Courage is accepting challenges and embracing opportunities. 

Keeping our kids safe is everyone’s responsibility.  As a whole department DECYP has been showing a lot of courage in accepting the challenge of safeguarding our children and young people.  The work of the department is underpinned by the goal for all Tasmanian children and young people to be known, safe, well and learning. DECYP’s safeguarding mission is to be an exemplary child safe organisation that puts children and young people at the centre of all actions and decisions we make. In implementing this all DECYP staff have been undergoing a new further level of training as part of the new Safeguarding framework. This also means that all adults who work with students – including parent helpers – need to complete some training, as well as having a current WWVP card.  To support families, the school is offering some support for those who wish to volunteer at school – more details are below.

There are an increasing number of people who are moving around our community on eScooters or Personal Mobility Devices (PMD).  It is important that this is done safely.  In the interest of everyone's safety, it is important for us to be aware of the rules around Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) - which includes eScooters. Did you know that you legally must wear a helmet?  Students have been made aware that they must dismount scooters, bikes, or PMDs once on school property to ensure that everyone can move around the site safely. If you have concerns about the use of PMDs relating to PDS students on site, please contact the school. If in the local community, please contact 131444 (non emergency police).

Further information relating to PMDs is available at the following link. 

Personal mobility devices – Transport Services

Our focus value of Courage continues to be seen in our classrooms and various extra curricular activities that occur around our school. An example of this is Operation Resilience, a program offered by Burnie PCYC which our Year 3/4 students will be involved in this week.  Schools are busy places with lots going on, please continue to stay connected via the school newsletter, SchoolZine App, Facebook and Seesaw (for K-7).

Yours in Partnership,

Geoff Davis

Assistant Principal

We encourage parent/adult help at Penguin District School as we know the value of having our families assisting the learning that happens every day.

If you are interested in volunteering your time in the classroom this year, we require you to watch a 14-minute video to show that you’re able to work with us to keep our students safe. This is a requirement for all employees, volunteers and service providers.

To assist you with this, Jessie Eberhardt or Laura Gee will host a series of open mornings to help with watching this video. It can be done at home online, however, we do require a copy of your certificate to be given to office staff once complete.

https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/safe-children/safeguarding-children/safeguarding-training/

What: Assistance to complete the online Safeguarding Video

Where: Meeting room 1, Admin

When: Thursday 29 February, 7 March and 14 March 8:30 – 9:30 am

No RSVP required; we will have devices set up for family members if needed. We look forward to seeing you there.

What a big 2 and a half weeks for our Prep B students! Full time school is a big milestone and we are very proud of how our students are settling in.

We have spent our time getting to know each other through games, conversations, songs and lots of play. We have been busy learning new routines, exploring the Prep spaces during inquiry time and enjoying the beautiful sunshine.

Thankyou to our parents for supporting us in your child’s transition into Prep. We look forward to working together and learning more about your child.

Please keep connecting on Seesaw to keep up with you child’s learning and any upcoming news in Prep B!

In PE, Prep – Year 6 students have made a positive start to the term, with nice weather allowing us to utilise a number of our wonderful facilities. Students have participated in a range of team building and cooperative activities, as well as a focus on Fundamental Movement Skills for Prep – Year 2 and Athletics for 3-6 students.

A reminder that the NWPSSA Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 6 March (3/4’s) and Thursday 7 March (5/6’s) up at the athletics track. Mr Baldock will be accompanying the team along with Mr Perry and Alana. Further details around team selection and details for the day will be sent out soon.

Lastly, it has been wonderful to meet so many smiling and friendly faces during my first few weeks here at PDS. PE lessons have been very positive with fantastic participation.

Alex Baldock

HPE Teacher

In PE, Year 7 – 10 students have made a strong start to the term. With the enjoyable weather allowing us to take to the Oval with great conditions. In PE, students been participating in our Sport and Games unit. In this unit, students will participate in various sport and games with either whole grade or class activities to promote participation and inclusion in the activities. Within this unit students are assessed upon their Movement, Skill Development, Participation and Socials; all of which are something that students can develop across the term. Students have set a high standard of participation and a mention to the Year 7s who had everyone bring a change of PE gear for their first lesson.

Surf Carnival

The Secondary Surf Carnival is happening on the Monday 4March. This week students were given a letter and consent forms that are required to attend the Surf Carnival. It is imperative that these are returned no later than the 29March. On this day students have opportunities to spend time in their groups participating in various beach events as well as aquatic events. Everything that is required was included in the information that was sent home. We also thank the Penguin Surf Life Saving Club for their ongoing support in this event.

Soccer (Primary)

School Soccer notices are now available to collect form the office. These games are played out of Ulverstone of a Saturday morning.

Netball

Unfortunately, the school netball roster has been postponed until Term 2, this is due to difficult dates to organise around. Over the next few weeks students will receive information about this roster. Teams will be organised before the Easter long weekend.

IF you have an questions regarding HPE, feel free to get in contact through email.

Jade Hughes – Jade.Hughes@decyp.tas.gov.au

Chris de Ruyter – Christopher.de.ruyte@decyp.tas.gov.au

Alex Baldock – Alex.Baldock@decyp.tas.gov.au

Claire Wade – Claire.Wade@decyp.tas.gov.au

Robyn Locke – Robyn.Locke@decyp.tas.gov.au

On Thursday, February 15, Alana de Bruyn had the privilege of meeting with and receiving a generous donation from the Penguin Lions Club for the School Chaplaincy program. The club contributed $1000 towards this initiative, with Julie Crawford presenting the donation during their recent meeting.

For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar