June 23rd

Attendance

Consistent attendance at school is a crucial factor in regard to ongoing achievement in learning. This term we have experienced higher than average absence data, especially in regard to 'Unexplained Absences'. We certainly acknowledge that with COVID restrictions still in place that it can be difficult to know whether or not children should be attending, and we understand that at times it is best to err on the side of caution. It is, however, extremely important that the school is notified of the reason for absence as five or more 'Unexplained Absences' will result in a triggered notification from the Department of Education and a subsequent letter. If your child has had a COVID test with a negative result, but still have a sniffle etc., and have been cleared by a doctor they are okay to return to school 

Notifying the school of absences is also a safety precaution. When a child is 'Unexplained' for attendance, the school has no idea if the child has been sent to school and something has happened on the way or has chosen not to go into class.

This week all families will receive an email outlining our updated Attendance Procedures. Please take sometime to read through this.

Conversation with Teachers

Please be aware that the time between 8:30 – 9:00am is time for teachers to be greeting children and getting prepared for a settled and calm start to the day. We ask that drop off time is done quickly to ensure that the children can settle in for the day, and also that the social distancing within the classroom is adhered to as per Public Health instructions.

Quick messages during this time relating to something that will be important for the teacher to know for the day are perfectly acceptable.

If you need to talk with your child’s teacher in relation to any concerns or sensitive matters, it is important to make a time with the teacher so that this can be conducted in a forum where the teacher can focus on the situation in a confidential manner. You can make a time to meet with your child’s teacher by emailing them directly, emailing via the school email or contacting the school office. If there is an urgent matter to be attended to, please talk with the office staff who will contact a Senior staff member to talk with you.

Winter Festival

Our School Association team have been working extremely hard to put together this year's Winter Festival. This is a family event and aimed at bringing the community together so rally your friends and extended family, slip on those winter woollies and join us for a great time on Friday evening! Please see further information further on within this newsletter. 

Aussie of the Month - May

Congratulations to Brodie Button on being the successful nominee for our Primary Aussie of the Month for May. Our Early Years Aussie of the Month will be announced on Thursday at our Prep-2 assembly.

Karen

The Impacts of Social Media:

Many of the friendship issues which are currently occurring in our upper primary are being fuelled by our 10-12 year olds and their use or misuse of devices. There have been a spate of incidents which amount to cyber bullying resulting in problems between our students at school. We are increasingly concerned about the psychological damage that is being done between the hours of 3pm and 9am when children should be in their safe place at home. Our children are especially vulnerable in those hours after school and into the night. Some of the apps our students are using are encouraging or enabling toxic behaviour.

If your child does not have a smart phone or social media but you want your child to be able to be connected to family or friends there are other options such as a prepaid Optus XLite Dumbphone ($49) or the Spacetalk Adventurer Watch ($299).

If your child is on TikTok, Snapchat etc, clear boundaries and close monitoring are vital to ensuring your child is equipped to deal with the challenges social media brings. For example, you could control the contact list; make a rule that everything is charged in a central spot at night; ensure that the strictest privacy settings are activated.

What is TikTok doing to your child’s brain?

Linda Stade is a Research Officer at Santa Maria College in WA and she states: “The very nature of TikTok is problematic for young adolescents in particular. They have highly malleable, developing brains. Their neural pathways are forming based on what they are doing continuously…They are dividing life into 60 second bites and these 60 second bites encourage a lack of extended concentration and focus"

TikTok itself clearly states it is for people aged 13 years and over and much of the content is inappropriate for our younger children. We fully understand the pressure that our young people are facing and can apply to their parents with their wish to be using these apps but we feel the need to begin a conversation about the impact we are seeing on our students at school.

For more information, please take a look at the following sites:

Cyber Safety Resources - The Department of Education Tasmania

www.esafety.gov.au

Lynn Wyllie-Watson and Luke Padgett

5-6 D and 5-6 F and 5-6 R

Who:      5-6 Driessen, 5-6 Finnigan and 5-6 Richards 

Date:      Wednesday 30th June (re-scheduled)

Time:      Depart school at 10:00am and arrive back by 3:00pm

Where:   Trowunna Wildlife Park - Mole Creek

Clothing: School uniform, comfortable walking shoes and a warm coat

As part of our Science inquiry unit into Change and Adaptation we will be visiting Trowunna Wildlife Park. We will be exploring real life examples of how science has helped to solve problems through exploring the Tasmanian Devil Conversation Program.

