Primary School
Welcome
Welcome to a new year in Primary School. We hope your family has enjoyed a restful and relaxing time over the school holidays. We are looking forward to continuing our parenting partnership with families to support children’s learning at The Friends’ School. Please note, in the coming weeks there are several opportunities where parents can meet Primary School educators to discuss aspects of your child’s learning.
Assembly
Monday 3 February
Our first Primary School Assembly for 2025 will take place on Monday 3 February in The Farrall Centre and will commence at 2.15pm. We welcome members of our community to attend. Please remember that due to privacy concerns and to respect the photo permission choices of other families we ask you to refrain from taking photos and videos during assemblies.
Uniforms - Term 1 Hats
A reminder that children are required to be in the correct uniform for each day. For children in Kindergarten to Year 4, this is the Sports Uniform, students in Years 5 and 6 should wear their formal uniform, unless it is their timetabled PE or co-curricular sports day. Details of uniform requirements can be found in the Uniform Handbook. During Term 1 we require all children to wear their hats whilst outdoors, so could you please ensure that these are packed for Day 1.
Outside School Hours Care - Bookings
Bookings for the Outside School Hours Care program (both before and after school) on either a permanent or casual basis, must be made through Friends’ Early Learning Reception (contact by phone on 6210 2276 or email: feladmin@friends.tas.edu.au).
Photos - Class Photo and Individual
Tuesday 4 February
Primary students will have their school photos taken on Tuesday 4 February. Students from Kindergarten through to Year 4 are required to be in sports uniform. Students in Years 5 and 6 will need to be in their full formal school uniform with their shell jacket. View the Uniform Handbook.
Meet the Teacher
11, 13, 18 and 20 February
Parents are invited to attend a “Meet the Teacher” session during February with Primary School classroom teachers. These sessions are designed to give you an overview of the learning program and classroom organisation for the year. Please note that child care will not be provided. All sessions will be held in classrooms at 5.00pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday 11 February - Kinder/Prep
- Thursday 13 February - Year 1/Year 2
- Tuesday 18 February - Year 3/Year 4
- Thursday 20 February - Year 5/Year 6
Primary School Welcome Family BBQ
Wednesday 12 February 4.00pm - 5.30pm
A reminder that RSVPs for the upcoming Primary School BBQ are due by Monday 10 February. Although this is a free event we require RSVPs for catering purposes. This event will be held at 395 Argyle Street Hobart - Walpole Courtyard. We will be welcoming The Rotary Club of Lindisfarne to run a sausage sizzle, both gluten free and vegan options will be available.
Please book your tickets here.
Primary School Music Ensembles
All Primary School music groups will commence rehearsals in Week 3 (Tuesday 11 February) with the exception of Year 5 Band. Information about Year 5 Band will be sent directly to Year 5 parents. Available groups include choirs, concert bands, string and marimba ensembles. Please use this link for ensemble details along with rehearsal times and locations. For most music ensembles, students simply need to turn up to the first rehearsal to sign up. Please be aware that the expectation for ensemble membership is year long. We ask that parents discuss with children the importance of commitment, when deciding to join an ensemble.
Please contact Estelle Levy, Christine Akerman or Suzi Gillespie for further information.
Primary School Sport Choices
To assist families with planning, please see this link for information about the various sports available at the Primary School this year. Details about training times and locations and dates for rosters and carnivals will be sent to parents via Operoo during the course of the year.
Mini Swim Carnivals - Years 3 - 6
Wednesday 12 - Friday 14 February
Mini Swim Carnivals will be held at Friends Health & Fitness pool during PE sessions on the following dates:
- Year 6: 12.00-1.45pm | Wednesday 12 February
- Year 3: 9.00am -10.30am | Thursday 13 February
- Year 4 : 12.00pm - 1.30pm | Thursday 13 February
- Year 5: 9.00am - 10.30am | Friday 14 February
Students will be walked to and from school by class teachers and will be required to bring bathers, cap, towel and goggles (if required). All students are required to attend.
The JSSATIS selection carnival will run on the following dates/times for children who have swum in 50m events in the mini carnivals and wish to be considered:
- Year 5/6: Wednesday 19 February (9.15am-12.15pm)
- Year 3/4: Thursday 20 February (9.15am-12.15pm)
Please contact Lisa Di Venuto if you require any further information.
Music Tuition for 2025
If you would like to register your child for music tuition in 2025, I kindly ask you to complete the Instrumental and Vocal Tuition application form. Tuition arrangements from 2024 do not automatically transfer into 2025. A new registration form will need to be completed.
This is contained at the end of the Music Tuition Guidelines, which may be found here.
The registration process for tuition in 2025 can commence from now, and this will need to be submitted by Friday 7 February. You will be then notified of a lesson time and contacted by your allocated Tutor in mid February.
Matilda The Musical Jr.
We are excited to be undertaking a Years 5-8 Musical this year, Matilda the Musical Jr. Auditions will be held for Named Characters on Saturday 15 February, and for students wishing to be a part of the Ensemble on Sunday 16 February. Please find detailed information about the auditions, including audition materials and sign up form in the link below.
Matilda the Musical Jr. Information
Absentees
If your child will be absent from school for the day please advise the Primary School Office (phone: 6210 2228, or email: primaryschooloffice@friends.tas.edu.au ) and the classroom teacher before 9.00am. We appreciate your support in this process.
Important Dates
Term 1 Friday 31 January to Friday 11 April
Monday 10 February – Regatta Day holiday
Wednesday 12 February - Friends’ Welcome Family BBQ
Monday 10 March – Eight Hour Day holiday