News & updates

2024 Award recipients

A big congratulations to all of our 2024 award recipients, who were recognized for their outstanding achievements at last week’s Tarrawanna Spectacular! It was a fantastic event celebrating the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students. We are incredibly proud of all those who were honored. Keep up the amazing work!

Tarrawanna Spectacular

The theme for the day was "Under the Big Top," and the hall was beautifully decorated with a vibrant circus theme. We had a fantastic turnout from parents, with lots of positive feedback. Students from each class showcased their circus-themed dance, which was taught by Hannah, an instructor from Dance2bFit. The performances were a highlight of the day, adding to the sense of community, fun, and celebration that made this afternoon unforgettable.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this such a wonderful event!

1/2MC Literacy groups

This term, our 1/2MC students have been thoroughly enjoying their literacy groups! They have been actively engaged in a variety of activities alongside their peers. Some groups have been diving into a novel study featuring a Roald Dahl text, where students work independently on their booklets and check in with the teacher about their progress each week. Additionally, students have been participating in activities that include technology (using iPads), handwriting, spelling, and reading. It's been a fantastic term for fostering a love of literacy! Mrs Mathers and Miss Craft.

Illawarra Hawks visit

This term, Stage 2 students had the opportunity to participate in engaging basketball activities with the Illawarra Hawks. Although the players were unable to attend at the last minute due to travel commitments for a game, our students showcased remarkable resilience and enthusiasm. Their positive attitudes ensured that they still had a fantastic experience. We look forward to welcoming the Hawks back next year for more exciting activities! Mr Chadwick.

Introduction to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Our Wellbeing Teacher recently collaborated with our Student Learning Support Officers to deliver an informative professional learning session on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The session focused on the five key SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Participants explored practical ways to integrate SEL into daily classroom activities and discussed how to model these essential skills in our interactions with students. We also examined strategies to tailor our approach to meet the individual needs of each student, whether it involves helping them manage their emotions or build social skills.

This session underscored the importance of embedding SEL throughout the school day, ensuring that these skills become an integral part of everyday learning and interactions. We look forward to continuing to implement these strategies to support our students' emotional growth and well-being. Ms Cram and Ms Martin.

Year 4 Students shine at STEM Challenge Day!

Four of our Year 4 students participated in a STEM challenge day at Corrimal High School, competing against other schools in the area. They worked collaboratively to tackle a variety of challenges, showcasing their impressive problem-solving skills. A big congratulations to Arty, Chisa, Link, and Zohar for demonstrating incredible enthusiasm and teamwork while representing our school! We're proud of your efforts and achievements! Mr Bray.

4/5B Students create stunning land art!

Students in 4/5B recently collaborated in groups to create unique land art pieces inspired by the intricate, nature-based works of artist Andy Goldsworthy. Merging their creativity with knowledge from their science unit on rocks, minerals, and soil, each group explored the natural materials available to them, such as stones, leaves, and sticks.

Through teamwork, students crafted site-specific artworks that reflected their understanding of Earth’s resources and natural textures. This hands-on project not only deepened their scientific knowledge of geology but also provided an opportunity to express the beauty of the environment through artistic collaboration and creativity. Well done, 4/5B! Mrs Weise.

Wellbeing program wrap-up

This year at Tarrawanna Public School has been incredibly rewarding! Throughout 2024, I had the privilege of connecting with our students through whole-class lessons, small group sessions, and individual check-ins, all tailored to meet their unique social and emotional needs.

We placed a strong emphasis on teamwork and cooperation, helping students develop essential social skills such as communication, turn-taking, and collaboration. A key concept we explored was the "Circle of Control," where students learned to focus on what they can control—such as their actions and reactions—while understanding that other factors, like others' behaviours, are beyond their control.

We also worked on identifying and naming emotions, which helped students become more self-aware through "feelings check-ins." They learned to connect their emotions to a colour, notice where they feel these emotions in their bodies, and recognise the size of each emotion. We discussed how all emotions are valid and how they can shift and change over time. Additionally, we explored the connection between the brain, emotions, and thinking, practicing self-soothing techniques using the senses.

