What a big fortnight at TPS!

This weather at the moment has been sensational, with cool morning and beautiful, sunny days. The feeling when you walk around the school is very positive, with great learning happening, and students actively playing out in the yard.

Education Week

Next week is Education Week and this years theme is "A Celebration of Cultures". We will be celebrating all things great about Education at Tongala Primary School, with each class focussing on a particular country for the week to learn about their particular cullture.

Friday afternoon will be a big showcase called 'A trip around the World' where students and families can visit each different country to learn about their culture.

We will also be celebrating our own Koorie Culture, with some indigenous activities to be run by some Regional Koorie Development Officers on Thursday after recess.

Our annual Open Morning for families to spend time in their child's classroom will take place on Thursday from 9am-10am. This is a chance to come in and see the great things that are happening in each classroom and learn about the great programs that are happening. 

On Friday, Ronny and Friends will be starting. Mrs Hendriks and Mrs Harvie are running our program this year, and invite all members from our school community to come and join in the fun from 9-10:30.

Sport

Term 2 is always a busy term of Sport! Today we took 24 runners to Moama for the Inter school cross country to compete against other schools in our Network.

Last Friday, our 3 soccer teams competed in Moama, with our Girls side coming out overall winners and qualifying for the regional soccer in Swan Hill in Term 3. This is an amazing achievement given the fact that we don't have any girls who play soccer outside of school. A big thank you to the teachers who coached our teams, and to John Forde who assisted with the girls team.

Next Wednesday, we are taking 4 teams to the Moama Bowling Club for the inter school Lawn Bowls tournament. We have done very well in the past, and the students have been practising weekly with our coaches, showing great improvement.

We also have Netball, Winter Sports, Boys football and Basketball Clinics coming up in what is an action packed term.

On an individual level, we have had some students represent the school at Team Vic trials in Netball, AFL and Soccer, with Ella F making it through to the second round of the Girls AFL trials.

Cultural Performance

Last week we had Jonas at school doing his performance, Ghana Beat my Drum. Jonas is from Ghana and is an extremely talented drummer, using all of his native cultural instruments. 

It was highly engaging and very interactive. These cultural performances are always fantastic and very enjoyable.

2026 School Tours and Information Night

It is hard to believe that we are starting to already think about 2026, but our school tours and information night are quickly coming up. 

On Wednesday, May 21st we will be running school tours from 9:30am. This is an opportunity to see the school in action and ask questions whilst touring our facilities.

That evening, at 6:30pm, we will be running an information night for all prospective parents. This is where you will hear more about the programs we run, structure of the school and meet important staff members in our school community.

We look forward to meeting our 2026 prospective Prep families.

Speed Zones around the school

A reminder that the speed zone around our school is 40km/h. I have witnessed and had reports of cars clearly over this limit. I have asked the local police to do more patrols around drop off and pick up times, but please be careful around our school. A reminder too, that our school crossings are unmanned, meaning that you must stop for students or families as they are crossing.

Thank you for your co-operation with this.

2025 Camps

Our school camping program is obviously a highlight for the year, and students love going to school camp with their friends and teachers.

The dates for this years Camps are printed in the key dates section of the newsletter.

This year, we have our Grade 2 students going overnight to Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill, where they experience what life was like in the olden days.

Our Grade 3/4 students have an Adventure Camp to Murray Life Adventures in Torrumbarry. This camp is amazing, and really challenges our students to overcome fears and have a go at activities, ranging from climbing walls, flying fox, giant swing and obstacle courses. The students will spend 2 jam packed days at Torrumbary and come home extremely exhausted.

Our Grade 5/6 Camp this year is to Cottage By The Sea in Queenscliff, where they will be able to go Surfing, Fishing, visit rock pools and spend time at the beach with their friends. Staff continually report that it is their most enjoyable camp to attend and the kids absolutely love it.

Obviously the cost of camps, like all things, is increasing and the school makes every effort to subsidise as much cost as we can. The costings for camps vary from each camp, and once these are finalised, we will share with families to give themselves as much time as possible to prepare. A reminder that the $400 School Savings bonus can be used on camp costs as well.

School Fete

Our bi-annual school fete will be happening on Friday, November7th.

The Fete committee have got the wheels moving for the Fete but we still need helpers, if anyone would like to be involved please speak to Cherish Todd or Karen in the office. 

Our School Fete is our major fundraiser for the year, so any help to make this a fantastic evening will be greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Rob