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Dear Families
We have come to the end of a term like no other, COVID-19 has challenged us all in many ways and will continue to do so for some time. In any challenging situation comes opportunity, my observations are that we have strengthened both the channels of communication and the partnership between home and school. The outcomes for our learners, given the magnitude of the disruption have been really positive. I would like to again acknowledge the efforts of staff, parents/carers and our students through term 2.
As we move forward into term 3 we edge our way back to some form of normality. An easing of restrictions in line with the government’s roadmap to recovery will mean:
- day excursions will be able to resume with consideration to physical distancing, venue density, hygiene requirements and other COVID-19 related community restrictions;
- LiL and Pre-Kinder sessions will recommence;
- parents/carers and adult visitors will again be able to participate in normal school based activities, i.e. parent help, coaching, meetings;
- visiting cultural performers and education programs from external providers;
- assemblies will be able to occur as large gatherings of students, although large gatherings of adults remain restricted and will be further reviewed during term 3;
- performances scheduled for term 3 will be able to occur; and
- school /community sporting competitions will commence with specific restrictions and requirements detailed by the various sporting organisations
All of these school based activities will be subject to adults observing the 1.5m physical distancing requirements, practicing appropriate hand hygiene and completing a visitor health screening form (VHSF) on entry to the school site.
Although we anticipate a further easing of restrictions at some stage during term 3, due to the organisational requirements a number of activities and events this year will not proceed.
- The Year 5 camp to Hobart will not occur in 2020, we will consider options to ensure students do not miss out, which may include camps for Years 5 and 6 in 2021. Further information will be provided to families at a later date.
- The annual School Show will also be a casualty of the current situation and will not proceed in its normal form. Mr Skirving and the show committee are exploring the possibility of some events occurring, again though these would be subject to restrictions and more than likely be virtual in nature utilising technology across a number of sites.
Given excursions will be able to recommence in term 3, I would again draw parent’s attention to the following communique from the department providing parents with the opportunity to update permissions for their child pertaining to minor excursion and aquatic activities.
Communication for parents/carers – Minor excursions and aquatic activities
At the beginning of the year all parents/carers had the opportunity to give permission for their child to participate in minor excursions without the requirement to sign a permission form for every excursion. Minor excursions include visits on foot or by vehicular transport to places of educational value within the local community that last for less than one day. A similar consent process was used for aquatic activities. With the changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic we are providing the opportunity for parents and carers to change their preference that was provided at the start of the year for both minor excursions and aquatic activities. The school will ensure that relevant safety and health precautions will be implemented, including COVID-19 requirements, during the course of the excursion and aquatic activities. All other excursions including those with inherent risk will require you to sign a separate consent form prior to the excursion, as is currently the case. If you wish to change your child’s current permissions or would like further information please contact the school on 64918222. If we do not hear from you then the current permission arrangements will remain in place.
Please find the link below to a letter from the Department of Educaton Secretary Tim Bullard. This letter to parents and carers details the changes planned from the beginning of term 3.
School Intake Areas
The Department of Education (DoE) has released updated government primary and combined (district) school intake areas, to apply from term 1, 2021. These updated intake areas will only apply to families who enrol a child in a government primary or combined (district) school for the first time from term 1, 2021.
This means that for parents with children already enrolled in our school, the updated intake areas do not apply to your family. If your child has a brother or sister who hasn’t started school yet, they can still enrol at our school.
Our school’s updated intake area map can be found here https://publicdocumentcentre.education.tas.gov.au/Documents/Sheffield-School-Intake-Area-from-2021.pdf. This map is the same as the Proposed Map released by DoE last year in stage two of the Intake Area Review consultation process.
Why do we have intake areas?
Intake areas ensure that every Tasmanian child can enrol at a high quality government school close to where they live. Attending a school close to home helps children feel part of their local community. Intake areas also help ensure schools have the facilities and staff to best support their students’ learning.
Where to get more information?
If you would like more information about our school’s intake area, or help finding out whether a particular address is within our intake area boundary, please contact us directly.
Alternatively you can contact Learning Services Northern Region: phone 6777 2440 or email Learning.Services.NR@education.tas.gov.au)
If you have questions related to the Intake Area Review please visit the DoE Intake Area webpage Here you will also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions
You can also contact the Intake Area Review team at the Department of Education by phoning 1800 816 057 or email intake.areas@education.tas.gov.au
New website
Our new school website is now live. This site provides a range of information about our school including policies and procedures, curriculum guides and enrolment information. Our newsletter will remain our regular communication channel with families, along with the School Facebook page to promote school events and student activities. https://sheffields.schoolzineplus.com/
Staffing Term 3
There will be two staffing changes for term 3. I am pleased to be able to inform our school community that Mr O’Rourke will be returning, teaching the 5/6A class two days a week. Mr Polotnianka will continue to teach the class for the other three days. Mrs Gardam (2A) will be taking long service leave term 3, with Mrs Carmody, who has been teaching the class Wednesday – Friday for the past three weeks continuing in the role.
