For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar

Reflecting on Growth and Planning for the Future

Today’s Student Free Professional Learning Day provided a valuable opportunity for our teaching team to reflect on the progress of our school improvement plan and to closely interogate our PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) data. With an eye on 2025, we analysed individual student achievements whilst evaluating class, cohort and whole school data trends. This collaborative approach will play an essential role in refining our strategies for the upcoming year, ensuring we support every student’s success.

2025 Class Groupings

This week, our staff have started looking at class groupings for 2025 by considering student learning friend requests.  Your child’s current teacher, and teaching team,  is well-placed to develop 2025 classes with the support of the leadership team.  Class placements take into consideration factors such as gender balance, learning needs, social/emotional connections and student dynamics. Our ultimate goal is to create cohesive and equitable class groupings that are best placed to support the learning needs of all students.  While we cannot fulfill personal requests, if there is information you believe would be valuable for your future child’s teacher to consider, please reach out to either Matt Perry (Primary) or Goeff Davis (Secondary) in writing by Friday November 15.

Celebrating Connection Through Community and Family

Our school’s core value for this term, Connection, was highlighted during our VIP Kite Flying Afternoon. We were thrilled to see so many parents and carers join us, making it an incredible afternoon of joy, collaboration, and connection. Thank you to all who participated in fostering such meaningful connections within our community; your involvement is greatly appreciated and enriches our school culture.  A big thank you to Laura Gee, our LiFT Coordinator for her ongoing work in this space.

https://youtu.be/E-pthuiOj6g

https://youtu.be/ZH2gy1t5du8

Upcoming Events: Assembly and More!

Next week, we look forward to our Primary Assembly, where the following classes will be sharing their learning:

• 3/4 O'Shea/Arnott
• 1C Gardam
• Kinder A and Kinder B

This will be a memorable assembly, as it marks the very first time our Kindergarten classes will be sharing on stage—a true showstopper moment! We’re excited to see the unique energy and enthusiasm our little learners bring to this event.

School Production Excitement: Beauty and the Beast

Our school production of Beauty and the Beast is fast approaching, and the excitement among students and staff is palpable! Every student will have the chance to attend a performance, scheduled for either Week 5 or Week 6. This event promises to be a highlight of the term, showcasing the incredible talents within our school community.  We would highly recommend families jumping online and booking tickets ASAP. https://www.trybooking.com/CRKEO

Attendance

We are sneaking up towards our whole school attendance of 90%.  We are currently sitting at 89.6% so in the last 7 weeks of term, everyday really does matter.

Important Dates & Reminders

As we enter the busiest time of the year, be sure to stay up to date by checking the SZapp calendar regularly for major event information and dates. 

 Thank you for your ongoing support and connection! We’re grateful for our school community and excited for all that’s to come as we close out the year together.  Have a fantastic long weekend.

Yours in partnership 

Adrian Beard - Assitant Principal/Instructional Coach

It was great to welcome Angela back to the School Association meetings this week. Some of the things we discussed were:

• Review of the Uniform policy, and how Year 6 and Year 10 shirts can align with this
• The Visitors policy, and how this is shared with the school community
• School levies for 2025
• Revisiting plans to establish a school garden - watch this space in case this might be something you would like to get involved in

We are planning to hold a Christmas raffle to raise funds for the School Association. This will help us to respond to requests for awards, resources, sports equipment and more - as it has been a long time since the Association has raised any funds! If you have any donations for a hamper, or items that can included in a raffle, we would be so grateful if you could get in touch through the admin team on 6434 2222 or penguin.district.school@decyp.tas.gov.au

Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings - they are relaxed, and always involve home baked goods. It is a great opportunity to hear discussions with the Leadership and admin team. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 pm Monday December 2 - we hope to see you there. 

Shelia

School Association Chairperson

Congratulations to Maddy (Year 7) and Mason (Year 5) who received awards in the recent 2024 Australian Maths Competition. Maddie received a prize and Mason a High Distinction award.  It was fantastic to have Mason and his family make the trip to Hobart earlier this week for him to receive his award at the State Awards Ceremony.

 All other Australian Maths Competition certificates will be presented in our upcoming assemblies.

