News & updates

Spelling Bee

Sophie & Benji, our two Premier's Spelling Bee school champions took part in the regional finals last week. They had worked very hard revising the word lists in the lead up to the competition and were a little nervous but they were so amazing and we are very proud of them both. (Mrs Lo Castro)

Kindergarten Orientation

Our kindergarten students for 2025 enjoyed their second transition day this week. They arrived with excitement, eager to enter the classroom, meet new friends, and reconnect with familiar faces from preschool. The children quickly became confident and comfortable in their new environment as they listened to stories, toured the school, played with the parachute, engaged in a math activity, and familiarised themselves with the routines of big school. Our next transition will be held on Thursday week 7. (Mrs Mac)

Opera Australia Children's Chorus: La Boheme

This week, four of our talented singers participated in the Children's Chorus of La Boheme, with Opera Australia. Fynn, Lilly, Gwen and Keeley joined students from Corrimal East PS, Bellambi PS, Towradgi PS and Corrimal HS to perform on stage at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre. This was a professional production where our students sang alongside experienced opera singers and orchestral musicians as they tour regional araes of the country. 

Our participation in this program is one of the many initiatives we are working on to increase access to High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities for our students. I am so proud of the effort and commitment shown by these students, who attended rehearsals and concerts outside of normal school hours. Special thanks to Sonia Millgate (Arts Unit) and Katie Higgens (music teacher at Corrimal HS) for making this happen. (Mr Hopkins).

Book Week 2024: Reading is Magic!

This year’s book week theme was ‘Reading is Magic’. Our book parade was a huge success with many students dressing as their favourite book characters. Mr Hopkins read one of the 2024 shortlisted books - Gymnastica Fantastica by Briony Stewart to the whole school, which created a great atmosphere. He shared his love for reading and books and was very impressed with all the effort students and families had put into the great costumes. 

Students had fun participating in a ‘Where’s Wally scavenger hunt’, searching for Wally hidden in various locations around the school. Some spots where harder to locate than others, but was great to see students working together and enjoying themselves! 

Throughout the week all classes participated in a colouring competition and there was one winner from each class. Congratulations to all our winners, these will be displayed in the library. (Mrs Mathers)

Origami Pros Fundraiser Update

Our talented students at Tarrawanna Public School have been hard at work with their initiative, Origami Pros, raising over $70 so far for the Wollongong Homeless Hub. This amazing effort can provide a hot, nutritious breakfast for around 80 people for a week! The menu includes eggs, sausage, porridge, toast, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea.

But they’re not stopping there! The Origami Pros are back with new stock, including paper ducks and butterflies. These creations have been made by students in their own time and will be available for purchase on Tuesdays at lunchtime between 11:15 am and 11:35 am. (Mr Bray)

Southern Stars Magnifica – Tickets on sale!

Our talented students at Tarrawanna Public School are thrilled to be part of the Southern Stars Mass Choir this year! After weeks of practice and dedication, they’re ready to showcase their voices alongside hundreds of other young singers. The students are buzzing with excitement as they prepare to take the stage in what promises to be a spectacular performance. We’re incredibly proud of their hard work and can’t wait to cheer them on. (Mr Bray and Ms Mac)

Press release:

This week Southern Stars 2024 Magnifia was launched at the BlueScope Visitors Centre in Wollongong, where Executive Producer, Paul Roger, announced the theme, and declared that tickets were officially on sale!

There were some fantastic performances from our featured artists offering a sneak peek of some of the great items from this year’s show.

Once again over 3,000 students from over 120 schools across Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern NSW, and around NSW will take part in a world-class two-hour arena style variety show that will feature music, dance and drama that will appeal to all ages.

Magnifica includes circus troupes, audience favourites the NSW Public School Millennial Marching Band, a 500 strong choir, Yanggaa Garaba, the Rising Stars, a massive student orchestra, 2000 dancers, and amazingly talented featured artists.

As in past years, school and community support of Southern Stars is vital to ensure its success, and the easiest way of showing your support is by attending one of the four blockbuster shows.

It doesn’t matter if you know anyone performing in the show or not – Southern Stars is a high energy spectacle which provides great entertainment for people of all ages. The talent, energy and enthusiasm of our students, is something not to be missed. 

Over 12,000 people are expected to attend the four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Friday August 30 (10am and 7pm) and Saturday August 31 (1pm and 7pm) - make sure you are one of them!

Please note that tickets should be purchased only through the official ticket booking site of Ticketmaster. http://ticketmaster.com.au

You can stay informed about what’s coming up in the show, by visiting our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SouthernStarsArenaSpectacular and Instagram @southernstarsareaspectacular. Please like us and share the stories and pictures with all your friends and family.

Wellbeing Program

During this term I have had the opportunity to work with various classes and small groups, focusing on important social and emotional learning concepts. We have been identifying and naming emotions, recognizing body signals associated with different feelings, exploring self-regulation strategies, and building positive relationships through teamwork and group activities. 

Our whole school focus this term is on emotions and the brain. Students are beginning to understand how the brain works by learning about the Upstairs Brain and Downstairs Brain, as well as Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain. Your child may discuss with you the idea of “Flipping your lid”. If you would like to learn more, I encourage you to watch Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain. (Ms Cram)

Therapy dog

Thanks to the initiative of Bonnie in 3/4C, we have decided to trial therapy dog visits in term 4. Quinnie is a beautiful labrador who is the calmest and friendliest dog you will ever meet. He is a trained therapy dog who will visit with his owner (and volunteer), Ursula. Students will be able to read to Quinnie, pat him and talk to him in small groups as a way of reducing anxiety and building stronger connection to school.

We will begin with a focus on two classes - 3/4C and 4/5B who will spend time with Quinnie on Mondays from 11:45 - 12:45pm on Mondays. If your child is not comfortable with dogs, please reach out so we can support them. If the trial is successful, we will rotate to different classes in term 1, 2025. Well done Bonnie for making this happen. (Mr Hopkins)

Before and After School Care update

As many of you know, the Department sent out a survey to gauge demand for an onsite before and after care service at Tarrawanna PS. If you responded to the survey and stated you were interested in the service, you will receive a call from our office or myself. We had a very strong response but now need to check how realistic that demand actually is before the Department considers whether going to tender is viable. Please make sure you provide a realistic picture of your care needs for the future. (Mr Hopkins)