Principal's Message

We are now over half way through term 3 and I am pleased to be able to introduce our week 5 newsletter (which is now going out in week 6...). Our students have been busy, which means we have a lot to showcase and celebrate in this issue. We also have a number of events and activities to look forward to in the coming weeks. These include a PSSA Gala Day, Southern Stars, Kindergarten Transition and our big event - the Open Classroom Showcase.

National Science Week

Two weeks ago we celebrated National Science Week in style with a webcast featuring Dr Karl and a day of K-6 design workshops for a Mission to Mars. Students worked in teams through the design process to develop a mars rover prototype. Students also explored a large map of mars, identifying key sites. Thanks to Mr Taunton, STEM Project Officer at the Illawarra Academy of STEM Excellence at Corrimal High School.

Book Week: Reading is Magic

Our very exciting Book Week came to an end last Friday with the annual Book Costume Parade. It was wonderful to see so many family and friends here to support our small school, which always has such a strong sense of community. The costumes were fabulous from students and staff alike! 

On Wednesday we were also visited by acclaimed author and poet Steven Herrick, who made our ribs crack with laughter. Who knew poetry could be so much fun? Special thanks to Mrs Mathers and Miss Hickox for coordinating the week, along with our student leaders. I have also very much enjoyed going into classrooms to read books to our students!

To celebrate Book Week, we have also made some upgrades to our library, including new decorations and posters. Colour-coded signage makes it easier for students to find books in specific categories, along with a new search kiosk for students to seek out new books. Our collection of CBCA shortlisted books are now available to borrow.

Spelling Bee Regional finals

On Tuesday of last week, our two school spelling bee winners, Sophie and Benji R represented Tarrawanna PS in the Regional Finals. I was very impressed not only with the quality of their spelling but with the effort they put into preparing for the event.

Athletics Ribbons

I look forward to presenting students with their ribbons from the Tarrawanna Public School Athletics Carnival next week. Thanks to Mrs Correa for preparing them.

District Athletics Carnival

Kindergarten 2025

Over the last two Tuesdays, we hosted our 2025 kindergarten students for their first transition sessions. When I dropped in, they were having a ball creating crowns and dancing! Our next session is next Thursday (week 7). We are still taking enrolments for kindergarten and encourage parents yet to enrol their child, to do so as soon as possible.

SASS Recognition Week

Next week is SASS Recognition Week. We know our school couldn’t function without the work and dedication of all SAS staff, including administration, support staff and general assistants. This a special week just for them, where we can show our appreciation for everything they do. If you are passing by the office, or have an SLSO (teacher's aide) in your classroom, give them a big thanks!

Staffing changes

On that note, I recently announced the departure of a long-serving SAS staff member, Miss Elisha Hudson, who has successfully secured the full-time School Administration Manager role at Bellambi Public School. While we will miss Miss Hudson enormously, this is an exciting new opportunity and is very well deserved! Congratulations.

We also say a big farewell to Mrs Potter, who begins her maternity leave from next Wednesday. We held a staff baby shower for her today and cannot wait to meet baby Potter! We welcome a familiar face in Miss Craft back to 1/2MP as cover for Mrs Potter's leave.

Open Classroom Showcase

There is a hive activity in all our classrooms as students work on their inquiry learning units on a wide range of topics, from water and tree management to entrepreneurialism! We are very excited to share our learning with you through our annual open classroom showcase on Thursday 19 September. Parents and friends are very welcome. You can check-out some of their learning so far in the Classroom action! section of this newsletter.

Attendance

Regular attendance at school has a significant impact on the academic progress and wellbeing of our students. It is essential that all students are on time to school and ready to learn by 9am every day. Many students are reporting tiredness in the mornings and I encourage parents to make sure children are in bed at a reasonable hour so they get the sleep they need to thrive.

P&C

Our dedicated P&C continue to support our school community through a range of initiatives, including the recent Pie Drive and this week's Father's Day gift stall. Thank to all the volunteers who give up their time to support our students.

Our next P&C meeting is on Wednesday 11 September at 1.30pm. You are welcome to attend in person or online. 

Southern Stars: Magnifica

This week, it is the turn of our choir to perform at Southern Stars at the WIN Entertainment Centre. They have been rehearsing hard and I am looking forward to attending their performance on Friday evening.

We will also be taking a group of 22 students to the matinee tomorrow to watch our choir sing their socks off. Parent tickets for performances are still available from Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/southern-stars-tickets/artist/2017467 

Thank you for taking the time to read about what’s happening at Tarrawanna Public School, we are very excited to report what our students have been doing. If you enjoy reading our newsletter and would like to see what’s happening around the school more regularly visit our website and social pages.

Finally, I would like to wish all our Fathers and carers a wonderful Father's Day this Sunday.  I hope you enjoy the gifts our students purchased from today's P&C Father's Day stall.

Mr Chris Hopkins

Principal