Dear Parents/Carers

It is hard to believe this is the final newsletter for the term. Where has the term gone! I hope everyone enjoyed the recent Easter break. Sometimes breaks such as these can get students out of the routines and ‘rhythm’ of school, so it is important for parents, carers and teachers to re-establish productive habits and behaviours with our young people.  Sometimes these little ‘one-percenters’ might not seem to be that important but, rest assured, they all contribute to helping students be successful at school.

The Inter-High Swimming Carnival occurs tomorrow (Thursday 11 April) at Launceston Aquatic Centre. Congratulations to all students who were selected for the team. We had some fantastic success last year in winning one of the shields on offer, so I am hopeful all students will do a great job in representing our school. I am hoping there may even be some personal bests achieved. Thank you to Dylan Warren and Emma Attard for supporting our team at the event and to parents, carers and other family members who attended to cheer on our swimmers.

As ANZAC Day occurs on 25 April, which is in the school holidays, we are holding our annual ANZAC Assembly this Friday to ensure students are aware of the importance of this day and to ensure we pay our respects to all Australian service personnel who have represented our country in conflicts and peace keeping operations around the world. Thank you also to our prefects who will represent our school at various local ANZAC services in Launceston and surrounding towns. Lest we forget.

As summer is now over and we head towards winter, it is important that students do not deviate from wearing school uniform. Full school uniform is expected from students at all times. We have made plenty of options available for students over the last couple of years so there should be no significant reason why students are not wearing uniform.  Uniform provides a cost-effective option for schoolwear, prepares students for the world of work where a uniform or standard of dress is required, enhances safety, promotes equity and contributes to a sense of belonging and pride in our school.  As we enter Term 2, I would expect all students to be in uniform every day. Just a reminder also that non-school hats are not part of our uniform and should not be worn at school. If families are struggling with the cost of living, please do not hesitate to reach out if you require assistance in purchasing uniform. We are happy to help where we can. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

We are stilling experiencing the odd case of COVID. While the outbreaks of recent years appear to be passed, it is still worthwhile for us all to consider practices that assist in reducing the spread of COVID, influenza and other such diseases.  Basic hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette and being aware of not exposing others if we are ill, can all assist in keeping everyone healthy and therefore attending school regularly. Every school day matters!

At the end of this term, we farewell teacher Isaac Pinnington who has been with us since the beginning of 2022. We thank Isaac for his excellent contribution and wish him and his partner all the very best for their future travels.  We also welcome back Richard Goss after a period of leave and thank Dale Freeman for assisting us in covering Richard’s classes.

Looking ahead to Term 2, it is worth noting that our Cross Country Carnival will be held on 9 May, which is in week 2. For those students who enjoy their sport generally and particularly running, the holidays present an ideal opportunity to start training for this event and to generally build fitness and overall health going into the winter months.  The Cross Country Carnival is one where all students can participate to some level, not just capable distance runners, so I hope to see as many students as possible engaging with this opportunity.

I wish all staff and students a restful and enjoyable break. To those parents and carers also having holidays, I hope you are able to spend some time with your family and friends doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing. I look forward to welcoming students back to Term 2 on Monday 29 April.

Regards