For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar

On Thursday afternoon I was lucky enough to attend our Primary assembly to celebrate the “courageous” work of our students.  We heard stories of students trying new things, persevering at challenges even when things get hard and most importantly, seeking and providing support when it is required.  All these things take enormous courage.  Thank you to all the families who took the time to join us, we really appreciated it.    Can I please give an extra “shout out” to Grace and Will for bravely volunteering to lead our assembly.  They certainly did their families proud.

What a highlight it was to have a surprise Scott Roth (from the Jack Jumpers) visit us today! There were literally smiles for miles as our students created a “guard of honour” for Scott as he entered our school.  A visit from our very own Jack Jumpers coach, who has defended the island with his team of Jack Jumpers, is something our students will cherish for a long time to come. As a part of his commitment to representing all Tasmanians through coaching this team, Scott made time to visit us here at Penguin and share some of his insights into his life, and also about his role of coaching his team of professionals.

As well as sharing some strategies implemented through the final 5-game series, Scott shared his passion for young people and described the journey of his players and support staff following their dreams and working hard.

Scott encouraged students to be humble.  He shared his life experiences and time spent as an NBA player, coach and now Championship NBL coach. Through sport, Scott emphasised the importance of the lessons that you learn and the insights about yourself that you have.

There were three things that Scott explained to the students that you can do at school to make your life a success – limit your time spent with, or being the class clown, don’t involve yourself with bullying and work hard now to set yourself up for the future.   All really important messages for our young people.

Scott encouraged our students to look after the school environment, as he commented that he was extremely impressed with the environment and setting of Penguin District School.  He described our beautiful school as the best that he has seen in the state over his three years here!  Now that is a compliment to be proud of.

Finally, we wish our students, families and community members a fantastic holiday break.  Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you “ready to learn” on day 1 of Term 2 - Monday 29th of April.

Yours in partnership

Adrian Beard

Congratulation's to the following students who received Aussie of the Month awards for Term1.

Jada - 6B Enright

Jada is a respectful student who exudes positivity. She is willing to learn from others and is always encouraging and supportive of her peers. Jada consistently gives her personal best, even when faced with challenges. Her kindness shines through each and every day and she can be relied upon to lend a hand whenever it is needed. She is an excellent role model and a pleasure to have in the classroom.

Jada is a very deserving recipient of 6B’s Aussie of the Month Award

Phoenix - 2A Green

Phoenix arrives each morning with a happy smile. He greets everyone in our school community with a friendly hello and is respectful in his interactions with all staff and students. Phoenix shows great courage in his learning as he takes on challenges and works hard towards achieving personal goals. He is a kind and caring friend who considers the feelings of others and is always ready to help around the classroom.                         

Congratulations Phoenix on being our Aussie of the Month!

Heidi - 2B Taylor

Heidi is a happy and friendly member of our Year 2 class. She treats her teachers and her peers with respect and consideration. Heidi works and plays co-operatively with others and is developing some sound leadership skills. She has a good sense of fair play and offers support and encouragement to her classmates. Heidi makes good choices about her behaviour in the classroom and the playground.Heidi is always keen to try new things. She approaches school life with enthusiasm and a cheerful outlook, always working to the best of her ability.

Heidi is an excellent role model for other students and a deserving recipient of the Aussie of the Month Award!

Layla - 3/4C Rattray

Layla is the worthy recipient of the Aussie of the Month award . She is unwavering in her commitment to personal growth and  working towards learning goals. Layla also demonstrates the Australian qualities of mateship, fairness, respect, and inclusivity by doing her best whilst working and playing with other students. Her determination and kindness serve as an inspiration to her peers, making her a true beacon of positivity in our class.

Congratulations, Layla, on this well-deserved accolade!

Elijah - 5B French/Brown 

Elijah is an outstanding student whose talents encompass many learning areas. He has an excellent work ethic and always strives to do his personal best. He willingly takes on feedback and implements this into his work to make improvements. Elijah is a mature and responsible member of the class and a positive role model for fellow students.  He displays care and tolerance towards his peers and willingly supports others with their learning. Elijah is resilient, confident and enjoys sharing his sense of humour with others in an appropriate manner.

Elijah is a  fantastic asset to 5B and  thoroughly deserves  Aussie of the Month!

Year 3/4 Beard have worked very hard in the garden this term and everyone accepted the challenges set for them. We cleaned, weeded, mulched and trimmed grasses and shrubs. The children took home summer produce which included crunchy green beans, silver beet, apples and pears. A wonderful effort from this class.

“We have spent 10 weeks of Term 1 talking, wondering, exploring, learning, creating and enjoying our new learning spaces! There have been lots of ‘favourites’ in Prep B such as “learning new letters…. playing in the vet… making dams in the sandpit… riding the bikes…. swimming…”. We have enjoyed getting to know our Prep B families and learning all about how your children learn and the different personalities they bring to our classroom. We are excited to continue our learning after a break – take the time to reset and relax and we will see you next term!”

