For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar

End of Year Reflection: Thank You for an Incredible 2024!
As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly made this year special. It has been a year of growth, achievement, and collaboration, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our school community.

Our DECYP and school goal is to achieve 90% attendance for 2024. While we have fallen short of achieving this goal by 1.2% as of yesterday, our attendance data is above DECYP average and is the highest our attendance has been since 2021 and is trending upwards. We will continue to promote attendance at school and work in partnership with families highlighting the message that everyday matters.

We have so much to celebrate as a school and I would like to share with you our recent Progressive Achievement Testing results, PAT testing is conducted twice a year. PDS results are highlighted in dark blue, same school in yellow and all DECYP schools are in green.

• 81% of our P-10 students achieved met or above achievement in reading, this is 8% above same school and 3% above all DECYP schools.
• 86% of students achieved medium to high growth in reading, this is 9% higher than same schools and 7% above all DECYP schools.
• Reading Growth prep to year 10 is trending up since 2021. This year’s reading growth has reached the highest level in the last 5 years.
• 82% of our P-10 students achieved met or above achievement in maths, this is10% above same schools and 5% above all DECYP schools.
• 84% of students achieved medium to high growth in maths, this is 6% higher than same schools and 5% above all DECYP schools.
These results are testament to the dedication of PDS staff, family engagement in learning and our students being ready to learn daily. This is cause for celebration.

This week sectors of the school come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. Awards presented reflect hard work, perseverance, and dedication, qualities that embody our school motto: Together we Aspire, We Strive, We Achieve. Whether or not you received an award, know that every effort you put forward has made a difference in our school and in your personal growth. Congratulations to all the award winners which as listed in the section below.

At the end of year school year, it is important to recognise people who have made a difference in our school community. First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to our families. Your partnership in your child's education has been vital to their success this year. From communication with families’ meetings to supporting at-home learning, your involvement makes a difference every single day.

To our amazing staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students. Our Teachers have inspired and challenged students in countless ways, fostering a love of learning and creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone. Our Teacher Assistants have worked tirelessly to provide individual attention and support, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed. Our Education Facility Attendants have kept our school running smoothly, providing a clean, safe, and welcoming space for all. A special thank you goes to our Library staff, who have ignited a passion for reading and research, and to our Educational Support Specialists, whose expertise has helped students overcome challenges and thrive. Each of you plays a vital role in our school, and we are deeply grateful for your hard work and commitment. A huge thank you also to our Administrative Staff. You are the backbone of our school, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From handling the day-to-day operations to providing crucial support to both students and staff, your efforts do not go unnoticed. You help create an organised and welcoming environment that allows everyone to do their best, and we are incredibly grateful for your dedication. I would like recognise Mr Perry, Mr Beard, Mr Davis, Julie and the rest of our leadership team for their continued support in leading the school.

A big thank you also goes to our School Association. Your dedication to supporting our school through advocacy, fundraising, and volunteering has made such a positive impact on our students and our school community. Your commitment to enhancing the school experience for everyone is truly appreciated, and we are lucky to have such passionate and engaged parents and community members in our corner.

Finally, we’d like to express our gratitude to the volunteers and local businesses who have supported our school this year. Your generosity has allowed us to enhance student wellbeing, educational opportunities for our students, and your continued support strengthens the connection between our school and the wider community.
It is with sadness and excitement at this time of the year that we farewell some staff as they begin exciting new chapters of their lives inside and outside of schools.

Mrs Megan Maney has positively impacted the lives of so many, since 2008. Her dedication, patience, and kindness have shaped a generation of young minds in the PDS community. Her warmth and nurturing spirit have created a classroom where learning is fun and every child feels seen and valued. The love and care she has put into her teaching has left a lasting impression. We wish Mrs Maney all the best at Montello Primary School.

Mrs Laura Gee exceptionally warm and kind personality and passion for building strong connections with the students in her care have been central to her work. We would like thank Mrs Gee for leading our learning in families together (LiFT) program and wish you all the best in your newly assigned teaching position at Burnie Primary School.

Mrs Sharine Johnstone returned to PDS this year. With many of our students passionate about art they were excited to see Mrs Johnstone for weekly art lesson. Thank you for providing an engaging and authentic classroom and the opportunity for our students to be creative. We wish you well for 2025, who knows you might be back again.

Mr Justin Rattray started at PDS in 2022 as year 3/4 teacher. He is a supportive staff member who has students at the center. Over the past 4 years he has not only provided fun and engaging learning environments including the PDS podcast and personalized PowerPoint presentations for his students, but he has also helped inspire his fellow teachers to embrace new and exciting Literacy practices. We wish Mr Rattray all the best at Ulverstone Primary School teaching Y5/6.

