November 4th

Norwood Primary has been fortunate in what we have been able to achieve across what we recognise is an exceptional year. We were able to conduct our school camps for the grade 5-6 students, and the Parent Association had a successful school fair just prior to the state of Tasmania responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. While in many ways, we have been able to avoid many of the educational challenges confronting other states of the nation we are now seeing some more regular school events occurring here at Norwood. We appreciate and recognise that there is parent frustration with many restrictions that have needed to continue, as we maintain Tasmanian Health Service recommendations, which are designed to keep us all safe. As our borders open this is an on-going requirement, which again is about providing experiences for learners, whilst making accommodations.

In recent weeks, the book week celebrations and Cross Country carnivals have had Covid tweaks. In upcoming days, we continue to explore ways in which we can progress both old and new events while complying with regulations and making such events manageable. Tomorrow the Peace Pole will be unveiled in Passive Park. Principal Karen Hampton and Russell Brownlie of the Rotary Club of Launceston have collaborated to make Norwood, one of only a small number of schools to have a Peace Pole installed. The languages represented on the Peace Pole are : English, Japanese, Palawa kani and Farsi. The event organiser is Zoe Marshall and a small number of guests will be on-site with some student reps, supported by the following classes only: 3 Glen, 4 Horkings and 5-6 Poke Walker. Thanks Zoe – and I am sure there will be images posted on our Facebook page.

Basketball Tournaments

May I take this opportunity to thank parent Corinne Leale who has taken on the challenge of co-ordinating the Norwood contingent who will participate in the Northern Primary Basketball Championships, which are to be held over the next two weekends. I am personally surprised that the event is proceeding in 2020, but recognise that many children look forward to this event. It is a logistical challenge for all schools involved and the school wishes all participants, coaches and the socially distanced spectators the best of times for the event. A good game is a close game and we hope for many of these where children can demonstrate their skills in a friendly, challenging environment.

Extraordinary Celebration of Collaboration

This Thursday the Department of Education is hosting an ‘Extraordinary Celebration of Collaboration’ on-line, state-wide, staff forum. Duncan Walker is coordinating our staff event - thanks Duncan. During the event five members of our ancillary and teaching staff will be recognised for 25 years of dedication and service to the Education Department. We congratulate and celebrate with Alison Taylor, Deb Moore, Kate Andrew, Caroline Gale and Helen Birch. We hope that they will allow us to share some of their memories of 25 years of service in the next couple of newlsetters. The department will recognise the extraordinary teacher response to on-line learning, dual provision and remarkable collaboration that allowed children to continue to learn in highly unusual circumstances. Well done staff, parents and students. Recently Roslyn Faulkner, our long serving, brilliant teacher and wonderful promoter of learning habits was recognised for 40 years’ service. In her typical unassuming and humble manner, Roslyn attended an event discreetly. Roslyn's association with our school as a parent first and then quality teacher has been a long and effective one. As Roslyn tranfers at the end of this year, we recognise Punchbowl is a very lucky school community, and our loss is their gain.

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)

During the past two weeks more than 1000 assessments have occurred across the school. A team of teachers have juggled the laptops and the timetables to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their improvement across reading comprehension, vocabulary awareness and mathematics. The online assessments are grade appropriate. I congratulate all students for their focus during the testing sessions. The results of student performances are kept by the department, and are diagnostic in nature, which supports teacher planning.

Gary Jones

Kinder Williams 

When: Monday 9th November - leaving at 11:15am and returning at 2:30pm

Where: YMCA and Prospect Park

As part of our gross motor program our classes will be participating in a session at the YMCA followed by a park visit. Students will need to wear their school uniform and sandshoes, hats, no buckles or jewellery.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions parent help is limited. 

