Mid-year marks an important milestone in the primary school calendar, offering a valuable moment to reflect on student growth and achievements. By this point in the year, students have developed greater independence, deepened their understanding of key concepts, and strengthened their classroom routines. It is a time when many children begin to show noticeable progress in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills, often gaining confidence in their ability to tackle challenges and work collaboratively.

The middle is a point of balance. Looking back, we can see where they began and looking forward, we can see where they’re headed. Mid-year reports provide insight into each child’s learning journey. It can show us where their achievements lie at this point in time.  It can also show us areas for continued growth. You will receive these important documents today (and Evidence of Learning for Secondary students), and I encourage you to look at these with your children, discussing where they’ve been and also where they are headed. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding these reports.

During these mid-year holidays, take the opportunity to reset goals and re-energise for the remainder of the year. Term 3 is a time to reignite curiosity, revisit expectations, and ensure that each student feels inspired to continue developing academically, socially, and emotionally.
And always remember, that learning is a continuous process and that every student’s journey is unique, with plenty of potential still to be unlocked in the second half of the year.

NAIDOC Week

This year, we celebrate NAIDOC week in the school holidays (6-13 July). The theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, which aims to celebrate not only the theme of the past, but the bright future ahead empowered by young leaders. As we know, the DECYP ‘why’ is also about having bright lives and positive futures. We proudly recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students here at PDS and stand to instil brightness into their everyday lives.

We will hold a smoking ceremony in the first week of Term 3 to mark the occasion with our Aboriginal Education Worker Brodie.

Check out StoryBoxHub for a comprehensive range of quality literature relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.

StoryBox Hub | Home – Click here to access

Username: taslift610

Password: lit850

Updated Mobile Phone Policy and Canteen Purchases

We would like to inform families about the recent review of our mobile phone policy; the review was due to a grey area with students using their phone for payment at the canteen. In line with the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) guidelines, we are reminding our school community the "Off and Away All Day" policy. This means that mobile phones must be turned off and stored away during the entire school day. This policy aims to create a focused and distraction-free learning environment for everyone.

Additionally, please note the following updates regarding canteen purchases:

• Cash, card, or pre-order: Students can make purchases at the canteen using cash, card, or by pre-ordering on the QRK App. 

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain a positive school environment.

Shout Outs to end Term 2 include:

• The 6 UTAS students across our school who have successfully completed their Practical Experience at PDS. Each one has shown the ability to observe, plan, teach and assess students at different levels and we appreciate the teachers who have taken these students under their wings.
• Team Double French who have finished teaching in 3/4 C in Miss Marshall’s absence. You have provided consistency and continuity in learning for our students, thank you.
• Parents who have signed up to attend Pre Kinder in Term 3. This is such an exciting time for the youngest learners in our school.
• Staff and students who have supported Silly Socks and Shorts Day and ordered pizzas for lunch today.
• Teachers who have been busily planning and completing paperwork to allow our students to see the performance Imagine today in Devonport. Students represented our school so well and we are proud of them.
• All the parents and carers who have managed to make lunchboxes, wash school clothes, check Seesaw and show up for their kids and teachers this Term! We appreciate you.