Mr Joel Reeve started at PDS in 2023 as primary AST and year 5/6 teachers. With many of our students passionate about digi tech they were excited for lesson’s with Mr Reeve. Thank you for your leadership, support and flexibility. We wish you well on your teaching journey at Ulverstone Primary School and wish you the safe arrival of your son in 2025. We look forward to meeting Mr Reeve Junior in the very near future.

Miss Jasmine Arnott started at PDS this year as year 3/4 teacher. She is passionate about education has been proactive providing opportunities for our students in health. We wish Miss Arnott well for 2025, she will be working at Leighland Christian School as a Teacher.

Geb Davis started working at PDS at the start of the year as Teacher Assistant. He is a caring and thoughtful TA who helps everyone to do their best, even if it means being in the pit for our production or on the Basketball court running rings around our students. We wish Geb well for 2025.

Megan O’Donnell start this year at PDS as a teacher assistant with secondary students. Thank you for all your support and hard work throughout the year. Your assistance in the classroom has made such a positive difference in students learning experience. We wish you well for 2025.

Georgia Maingay PDS last year as a teacher assistant. In her short time at PDS Georgia has formed excellent relationships with everyone she comes in contact with. Best of luck for 2025 as you move to Latrobe Primary School as Teacher Assistant and continue with your university studies to become a teacher. Your smile and positivity will certainly be missed.

Alana De Bruyn started at PDS in 2019 in a voluntary capacity, with the Rock Church. In 2021, her position as chaplain was official and as they say, the rest is history. Alana has built strong and caring relationships with the school community she is a valued member of our support team. We wish Alana well in her new position at Devonport Christian School.

Laura Haberle started this year as a teacher assistant across multiple classes. We thank Laura for her flexibility and the support she provides the PDS community. Best of luck for 2025 as you move to Hobart to start your double degree with a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic governance and a Bachelor of Science at UTAS.

Kacie Murach started this year as teacher assistant in Y3/4. We thank Kacie for all her hard work and support. Kacie’s dedication and kindness make such a positive impact in the classroom, we wish you well for 2025.

Mr Ian Forbes returned to PDS this year teaching Year 11/12 VET after a number of years teaching internationally and at Latrobe High School. We thank Ian for his passion for teaching Sport and Rec and his commitment to helping students succeed. Ian’s guidance, patience, and encouragement have been truly invaluable.

Mr Matt Perry started working at PDS in 2011 and in that time has held the position of AST, Assistant Principal and Acting Principal and had a short stint at Hillcrest Primary School as Acting Principal. Mr Perry is devoted and caring leader, consistently going above and beyond involving himself in all aspects of the school. Thank you for everything you’ve done over the past 13 years for our school community. We look forward to seeing and hearing about all the great things you continue to accomplish. We wish you well for 2025 as you move to Cooee Primary School as substantive Principal.

Both Mr Geoff Davis and Mrs Claire Wade are taking 12 months leave next year. We are not saying farewell simply, enjoy 2025 and we will see you soon.