Melinda Williams

Classroom Teacher

Kinder House and Kinder Leedham

When: Tuesday 10th November - Leaving school at 10am and returning at 1:30pm

Where: YMCA and Prospect Park

As part of our gross motor program our classes will be participating in a session at the YMCA followed by a park visit. Students will need to wear their school uniform and sandshoes, hats, no buckles or jewellery.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions parent help is limited. 

Lynette House and Bec Leedham

Classroom Teachers

Grade 5-6 M & 5-6 P/W

When: Tuesday 10th November - Leaving school at 10:30am and returning by 2pm

Where: Cataract Gorge and Riverbend Park

As part of our science unit on natural disasters and their local impact, we will be visiting the Cataract Gorge and then walking to Riverbend Park, via Kings Bridge and Royal Park.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions parent help is limited. 

Megan Poke, Duncan Walker and Hayley Marshall

Classroom Teachers

Starts Monday 9th November - Finishes on Friday 20th November

9:00am - 11am            3-4 Hill

9:50am - 11:40am       3 Glen            

10:40am - 12:30pm     4 Horkings + 4 from 3 Youdale     

11:30am - 1:20pm       3-4 Barker + 4 from 3 Youdale

12:20pm - 2:10pm       4-5 Faulkner

1:10pm - 3:00pm         5 Faulkner (9th-13th Nov.)

1:10pm - 3:00pm         5 Marshall & 5 Poke/Walker (16th - 20th Nov.)    

Our annual program for children in grades 3-5 is approaching and will be held at the Hagley Swimming Pool.

Please remember to have your child equipped with the appropriate attire and prepared to swim on day one. I strongly encourage all students involved to fully commit to attending this compulsory swimming, life-saving and fitness - developing program.

Grade 3-4 Hill and 3 Glen are to wear their bathers under their school uniform. This is in line with COVID-19 use of the change rooms at the pool.

Every day counts! Being confident in and around aquatic environments is a very important life skill.

You will need: Bathers, Towel, Plastic bag (for wet bathers, towel etc.), Goggles (can be taken but will be used sparingly during the program), School jumper - to put on when leaving the pool.

Please remember that if your child regularly accesses the canteen on Thursdays and Fridays, the above timetable may have an effect on recess and lunchtime ordering. These times include travel times, so they are the times that students will be off site.

To follow with COVID-19 guidelines, no spectators will be able to attend. Students will not have PE during this fortnight.

Gary Jones

Selected grade 4 and 5 students have been invited to attend a focussed collaborative, leadership day. This opportunity is specific to our Norwood Primary students and will see students working in groups to solve hands on problems in a country environment.  

Who: Selected Grade 4 and 5 students

When: Monday 9th November- Leaving school at 9am and returning by 3pm

Where: Hagley Farm School

Students will require lunch, recess, water, sunscreen, hat and appropriate plain clothing for a day on the farm. Old shoes will be required as they may become messy.

Assistant Principal

Gary Jones

On Wednesday 11^th November 2020, members of NPS Student Parliament have been invited to represent Norwood Primary School at the Remembrance Day Civic Service to be held at the Launceston Cenotaph. 

Who: Student Parliament members

When: Wednesday 11th November - Leaving school at 10am and returning by 12pm

Where: Launceston Cenotaph

Students are required to wear full school uniform. If you need support with school uniform, please contact the school. The RSL encourages students that have Service Medals or replicas of their Veteran relatives to wear them on Remembrance Day.  These Medals must be worn on the right breast.

Please return your permission form to the school office no later than Thursday 5^th November.

Karen Hampton

Principal

Gumnuts Baby Group

If you have a newborn to an 8 month old baby we would like to invite you to come along to our ‘Gumnuts’ baby group.

Date: Staring Tuesday 10th November

Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm

Where: Kinder Breezeway

This is a great opportunity to meet other new parents and babies of a similar age! Please RSVP to the office on 63442533 or ask to speak to Tania Fankhauser for more information. We look forward to meeting you and your new little bundle soon!

