Acting Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been wonderful two weeks of continued learning and connection at TPS. The school has held a number of successful community events with our annual maths night and open maths morning, which were both very well attended. We continue this journey with the Fathering project next week. I look forward to seeing as many fathers and special friends and students there.

A big welcome to the following staff

We welcome to our school Lauren, Bethany and Soraia who join our wonderful Education Support team. These staff join our team due to the school being successful in obtaining funding for several students under the Disability Inclusion Scheme. The department is committed to embedding inclusive education in all school environments for students with disability and additional needs.  This important area is led by Assistant Principal – Mark Walsh and Margaret Whitford (Leading Teacher – Inclusion).

School Professional Development

Two weeks ago, the whole leadership attended some very informative sessions lead by Tom Bennett, the Director and founder of researchED and school behaviour advisor to the UK government. Tom delved into the challenges he faced as a teacher, how he got into writing about behaviour, and his eventual role as the UK's Department for Education School Behaviour Advisor. He highlighted the integral role of setting clear behavioural expectations and embedding routines in creating a conducive learning environment. 

Tom summarises the habits and strategies of the most effective schools in the field of behaviour management. Running behaviour at a whole-school or department level is crucial to a successful organisation. He spoke about whole school strategies, norms and routines, accountability, staff training, communicating with all staff and parental relationships. The sessions were invaluable and builds on the work undertaken in the School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports area. 

Student Reports

Staff have commenced the lengthy and detailed process of writing student progress reports for Semester One. At present they are undertaking key assessments as well as moderating with other staff in key learning areas. The reports will be made available, via Compass, for all families in the last week of this term with parent teacher meetings organised for early in term 3. 

This Friday, on our student free day, teachers will continue to work on student reports, celebrating the successes, and documenting the learning growth of their students. 

Increasing levels of sickness in the school community

The school is seeing increased levels of illness with many students being absent over the last few weeks along with our staff. Currently there are a number of students being sent home who have attended school while unwell, these continue to impact on student and staff attendance. We ask for parents to consider carefully before sending students to school in the morning, if they are unwell.

The school continues to encourage staff and students to:

• wash and sanitise their hands regularly.
• Wear a mask.
• avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.
• use air purifiers.
• maximise external ventilation.
• stay home if unwell and consult their GP. 

We thank-you in advance, with supporting the school with this.

Congratulations to Chloe Paine (5A) and Hunter Idzes (4C) who represented TPS at the recent Division Cross Country, we applaud them for their efforts and determination on the day. 

Kind regards,

Sharon Wildermuth  

Acting Principal