This term3/4 A have been very busy with Science and HASS.

SCIENCE

This term in Science we have been learning about the water cycle. We have conducted  an experiment to investigate the important role the sun plays in the function of the water cycle. During the remainder of the term we will be creating our own model of the water cycle.

HASS

This term Grade 3/4 A have been developing a greater awareness of Tasmanian geography and how the land is used and organised in their local community. This week students examined a google map of Penguin to determine how different areas of Penguin are used i.e residential, commercial, industrial, recreational or rural.

The second part of the exercise, based on their findings, involved students researching answering the questions:

 Is Penguin a great place to live? If you could improve Penguin, what would you do?

Here are some of the responses:

‘I think Penguin is a great place to live because it has grocery stores, houses parks and health care. If there could be an improvement, I would like it to have a hospital.’ Gus 

‘Yes, Penguin is a good place to live. If you are bored, you can go for a swim!’ George

‘We’ve loved the lookouts and restaurants, what a nice place Penguin is. And I met my best friend in Penguin too! But I think there could be more chocolate shops.’ Mahayla 

‘Yes! There are so many good and fun things to do like going to the beach and Hiscutt Park, Dial Park and the football oval. There are also places you can go for walks and barbecues. But I think they could add a hospital, a big sports stadium, a theatre and a movie theatre.’ Hazel 

‘I believe Penguin is a great place to live because there are lots of activities, houses and health services. However, lots of shops have a single step to get in, so people with wheelchairs can’t access the shops. And you can never find an empty carpark! Sophie

In 3/4B we have been learning about measurement. Focussing on our value of connection, we have worked in teams to complete measurement scavenger hunts and also solve area and perimeter challenges. Students have been creating their own house plans and working out the area and perimeter of each room.

Buddy Writing Success: Class 3-4C Mentors Class 2A!

Last week, students in Class 3-4C teamed up with their new buddies in Class 2A for a wonderful buddy writing session. The older students guided their younger friends as they crafted creative stories, shared ideas, and practiced their writing skills together.

With encouragement from their mentors, each student in Class 2A helped to create a short, imaginative text.  Class 3-4C took on their leadership roles with enthusiasm, helping their buddies brainstorm ideas and work through challenges. The results were fantastic, and everyone ended the session with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

This buddy writing activity fostered not only creativity but also teamwork and confidence as students learned from one another. 3-4C are looking forward to doing more work with the grade 2’s before the end of term.

This term 3/4D have been writing their own novels. Students have enjoyed the process and have been excited to share their work with their peers.

In Year 8 students have been analysing poetry structures and then writing poems using these structures.

My Holidays - William

Fun, party, and 18^th 
Partied like a racoon
Mandarin Palace-metal dragons and cranes dancing on the walls

Bang sizzling plates with squid and beef
Fried of rice and the smell of sweet honey and lemon chicken
Fun, party, food, 18^th, and sister
My holiday was a blast because of the loud party music

Poetry – Jacob  

Bending words pronunciation 
A pattern sound 
A warping word fixation 
New feelings quite profound 

It’s about the timing 
The pauses and splits 
The gaps between your rhyming 
As long as it all fits 

The Train – Lawson

Pounding hard, steam rising
Powerful cylinders pump the rods
The passengers knew the odds
Gauges telling, driver analysing 
Wheels grinding, power maximising
The pressure rises and the driver nods
The steam clouds reduce their bonds
Slowing gently, brakes compromising

In Year  9 students have been appreciating a range of poetry and then writing poetry inspired by these poems.

Search Engine  - Roxy

Sometimes I am like a search engine.

Honest.

Quick.

Rambling unwanted nonsense like that of a parrot.

Wrong with strong enthusiasm.

You’re Great…But Not That Great - Wynnona

You are the sun and the stars,
the light and the dark.
You are the sunrise by the beach,
and the sunset in the city.
You are the angel that watches over everyone,
and the devil that spits in my face when you talk.

However, you are not the shiny engagement ring in the window,
the person who is always complimented by strangers,
or the smell of brand new shoes,
And you are certainly not the hot side character of anyone’s story.
There is just no way that you are the hot side character of anyone’s story.

