Welcome to the new school year; a special welcome to those students and families who are new to Sheffield School, and to our Kindergarten students commencing their formal schooling in 2021. The students have settled into their learning really well, in what is a shorter than usual term, concluding on Wednesday 31 March. This is the first of three (3) newsletters that will be published this term (weeks 2, 5 and 8). This breaks from the traditional fortnightly newsletter as other modes of communication with our school community become more prominent and in real time, such as Facebook, Schoolzine and Seesaw. Going forward we will aim to present three newsletters per term.

As well as welcoming new students and families to our school this year we also welcome a number of new staff; Mr Broomhall (9/10 Maths/Science and STEM), Miss Lester (AST/Network Leader Food and Fibre Production), and Mrs Maher (K - 6 AST Sheffield Campus). We look forward to the contributions each of these new staff will make to the Sheffield School over the coming year.

Towards the end of last year, we were able to ease some of the restrictions relating to the COVID-19 and return closer to normality. As we commence 2021, I can report following a recent Principal’s briefing, that there have again been further easing of some restrictions, however there are a number of requirements that remain in place and will for some time to come.

The most significant change is in regards to the expectations around adult visitors to the school, previously there was a requirement to complete a VHSF (Visitor Health Screening Form), this has been replaced with a sign-in process that meets requirements regarding tracking and tracing should it be required. This sign-in can occur via a paper sign-in or via the Check-In Tas App (instructions to download and use the App included below). There will continue to be expectations regarding venue density, physical distancing, hand hygiene and importantly an expectation if unwell to remain home. As a result, we will continue to see some limitations in regard to larger gatherings of adults/events at school. Parents are welcome to attend the upcoming swimming carnival, there will be sign-in and physical distancing requirements in place. Other activities will continue to be reviewed as we progress through the year.

This year, in part due the COVID-19 restrictions pertaining to gathering of adults and venue density we will not holding a formal “Meet the Teacher” afternoon, however, I would still invite parents to take the opportunity to informally touch base with your child’s teacher before or after school, or make contact via e-mail, phone or a face to face meeting coordinated through the office if you have any questions or concerns. By the end of week three, core teachers will also have sent home a letter containing a range of information that will explain many of the expectations, routines and general information for the year ahead.

Finally, recently, Don College held their Celebration of Excellence Evening, with a number of Sheffield students again featuring in the awards.  Congratulations to Alannah E, Olivia T, Denver P, Nathan S, Billie C, Taylah W, Bethany C, Kasey W, Breona R, who all won subject/VET awards. Josh G, Denver P, and Breona R were also recognized within the major awards section of the evening, with Breona receiving the Vocational Education and Training Excellence Award, and Denver and Josh both recognised for achieving two exceptional achievements/high distinctions in Pre-tertiary/UTAS subjects in Year 11.  These young people set an excellent example for our students, and the message for all students is to aim high with your learning goals!

Ron Daly
Principal