The Preps have made an excellent start to their learning in numeracy this term. We are focussing on developing a deep understanding of numbers (i.e. ‘number sense’) through explicit teaching, hands on activities and lots of games!

We are also learning how to be ‘learners’ by practicing being collaborators. Collaborators talk about how they can learn and work together, take turns, listen respectfully and help each other. The Preps are fantastic collaborators!

Here we are playing one of our favourite games – All Stations to Central. In working partners, one person writes the numbers 1 – 5 (or up to ten!) and the other person needs to join all the numbers together in the correct sequence. When they get to the last number they call out ‘all aboard!’. Maybe you could play this game at home!

9-10C has overall started in a very positive manner to 2022. The vast majority of students have settled into the senior half of high school in a productive manner. The increased maturity of many students has been pleasing to note. The class is showing a care for each other and producing a positive environment for learning.

Unfortunately we have missed many students through out the term due to the dreaded Coronavirus but they have come back ready to learn. The battle of the boys vs girls in the football tipping has been tense with the boys recapturing the lead. Unfortunately for Alec he was burdened with wearing a Carlton scarf all day when the magnificent blues downed a gallant Hawks by 1 point.

Another highlight was a brilliant win vs 9-10 A in a volleyball match. I am looking forward to a more full class for the remainder of the year.

Our Outdoor Education class has a focus on personal character development, using a range of outdoor experiences and learning to provide opportunities for this growth to take place. Students have enjoyed the opportunity to show leadership, problem solving skills and teamwork through a range of team building challenges. They have also been pushed out of their comfort zones, being required to make presentations in front of the class.

In theory lessons we have been learning about the Leave No Trace principles which were applied on our trip to Lilydale Falls and will be called upon again for upcoming trips to Mt Stronach and (COVID permitting) an overnight camp in Term 2.

EASTER & SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Wednesday, 13th April is the last day of Term 1 for students

All Staff will be participating in Professional Learning on Thursday, 14th April and students are not required to attend on this day.

We hope you all have a wonderful, happy and safe break over the Easter/Term holidays and look forward to welcoming all our students back to school or the start of Term 2 on Monday, 2nd May.

Well, the final week of term one is upon us, and it has been a struggle at times to ensure that everything has been in place to ensure everyone’s safety but thanks to the commitment and hard work of our community and our staff we have been able to keep programs running as planned.  Whilst there have been some disappointments that have happened due to meeting regulations, we have had plenty of successes and achievements which we should be proud of.

Recent feedback from a number of families has highlighted the appreciation they have for the care and effort given to their children to meet their individual needs on academic social and emotional levels.  The consideration that staff have for learners should never be undervalued and student growth and development is directly linked to the quality relationships that staff invest in. Our ongoing work with our Berry Street Education Model continues to provide great outcomes to all learners and also for staff.  This investment is allowing more of our students to be ready to learn, more often, which increases their chances of ongoing success.

I would like to congratulate our students for their ongoing demonstration of pride in their conduct.  The feedback from our Swimming and Water Safety program as well as our school photography sessions were excellent, with high praise from those adults who worked with various groups.  They were particularly generous in their comments about how well-mannered our students are.

Thank you to those families who took up the opportunity to have their children aged 5-11 years vaccinated on Monday.  Through this process we can increase the percentage of people in our school who are appropriately vaccinated which provides another layer of protection for our school community. Please use the next scheduled opportunity in Term 2, for students 12+ years, to have their first dose. A follow up clinic will be available for all students to receive their second dose. High levels of vaccination, combined with mask wearing for our high school students and consistent hand hygiene, has been a significant barrier to stopping the spread of infection in our school. We will continue to be applying the same expectations in Term 2 under the DOE COVID safety plan.

We have been able to provide opportunities for our High School students to participate in some competitions with the Australian Geography competition being held last week and the History one being available in May.  We also had huge success with the Literacy Planet Word Mania competition, where Lilydale Year 9 students ranked second from all schools registered across Australia and New Zealand. Well done to all students and teachers who took part and provided encouragement.

We trust that you have a wonderful Easter Break and holiday which provides an opportunity to recharge and do something positive.  A reminder that Thursday, 14 April is a student free day and that students will return on Monday, 2 May.

Colin Pearson – Principal

Our school library is a hub for learning and activity, with classes and smaller groups of students using the space to borrow books, check out new additions to our library collection, and work on projects. Here are some photos of our wonderful library space in action this week!

Our School Association meets on the second Monday of each month in the Kinder space. Their next meeting will be the School Associations Annual General Meeting. We had to postpone this meeting due to low numbers. We are looking for a new date. We would love to see more people at the meetings and invite you to attend. 

Student Attendance and Absences

Just a reminder to all families. If your child is away for any reason, please ensure you advise the office as soon as possible. There are numerous avenues to enable this and to make your life easier. The simpliest way is to simply send a text message via our SchoolZine App. This can be done at anytime, even if you are away with said sick child in the middle of the night. A quick text while you remember can save time later in the morning when you're busy and can easily forget.

We also have the office phone answering machine, where you can call out of office hours and leave a voice message (Phone 6395 0100). Or simply an email at anytime as well. Send to lilydale.district.school@education.tas.gov.au.

COVID Absences

If your child will be away for COVID-19 reasons, please contact the school office on 6395 0100. Covid absences require a more detailed explanation to ensure your childs attendance is correctly entered. There are numerous acceptable reasons for Covid absences and a simple phone conversation can help alleviate any misunderstandings regarding your responsibilities and how we can assist in making it easier for you at home. So regardless of whether your child is "Covid Positive", "Close Contact" or another Covid related reason, just give us a call at the office.

If you require additional RAT Test Kits, please ask at the office  in person or via the phone. If you are unable to come to the school to collect them, we can arrange for more to be sent home with someone you authorise to collect on your behalf, or send them home with a sibling, or we can arrange to have them dropped off if practical.

Ticket to Play

Get your Ticket to Play and join in!

Ticket to Play provides two vouchers up to $100 each towards club membership/registration for children aged 5-18 years who are listed on a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession card or in Out of Home Care.

What can I use the vouchers for?

Vouchers can be used towards the cost of sporting club membership, as well as for Learn to Swim, Scouts, Guides and Cadets.

Vouchers can be used at two different activity providers or both can be used at one activity provider. 

Important dates:

Ticket to Play voucher applications are open until 31 May 2022. Vouchers must be given to an Approved Activity Provider by 6 June 2022.

Contact Ticket to Play at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or on 1800 252 476