2025 Staffing
Teaching Staff
Launching into learning – Mrs Jessie Eberhardt & Mr Christine Lusted
Kinder A – Mrs Mel Atkins
Kinder B – Mrs Olivia Bracken
Prep A – Mrs Wendy Ratcliffe and Mrs Clara Hubbard
Prep B – Mrs Hannah Roberston and Mrs Emmie Gee
1/2A – Miss Maddi Penton
1/2B – Mrs Elisse Gardam
1/2C – Mr Richard Collins
1/2D – Miss Zoe King
1/2E – Mrs Lynn Taylor and Mrs Jenny Slatter
3/4A – Dr Janet Mackenzie
3/4B – Miss Paige Blackett
3/4C – Miss Hayley Marshall
3/4D – Miss Elysia Beard
3/4E – Mrs Amanda O’Shea and Mr Steven Jones
5/6A – Mrs Kylie Mudford and Mrs Deb French
5/6B – Miss Madison Heywood and Mrs Lynn Brown
5/6C – Mrs Carolyn McNaughton
5/6D – Mr Damien Rabe
5/6E – Mrs Bronwyn Enright
Literacy Support – Mrs Deb Haberle and Miss Bronwyn Gibson
Educational Support Specialist (Prep) – Mrs Belinda Burton
P- 6 Music – Mrs Christine Lusted
Art & Digi Tech – Mr Andrew Woodard
HPE – Mr Alex Baldock and Mr Chris De Ruyter
AST K-2 – Mrs Jessie Eberhardt
AST 3-6 – Mrs Katrina Blair
Support Teacher Primary – Mrs Susan Broadby
K – 12 Instructional Specialist – Miss Nicky Green
K- 6 Assistant Principal – Mr Adrian Beard
Secondary Maths/Science – Mr Ashley King, Miss Darcy Shake, Mrs Heather Burgees, Mr Nick Owen, Mrs Karina Van Essen, Mrs Amie Redman, Mrs Arianne Popowski and Mr Tom Abblitt.
Secondary English/HASS – Miss Sarah Mott, Ms Narelle Butler, Ms Jodie Murphy, Miss Charlotte Solomon, Miss Matilda Lutwyche, Ms Tash Turner
Educational Support Specialist (Year 7) – Mrs Sonia Bingham
Arts – Miss Beth King
Music – Mr Jarrod Milton Connell
Drama – Mrs Heather Burgess and Ms Tash Turner
Technologies – Mr Rob Maywald
HPE/Outdoor Ed/Athlete Development – Mr Jordan Taylor, Mr Tom Abblitt, Mrs Arianne Popowski and Mr Chris De Ruyter
Foods and Fibre – Mrs Alison O’Donnell
Year 11/12 – Mrs Alison O’Donnell
AST Years 7/8 – Mrs Karina Van Essen
AST Years 9/10 – Mr Nick Owen
AST Years 11/12 – Mr Robert Maywald
AST Support Teacher Secondary – Ms Jodie Murphy
Year 7- 12 Assistant Principal – Mr Jade Hughes
Principal – Angela McAuliffe

Administrative Staff
Congratulations to Julie McKenna who is the successful application of the substantive School Business Manager position.
School Business Manager - Julie McKenna.
Administrative Officer – Kathryn Smith
Administrative Clerk – Fiona Rowe
Administrative Clerk - TBC

Support Staff
Social Worker – Cat Grining and Helen Burrage
Speech and Language Program – Rebekah Brandsma
School Psychologist - Eloise Wickham-Dolbey
School Nurse – Alex Clark
Chaplain - Zak (Tuesday) and Ansley (Wednesday)
Aboriginal Education Worker – TBC

Library Technician - Sonya Browning 

Teacher Assistants
Keira Ward
Katrina Olm
Jessy Jordan
Bec Langham
Karen Helm
Alex Cappelli
Brailee Helm
Belinda French
Caitlin Overend
Amanda Russell
Melissa Brinkman
Tegan Boxall
Erin Simonis
Alise Petterwood
Amy Crawford
Bronte Bugeja
Michelle Howard
Brielle McNaughton
Misha Frankcombe
Nikki Bramich
Melayne Cassidy
Chenae McNaughton
Sharyn Radcliff
Mitchell Enright
Kate Finch
Niki Hayler
Peter Martin
Bronte Bugeja
Leanne Ray
Melissa Carpenter
Jo Bugeja
Debbie Jordan
Zoe Crawn
Dalton Stretton
Jackie Kinch

Education Facility Attendants
Tim Auton
Janice Bakes
Chris Bugeja
Sandra Dickson
Sharon Farrelly
Belinda Harris
Brad Jordan
Sharon White

Canteen Staff
Tish Townsend
Belinda Di Maria

Neighbourhood Watch
As we continue to work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for our students, we want to ask for your support in keeping our school secure after the school holidays. We are reaching out to all families, staff, and community members to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or unsafe to local authorities immediately. If you notice anything concerning on or around school grounds, please don't hesitate to contact the police.

Additionally, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the many facilities our school offers. Thank you for your continued commitment to making our school a safe, welcoming, and active space for all.

As we approach the festive season, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year! May this time be filled with fun, food and family.

Enjoy the holidays, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday 6 February ready to learn in 2025.

Yours in partnership
Angela McAuliffe

Premier’s Youth Advisory Council - Call for members: Premier’s Youth Advisory Council

Do you know a young person aged 12-24, living in Tasmania and passionate about Tasmania’s future? If so, you can encourage them to express interest in becoming a member of the Premier’s Youth Advisory Council (PYAC) in 2024. There are 12 positions available.

The PYAC is an opportunity for young people to meet with the Premier, Minister for Education, Children and Youth and Government to discuss their ideas on how we can make Tasmania a better place.

All young Tasmanians are encouraged to apply regardless of their background or participation record.