Reporting
By now most parents/ carers would have received a phone call from their child’s class teacher /co-ordinator focused around their child’s learning progress and general wellbeing. I do hope parents/carers have found these conversations informative and of value. These phone calls have been made to the first listed parent/carer, which is normally the enrolling parent/carer. If you have missed the call from the class teacher/ co-ordinator, or are not listed first in our system and would like to speak with your child’s teachers, please contact the school on 64918222.
Enjoy the holiday break and take care.
Ron Daly
PRINCIPAL
Canteen Menu -Term 4
- Updated fortnighly
Cancelling / crediting lunches
Please note that once your child’s lunch has left the canteen, due to health regulations it cannot be returned and we cannot issue a refund.
If your child goes home sick you are more than welcome to come to the canteen to collect your child’s lunch order.
QKR
If you need to cancel a lunch order in QKR – this needs to be done before 10.00 am on the day of delivery (you can cancel orders up to two weeks in advance), or you can contact the school office before 11.30 am.
You will then receive a credit (monies cannot be refunded) in QKR, that you can apply to future purchases.
Cancelling an order in the QKR APP
1. From the QKR menu select Activity tab |
2. Select the item(s) you have purchased that you wish to cancel |
3. Select the (-) button Your device will show a message in red *1 x item cancelled $..... (inc. Tax) refunded as a credit note. The next time you order you will be able to use that credit. |
Railton Campus
The canteen menu is available for students and staff at Railton campus on Mondays Only. Items that cannot be ordered from the menu as they are unable to be transported:
- Milo
- Hot Chocolate
- Slushies
Orders need to be received at the Railton school office before 10.00 am on Monday morning.
QKR Orders (Both Campuses)
To use the full menu you need to order before 10.00 am on the day of delivery.
Lunches can be ordered (and paid) for up two weeks in advance.
QKR Late Orders - Sheffield Campus only (10.00 am - 12.00 noon)
We now have a limited menu for orders received between the hours above.
Please use the "Late Orders and Payments" option only.
For orders after 12.00 noon please contact the school on 6491 8222.
QKR Set UP
Instructions on installing and setting up the app on your smartphone/device are below.
If you use QKR you can order (and pay) in advance for multiple students, multiple orders, and on multiple days.
HEALTH NURSE
Just keep breathing! Breathing Exercises for Early Childhood
In the Early Childhood area some of the Year 7 students have been helping teach the younger children some breathing techniques each week. These techniques are meant to help your children calm down and relax when faced with stressful or overwhelming situations. There is a physical reason why deep breathing is so important.
To help understand why deep breathing and calming coping skills are so important, let’s have a quick lesson on your Autonomic Nervous System. The Autonomic Nervous System controls the automatic systems in your body that you don’t think about - things like breathing, digestion and heart rate.
Flight, Fight or Freeze (Sympathetic Nervous System)When you experience a stressful event your body automatically goes into what is known as “flight, fight or freeze” mode. Your heart rate increases, your stomach stops digestion and your breathing becomes more shallow.
Rest and Digest (Parasympathetic Nervous System)
When you are calm, your body is in what is known as “rest and digest” mode. Your breathing is normal, your muscles are relaxed and your heart rate is normal.
The goal of calming exercises is to get yourself from “flight, fight or freeze” mode back to “rest and digest” mode. Deep breathing helps get more oxygen into your bloodstream, opening up your capillaries. It has a physical effect on your body to help you calm down and lower stress.
Over the next few weeks we will be exploring fun playful ways to work on deep breathing.
Media Smart
LAUNCHING INTO LEARNING (LiL)
Monday 9.30am | Railton | Babies - Pre Kinder |
Thursday 11am | Sheffield | Babies and Toddlers |
Thursday 1pm | Sheffield | Pre-Kinder |
1. Please wash/sanitise hands on arrival |
2. Complete COVID-19 Visitor Screening Form |
3. Practice social distancing |
Mrs van der Velde and Mrs Sullivan are excited to welcome back families for Term 4.
We have lots of fun things planned sometimes we are popping up off site.
Please keep an eye on our ‘Launching into Learning Sheffield School’ Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
For this issue of the newsletter we have attached a really handy Family First Aid sheet for you to print and keep and also a communication milestone document from Speech Pathology Australia, to see how your little ones are tracking with their speech and language development.
If you aren't connected with us yet, contact carly.sullivan@education.tas.gov.au or call 641 8222
LEARNING IN FAMILIES TOGETHER (LiFT)
What’s On?
