Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to school as we set to being a busy Term 4. This term always seems to fly by as we prepare for end of year celebrations, school excursions and picnics whilst ensuring we continue student learning momentum and meet all the curriculum demands for each grade level. It has been great to see the fresh and rejuvenated faces of students and staff. The term has started with our ECE classes making visits to our elderly neighbours at Fred French Nursing Home.  Students have read nursery rhymes and stories to the elderly; this has been a lovely way to stay connected to our community.

On Wednesday, 23^rd October three of our students will be acknowledged at an awards presentation for their outstanding scores in the recent NAPLAN testing.  Congratulations to Caitlin W, Jack B and Grayson E. 

In week two our Prep students will be involved in the second round of PIPS testing.  This test is completed on the computer and will be undertaken individually with the Prep/1 teachers. Next week Mrs Millen and Miss Lockwood will begin to complete these assessments with individual children. 

In Terms 1 and 4, it is compulsory for all students to wear their hats.  If students do not wear a hat, they will be asked to play on the top covered deck area for easy supervision and sun protection.  Please clearly label your child’s hat so that it can be returned to the rightful owner.   Be aware that school hats are preferred, however if you have a sun safe hat that can be used temporarily that is fine.  All hats must be a broad brimmed therefore caps are not acceptable.

There are a few things coming up in the next few weeks that I wish to mention to give parents some advance notice:

Pre-Kinder Sessions

Pre-Kinder sessions prepare children for their first year of school, it is a very exciting time. We have allocated children enrolled in Kindergarten next year into small groups and they will attend a total of 3 sessions each. Letters have been sent home to parents advising which group they have been allocated to. We look forward to welcoming families along at these sessions.

Cricket Blast (previously known as Milo Cricket)

Woolworths Cricket Blast program operated by Cricket Tasmania begins on Wednesday, 23^rd October after school from 3.15pm – 4.15pm on our school oval.  If your child is interested in participating, please contact Cricket Tasmanian directly.

Basketball Championships

Over the next two weekends, we have students participating in the 2019 Primary School Regional Basketball Tournaments at Elphin Sports Centre and St Patricks College.  This weekend our grade 3/4 teams are competing and next weekend the 5/6 teams compete.  I would like to thank all our coaches, team managers and families for their time and support in providing this opportunity for our students.  I would sincerely like to thank Abbi Dean for all her organisation to ensure that we have teams allocated with coaches.  Good luck everyone!

K-2 Tabloid Sports Afternoon

On Thursday, 31^st October we will be holding a “Tabloid Sports” afternoon for all our students from Kindergarten to Year 2.  Our Grade 6 students will work with Newstead College students to run games and sporting activities, where the students will rotate through the various stations.  Parents are more than welcome to come along and cheer their children on.  The fun begins at 1.40pm just after lunch break.

Student Free Day

All state schools in the North have a Professional Learning Day allocated to them on Friday, 1^st November. Our teachers will be working on our school’s Strategic Plan and participating in professional learning.  The following Monday, 4^th November is a public holiday, so we look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday, 5^th November. 

Triathlon Challenge 

On Thursday, 28^th November, we have a Grade 3 girls team entered in the Schools Triathlon Challenge event.  I would like to wish Millie S, Olivia P and Sophie A all the best in this event.  The team will be supported by their parents.

Dance Fever

Also on the 28^th of November we have a number of Grade 5/6 students representing our school in this year’s Dance Fever production.  This production is always a highlight and many of our primary classes have booked to watch the production at the Door of Hope.  Our students will be preforming at a matinée performance for school groups and an evening performance for parents and community members.  A huge thankyou to Miss Bodell for all her work teaching our students the dances.

Enrolments for 2020

It has come to that time of the year, when we begin to organise class sizes and structures.  If you know that you are relocating and leaving Punchbowl Primary School in 2020, can you please let the office know as soon as possible.

School Hours

We are noticing that a number of children are arriving at school very early and often before the school is open (8:30am).  All school doors are locked until this time and students should not be on the grounds without a parent or carer to supervise.  Teachers are working in their rooms before this time and as such there is no duty of care for children prior to 8:30am. 

NRL Footballs   

We kindly ask that all students keep NRL footballs at home, for use at home or in local parks.  We supply a lot of equipment for our students to use in the playground such as footballs, soccer balls, skipping ropes and basketballs so there is plenty of activities for our active students.  Unfortunately, the NRL balls have led to problems in the playground with rough play and tackling and for duty of care reason; we have advised students that they are not to come to school.

School Association Meetings

See the COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD situated in the walkway outside P-1A Millen classroom for all upcoming community events

Piano lessons

Piano lessons available on Monday from 4.00pm-6.30pm and weekend from 10.00am-4.00pm. $30/30 min with the first trial free lesson.

I teach students of all ages starting from 4 years old. I also have an upright Piano at my house specifically for teaching. I have been teaching Piano for 17 years in studios, International schools and privately. Students will be able to learn performance skills, theory and aural training at the same time.

All lessons are designed to be fun and motivating for students to instil a love of music which can lead them to success. Please do not hesitate to contact me for the first trial lesson free.

Please contact 0477 665 951