27 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

Key Dates

Principal’s Report

Our students continue to impress with their generosity and desire to help others in our community and beyond. A wide range of fundraising activities occur in our school each year, and raising awareness and demonstrating support for others is a key part of these activities. This term our Primary and Secondary SRC have been raising awareness of childhood cancer by conducting a number of events and fundraisers. Tim Blair visited our school earlier in the term and provided a motivation speech to our SRC students, sharing his passion and commitment to support others. Tim is a genuine inspiration and such a wonderful role model for us all. Today students from across the school participated in walk for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Well done everyone.

Many other activities taking place in our school, demonstrate one of our core values 'Respect for Others'. Students have been raising awareness of the issues faced by farmers in many parts of the country, especially in NSW and Queensland where farmers are experiencing the social and financial impact of severe drought. Attached to this newsletter are two essays written by year 8 students Laura Ashby and Lillian Rockliff. Both have presented a different perspective on the drought facing farmers in NSW and Queensland. The girls did an amazing job of reading these at our recent assembly, I'm sure you will find these thought provoking and you will be impressed by how each author has communicated their position. 

The 'Cambodia, Sharing Opportunities' trip will take place in early term 4 and we are in the final stages of planning and fundraising for this. We appreciate the ongoing generosity and support from parents and community members to make this trip a reality. We wish Mrs Maddick, Mrs Bransden, Mr Tammens and the team well for their overseas travel.

Last week Primary, Secondary and Railton Campus assemblies were held. These gatherings enable us to celebrate student achievement and provide students with an opportunity to share their learning and extra-curricular activities. Each assembly was well attended by parents and we value your attendance. For many parents, work commitments make attending very difficult. A window into school life via Facebook provides snapshots of the types of activities that happen at our school. Sheffield School really is a diverse, dynamic community with programs from birth to year 12. I encourage you to be part of this by liking us on Facebook as this will provide regular insight into what goes on here!

The School Farm has been a hive of activity this week with the junior cattle handlers preparing our show team of cattle for the coming season. A big thanks and appreciation must go to Mr Tammens, Mr Barber, Chloe Temple, Danika Braid, Nicole East and Carol Woodberry who have all been supporting our team of 15 students, to prepare their cattle and hone their knowledge and skills for the show ring.

Sheffield students have continued their success in equestrian events. Three of our students competed at the recent Northern inter-schools dressage and show jumping events at Westbury. Sharna Dolby and Sophie Richardson will travel to Werribee Victoria to compete in the inter-schools equestrian championships during the term break. In early October Brooke Foster will compete in the National Mounted Games in Victoria, then later in the month travel overseas to represent Australia in Gymkhana events in China! This is a wonderful achievement and we look forward to hearing about your experiences on your return.

Our year 5 students are currently on school camp in Hobart. Much tradition surrounds this camp which has been a regular 'rite of passage' for our year 5s. Many of our students start looking forward to the camp when they begin primary school, so we hope camp lives up to their expectations! Students travel to Hobart to visit Parliament House, The Museum, Port Arthur and Richmond to name a few experiences. I had a past student from 2001 contact me during the week to inform me that it was 17 years since he travelled to Port Arthur with me in year 5, and I reminded him that he hid behind me during the Ghost Tour! I am sure many wonderful memories will be made on this year's camp.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to an action packed term 4!

Jamie Skirving
Acting Principal

Autism Australia

Information Sessions for Parents and Family Carers

Autism Tasmania information session for parents and family members of children of all ages on the autism spectrum.

The session is free to attend, however registration is required. Please register online via the events page on the website below or contact us via autism@autismtas.org.au or 6231 2745

Supporting the Wellbeing of Siblings

Wednesday 31 October: 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Montgomery Room (rear of the Woolworths car park), 17 Kind Edward Street, Ulverstone

This session explores both the positive and challenging impacts that autism can have on siblings. Strategies to enhance positive family relationships and nurture the wellbeing of siblings will be discussed.