It is possible that you are the ridiculous math equation,
maybe even the gum on the bottom of tables,
but you are not even close
to being the drop-dead gorgeous employee at Target.

And a quick look in the mirror will show
that you are neither the icon you claim to be
nor the fashionable people that roam the airports at night.

It might interest you to know,
speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the sound of heels strutting down the pavement.

I also happen to be the Starbucks barista that misspells your name,
the petty 5-year-old that has the attitude of a grown man,
and the dusty book on the shelf that you keep putting off until tomorrow.

I am also the rat inside your walls
and the possum having a disco party in your roof.
But don't worry, I'm not the sun and the stars.
You are still the sun and the stars.
You will always be the sun and the stars,
not to mention the light and—somehow—the dark.

New shoes – Taleah

You are the sunrise and the sun set,
the daylight and the nightfall.
You are the cool breeze on a summer’s day
and the and the warm sand under my feet
You are the tulips blooming in the spring
and the shoulder to lean on.

However, you are not the 5am swim trainings,
the odd socks,
or the running late for something important.
And you are certainly not the bad hair days.
There is just no way that you are the bad hair days.

It is possible that you are the light at the end of the tunnel,
maybe even the wish when blowing out candles,
but you are not even close
to being the darkness that fills my room.

And a quick look in the mirror will show
that you are neither the bad luck when breaking a mirror
nor the New shoes on the table

It might interest you to know,
speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the sound of waves crashing on the shore

I also happen to be the shiny pearl hidden below the surface
the shapes found in the clouds
and the basket of freshly picked flowers from the field.

I am also the shot that lands perfectly in the bin
and the UV index higher than 6
But don't worry, I'm are the sunrise and the sunset
You are still the sunrise and the sunset.
You will always be the sunrise and the sunset
not to mention the daylight and—somehow—nightfall.

Childhood - Asha

Hold fast to your childhood
For if childhood dies
Life is a document
Filled with lies.

Hold fast to childhood
For when childhood goes
Life is filled with nothing
Except for lows.

The Warmth of Night - Ollie

You are the sun in the summer sky and the moon on a winter night,
the comforting blanket and the rose in the garden.
You are the lifeboat in a choppy ocean
and the butterfly on the flower.
You are the lantern in the dark,
and the soft music while I sleep.

However, you are not the lonely tree in the field,
the dog barking in the night,
or the stray cat without a home.
And you are certainly not the signal star in the sky.
There is just no way that you are the lonely tree in the field.

It is possible that you are the soft rays of the sun,
maybe even the birds in the sky,
but you are not even close
to being the annoying fly.

And a quick look in the mirror will show
that you are neither the monster you see
nor the lonely soul in the void.

It might interest you to know,
speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the sound of trumpets over the hill.

I also happen to be the medic running across the warzone,
the axe of a firefighter
and the basket of apples and peaches.

I am also the sinking Titanic
the people stranded within.
But don't worry, I'm not the sun in the summer sky.
You are still the sun in the summer sky.
You will always be the sun in the summer sky,
not to mention the comforting blanket and—somehow—the rose in the garden.

Oceanic by Kaleb 

You are the ocean and the rough waves against the floor,
the coral and the special fish.
You are the sun that shines the sea
and the crystal clear waters.
You are the sand that follows the current,
and the birds that talk.

However, you are not the plastic in the sand,
the salty air,
or the colorless coral.
And you are certainly not the sea cucumber.
There is just no way that you are the sea cucumber.

It is possible that you are the stones in the sand,
maybe even the cold ice-cream,
but you are not even close
to being the rusty shipwrecks.

And a quick look in the mirror will show
that you are neither the cans in the sea
nor the fishing line.

It might interest you to know,
speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the (sound of) rain hitting the sea.

I also happen to be the people happy at the sea,
the laughter of children
and the (basket of) colorful shells.

I am also the glints of the sea
and the sound of people.
But don't worry, I'm not the ocean and the waves.
You are still the ocean and the waves.
You will always be the ocean and the waves,
not to mention the coral and the special fish and—somehow the coral and the special fish.

By Maddie 

You are the missing keys and the long lines,
the nails on a chalkboard and the Spotify ads.
You are the dead goldfish, who is ‘still alive’
and the child throwing a fit.
You are the slow walker in a busy place,
and the gum on my shoe.

