Transition

Naturally, as we reach the end of Week 6 in Term 3, we start to hear the word ‘transition’ used more often. Pre-kinder sessions for 2026 are underway. The Year 6-7 Information Evening was held on Thursday night. A small group of Year 10 students visited Don College on Thursday. Course counselling for future Hellyer College students is on September 15, and there are apprenticeship opportunities popping up on the secondary student notes.

For some, those transitions can feel more significant than others. What we do know is that the closer we work with families to support students the more likely we are of positive learning outcomes. If you have questions, however big or small, about any of these transition processes for your child, continue to reach out to the key contact people. If you are unsure of who that is, use the school email address and our admin team will forward your email to the appropriate person - penguin.district.school@decyp.tas.gov.au

Communicating with Families

In Week 9 of Term 3, all families will have an opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss student progress, work habits and/or wellbeing. Information will be communicated in the coming weeks about how to book in with a teacher(s) and which afternoon/evenings teaching staff are available.

Whilst there is no school report to be sent home during Term 3, we believe it is a valuable opportunity to speak to families face-to-face, or over the phone, to work towards learning and behaviour goals for the remainder of the school year.

It is important to note that teachers value the opportunity to connect with the family even if things seem to be going well at school. We shouldn’t underestimate how good it feels for a young person to receive positive feedback from their teacher in front of their family. There may also be a time in the future when that connection makes picking up the phone or writing an email a little easier too.

Student Devices

Students are very lucky at PDS to have access to devices (computers). For most year levels, this means 1:1 (one device per student).

We are encouraging students to take greater care with school devices after a slight increase with intentional or careless damage recently. This ultimately leads to difficult conversations with families about repair bills that range from $250-$900.

School Fire Education Program

Firefighter Craig has been working with our primary students (P-6) in recent weeks. In addition to the important safety messages he has been sharing we also wish to celebrate that Craig has been coming to our school for 30 years. A huge effort.