A core theme throughout the year has been fostering a strong sense of connection and belonging within our school community. It has truly been a year of growth, learning, and strengthening our bonds. Thank you to everyone for making it so special! Ms Cram.

Reports changes

This semester, we’ve made several enhancements to our student reports with the goal of providing more comprehensive and useful information to our families. We hope these updates will give you a clearer picture of your child's progress and achievements. The key changes include:

Additional comments across all curriculum areas: We’ve added more detailed feedback to each subject, giving a better understanding of your child’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Focused feedback in English and mathematics: These key subjects now include a specific outline of your child's strengths and areas to focus on for future growth.
Support for English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD): For students receiving language support, we’ve included tailored comments that highlight their progress in language development.
Key activities and awards: A summary of major activities, milestones, and any awards your child has received throughout the year has been included, offering a snapshot of their broader school experience.

As always, we are committed to continuously improving and adapting based on your feedback and any future changes to NSW Department of Education policy.

Your input is invaluable to us. If you received a report this semester, we’d love to know what you think! What worked well? What could be improved? Please take a moment to complete a brief survey to share your thoughts: https://forms.office.com/r/ZRsXZe1G8j

Teachers vs Students soccer game

What a thrilling game of soccer! The annual teachers vs. students match lived up to its reputation for drama and excitement. While the game was certainly controversial at times, it was the teachers who emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 win.

A standout moment came from Mr. Bray, whose powerful strike secured the only goal of the game, sending the teachers into celebration. Meanwhile, Ms. Layton, decked out in full protective gear, made a series of incredible saves that proved crucial to the teachers’ defensive success.

The student team, as always, played with great spirit and determination, keeping the teachers on their toes throughout the match. But in the end, it was the teachers’ stubborn defense and key performances that made the difference.

We can’t wait for next year’s showdown, set to take place on the last day of 2025. Will the students get their revenge, or will the teachers continue their winning streak? Only time will tell!

Update on proposed school hoodie

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent survey about the proposed new school hoodie and winter uniform options. We received 36 responses, and here's a summary of the key feedback:

94% of respondents support introducing the new hoodie.
69% feel the proposed price of $49.99 is reasonable, while 14% disagree.
75% want both the hoodie and sloppy joe to be offered, while 25% prefer replacing the sloppy joe with the hoodie.
Quality Concerns: Parents raised issues with the current sloppy joe's fabric quality, hoping for better durability in the new hoodie.
Flexibility: Many parents prefer having both the hoodie and sloppy joe options available. There were also suggestions for track pants and a zippered hoodie option for easier wear.
Cost: Some parents expressed concerns about the hoodie’s price, particularly for families with multiple children. Suggestions included offering second-hand options or negotiating lower prices.
Lost Property: One parent highlighted the financial strain of lost uniforms and recommended improving the lost property system.

Next steps:

Ensure quality and durability of the hoodie.
Offer both hoodie and sloppy joe options.
Explore ways to address cost concerns, including second-hand options.
Review the lost property system to help reduce costs.
Take this feedback to P&C for approval to proceed.

Thank you again for your feedback.

A fabulous send-off for our Year 6 students!

What a fantastic night it was for our Year 6 students! The farewell celebration was nothing short of spectacular, and it’s safe to say the students had an unforgettable time.

The evening kicked off with delicious pizza from our very own pizza van, followed by a neon-themed disco that kept everyone on their feet. The photo booth was a hit, capturing plenty of fun memories, while an abundance of lollies added the perfect sweet touch to the night.

The dance floor was buzzing with energy as our Year 5 and 6 students showed off their best moves. Judging by the photos, it’s clear they had a blast!

A huge thank you to Ms. Deacon for her hard work in coordinating this wonderful event, ensuring that our Year 6 students were sent off in style. It was a night they will surely remember for years to come!

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health: A Valuable Resource for Parents

Understanding and supporting your child's mental health is essential for their overall wellbeing, now and in the future. Emerging Minds offers free resources to help families nurture and protect children’s mental health. You'll find a range of resources covering important topics like anxiety, bullying and child development. Explore videos, podcasts, fact sheets, and more at Emerging Minds today!

https://emergingminds.com.au/families/ - to access these invaluable resources and support your child's mental health.