Dear Families

Presentation Day Assembly was a wonderful celebration of learning, achievement and connectedness.  This annual event provides an opportunity to come together as a community and recognise the role we all play in providing a high quality education for our students.  The assembly was well attended by local government, business and community groups, who are always generous with sponsorship and their support of our school.  Thank you to our parents and family members who were able to attend.

Well done to all our award winners including those who were recognised for academic excellence, commitment to their learning, and for upholding our school values.  Congratulations to Kai who won the Thomas Alexander Memorial Award for the highest academic results for year 10.  A full list of award recipients is included in this newsletter.

The Year 10 Celebration Dinner amazes me each year with the huge crowd that gathers to welcome our year 10 students.  The evening was a wonderful celebration of their time at school, reflecting on the good times and the friendships they have made.  There were a number of highlights during the evening; Ava and Kai and gave a terrific speech about personal friendship, and Mr Bakes provided an inspirational speech for the students.  Thank you to the team of people led by Mrs Huett who coordinate this event and ensure it is a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 

Our school would not be what it is without our wonderful, dedicated, and inspiring educators.  Unfortunately, we will bid farewell to some staff members this year.  

Mrs Sheryne Hughes will be retiring after more than 20 years at the school.  Mrs Hughes has been a teacher assistant mainly in the Kinder area.  She has made a huge contribution to early childhood education during this time, we wish her well in her retirement.

Miss Melissa Dudley will be transferring to Don College after 13 years teaching of teaching at Sheffield.  Miss Dudley has made a significant contribution to the Maths and Science teams, along with other roles, particularly with our student leaders.  We wish Miss Dudley well at Don College.  

Mrs Cindy Skirving will be transferring to Devonport High School.  Mrs Skirving is a dedicated and passionate teacher in the Food Technologies, Humanities and Careers education area.  Thank you for the care and encouragement you have given our students Mrs Skirving, you will be sadly missed. 

Mrs Penny Burbury our School Psychologist has been a part of our team for a number of years providing a high level of professional psychology services to our school.  Mrs Burbury has been a valuable member of our pastoral care team, sharing knowledge and expertise with teachers and families. 

After two-years teaching at the School Farm, Mr Ben Richmond will be relocating to Hobart.  Mr Richmond has been a valuable member of our team, going over and above to provide many extra-curricular opportunities such as sport and cattle handling for students, and he has been a wonderful role model for them.

Mr Toby Lutwyche will take up a permanent appointment as Assistant Principal at Romaine Park Primary School in Burnie.  Although Mr Lutwyche has only been with us this year, he has made a positive impact on the leadership team, and most importantly, in the way he has encouraged and supported students to be engaged in learning. 

Ms Tessa Lee has been a member of our Music teaching team over the past two years.  Ms Lee’s passion has been highly motivating for her students, and we will miss her when she returns to East Devonport Primary School.

Ms Clare Crowden will be taking leave in terms 1 and 2 to travel abroad with her family.  Ms Marya Bell will also be taking a year's leave from teaching.  Mrs Megan Cables finishes her temporary appointment with the Year 1-2 class and we appreciate her contribution in the short time she has beem with us.  

As a result of some of the above staffing movements we will be welcoming a number of new teachers.  Mrs Karyn Kleinman will be joining us and she will be teaching a year 5-6 class.  Mrs Lydia Rigby will join our team teaching Food and Fibre Production 3-10. Congratulations to Mrs Sarah Kisseleva who will be our Acting AST in the Sheffield K-6 area.  Further information regarding staffing and specific roles will be confirmed in the first newsletter next year. 

Students in Prep to Year 6 had the opportunity to meet their teacher in their classroom for 2024.  Secondary students will receive their timetables on the first day of school next year and a letter will be sent home in the first week to confirm this with families.

Finally, congratulations and thank you to all staff and students for a wonderful year of learning.  Enjoy a safe and happy break from school over the summer holiday period.  I will be continuing as Acting Principal in term 1 and look forward to the opportunity to continue working with our whole school community.