On Friday, the 5th of April, 1A, 1B and 1C headed down to Hiscutt Park and Johnsons Beach.

Our day started with an exciting bus ride where we were driven down on the school bus by Mrs Gardam!

Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to observe various living things, examine the fascinating rock pools and engage in hands-on experiences such as building sandcastles and digging holes in the sand.

The playground at Hiscutt Park provided a perfect spot for us to unleash our energy and enjoy some play with each other.

Overall, it was a memorable day where we not only learnt about our natural world but also created lasting memories as a Year 1 group.

Students in 2A and 2B have had a busy start to the year. We have been trying to broaden our friendship circles and had a visit from Nurse Alex who showed us ways to find people who shared common interests. We are becoming more comfortable working with a variety of different people.

In literacy, we have been learning about punctuation, conjunctions and editing skills. We are trying to use these skills to make our writing more interesting for the reader.

In maths, we have been working with ones, tens, hundreds and thousands as we explore place value and deepen our understanding of how numbers work.

We are becoming more accurate when recording procedures and observations in science.

This week our classes joined for health and music. We had fun using footballs on the oval and singing together in music.

Term 1 has been a very busy one in primary PE. We began the year with some fun team challenges and ‘Get to Know You’ activities, with Mr. Baldock set a tough task in trying to learn everyone’s names!

Prep – 2 classes then progressed into developing their Fundamental Movement Skills through a range of station games, with a focus on the different ways we can move our bodies, as well having a visit from Jonte and Payton from AFL Tasmania to do run some football sessions. 3-6 classes have investigated the different body positions and comparisons between underarm and overarm throwing, as well as participating in some golf sessions ran by Damon from Golf Australia and AFL clinics with Jonte and Payton from AFL Tasmania.

Next term will see classes begin some cross country practise in readiness for our cross country carnival, as well a focus on Net Wall sports during lessons.

On Friday the 5^th of April, the 5/6’s had a visit from film maker Lara van Raay and Wildlife Warrier Ruth Waterhouse to talk about what to do if you run over a wildlife animal especially if it’s carrying a baby in its pouch. They showed us a video about how Ruth put little bits of wood in the ground on the side of the road where an animal has died to try and raise awareness of the amount of animals that are killed on our roads. Ruth has made signs to alert people to the presence of animals and encouraging us to take extra care. Ruth also talked about Bonorong, a service that helps rescue and care for injured animals and their babies. If you find an injured or dead animal, pull over safely and turn on the hazard lights, approach the animal carefully and check if it has a baby in its pouch. If there is a baby present, then call Bonorong and they will send someone out to the location.

Did you know there are estimated to be over 400,000 animals that die on Tasmanian roads every year? The reason why there are so many is because people have built roads over animal tracks. So, when people run over the animals it’s us getting in the way of animals, not the other way around. The best way to avoid these senseless deaths is to stay off country roads after dark if you can and if you must travel, then slow down.

Ruth donated one of her signs to the school which says, “watch out for me” and features a penguin. If you would like to know what to do if you run over wildlife or if you would like the contact details for Bonorong, please call to the office and collect an information sheet and store it in your car glovebox.

Grace, Jada and Macie

Year 6

On Friday the 12th, we were lucky enough to have Scott Roth - Head Coach and Mentor of the 2024 Championship NBL Team the Tassie Jack Jumpers - march into Penguin District School for some high fives with our Primary students and some Q and A and motivational words with our Year 6-12s.  

Thank you to our student board members for putting together a fantastic last day of term bbq.

1^st Burnie 407 pts

2^nd Latrobe 359 Pts

3^rd Ulverstone 321 Pts   

4^th Penguin 300 Pts

5^th Devonport 87 Pts

6^th Parklands 61Pts

The Penguin District School Association Annual General meeting was held on Tuesday April 9.

We would like to welcome back our returning members Melika, Shelia, Mel and new member Matt.

A big thank you to our outgoing members, Brendan, Carol, Lennice and Andrew for their contribution to our School Association over the last few years.

Congratulations to our new office bearers:

Chairperson: Sheila Steele

Vice Chairperson: Elisha Franks

Secretary: Mel Grey

Treasurer: Julie McKenna

A special thanks to Paul Kenny for his leadership over the past few years. His time as Chairperson included his collaboration with the school and external providers in the planning and processes of the new school and redevelopment and was highlighted by the successful Quiz Night fundraiser.

Wednesday the 17th and 24th of April

Penguin Golf Club 

2-4pm 

All equipment provided. 

As you are aware Penguin District School has just completed a 3 week golf program at the school which was delivered by Damon Burley from Golf Australia. 

Damon is now delivering 2 free sessions at the Penguin Golf Club during the school holidays for those kids wanting to further develop their skills! All equipment will be provided. Kids are encouraged to bring a water bottle and a hat. 

Please register via the link below:

Golf Australia

Any further questions please contact Damon on 0408387355 or damon.burley@golf.org.au