Term 4 is a busy one but we promise to squeeze in at least one more family challenge. Maybe some maths? Maybe some lollies? Maybe both?
Whether we like it or not, maths is everywhere and is part of everyday life. It is necessary to have an understanding of maths concepts to help with most tasks we undertake as humans. Whether your child is 5 or 15, now is a great time to be talking about and practising maths whenever you can, to boost their maths competency.
Please reach out to your child’s teacher or liftsheffield@gmail.com if you would like help supporting your child in maths.
Seesaw Family App
Please ensure you have switched over to our Seesaw Family app. See or email your child’s teacher if you have misplaced your login code.
Anxiety in Children
2020 has been a difficult one for everyone. Although children are very resilient, we can see a change in them during and after a big event, such as a pandemic! Follow this link from GoZen for some really useful ways to help calm and work through your child’s anxious times.
Kinder- Prep Story Sacks
It has been great seeing Story Sacks rolled out for our Kinder/Prep students at Railton and Sheffield. Using these Story Sacks in your home benefits your child’s oral language considerably, fosters their love of books and reading; and in turn, improves their literacy outcomes throughout their schooling. Check out the link to get a sneak peek into Story Sacks…
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19vAzucgrQrwnVIuv_ysK7BY3ONzqE62by2zuN1Jdez0/edit?usp=sharing
Board Game Library
Sheffield: Monday between 8:30-9am in the EC resource room.
Railton: See Kim in the office on a Tuesday to borrow your game.
We have put together some information to help support your child with their reading. Watch to the end to claim your reading pack!
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16j1Rfl6BhHuRLGBiqVXG70WxTTQFRHPNRh-xIZ7gZ_0/edit?usp=sharing
Learning Support
Did you know we have learning packs made up for children to borrow to help consolidate skills they are working on in class?
These skills may include:
fine motor activities, letter formation, telling the time, times tables, handwriting, 12 piece puzzles, addition and subtraction, shoelace tying, scissor skills, number formation, identifying sounds when reading and problem solving with numbers. If you would like to borrow a take home pack to support your child’s learning, please get in touch and we will be happy to send some materials home with your child.
For further information, please contact Carly Sullivan 64918222 or email liftsheffield@gmail.com
“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents."
- Jane D. Hull
Learning in Families Together (LiFT)
Bouncing Back- Talk and Read Project
Our Launching into Learning and Kinder students received ‘Bouncing Back Talk and Read’ bags from the Tasmanian Government. These resources were designed to support families to talk, read and play with their children every day, with a focus on enhancing Oral Language skills. The bags will provide families of children (birth-Kindergarten) with fun ideas about talking and reading.
Click this link for Key Messages/ Ideas:
Bouncing Back to Learning at School
Seesaw Family App
Please ensure you have switched over to our Seesaw Family app. See your child’s teacher if you have misplaced your login code.
Anxiety in Children
2020 has been a difficult one for everyone. Although children are very resilient, we can see a change in them during and after a big event, such as a pandemic! This attachment from GoZen has some really useful ways to help calm and work through your child’s anxious times.
A massive thank you to Boomerang Bags Sheffield, a not-for-profit organisation tackling plastic bag pollution. This group make an innovative alternative to single use plastic bags- reusable bags made from preloved, recycled or reclaimed materials right here in the community. We were fortunate to receive some of these gorgeous bags to use as prizes for our Early Years students.
Kinder-Prep Story Sacks
It has been great seeing Story Sacks rolled out for our Kinder/Prep students at Railton and Sheffield. Using these Story Sacks in your home benefits your child’s oral language considerably, fosters their love of books and reading; and in turn, improves their literacy outcomes
Supporting Your Child’s Reading Journey
We have put together some information to help support your child with their reading. Watch to the end to claim your reading pack!
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16j1Rfl6BhHuRLGBiqVXG70WxTTQFRHPNRh-xIZ7gZ_0/edit?usp=sharing
Board Game Library
Board Game borrowing library has now reopened.
Sheffield: Monday between 8:30 am - 9.00 am in the EC resource room.
Railton: See Kim in the office on a Tuesday to borrow your game.
Learning Support
Did you know we have learning packs made up for children to borrow to help consolidate skills they are working on in class? These skills may include; fine motor activities, letter formation, telling the time, times tables, handwriting, 12 piece puzzles, addition and subtraction, shoelace tying, scissor skills, number formation, identifying sounds when reading and problem solving with numbers. If you would like to borrow a take home pack to support your child’s learning, please get in touch and we will be happy to send some materials home with your child.
For further information, please contact Carly Sullivan 64918222 or email liftsheffield@gmail.com
We look forward to bringing you another exciting year of LiFT opportunities and working with you to enhance your child’s learning outcomes.
