Well, it has certainly been a very busy (in such a short week) end to Term 3. As we head to the holiday break today, I would like to thank all members of our school community for their ongoing support of our great school; particularly in navigating the late start to school yesterday with such short notice.

It was really rewarding yesterday afternoon to join our students and staff from Grades 3 to 6 as a member of the audience at Wynyard High School’s Arts celebration event. Today, I have received emails from people not connected with our school community, praising our joint choir’s outstanding performances – certainly, a huge tribute to all Senior choir members and especially to the Music teachers at both schools…well done Ms Sharon Neilson!

After witnessing our musical talent yesterday, I then attended the NWPSSA Inter-Primary Athletics Twilight Finals and really enjoyed watching such talented athletes all racing to achieve a Personal Best. Table Cape was certainly well represented and all our runners are to be commended on their achievement in qualifying as regional finalists and some also were able to celebrate a placing ribbon too.

               

Term 4 Department and Staffing Updates

Welcome to Mrs Kelli-Anne Gillam who will be joining our school community as a new part-time staff member, teaching Visual Arts on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Mrs Gillam has been on Maternity leave and is transferring to our school on her return to teaching.

New for term 4 is the name of our new Department for Education, Children and Young People which will come into effect on 1 October 2022. Our current named Department of Education will join with some functions from the Department of Communities to form a new Department.

It will be responsible for child and youth centred activities including:

• Tasmanian Government Schools
• Child Safety
• Youth Justice
• Out of Home Care
• Libraries Tasmania
• Child and Family Learning Centres.

Schools will continue as usual

On 1 October 2022 schools will continue as normal. Our priority is service continuity. You likely won’t notice any change.

Over time you will notice a new email address and branding appearing on materials sent from your school.

“Why a new Department for Education, Children and Young People?

As reflected in its name, this is a new Department built entirely for children and young people. They are at the centre of everything this new Department will do.

I am excited by the unique opportunity to combine knowledge, experience, and ways of working. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every Tasmanian child and young person is known, safe, well, and learning.”

You can keep up to date on how this work is progressing by visiting the public website at https://www.education.tas.gov.au/new-department/ .

(Tim Bullard – SECRETARY)

TCPS Canteen Expression of Interest for 2023

The current School Canteen operator lease expires at the end of 2022.

We are now seeking expressions of interest for 2023. The application and information can be accessed via the link below or for any further inquiries please email our School Business Manager, Andrea Miller – andrea.miller@education.tas.gov.au

COVID-19 Term 4 Planning

The Department for Education, Children and Young People have a clear plan in place to safely manage COVID-19 in schools.

Term 4 Approach

The Department’s COVID-safe schools operational plan shows what schools are doing to safely manage COVID-19. It applies everything we’ve learnt since the start of the pandemic. This plan is reviewed based on Public Health advice. Any changes to this plan will be shared with school communities. 

Overview for families

• A combination of COVID-safe measures means our schools can continue to stay safely open.
• Face-to-face learning will continue with COVID-safe measures in place.
• Students with disability who have complex health needs will continue to be supported by their school with individual learning plans.
• Regular school and learning activities will continue in a COVID-safe manner.
• Testing for COVID-19 when you have symptoms will continue. Students and staff will have access to rapid antigen tests at their school, to use if they have symptoms. If your child is unwell, please keep them home and get tested.
• COVID-19 cases will be safely managed by Public Health. Every school has a dedicated COVID-19 support person, who works closely with Public Health if there are increased COVID-19 cases. Families will be contacted directly about any COVID-19 impacts at their school.
• Learning at home via the Virtual Learning Centre will continue if students need to isolate due to COVID-19. If your child is a COVID-19 case, they can do online learning if they feel well, and return to school if they have no symptoms after five days.
• Workforce planning strategies are in place to ensure there are enough staff in schools.

Keeping up our COVID-safe measures

Vaccination: Children aged 5+ years will continue to be encouraged to be vaccinated – vaccination is not mandatory for a child to attend school. The Department of Education has a highly vaccinated workforce.

Face masks: Face masks are no longer mandatory indoors at schools unless an individual is directed to wear a face mask by Public Health. There may also be times or situations where a school requires face masks to be worn. It is, however, recommended that all staff and visitors wear face masks when indoors if they are unable to physically distance. Students are not required to wear face masks but are supported if they choose to. Face masks will continue to be available for staff and students at all Tasmanian Government Schools.

Ventilation: Air purifiers will continue to be used in classrooms, as well as use of open windows if cool climate allows.

Outdoor learning: Schools will continue to take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities where possible, dependent on cool climate.

Physical distancing: All adults will continue to keep a physical distance of 1.5 metres from each other.

Hygiene practices: Regular handwashing and sanitising will continue.

Cleaning: Frequent cleaning will continue, particularly on high-touch surfaces.

Safe site management: non-essential visitors will continue to be limited, and schools will regularly review their COVID-19 safety plans.

Groups: Mixing of students and staff will continue to be limited where required. COVID-safe ways of bringing students together to participate in learning activities will be considered.

Reminder

During Term 4, students are required to wear a hat during reccess and lunch times. Hats are available to purchase at the office $10 each.

Finally, today, best wishes to everyone for a safe and enjoyable holiday break… ready for an awesome start to Term 4 on Monday 17 October.