Scott Driessen, Isabella Finnigan and Katrina Richards

Classroom Teachers

Yesterday was the All School (State) Cross Country event at Symmons Plains. 25 Grade 3-6 students were chosen to represent Norwood Primary at this carnival, as a result of their outstanding running in the school and LSSSA events.

With a lot of nervous energy and enthusiasm towards the day, it was obvious how motivated our students were to do their best. With over 200 participants in each race and thousands of students, teachers, parents and officials at the event, the atmosphere was excellent.

Throughout the carnival, the cheer of ‘Go Norwood’ was heard around Symmons Plains and plenty of encouragement for fellow Norwood students was given. With so many athletes in each race, placing near the front of the field would be difficult. Gabi L (6^th) was the outstanding individual result of the day. Cooper C, Tyler L, Farishta A, Ava E and Archie P all had top 50 finishes. All students who attended, participated and gave their best and are to be commended. Making it to the State Cross Country event is no easy feat. Well done!

Ben Humphrey

Change in the Natural World

We have been wondering about plants. This mural represents the journey of a seed through the seasons.

3 R Certificates

The following students received certificates in our recent Early Childhood and Primary Assemblies for following the 3 Rs.

Last week Tonya from the Music Tree came to visit out LiL families. The children and parents had a fantastic time singing and dancing to the music. Thanks to all of those who came along.

If you would like to bring your 0-4 year old along to any of our programs please contact the school office on 63442533 for more information or ask to join our facebook page - Launching into Learning Norwood primary School.

Tania Fankhauser

Transitioning from primary to high school is a time full of fun, excitement and new experiences, but it can also be challenging or worrying for many students and their families. Norwood Primary School are fortunate to be able to collaborate with local high schools in order to make this process a smooth one. Our local schools are aiming to assist students and their families by making sure every child is prepared and feels supported in their choice for high school learning in 2022. 

Over the next week we have experiences available for those students who will be attending Queechy High School and Kings Meadows High School, plus those students who are still unsure.

Tomorrow, 24^th June, Kings Meadows High School will be holding their Challenge Day, which is designed as a taster day where students can experience many of the things Kings Meadows High School has to offer.

On Thursday 1^st July, Queechy High school will be hosting an Introductory Activities morning, which aims to introduce students to Queechy High School and offer them the opportunity to visit the campus and be introduced to both staff and students at the school.  

The purpose of both of these experiences is to increase students connectedness to their Year 7 high school, whilst fostering engagement through introductory experiences.

Luke Padgett

If your child is born in 2017 and you live in the Norwood Primary School area, we would love to hear from you, please click on the link below to let us know that your child will be enrolling for Kindergarten in 2022.

If you know of any families living in the Norwood area and would be attending our kindergarten in 2022 but who have not made contact with us, please ask them to give our office a call or click the link to register their details!

Spectators are able to attend HOME GAMES ONLY (if your child is playing at Norwood Primary School) - 2 spectators per family - you are unable to spectate at other schools or venues.

Spectators must sign in at the front office and also by using the Check in Tas app. If you are unwell or have symptoms of a cold, cough or fever you must not attend.

Next School Association meeting:

When:           Tuesday 10^th August 2021

Time:             7:00pm

Where:          Staff room

Agenda: To be advised

Please send all agenda items to norwoodpsa@gmail.com

Everyone is welcome to attend!

Adventure Awaits Fundraising

School Disco

The School disco will be returning again on 23rd September 2021. We are currently looking for someone to take on the role of the Disco Co-ordinator. If you are interested in taking on this role or would like to find out more about what’s involved please contact us via the School Association email norwoodpsa@gmail.com

There's an election job to suit you - Australian Electoral Commission (aec.gov.au)