Could all 3-10 students wishing to play netball in the upcoming roster please collect/return forms to the Health and Physical Education office as soon as possible. We are currently in need of coaches/umpires to assist our teams. If you have a current working with vulnerable people check and are willing volunteer some time on Saturdays during game time, please contact the school. All help would be greatly appreciated.
Devon Netball- Covid 19 plan
Please be aware that we are currently operating under Covid-19 Competition Management Plans. As part of the plans we are not allowed to have spectators at competitions. This will mean there will be procedures for dropping off children and will mean team coaches and team managers will need to supervise complete teams until they are collected.
If you have any further questions, please contact Miss Baldock.
Our year 7-10 students have been busy since returning to school. Here are some photos highlighting some of their learning experiences!
ARTS CAMP
Do you want to be a part of creating incredible opportunities for young people across Tasmania during the Winter Holidays?
Camps Tasmania are running an Arts Camp for youth aged 10-15 y/o. Empowering young people to accept challenges, think for themselves, form friendships and develop skills in a welcoming, supportive and safe environment.
There are many benefits to attending Camps and can include the opportunity to develop self-confidence, resilience, independence amongst many leadership, communication and team work skills; all as I'm sure we can agree are very valuable life skills.
Through our Camp programs we encourage youth from all across the state to make new connections, try different activities & learn new skills, disconnect from technology and enjoy keeping active during the holidays and making new friendships.
To learn more about us: campstasmania.com.au
BAPTCARE - FOSTER CARE
BURNIE SAFE SPACE
If you know of anyone sleeping rough, the 24/7 Safe Space has opened at the Salvation Army building in Burnie. The 24/7 Safe Space can accommodate 20 people at a time and has staff to help connect people with additional services.
The Safe Space is located at 103 Wilson Street, Burnie and can be contacted via Karen Riley (Salvation Army) on 0409 626 266, Nathan Hughes (Salvation Army) Nathan.hughes@salvationarmy.org.au, Housing Connect 1300 135 513, Doorways 6425 1499 or face to face at the Safe Space.
CANCER COUNCIL- SUNSMART
DEVILS@CRADLE
Free Kids entry offer - Terms and Conditions
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DEVON NETBALL ASSOCIATION INC
HOCKEY
KENTISH HOUSE - SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
KENTISH NEIGHBOUR DAY
LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS- FOSTER CARE
MY GOLF
SAVER PLUS
Student Interactive Fire Escape Plan
https://www.tfseducation.com.au/tfse-escape-plan-user/add
TASPPL- MENTAL WELLBEING
TICKET TO PLAY
Ticket to Play provides two vouchers up to $100 in value towards club membership for children aged 5-17 years and listed on a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card or in Out of Home Care. Learn more
what’s new?
- Ticket to Play now runs on a financial year, from 1 July 2020.
- Under the 2020-21 program, each eligible child can receive two vouchers worth up to $100 each – even if they had a voucher during the coronavirus period (between January and June 2020).
- Each voucher can be used at a different Approved Activity Provider, or both used at one Approved Activity Provider.
- For more information and to apply for a voucher, click here.
What about vouchers from the coronavirus period?
- Vouchers from the coronavirus period redeemed for seasons that are going ahead, should remain valid for registration – check with your Approved Activity Provider.
- All unredeemed vouchers from the coronavirus period are now invalid. Eligible participants can reapply here.
- For information and FAQs click here.
Contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or on 1800 252 476 for information.
Monday - Friday | 23 November to 4 December |
Swimming & Water Safety Program (Years 3 - 5) |
December |
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Tuesday | 1 December to 4 December | Swimming & Water Orientation Program (Prep - Year 2) Railton Pool |
Friday | 4 December | Sporting All-Rounders (Years 9 - 10) Launceston Trip |
Tuesday | 8 December | Presentation Day Assembly (Kinder - Year 12) at 11.30 am |
Wednesday | 9 December | Picnic at Splash (Years 1 - 6) |
Wednesday | 9 December | Kinder/Prep Excursion |
Thursday | 10 December | Celebration Dinner at 5.45 pm (Year 10) |
Friday | 11 December | Launceston Excursion (Year 10) |
Friday | 11 December | Riverbend Excursion (Classes 5/6A and 5/6B) |
Friday | 11 December | Hoof and Hook Competition Presentation 6.00 pm |
Tuesday | 15 December | Freers Beach Picnic (Years 7 - 10) |
Wednesday | 16 December | Celebration Assembly at 9.30 am (Kinder - Year 6) |
Thursday | 17 December | Final Assembly at 11.30 am (Year 10) |
Thursday | 17 December | Students Last Day |