What a fabulous day our Preps and Prep/1 had at Tasmania Zoo last week. So much excitement! The children did themselves, their families and our school proud with their fantastic behaviour and sheer enthusiasm.

6 Richards and 6 Driessen went on an excursion to look at some local sites related to the production of electricity in our local area, which relates to our Science learning. First we walked to the historical Duck Reach Power Station. At Duck Reach we explored the power station, walked to the look out and sketched the beautiful scenery. Next we had a game of survival at the Hoo Hoo hut before we walked almost 2km to Trevallyn Dam. At Trevallyn Dam, we learnt about the dam, explored the area and learnt about the importance of the dam in the migratory journey of Tasmania eels. It was a warm day, but lots of fun and we even saw some wallabies.

• Serivces Australia - Centrelink Health Care Card 
• Services Australia - Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
• Services Australia - Pensioner Concession Card

Please note that if you are already receiving student assistance you do not need to complete a form.

For 2021 a new on-line form has been developed to assist with processing applications for new applicants.

The on-line form can be completed here: https://stasonlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au/

The form will be available for public use from the 10 November.

Once a validated form is completed the Department of Education will confirm the outcome of your application in writing, this process takes approximately 14 days.

We understand this online option may not be possible for all families, so if you require a hard copy form please contact your school ot the Financial Assistance Unit on stas@education.tas.gov.au or 1800 827 077.

Grade 6 Presentation Evening

IT IS OFFICIAL! The grade six presentation evening will NOT be at Norwood this year. To increase the numbers in the audience, and to have all grade six students together, this celebratory event will be held AT QUEECHY HIGH on Wednesday December 2^nd commencing at 7pm. Students will need to meet with their teachers at 6:45pm, prior to entering the Queechy gym. This event is a restricted event with only 2 people per family allowed to attend, this is not about seats this is about the number of people. In accordance with this, our usual practice of having donors and invited special guests will NOT be happening in 2020.

All people attending the presentation evening will need to complete a COVID visitor health screen upon arrival.   

Thank you for your understanding and compliance. This has been a directive from the Department of Education.

Grade 6 Celebration Dinner

The Grade 6 Celebration Dinner will be held at the Launceston Golf Club on Tuesday 15th December, 6:00pm for 6:30pm start and finishing at 8:45pm. 

Gary Jones

Well done Caitlin from (6D) who was awarded the medal for Player of the Final in her netball grand final on Saturday, 13 & Under Division 1.  

Due to a number of factors this year’s Swimming Carnival will be optional for our Grade 5/6 Students. Students who do not wish to compete, or are not capable of the required distance, will stay at school.

Students who would like to participate are required to complete the permission section on the letter that has been sent home and return to the school office by Friday 13th November. Pleasingly there are over 40 participants for the day, capable of swimming the required distances effectively.  

Thank you!

Ben Humphrey 

PE Teacher

November Meeting

When:       Tuesday 10^th November

Time:        7pm

Where:      Staff Room

All Welcome to attend!

URGENT - Mother’s Day Stall 2021

We are looking for someone to take up the exciting role of Mother’s Day Stall Coordinator. We are always looking for new faces to come on board and you will receive help from an incredibly supportive committee. 

Providing Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls to our children rely on parents’ involvement and volunteers. Without this help, these stalls cannot go ahead.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact us via FB message or email on norwoodpsa@email.com

The School Association’s next meeting is 10^th November, if we have not had any interest in this position by then unfortunately, we will have to cancel the stall for 2021.

Norwood Primary School Association Executive 2021/2022

The School Association are starting to look ahead to 2021/2022. At our AGM in March all Executive positions will be vacant, these include Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.

We would love people to start thinking about if this is something that interests them and we would welcome any new faces to these positions.

We currently hold our meetings on a Tuesday night, but this could be changed to a day meeting if that would suit the new executive and potential new members better, anything is possible!

If you have any further questions regarding these positions or our meetings please contact us on norwoodpsa@gmail.com or via our FB page.