Class Awards

P – 6 Class Awards: 18 September 2018 (Sheffield Campus)

7 – 10 Class Awards: 18 September 2018 (Sheffield Campus)

K-4 Class Awards: 19 September 2018 (Railton Campus)

Aussies of the Month!

LiFT

Option Courses – Choice for 2019

Year 8 and 9 students will be soon required to select their Option Courses for 2019. The Curriculum outline is attached to this newsletter and will provide a brief description of the courses on offer. During the option course selection process, teachers will provide support for students making choices. I strongly encourage you to discuss the option choices with your child at home. Parents who would like more information about a particular course are welcome to make contact with Mr Skirving through the school office.

Railton Pool

The pool season will again run for 20 weeks commencing on Monday 12 November 2018 and ending on Sunday 31 March 2019.

The cost of the pool hire has remained unchanged for a number of years, however with continual increases in the cost of cleaning, maintenance, and water testing we need to increase the hourly rate this year from $10 per hour to $13. The $50 refundable key deposit will remain unchanged.

Bookings can be made from the commencement of Term 4, Monday 15 October 2018 either by phoning the school office on 6491 8222 or in person at Sheffield  Campus.

As a part of the requirements of pool use, the approved adult (hirer) who intends to use the pool or be legally responsible for supervision of others using the pool, must hold a current CPR certificate. A completed pool hire agreement, copy of your current CPR certificate and full payment are required to secure your booking.

CPR Update Courses: Surf Lifesaving Tasmania will conduct a CPR course at the Railton Campus on Monday 22 October at 4.30pm. The cost to attend the course is $50 per person. To book you need to follow the link.

You can book yourself into the training now.

School Holiday Opening Hours

Railton Campus

Closed from Monday 1 Oct – Friday 12 October.
Reopening on Monday15 October.

Sheffield Campus:

Monday 1 October - Friday 5 October: 8.00am – 4.00pm
(unless otherwise signed)
Monday 8 October – Tuesday 9 October: Closed
Wednesday 10 October – Friday 12 October: 8.00am – 4.00 pm

Community Notices

Australian Hockey League

Playing at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre (Hobart)

Australian Junior Motocross Championships

The Australian Junior Motocross Championships are coming to Penguin, Tasmania. Australia's best motocross riders will race over 7 days for the Australian Championship!

Practice and qualifying starts on Sunday 30 September and finals will conclude on Saturday 6 October. This is a free event for spectators, full canteen facilities every day and merchandise will be available. There will be a full day of racing from 8.30am each day.

Hockey – 11 October, Meercroft Park Devonport

Sheffield Medieval Festival - Sat 13 - Sun 14 October, 9am – 4pm

Medieval combat, Full contact jousting, Birds of prey display, Fireworks display Saturday night from dusk, Archery display, Vendors lane, Belly dancers, Working trebuchet, Snake display, Great food, Small bar, Lots to do and games of skill, Jumping castle.

Family friendly event, Sorry no dogs allowed.

Camping available by prior arrangement, for more information contact Ned 6432 3852.

Adults: $6.00 each.      Children under 16: $3.00 each.

Proudly presented by The Sovereign Military Order of the Knights Templar Tasmania.

Looking for something to do in the holidays?
Free Colouring Competition.

Download one (or more) of the attached medieval pictures and colour them in.

Completed pictures can then either be brought to the festival on the morning of Sat 13 October (to the Food Marquee in the centre), or emailed to: nwcned@live.com before Saturday.

You can also download or draw your own!

SunSmart

Yes, it is that time of year again!  Students in K – 6 need to wear their school hat next term.  Hats Cost $8 and are available from the school office at both campuses.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Playgroup Tasmania is once again hosting the annual Teddy Bears Picnic event for children 0-5 years on the North West.

This year the picnic will be held at the East Devonport Recreation Centre on Thursday 25 October from 10.00am - 12.00pm.

There will be music, and storytime, teddy crafts, playdough, giant teddies to cuddle, teddy adoptions, a shared picnic, a jungle gym and lots more. Check out the Playgroup Tasmania Facebook page for more information.

Would love to see you there!

Xcel Fitness Devonport – S.H.I.F.T.

Smart High Intensity Functional Training