The PYAC has a diverse and inclusive membership where all members feel welcomed, safe, and supported. PYAC members come from different backgrounds, and we encourage applications from diverse young people so that the Council has a mix of beliefs, skills and life experiences,

The PYAC values the unique experiences, knowledge, and skills that its members bring to the group. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

Recruitment is now open and closes on 11:59pm on Monday 27 January 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit www.dpac.tas.gov.au/pyac email youthadvisorycouncil@dpac.tas.gov.au or call 6232 7676.

Prep B students and families – we made it! What a year of growth, learning, resilience, fun, inquiry and exploring.

Our favourite memories of Prep:

• I loved learning!
• It’s fun playing in the big area.
• Our teachers help us with lots of stuff.
• I get to spend time with other people who give me new ideas.
• Playing in the block area and building with Lego.
• Playing with all our friends.
• Watching the tadpoles.
• Inquiry time where I get to choose what I create.
• The Teddy Bears Picnic at Dial Park was the best.
• All the places we went to on the bus... the circus show, the pool and the Garden in Sulphur Creek.

Enjoy these photographs of our Preps living their best life throughout the year. 

We are both so proud of everything our students have achieved this year. There is no doubt they are ready to flourish in Grade 1 in 2025. Thank you to our Prep B families for your partnership; this has ensured our Preps have had the best year!

Mel and Hannah 

What a fabulous year we have had together in 1B! A highlight of our year has definitely been our Penpal project with the residents at Eliza Purton home. As part of our unit of inquiry, students have been writing to ask their Penpals about how things have changed over time. Some of the changes we discovered were: 

• In the past my Penpal's food was delivered by horse and cart. Now, we order from Woolies and wait in the car for them to bring it to us
• In the past my Penpal had one toy that was a doll made from a peg. Now kids have lots of toys that use many materials 
• In the past my Penpal used kerosene lamps. Now we always use electricity, well except for when the power turned off at school!

We are so thankful to our Penpal's at Eliza Purton for their friendship and willingness to share their knowledge

Things we learnt in Grade 1:

• Writing
• Some maths
• Past present future
• Times tables
• Pencil grip

Best thing about Grade 1:

• That you can sound out letters
• iPads
• that we done so much learning. I got a gold card.
• Soccer
• Mathletics
• Drawing

Hardest part of Grade 1:

• Have to do so much learning
• Math
• Learning
• Handwriting
• Drawing

Things Mrs Gardam says all the time:

• Go and get your bag
• You have to do maths
• Shush
• Stop
• Get your hat, wash your hands and get your food

Other important things to say:

• So good
• It is the best
• It is good fun

Connecting with the Wider Community

Grade 2 students created two amazing Bluey posters to help brighten the Paediatric Unit at North West Regional Hospital during the festive season. We watched some Art Hub videos to practise our drawing skills before creating our own Bluey characters to display.

Throughout the year in 3/4B we have worked on reading fluency and using expression whilst reading. Last week, students were able to show that off by completing their reader’s theatre performances in small groups using twisted fairytales. We demonstrated exceptional effort, teamwork and bravery throughout rehearsals and many laughs were shared while enjoying the final performances. We definitely have some future school production performers in the making! As a class, we received a gold card for our efforts.

On Monday 16th December grade 6 students headed to Fairway Park in Ulverstone. Plenty of fun was had on the play equipment and utilising the sports gear we took along for the day . After a BBQ lunch students had an hour on the water slide before heading back to school. What a fantastic day enjoying each other's company in their final days of primary school!!

After creating some children's books and plays, on Tuesday some of the Year 7 cohort visited our two Prep classes. It was wonderful to listen the two grades mingle together!

Always a highlight on the school sporting calendar, is the Staff V Students annual basketball match. The grade 10s were extremely well represented under strict coaching from injured duo Connor and Lachlan although Lachlan gave up his coaching role for a quick 3 pointer in the last quarter to get the students within a sniff of victory.  The staff were consistent from the get go, leading for all of the afternoon. Consistent contributors for the students were Jaxx, Baileyand so me good shots put in for Rye.  For the staff, Mitchell Enright was top scorer and top rebounder with a hot shooting 3 point hands from Jade Hughes.  The final score at the end of the afternoon saw the Staff take victory after their defeat last year at 45 to 52.

Christmas Dress Up
On Friday, 6th of December, the school participated in a Christmas Dress Up day for a gold coin donation. As a school, we raised $500 which we presented to Lenny Wilson from the community op shop to add more goods to their hampers to give to people in our community. Thanks to all students for dressing up and getting involved to support others at Christmas time.

Christmas School Social
On Thursday, 5th of December, we had our Term Four Christmas Social in which 47 students attended. The theme was ‘Tis the Season’ and everyone had an amazing time dancing and playing games. We are looking forward to hosting another school social term one 2025.