For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar

Did you know?

All parents are automatically part of the School Association. The Committee is the group that represents the Association. All parents are welcome to attend and observe all meetings. This could be a great way for you to come and see what a meeting is like, and whether you would like to be more involved. 

The Committee met on Monday September 23 for the second time this term, and covered a range of topics including:

• annual requests to the Association for funds, and whether these are still suitable
• possible fundraising ideas to allow some income 
• exploring ways to make the uniform provider transition easier 

We have had two resignations from the Committee over the past term. Paul Kenny was Chair for 5 years, and was strongly involved in the new school planning and move. Paul worked hard for a very successful quiz fundraiser a few years ago. Melanie Grey has been on the Committee for around 3 years and was the Secretary in 2024. I would like to say a huge thankyou to both Paul and Mel for all their efforts. 

As a result, we now have two vacant seats. We would love to hear from anyone interested in joining us. We meet twice a term, from 5:30pm on a Monday. The next meeting is scheduled to be on October 28. 

Enjoy the holidays!

Sheila

Congratulations to the following students who received Aussie of the Month awards in Term 3.

Darcy Prep B 

We’d like to celebrate our sensational ‘Aussie of the Month’, Darcy. Darcy has been honoured with this special award for her courage, persistence, fun attitude and positivity that she brings to school each day. It is such a joy to see what Darcy’s ‘have a go’ attitude allows her to do. She has the courage to try new things and willingly accepts new challenges. This has led to her flourishing this year. Darcy is friendly to all and regularly offers a helping hand. She has genuine care and respect for our little Prep B community and we are grateful for her. Congratulations Darcy.

Joseph Prep A 

Joseph has had a fantastic three terms in Prep A. He always works hard to achieve his personal goals and shows growth in confidence daily. He is a considerate friend and helper and a very valuable part of our team.  Joesph is thoughtful when sharing his perspective and shows understanding when considering the diversity of our class group. He finds humour in small things, has a great sense of wonder and is developing a real sense of adventure. He shows bravery when facing challenges but is willing to trust and keep learning. He is kind, caring and always ready with a smile. Joseph makes everyone around him happy and is so deserving of our Aussie of the Month Award!

Frankie 1A

Frankie is a shining star in 1A. She consistently demonstrates the qualities that make her a worthy of Aussie of the Month. Whether in the classroom or on the playground, Frankie always ensures that everyone has a fair go by providing opportunities for all and making sure no one is left out. Her strong sense of mateship is evident in the way she supports and uplifts her classmates, always ready with a kind word or helping hand. Frankie's respect for herself, others, our community and the environment set a wonderful example for everyone around her.

Frankie's caring and inclusive nature create an atmosphere of kindness and support that positively affects her peers. By welcoming everyone with a kind heart, she sets an excellent example for her classmates and makes 1A a great place to be.

Congratulations Frankie on this well-deserved recognition and the positive impact you bring to 1A. Keep being you!

Hudson 3-4B

Hudson is a dedicated, hardworking student who always strives for excellence. As a classmate, he consistently shows kindness and support to those around him, both in and outside of the classroom. His respectful interactions with peers and adults help create a positive and inclusive environment. When it comes to learning, Hudson exhibits remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity. His commitment to academic excellence is evident in his diligent work ethic and perseverance when faced with challenges. Hudson’s dedication towards his learning and willingness to take on feedback inspires those around him to strive for their best. As a role model, he leads by example. His actions reflect a strong sense of responsibility and respect, setting a benchmark for others to follow. He truly embodies our school values and is a very deserving Aussie of the Month.

Hope 3-4D

Hope is a dedicated and hardworking student who consistently shows perseverance and strives to achieve her personal best on any given task. She demonstrates respect for both staff and students and can always be relied upon to do the right thing. Hope is always willing to lend a hand and she shows kindness and empathy to anyone in need. She demonstrates patience and inclusivity in her interactions with others and is a caring friend. Hope’s humility, compassion and diligence are just some of the many admirable qualities that make her a worthy Aussie of the Month recipient. Congratulations, Hope!

Heidi 5A 

Heidi is a kind, polite and hard-working student who is held in high regard by her peers. She is a positive role model and an attentive class member who engages with her learning and commits to doing her personal best. Heidi consistently provides valued contributions during class discussions. She is involved in Vivace, and in her role as a School Leader assists younger students and  the broader Primary community everyday. She trains with and represents the Penguin Surf Club. Heidi is always respectful, thoughtful of others, fair and plays by the rules. Heidi abides by our school rules and values and is a deserving recipient of the Aussie of the Month award.

What a busy term in Prep A and B! We have seen so much growth in learning, confidence, friendships, and responsibility. We thought we would celebrate with a Teddy Bears Picnic and a play at Dial Park, we had so much fun!