However, you are not the cute guys you only meet once,
the flowers in spring,
or the stars lighting up the sky.
And you are certainly not the freshly baked cookies.
There is just no way that you are the freshly baked cookies.

It is possible that you are the cat that always claws someone,
maybe even the knife in the back,
but you are not even close
to being the perfect summers day.

And a quick look in the mirror will show
that you are neither the beach
nor the butterflies in spring.

It might interest you to know,
speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the crashing waves along the sand.

I also happen to be the shooting stars,
the sound of rain on the roof
and the basket of fresh baked bread.

I am also the freedom of a mountain
and the moon lighting up the sky.
But don't worry, I'm not the missing keys and the long lines.
You are still the missing keys and the long lines.
You will always be the missing keys and the long lines,
not to mention the nails on a chalkboard and—somehow— the Spotify ads.

By Emma

Two households, unalike, culture clashing

In fair Australia, we lay our scene,

From ancient dislike to new uprising

Bogans and hippies, the fighting unclean.

From the hatred of these two clashing foes 

A match, star-Cross’d lovers a love unjust.

Whose beloved adventures are overthrows.

With their death bury their parents’ disgust.

Fearful of their death-marked love to elope,

For the continuance of their parents' rage,

Nought could remove, not for their children’s hope.

Now the two hours of our work is on page.

Of which we have till Wednesday due to nail.

What said here shall show a true love’s tale.

Thursday 7 & Friday 8 November

Thank you 

Our value focus for Term 4 is Connection.  As chaplain at PDS it is a privilege to be a available as connection point.  As a school community we are so blessed by the many long standing and meaningful connections in our wider community.  A special ‘Connection’ shout out to the Penguin Lions Club, and Penguin Op Shop/Rookery for their close partnership with our School Community in providing essential support to students and families in need. A special thank you goes to the Penguin Churches; Sanctuary Hill Reformed Church, St Stephens Anglican Church, Penguin Uniting Church, Penguin Baptist Church, St Mary's Catholic Church and The Rock Community Church who continue to do all they can to support our school community. Their commitment to making a difference truly embodies the spirit of care and connection in our community.

Chaplaincy Student Placement, Term Four 

This term, Ainsley Todd will be joining us each Wednesday as part of her student placement, shadowing Alana de Bruyn, our School Chaplain to complete her chaplaincy qualification. She will observe and learn from daily duties, interactions, and pastoral care within the school setting.

The placement will provide Ainsley with hands-on experience, offering valuable insights into how chaplaincy supports the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of both students and staff.

Ainsley is trained and qualified with exterior training for child safety through her Camp Clayton work and so you may recognise her from there or The Rock Community Church, where she helps facilitate our schools lunchtime programs on Mondays for both High and Primary students. Feel free to welcome Ainsley or say hello as you see her around with Alana this coming term!

Dear families of students in Year 7, 8 and 9 in 2024.

Attached you will find documents that provide information about subject selections for 2025. A hard copy will be provided to students.

Students and families are encouraged to consider the following points:

• Which subjects best suit my own personal interests, passions, and hobbies?
• Which subjects may be linked to future career pathways I am interested in?
• Which subjects might provide valuable learning opportunities for me?
• Are there any teachers that we should contact to find out more?
• Am I making decisions for me and not based on what my friends are selecting?

The link for students to make subject selections will be sent to student email addresses on Tuesday next week once they have had an opportunity to consider their options.

If you have any questions, please use the contact details provided in the document.

Mr Jade Hughes (Year 9/10 Co-ordinator

Year 3/4E have enjoyed Spring in the Sensory Garden. They worked hard to maintain the garden and control the weeds. They also planted some donated shrubs in the nature play area of the school ground.

Lots of flowers were taken home from the Sensory Garden for families to enjoy.

The garden has been a special place for the primary school students for many years and lots of children have planted and harvested vegetables and fruit from the garden over its life time. We have all enjoyed the team work and friendship developed in the garden. Often children and teachers have used the garden as a place to catch their breath and refocus before returning to the classroom. Groups have also enjoyed delicious pizzas featuring produce from the garden.