Term 4 - Week 9 (11 December 2024)

Perth Primary School Calendar

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,
As we wrap up another incredible year, it is a perfect time to reflect on the many successes we have shared as a school community. From academic achievements to the wealth of extra-curricular opportunities available, our students have had countless chances to grow, learn, and shine. We have encouraged our students to step out of their comfort zones, try something new, and discover their potential across sports, arts and academics. Their enthusiasm and determination have been truly inspiring! 

We have just completed our annual review, a process that evaluates our progress against the learning targets we set at the beginning of the year. We were thrilled to celebrate many milestones, including exceptional growth in literacy and numeracy. Highlights included 82% of our students achieving medium to high gain in PAT literacy testing and an impressive 90% in PAT numeracy. Our Year 1 students demonstrated remarkable phonics skills and 90% of students reported being cognitively engaged during structured literacy sessions. These results reflect the dedication of our staff, students and families in fostering a positive and productive learning environment. 

We are also incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive school community and deeply value the feedback we receive. This year, our school satisfaction data was once again very strong, with an average rating of 8.6/10—well above the state average and that of similar Tasmanian schools. This is something we are extremely proud of, as it highlights the collective efforts of everyone involved in making our school a vibrant and supportive place for students to thrive. 

Class structures and staffing 2025
Over the past few weeks, we have dedicated significant time and care to finalising class placements for 2025. This process is much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, requiring us to consider a wide range of information to ensure classes are well-balanced and students' needs are met. We understand that for some students, this can be an anxious time and we want to reassure families that these feelings are completely normal.

Our school is in an advantageous position, as our students are already familiar with their peers and most of our teaching staff. Unlike many schools still finalising their staffing for the coming year, we are fortunate to be able to provide students with early clarity about their 2025 teacher and classmates. Parents can best support their children by normalising this transition, fostering a positive and open-minded approach to the year ahead.

To assist with this transition, students will meet their 2025 teacher and classmates on Friday, 13 December, a day that will also see the release of student reports. We are confident this early opportunity to connect will help students feel prepared and excited for the new year. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to ensure a smooth and successful transition for all students. 

Our class structures for 2025 will be;
KA - Mrs Rachel Wyatte
PA – Miss Georgina Dargaville 
PB – Mrs Rebecca Hibberd 
1-2A - Miss Hannah Lockhart 
1-2B - Mrs Nicole Shepherd 
1-2C - Mrs Kristy Waters 2.5 days/ Mrs Jemma Duncan 2.5 days 
2-3A - Mrs Melissa Cooper
3-4A - Mrs Lou Joscelyne-Loane
3-4B - Mrs Jodie Whyman
4-5A - Mr Spencer Walter
5-6A - Mrs Megan Poke 4 days/Mrs Karen Lovell 1 day
5-6B - Mrs Lynda Colgrave

Dance Fever 
Week 7 was a showcase of talent, dedication and teamwork as our students took to the stage for their Dance Fever performances. It was truly wonderful to see them bring all their hard work to life, delivering outstanding performances that reflected their preparation and organisation both backstage and during practices. Their energy and enthusiasm shone brightly, making the event a memorable highlight of the year. 

Our Grade 3-6 audience thoroughly enjoyed watching their peers perform and it was clear how much effort had gone into every aspect of the show. A heartfelt thank you to Temiya, our amazing dance tutor, as well as Miss Dargaville and Mrs Biffin for their guidance and support throughout this journey.  

Northern Midlands Swimming Carnival 
This year, 35 students proudly represented our school at the Northern Midlands Swimming Carnival. Despite facing challenges with several team members unwell on the day, our students displayed incredible resilience and teamwork. A special thank you to those who stepped up and swam extra races to ensure Perth was well represented—your effort and team spirit were outstanding! 

A huge congratulations to three of our students who earned a place on the Northern Midlands Honorary Team: 

• Mabel (Grade 4): 25m Backstroke 

• Ebony (Grade 4): 50m Backstroke 

• Albie (Grade 6): 50m Breaststroke 

We are so proud of all our swimmers for their dedication and sportsmanship. Well done, team! 

Teddy Hospital 
Last week, we were very excited to welcome the Teddy Hospital to our school, thanks to Nurse Bec! This wonderful program provides children with a fun, interactive, and non-threatening introduction to what a visit to the hospital might look like. The students were deeply engaged and showed exceptional care for their teddies during the experience. It was a heartwarming and educational visit that the children absolutely loved! 

