What a big week at TPS

Welcome back to all of our families and community members for what is no doubt going to be an action packed 2024. Thank you to Jayde who has been working hard over the break to ensure our grounds look fabulous, and to the teachers for setting up their classrooms so effectively.

Mr T retirement

For the past 44 years, Mr T has been a constant figure at Tongala PS. In that time he has helped shape the lives of so many locals and had a positive impact on so many families. Pete, even in his latter years, is always keen to build his craft, and is constantly going above and beyond for our great school.

Pete leaves behind a great legacy, and a teaching record that will be very hard to surpass. He loves our school, the community, his colleagues and we in turn thank him for the endless hours he has put in to make our school a better place for everyone.

We will have an opportunity to thank Pete on behalf of the school community at Monday night's Welcome BBQ, as well as a special dinner with his colleagues.

Mr Cuttriss

As many would be aware, Mr Cuttriss is leaving us on the 16th of February to take up his new position at Rochester Secondary College as their new Learning Specialist. 

This is obviously a big loss for our school, but is a great opportunity for Dylan to continue developing his leadership skills in his hometown of Rochester. We thank Dylan for his amazing contribution to our school over the past 5 years and wish him and his family all the best.

Farewell

Also, Sam Lyon has taken up a new job in Echuca, therefore has resigned from his position at Tongala PS. We thank Sam for his work in our school over the past 2 years, especially in the running of community events.

Welcome BBQ

Next Monday evening is an opportunity for our school community to come together and welcome in 2024. There will be food available on the evening, but families will need to bring their own drinks (strictly NO Alcohol).

For catering reasons, please let us know if you are attending via Facebook or through the office.

Welcome new staff

We welcome a number of new staff members to our school. 

Mrs Helen Coughlin is teaching both Science and Visual Arts in 2024. Helen is a very experienced teacher and passionate about both Visual Arts and Science.

We have bolstered our Education Support team and welcome Brayden Hall, Joshua Cowman and local Meg Brennan and Hollie Reid to the school. These 4 bring a great deal of passion and enthusiasm to the role, and look forward to seeing them work with our students.

Swimming

Our Swimming program is fast approaching. It is always a great week, and all of our students love attending and practising their swimming skills.

Students walk down to the pool and back, which is also great skills to be practising, but we will need parent helpers to support us getting there and back. If you can help, please speak to your classroom teacher or let the office know.

Our swimming dates are from Monday 19th February to Thursday, 22nd of February, with our fun Swimming carnival to be held on the Friday, 23rd of February.

School Council

We have some vacancies coming up on School Council. 

The School Council works with the school community to achieve the best outcomes for students. It plays an important role in contributing to good school governance so that school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school's priorities reflect the needs of students.

School Council meets 8 times a year, on the last Monday of the month, and these meetings run for approximately 90 minutes. 

School Council is a great way to gain inside knowledge and an ability to contribute to key policies and procedures to ensure we provide the best education for our students.