available. Please talk to us at school about your situation. We’ll support you, in whatever way we can.

To find out more, visit the 'Anything Can Happen' website: https://anything.tas.gov.au/schools

In the last week of Term 1, our class went on a Teddy Bear picnic. We brought our favourite books and most loved teddies. We also farewelled the wonderful Mrs Bailey who is due to have her second child soon.

Red Pod was lucky to have Mr Cameron Elliott, OAM (and Kaity’s dad), visit to talk about ANZAC day and his experience of serving in the Army. Cam borrowed some WW2 gear from the museum at Anglesea Barracks, and some students tried them on. Looking at the old photos was fascinating too. Thanks Cam for visiting!

Last Friday, Miss Abby Cochrane graduated from the University of Tasmania, with a Bachelor of Education – Primary. Abby joined Mrs Clifford’s class last year in Term 4 to complete her final placement, where she displayed what a dedicated and talented teacher she is. We were fortunate to be able to offer her a position for 2023. Congratulations Abby!

In 5/6 West we have been developing our mathematical understanding through engagement in rich tasks that are derived from the Di Siemon maths program. Across Terms 1 and 2 we have been looking at Cartesian products and using these to help us consolidate our learning and develop our multiplicative thinking. A massive thank you to Mr Gatenby and Mr Stewart for their assistance and guidance with these tasks.