Primary School
Welcome
Welcome to a new year in the Primary School. We hope your family has enjoyed a restful and relaxing time over the school holidays. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship 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.
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.
Photos - class photo and individual
Tuesday 6 February
Primary students will have their school photos taken on Tuesday 6 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
13, 15, 20 and 22 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 13 February - Year 5/Year 6
Thursday 15 February - Year 3/Year 4
Tuesday 20 February - Kinder/Prep
Thursday 22 February - Year 1/Year 2
Year 5 - “Eat and Greet”
Tuesday 6 February
The Year 5 team are excited to hold their “Eat and Greet” morning again this year. All three classes of students will join together next Tuesday 6 February from 9.15am for activities on the Top Green/Tennis Courts then for a joint lunch from 10.25am in the Bark Chip area. It will be a morning of exploration as we begin delving into activities around collaboration, building connections, friendship, self-discovery and communication. This is a great opportunity to connect with new friends and staff as we start the year together, a crucial aspect in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that helps to build strong relationships within the new year group.
The “Eat and Greet” finishes with a structured session in the Bark Chip area where we will sit with our lunches, (brought from home) to participate in meaningful conversation, designed to create a positive learning team and environment, where both new and returning students can thrive both academically and socially.
As we have School photos at 2.10pm on this day, we ask that all students wear their PE uniform and bring their formal uniform including shell jacket to wear after second break for the photos.
Primary School Music Ensembles
All Primary School music groups will commence rehearsals in Week 3 (Tuesday 13 February) with the exception of Year 5 Band which will have instrumental demonstrations and selection before rehearsals commence. Available groups include choirs, concert bands, string and marimba ensembles. Please see 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 contact Estelle Levy 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 14 - Friday 16 February
Mini Swim Carnivals will be held at Friends Health & Fitness pool during PE sessions on the following dates:
Wednesday 14 February
YEAR 6: 12.00-1.45pm
Thursday 15 February
YEAR 3: 9.00am -10.30am
YEAR 4 : 12.00pm - 1.30pm
Friday 16 February
YEAR 5: 9.00am - 10.30am
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 21 February (9.15am-12.15pm)
Year 3/4: Thursday 22 February (9.15am-12.15pm)
Please contact Lisa Di Venuto if you require any further 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 Thursday 1 February to Friday 12 April
Monday 12 February – Regatta Day holiday
Wednesday 21 February - Friends’ Welcome Family BBQ
Monday 11 March – Eight Hour Day holiday
Tuesday 26 March – Thursday 28 March – Year 5 Camp
Friday 29 March - Tuesday 2 April – Easter