Jamie Skirving
Acting Principal

SHEFFIELD SCHOOL JUNIOR CATTLE HANDLERS

Sheffield School Cattle Handlers held their end of season BBQ and Awards Presentation Evening on Monday at the School Farm.  The event was well attended by the handlers, their parents, our valued sponsors and cattle breeders.  During the show season our group attended 5 shows and were very successful in both the Handling and Junior Judging section. 

Students who participate in the Cattle Handling program have the opportunity to develop many useful life skills including organisational skills, time management, team work and cooperation, public speaking skills and most importantly the students develop their confidence and self-esteem.  It has been wonderful to see this group of students develop throughout the season and enjoy the friendships they have formed within the cattle handling community.

Congratulations to our award winners of 2023

Thank you to our generous sponsors, Michelle and Jason Temple, The Tas Junior Beef Expo, and The Kentish Lions Club.

 PRESENTATION DAY AWARDS

9/10A SUCCULENT WREATHS, CHECK OUT THEIR DESIGNS READY FOR CHRISTMAS!

ATHLETIC CARNIVAL RESULTS

MANAGING SAFEGUARDING RISKS IN OUR SCHOOLS

2024 BOOK COLLECTION DAYS

Books can be collected from the Sheffield Campus school gymnasium on the following:

If you would like a formal payment plan, please contact the school on 6491 8222.

TERM DATES FOR 2024

LOOKING FOR PAID RELIEF WORK IN 2024?

We're looking for people who are available for relief work in the school office (Admin), as a Teacher Assistant (TA) or as an Education Facility Attendant (EFA).

If you are interested, please register on the Relief Employment Register (link below)

Tasmanian Government Jobs (pageuppeople.com)

Once you are registered, please contact the school office in February on 6491 8222, and leave your contact details.

PARENT FACT SHEETS

Summer is upon us and hopefully that means a well-deserved break for you all. For some of our young Tasmanians summer is a chance to socialise and party, and for others, it is the last break before moving to a new school.
 
Below you can find links to some of our factsheets for parents and carers related to these topics:

Parties fact sheet for parents and carers

Reporting bullying fact sheet for parents and carers

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Our fabulous Concert Band and Taiko Drummers performing for end of year assemblies and the Concert Band end of year celebration. Well done to all students!

YEAR 10 CELEBRATION DINNER

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE

ADF Careers have new information sessions in January.

These events are a valuable way to learn how a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force can provide adventure, travel, great pay and diverse career opportunities. Information sessions are hosted by current serving military personnel who understand the Defence application process and can answer any questions your students or job seekers may have.

Even if someone is unsure of what a Defence Career can offer them, there are over 200 exciting roles available and attending an information session is a great way to discover what Defence can offer.

New Year, New Career Information Session

Date: Tuesday 16th January 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Hobart ADF Careers Centre, Anglesea Barracks, Davey St, Hobart, TAS 7000

Army Careers Information Session

Date: Tuesday 30th January 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams) or attend Hobart ADF Careers Centre, Anglesea Barracks, Davey St, Hobart, TAS 7000

To register for an Information Session please visit www.adfcareers.gov.au/events or email CPTTAS@dfr.com.au

PREMIER'S YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Call for members

Do you know a young person aged 12-24, living in Tasmania and passionate about Tasmania’s future? If so, you can encourage them to express interest in becoming a member of the Premier’s Youth Advisory Council in 2024. There are 13 positions available.

The Council is an opportunity for young people to meet with the Premier, Minister for Education, Children and Youth and Government to discuss their ideas on how we can make Tasmania a better place.

All young Tasmanians are encouraged to apply regardless of their background or participation record.

Expressions of interest are now open and close on 11:59pm on Sunday 14 January 2024.

For more information and to apply,

visit www.dpac.tas.gov.au/pyac

email youthadvisorycouncil@dpac.tas.gov.au

or call 6232 7676.

HIVE SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Hive’s latest School Holiday Program is packed full of eco-friendly workshops and activities.

Our artist-in-residence Shani Nottingham, founder of The Bread Tag Project, will be delivering her educational workshops and activity sessions from January 15 to 21.

This program also includes a fantastic line-up of sustainable, waste reduction, and eco-friendly workshops this coming January.

Find a mix of new and loved music, art, and science workshops to inspire and delight.

Please see our poster or go to  PublicProgram at HIVE Events | Eventbrite

for full details and tickets.