Welcome back to everyone for Term 2. It has been a very settled start and our students have all been very engaged in their learning. It has been fantastic to see that our attendance has been very good  this year and so far this term- our aim is to have everyone here at school learning. Even though the winter months can be a challenge with illness and cold starts, we are here to support all learners and if you are having challenges getting to school please let us know and we will work with you to overcome them.

Along with our school priority of increasing attendance, our focus on building our reading skills and outcomes continues. Our current focus is on building our students' fluency, which is a key component in developing reading comprehension. Our teachers have been undertaking professional learning in this area and implementing strategies to build fluency across the school. We will also be communicating with parents about what fluency is and how you can help at home.

I was lucky to have been involved in the Youth Week forum conducted with the council and the FIG group last week. It was fantastic to hear our students' ideas and those of students from the other schools (particularly our ex-students) that will contribute to make our municipality a better place. I was heartened to hear the responses from the council and their willingness to listen.

I’d also like to thank all of our parent and carer community in the way that you support us and our students. The level of care you show for all of our children is amazing, supporting other parents in their parenting ups and downs, and likewise when a student is finding a transition or the environment challenging, the level of understanding and support you show is very much appreciated by everyone involved.

Last week our student leaders and selected grade 6 students went to an open forum to kick off the George Town Youth Week. Young people from across the community gathered together with representatives from George Town Council to begin discussions about improving our town.

Well done to the students who participated in the State Athletics Carnival held at the St. Leonards Athletic Centre. Although it was a cold, wet and windy day you all persevered and gave it your best shot! A big thank you to the parents who sent in photos. 

WE’RE TAKING IT IN OUR STRIDE ON FRIDAY 19 MAY 2023

Well it’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking!
Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more
walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. And although walking all the way to school isn’t
realistic for many of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily
routine.

You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by:
• Walking with them the whole way to school
• If they get the bus or train, walk past your usual stop and get on at the next stop
• If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way.

Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like
obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes. It also gives you a great
opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic.

Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for
Friday 19 MAY 2023!

Families are welcome to join our walking groups on Friday 19th May at the following places:

• The corner of Victoria and Mary St at 8:30am - Meet Mrs Spicer
• The traffic bay at the information centre at 8:30am - Meet Mr Hay
• Outside the old shop in William St (down from the pool) at 8:30am - Meet Miss Cameron

For more information, visit www.walk.com.au

Each newsletter we will be putting the spotlight on one our staff members, so that you can get to know our wonderful South family.   

All about Alex Garwood

My role at SGTPS 

3/4 Teacher

These are a few of my favourite things

• Colour: Green
• Sport team: The Kangaroos, although I’ve somewhat given up (we never win!)
• Food: anything with potato (hashbrowns, chips, wedges, jacket potatoes!),
• Animal: Meerkats
• TV Show: Anything with a good mystery!
• Books: Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

Dislikes

• Onions
• Seafood

Pets

My Jack Russel X - Benny

A few fun facts

Outside of school I enjoy walking, swimming and spending time with Benny adventuring.

Here are our Aussies of the Month for April. These students were selected because they uphold the Aussie traditions of mateship and a fair go for all, as well as our school values of 'learning', 'respect', 'responsibility' and 'relationships'.

https://youtu.be/X8SIQt6Ciko

Here are our latest 'Reach for the Stars' recipients. These students have demonstrated our school values over several years. Congratulations on this very special award!

https://youtu.be/waRC4NEZUCE

The rising number of children and young people vaping is a growing issue of concern in our community.  

Electronic cigarettes (vapes) can be appealing to young people due to bright colours and flavours. But no vapes are safe as they are often full of harmful chemicals and nicotine.  For this reason, vapes can be addictive and harmful for lungs, brain development and general health.  

It is important to talk to your children about vaping. Try to be understanding, compassionate and non-judgemental as you support them to learn more about the dangers of vaping or in seeking support to quit. 

Information on what vaping is, the impacts and how to support your child is available on the new Department for Education, Children and Young People webpage on vaping, which can be accessed here: 

https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/projects/child-student-wellbeing/vaping/