Values assembly 
Last week, we had the privilege of recognising students who consistently demonstrate our core values of Responsibility, Respect, Growth, Courage, and Connection in their daily actions. While we celebrate and acknowledge students’ achievements in various ways throughout the year, these special end-of-year awards highlight those outstanding individuals who have exemplified these values over the entire school year. We were lucky to have three-time Olympian, Georgia Baker present these awards. We did have a number of students who were away and we will present these on the last day.

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Grade 6 Awards

Perth Community Carols 
Our school choir has been practising our Christmas songs in preparation for our end of year events. Alongside supporting our Prep students with their Nativity assembly, we also continue to support the local community with their events. We hope to see many families on the 14 December, carols being at 7pm.  

School Office opening in 2025 
A reminder that our school office will open on 20 January 2025. Orders for uniform may be made via Qkr at any time however they will not be able to be collected until after 20 January.  

Uniform reminders 
Our uniform shop will be well stocked at the beginning of Term 1 next year to help get families sorted for the year ahead. A reminder that the only shorts that should be worn are our own school uniform shorts. We have several students wearing bike shorts which are not part of our school uniform.  

As we look forward to the year ahead, we thank everyone in our school community for their ongoing support and commitment to making our school a place of growth, opportunity, and success. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday and we will see you in the new year! 

School Information

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) 2025
Letters confirming STAS 2025 eligibility are now being delivered by post.

STAS application forms for 2025 have not changed from the 2024 form.

Families who have not applied for or received STAS previously are encouraged to apply online at https://stasonlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au. Online applications can be submitted on any electronic device including mobile phones.

Families who are advised by letter that they are approved for STAS 2025 and who need to add another student can email their full name and the name, date of birth and grade of the student in 2025 to stas@decyp.tas.gov.au and the newly enrolling student will be added to their file.

2025 approval letters also provide the facility to add a new student and return by email or post. Parents/guardians cannot add a student to an existing file using the online service.

Applicants who have been assessed as not eligible and wish to have the assessment reviewed can call Financial Assistance on 1800 827 055 or email their query to stas@decyp.tas.gov.au.

If you have any STAS queries, please contact Financial Assistance on 1800 827 055 or via email to stas@decyp.tas.gov.au.

Perth Primary School Christmas Raffle
Reminder to please return all books to the office by Friday 13 December 2024.

Value Certificates

2024 Value Certificates

Term Dates 2024

Term 4
Schools 14 October – 19 December

Canteen

Final week of canteen for 2024 is week starting 9 December 2024.

Happy Birthday

Jaxson M, Isabella P, Brinley R, Hazel W, Nate S, Addison B, Leo W, Charlotte J, Lacie R, Huxley T, Beau J, Mylee R, Peter C, Adam C, Oliver D, Oliver P, Fletcher Y, Samuel B, Elijah H, Addison R, Eve K, Riley B, Isla S, Arley S, William B, Addisyn C, Mark M, Arlo O, Lucy P, Campbell M, Ms Wrankmore, Mrs Biffin, Mrs Claxton, Mrs Ryan, Mrs Hibberd, Mr Sheehan and Mrs Lockwood.

Community News

Perth Lions Club Children's Christmas Party
Sunday, 15 December from 12:30pm will be the Perth Lions club Children’s Christmas party at the Train Park. 

There will be a free sausage sizzle, entertainment for the children and a visit from Santa. 

The Perth Lions Club welcomes primary aged children to come along and enjoy the party. 

Perth Lions Club President
Ralph McGee

Australia Day Community Celebration – Citizenship Ceremony, Awards Ceremony and Community BBQ

What: Australia Day Community Celebration - Awards Ceremony and Community BBQ
When: Sunday 26th January 2026 - 10 AM to 12 noon
Where: The Train Park, 29A Main Road, Perth Tasmania 7300

Join us for a family fun day as we come together to celebrate community and welcome new Australian Citizen in a memorable Citizenship ceremony.  It is also a chance for us all to renew our pledge of allegiance to our country. 

We will hear from Ambassador Mr John Kamara, 2023 Tamanian Australian of the Year who co-founded the Culturally Diverse Alliance of Tasmania, African Communities Council of Tasmania and with his wife, Mavis have established a Kamara’s Heart Foundation.

We will honour the spirit of our community by presenting awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Event of the Year and recognise the dedication and contributions of some of our incredible volunteers.

After the ceremonies we will gather for a classic Aussie BBQ with games for the kids and music!

Perth Primary School Support Staff