Dear Families

Welcome to Term 4 – it is hard to believe that we only have 8½ weeks left of our 2019 school year! Term 4 is always an extremely busy one with lots of exciting events and culminating activities. Staff have already commenced planning and organisation and we look forward to a great term!

Principal Morning Tea

On the last Thursday of Term 3 I enjoyed morning tea with a group of students who are truly living our value of Aspiration. Students were able to clearly explain how they have been aspirational in their school life. This term our focus is Courage and classes are beginning to dig deeper into how we can all be more courageous.

Billy Wilson

One student who has demonstrated courage is Billy Wilson. Over the holidays Billy represented Tasmania in two separate horse riding events. Billy required special permission to compete because of his young age. Congratulations Billy you have been truly courageous. See a report from Billy later in this newsletter.

Infant Fun Day

On Friday our Prep-2 classes will be attending the annual Infant Fun Day, which is to be held at Cressy District High School this year. We will leave at 9:30 and return by 2:30. Parents are most welcome to join us at Cressy.

Wellbeing Survey

Last term our Grade 4-6 students participated in the statewide Student Wellbeing Survey as a part of the Child and Wellbeing Strategy. All students from Grades 4-12 have completed the survey and each year trends will be examined. We have received the data from the survey and this week I participated in a data review with the Department of Education and staff from the survey provider. Longford teachers will work together in the future to analyse this data and to make decisions that will support the wellbeing of students at our school.

PIPS

Over the next fortnight our Prep students will undertake the second PIPS assessment with their teacher. If you have any questions please speak to your child’s teacher.

Hats

A reminder that, in line with our SunSmart policy, students must wear hats in Terms 1 and 4 while playing outside. Students not wearing hats are required to play under shaded areas. Bucket, legionnaire and slouch hats are available for purchase at the school office.

Woolworths Earn and Learn

Thank you for all families that brought along stickers earlier this year. We were able to access a number of games that will support our teamwork and positive play.

Class Placements for 2020

In Term 4 staff will work to place students in classes for 2020. If parents would like to let us know of any educational considerations that may influence the placement of your child/ren, please see Mrs Sutton (Week 3), Miss Doran, Mrs Biffin or Mrs Morrison to collect a form to complete. Requests for specific teachers are not part of our processes.

One or two students more/less can make a difference to our decision making for 2020. You can help us out by telling us now if your children will not be attending Longford Primary next year. Also, if you know of any families moving in or out of the Longford area, please encourage them to make contact with us at school. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this.

Show ‘Thank You’

On behalf of the students, families and staff, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the Parent Fundraising Group and their amazing helpers (led by the wonderful Judelle Parker) for the outstanding catering done for the Longford Show Society and our food pavilion. The countless hours put in by many individuals once again ensured this major fundraiser for our school was an outstanding success. We truly value all you do to support our school community.

Student Free Day

Friday 1st November is a DoE allocated teacher professional learning day. There is no school for students on this day. Monday 4th November is also the Recreation Day holiday.

Department of Education Student Awards

Congratulations to Imogen B who has been selected to receive a Growth Award at a ceremony on Wednesday 23rd October. Growth awards recognise student progress over time and is presented to a student who has demonstrated significant academic growth. I will join Imogen and her family to celebrate this achievement.

Rotary Garden ‘Taste and See’

On the last day of Term 4 I joined Cathy, Nori, Yuriko and a very enthusiastic group of students to show members of the Longford Rotary the impact their grant has made on our garden. After a tour of the garden we all sat to enjoy afternoon tea together. Thanks to the garden team for a delightful afternoon.

Jacinta Doran
Acting Principal