Dear families,

We have enjoyed a busy few weeks of learning and activity here at school as we approach the end of term.

Our Learn to Swim program was again run successfully, with many of our students improving their skills and confidence from last year. Thanks to teachers and families for supporting this important learning expereince for our students, and special thanks again to Mr Bailey for ensuring the program ran smoothly.

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to present our Year 6 students with their leavers tops. The end of primary school is a significant period of transition for students as they prepare for the experience of high school. It was really special to share this moment with so many of our families, and we are looking forward to continuing to acknowedge and celebrate our Year 6 students as the year progresses. Thank you to our Year 6 teaching team – Miss Kearns, Mr Coppleman and Mr Perry – for their efforts to organise the leavers tops.

This week is national Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. Today we held a morning tea to celebrate our incredible teacher assistants. We are so lucky to have a team of dedicated, skilled, compassionate and capable educators supporting our students and teachers every day. The work they do here with, and for us all, is appreciated every day.

Over the last few weeks our school association has supported the school to run two fundraising events – the Scholastic Book Fair and a Fathers Day stall. I would like to acknowledge and thank all our parent and grandparent volunteers who came in to support the stalls. Your efforts are really appreciated by our school community and enable us to run programs that support student learning. Thank you!

Coming up in the last week of Term 3 is our Footy Colours Breakfast. More information will be sent out to students and shared on our social media in the coming weeks but it will be another opportunity for our school community to come together this term. I hope to see as much red and white there as possible!

Liz Graham

Principal

After the long wait, we were finally able to hold our Grade 6 Leavers Top celebration!

Students received their tops in a special assembly on Wednesday morning. They all look fantastic!

Kinder Johnston has been very busy this term.

We have been learning how to sew…up and down…

After some practise, we sewed the initial of our first name. It took a lot of concentration!!

We enjoyed the  ‘Book Week’ parade and had fun dressing up.

The Kinders have also been lucky to have a Kinder set of wet weather overalls bought for us! We all enjoyed being outside when it was a little wet.

In 1/2C we used Pete Cromer as inspiration to create Australian Animal artwork.

We used oil pastels for our chosen animal and watercolour to create our background.

Here are some of our masterpieces! 

This term, 3/4 Gollogly have been busily diving into the Swimming and Water Safety Program at Oceana. We are so proud of the students’ courage and perseverance shown while they attempted new and challenging things.

This term, in 5 West, we were lucky enough to experience a trip to the Festival of Bright Ideas at the Princes Wharf.

We were able to investigate fossils, explore what makes up our DNA, and sort through some problem-solving issues with the TAS Networks crew. 

Despite the weather, students had a wonderful time engaging in the variety of science activities on offer.

We learnt alot and really enjoyed the different experiences!

A group of our students have been learning about computer game design as part of their Gifted Online SmartBots course.

Each week, students complete design challenges by problem solving and thinking critically. They have developed an understanding of different coding languages and applied their skills when planning and creating their own platform, clicker and maze games using MakerCode and other platforms.

Congratulations to Hiyeleum, Harry, Mitchell, Taylor, Aleena, Sienna and Jyelan (absent) for their selection in the upcoming Winter Sports Carnival. The boys have been selected to play for the Northern Magpies whilst the girls will be representing the South Black Netball team.

Congratulations to the winners of our Best Dressed Pet Competition!

All of the entries certainly put a smile on everyone's face.

We raised $220.00 for the Story Dog Program!

Thank you to all those who entered and donated.

This year our Book Week parade was bigger and better than ever!

Staff and students went all out on their costumes and looked absolutley wonderful!

It was lovely to see some classes having group photos.

Our girls have had "a blast" with the Woolworths Cricket Program!

They have learnt new skills including catching, throwing and teamwork through game-based activities.

Thank you to Woolworths and the wonderful coaches for providing our girls with the opportunity to try a new sport!

Launching into learning (LiL)

Launching into Learning is a free program where you and your child get to know your local school and other families.

LiL is for families with children from birth to 4 years of age.

Children learn a lot in the early years of life. LiL provides opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s learning in a supportive environment, helping to give your child a great start.

All sessions are held in the Grace Crichton-Gill Early Learning Centre (ELC) and are conducted by a fully qualified Teacher and Teacher Assistant.

Session Times

Mondays

Birth to 4 years:  9:00am–10:30am and 1:30pm-2:50pm

Tuesdays

Birth to 4 years: 9:00am-10:30am

Baby Group: 2:00pm-2.45pm

Friday afternoons

Birth to 4 years: 1:30pm-2:50pm

Friday mornings

Pre-Kinder 9:00am-10:00am

Pre-Kinder Program

In Term 2, children who will commence Kindergarten in 2025 can attend the Pre-Kinder program. These sessions are designed for families in the Austins Ferry Primary School (AFPS) enrolment catchment and prepare children for entrance into Kindergarten in the following year.

Download the Schoolzine App today and keep up to date with the lastest information from Austins Ferry Primary!

Parents can submit absence notifications, access the School Calendar, Newsletters and notices all from one easy to use App. 

Please return enrolment forms and required documentation to the school office as soon as possible.

There are lots of things you can do to set your child up for success: Make sure your child goes to school, every day

Going to school every day gives your child every chance to learn and grow, and connect with their friends and teachers. It’s where bright futures start and where they’ll benefit the most.

Get them excited for school!

If you show a positive attitude and excitement towards school, your child will pick up on that.
The most common thing we hear from students, of all ages, is that school is where they can:
» spend time with their friends
» enjoy new and fun experiences
» find what interests them
» learn new things
Creating a passion for learning can really open up their options – for whatever future they want; whether that’s their dream job or to travel around the world!

Talk to your child about school!
Open up a conversation with your child about what’s happening at school. It will help you to better support their interests and confidence in learning. If you show an interest in school, they’ll know that getting an education is important and valued.

Celebrate the milestones
Big and small! Celebrate milestones such as making it through the first day or a whole week of school. And remember: all milestones look different. If it’s a big achievement for your child, it’s important to recognise it.

Set up a time to talk to your child’s teacher
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.

Know when to seek help
There is no weakness in admitting you need help. If your child has completely disengaged with school, and is not attending at all, there is support to help you. In the first instance, talk to us at school.

EASY FISH TACOS

Basketball Tasmania are offering Basketball Camps during the school holidays for students aged 8-14 years. 

Elizabeth College – 256 Elizabeth St, Hobart TAS 7000

• Wednesday 2 October – 9:00am – 3:00pm
• Wednesday 9 October – 9:00am – 3:00pm

South East Sports Stadium – 7 Tasman Hwy, Sorell TAS 7172

• Thursday 3 October – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Tuesday 8 October – 1:00pm – 3:00pm 

Claremont College – access via Narillan St, Claremont TAS 7011

• Tuesday 1 October – 9:00am-11:00am

Use the QR code below to find out more information.