The Fun Museum

One fine sunny day, it was Thursday morning, and some kids were going to the Launceston Museum. Some people went on the minibus and some people went on the big, long bus. On the way a girl named Lily sat next to a girl named Macey. Lily and Macey loved talking together and sitting together. When the children got to the museum, they were so excited to see some dinosaur fossils but first they had to have recess to survive the whole entire day. After the museum the children went to Riverbend Park.

Lily

On Thursday we went to Launceston. On the way to Launceston, I sat next to Quinn, and we were talking to each other. At the museum we had groups, and my group was the best. I had Hamish, Flynn and Angus. My favourite thing at the museum probably was the dinosaurs because I love dinosaurs. The cars at the museum were very old and rusty. I bet that those cars will not run. When we were at Riverbend Park, we had lunch and then we had a play at the park. I played a bit of basketball, and I just played football for the rest of the time with Alex and Dale. On the way back to school I sat next to Otis, and we were naming football players.

Tom

The Canberra trip is an important part of the educational journey of our young people at Penguin District School. Not only did the learnings from the classroom come to life during the trip, but the connections between students and staff were amazing. The hard work and tireless hours spent organising this trip were absolutely worthwhile when watching students share lollies on the plane with new friends, students offering popcorn and muesli bars around to the group without being asked and the heartfelt farewell that students gave Onno our bus driver as he dropped us at the airport this evening. These students were an absolute credit to their families and themselves. The school community should be extremely proud of the young people who represented them in Canberra over the last six days. The number of comments from members of the public are staggering - the manners, respect and kindness shown to others in the group being mentioned repeatedly. I look forward to supporting and working with this group of young people over the coming years and thank them all for their trust, exemplary behaviours and enthusiasm for every activity they were asked to engage with.

Students from our school have recently undertaken, an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civic and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government has contributed funding to our school in the amount of $900 per student under the Parliment and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Today all students and staff wore their favourite sports teams. Hawthorn was well represented, with quite a few Western Bulldogs and many NBL teams including the Jack Jumpers making an appearance also. The sports day lunch of saveloys, party pies and meat pies was also well received by all. Thank you all for your support for this special day!

6 teams, 58 students, 4 student umpires and plenty of parent volunteers have spent Saturday mornings representing and supporting Penguin District School in the Burnie Netball Association Schools Roster.  Although watching the various weather apps on phones each Friday night seemed to be a regular occurrence, as well as the early Saturday morning messages and watching Facebook for game cancellations, the season was a definite success with smiling faces and skill development seen through all teams.

This season was supported, for the first time, by our Sport and Recreation class who planned and supported training sessions every Thursday in the stadium. Thank you Max, Maddie and Benita for spending your time to help develop throwing, catching, landing, pivoting and game play and Mr Forbes for supporting them. The primary teams skill development has been greatly influenced by the three of you!

Our two Netta teams provided experienced players an opportunity to lead and support new players with guidance from parents, in particular, Sarah, Jemma, Renae and Kate. Netta is a modified game that encourages students to play together and learn the game. Thank you to the parents for providing a supportive environment for our students to participate and enjoy their time on the court.

Our four primary teams again provided role modelling opportunities for older students to support younger students to develop both their skills, and understanding of the game. Tireless efforts from Jessie Eberhardt to coach, umpire and parent each Saturday are much appreciated by the Penguin Pink team. Mel Coulson again stepped up to coach the Red team and ensure all players had opportunities to try all the positions and have fun on the court. For this, we are very grateful to you Mel. Amazing Stephen Dutton, thank you for umpiring, especially when two of your children were in opposing teams, and your offer to umpire was organised only a few days prior. The supportive parents of the Purple team saw Kurt and Sarah steering the ship for the second half of the season after lifestyle changes saw Tully and Addy stepping away from coaching the team. Super coach Amy Jane has again shown how her positive role modelling brings positive development of her players, coaching the Penguin Light team to plenty of improvement and success. Thanks Amy Jane.

A massive congratulations and thank you to Eva Ridderhof, Alycia Van Essen and Harper Stewart who have umpired every week that they were available. Having the confidence and resilience to learn to umpire this season is commendable. Without the three of you volunteering your time, Penguin Purple and Penguin Red would not have been able to participate in this roster – thank you and well done on your improvement.

We are excited about presenting our production ‘Beauty and the Beast – A Bloomin’ Good Tale’ at the Ulverstone theatre in Term 4 2024.

Our next order for production t-shirts and hoodies for staff and students will be placed when we have recieved at least 30 orders. The shirts will be black and hoodies will be black or blue with the production logo on the front and the option of first name, surname or character name on the back. The cost of the t-shirt is $27. The cost of the hoodies is $60 or $65 with name.

T-shirts and hoodies can be worn to rehearsals, casual clothes days and outside of school.

Band members, backstage crew and ushers are encouraged, where possible, to wear the production t-shirt as part of their outfit for shows (plain black clothing is required if this t-shirt is not purchased).

Orders can be made via the Qkr.