Term 3 Summary

As we approach the end of another busy term at PDS, our teaching staff are naturally looking forward to a well-deserved break. As we reflect on the highlights of Term 3, one thing that does stand out is the vast array of events/activities across our school site offered this term:

The Maths Competition, Mount Hotham Ski Trip, School Football, The Science Fair,  Badminton & Soccer Gala Days, Firefighter Craig, Book Week, Young Tassie Scientists, a Japanese restaurant excursion, PCYC Resilience Programs, Write a Book in a Day, the Year 7 Information Evening, Primary Swimming Program, Kinder nature excursions, Burnie High School Production, High School Netball Championships, Pre-Kinder sessions, The Maths Relay, Sports Colours Day, and the Year 6 Canberra Trip.

Thank you to our staff for your continued commitment to everyday learning in the classroom as well as extra-curricular activities.

We hope that students have a safe and enjoyable school holidays and look forward to seeing you all re-charged and ready for learning in Term 4. We will continue to work towards our school attendance goal of 90% (currently 89%) and making sure that every child is known, safe and well. End of year assemblies also provide an important opportunity for us to recognise students who have excelled at school in 2025.

A moment of appreciation too for our non-teaching staff who may, or may not, be still at work over the school holiday period. The school site is a large and dynamic place, and a lot happens behind the scenes to make sure that the school site is ready for learning every day.

Focus Value – Courage

In recent weeks we have recognised 130 students across K-12 that have consistently demonstrated courage in Term 3. Courage can look very different for each student, and it is great to see students who were recognised proudly wearing their badge at school.

Next term our focus value will be Responsibility.

Introducing Nurse Alex 

Hi! My name is Alex Clark, and I am the School Health Nurse at Penguin District School. 

• I work with students (Pre-Kinder to Year 12), their families and school staff.
• I promote good health and wellbeing at school through health education and health promotion. This often looks like classroom visits or small group session on topics like emotional regulation, puberty, friendships, oral health, mental health and sun safety. 
• I offer Kindergarten Health checks and free vision and hearing screening.
• Support families and schools in managing complex health conditions.
• During lunch times, I often hold drop-in clinics for secondary students to ensure they have a safe, non-judgemental adult to speak to about their health choices.
• My workdays are Tuesdays and Fridays. 
• If you're needing support in relation to your child's health and wellbeing, I'm always happy to help! You can contact me via the school office. 

Evidence of Learning

Students in the following year levels will receive an envelope with work samples for the subjects listed. Please take the opportunity to view the work samples and talk to your child about their learning.

Shout Out / Thank You

• Ms Rush & Mr Duff who joined our HPE teaching team this term whilst Mr Baldock was on leave. Thank you for your contribution and all the best with future University studies.
• The Canberra team (Mrs Van Essen, Mr Rabe, Ms King, Mrs Enright, Mr Beattie). Thank you for your time and effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip away this week. We look forward to hearing about your travels.
• Families who attended Communicating with Families Meetings (in person or via phone & email). We appreciated the opportunity to connect and discuss your child’s progress and learning.
• Mrs McAuliffe who is representing Tasmania at the Hockey Australia Masters Women’s Championships in Hobart next week. Good luck.

Yours in partnership,

Jade Hughes - Assistant Principal (Year 7-12)