15 May 2025

Principal’s Report

What a fantastic couple of weeks it has been here at our school to begin Term 2. I’d like to begin by congratulating all students, staff, and families for their enthusiastic participation and support at our recent school cross country. It was a wonderful event that truly showcased the spirit of our school community. Whether you ran, walked, cheered from the sidelines, or helped organise the day, your effort and encouragement helped make it a success. It was especially heartening to see students pushing themselves with courage, showing responsibility by supporting each other, and celebrating each other’s achievements with respect—beautiful reflections of our DECYP values in action.

As we move forward into the term, our school is maintaining a strong focus on our School Improvement Priorities: improving reading outcomes and strengthening our students’ sense of belonging. Every child deserves to feel connected, confident, and supported in their learning journey. Through daily classroom practices, targeted literacy programs, and rich discussions about inclusion and wellbeing, we are continuing to build a school culture that values growth, fosters connection, and encourages every student to thrive.

In alignment with our values, we are also preparing for our upcoming External School Review. This is an important opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our achievements, and identify areas for further improvement. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff, who are working diligently to prepare and share the story of our school. I also want to thank our parents and carers—your ongoing support, involvement, and feedback are vital to the life of our school and deeply appreciated. More information about how you can participate in the External School Review will be out shortly.

Thank you again for your continued partnership as we work together to make our school a place where every child is known, safe, well and learning.

Key Dates for 2025

May

Friday 16^th May
Walk Safely to School Day   

Wednesday 21^st May  
Madagascar Performance Excursion P-6  

Tuesday 27^th May  
Inter-Primary Cross Country

Friday 30^th May  
Drop off Entries - Brixhibition 2:30-3:00pm (School Hall)

Monday 2^nd June  
Brixhibition Judging Day   

Mon 2^nd – Wed 4^th June
5/6 Growing Up Program     

Friday 6^th June  
Moderation Day (Student Free Day)

Monday 9^th June  
Kings Birthday Public Holiday     

Tuesday 17^th – Thursday 19^th June  
Parent Teacher Meetings
Mid-Year Reports Home   

Monday 30^th – Friday 4^th July  
Kinder - Grade 4 Growing up Program 

Friday 4^th July  
Last Day Term 2   

Walk Safely to School Day

Reminder: Every school day matters

As Term 2 kicks off, we wanted to share a timely reminder about the importance of school attendance.

We love seeing your child at school every day – it’s the best place for them to learn and grow. It’s a chance to be around their friends, learn new things (including life skills), spark their curiosity and have fun.

Term 2 is packed with exciting things your child won’t want to miss:

• Excursion to watch Madagascar Jr at the Burnie Arts & Function Centre
• MPS Brixhibition Challenge – get creative with Lego to win!

For tips on creating positive attendance habits, visit the Anything can happen website.

Please talk to us if you’re having trouble getting your child to school. We’re here to help and support is available.

Class Snapshot

3/4 Kangaroos

Hass: As part of our HASS unit on First Nations People we have been investigating the native Fauna and Flora of our land and how we can care for Country.

Art: In art we have been sketching with a focus on shading and perspective.

1/2 Wallabies

Variety Club

Recently we had a visit from Mohammad from the Variety Club of Tasmania to deliver our Variety Breakfast Club plaque. We are so grateful for their generous sponsorship which helps us fill hungry tummies every school day of the year.

Sports News

Cross Country

Yesterday we had an amazing day at the Cross Country. It was great to see so many happy, smiling faces and to see everyone giving their best effort! Representatives from Grade 3-6 will go on to compete in the Inter-Primary Cross Country at Ulverstone on the 27th of May. 

House results were:

Wattle 179

Waratah 178

Myrtle 140

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Launching into Learning

Pre-Kinder Playgroup

Chaplain’s Chat

A belated Happy Mother's Day wish to all the mums, grandmas, foster mums, step mums, other mother figures & to the men that are doing both the mother & father jobs too. I hope you all enjoyed your day. I enjoyed a devonshire tea made by my daughter & a game of Five Crowns.

This Friday I'm looking forward to taking part in my first National Walk Safely to School Day, an event initiated in 2004, which started me thinking about the benefits of children walking to school & at other times, which include:

• Keeping them Fit and Healthy - Walking promotes cardiovascular health while strengthening  bones and muscles
• Improving Mental Health - Walking is a great way to reduce stress & anxiety & boost your mood. Moving our bodies produces endorphins in our brains that can make us feel happy & positive for the whole day!
• Improving Cognition As walking stimulates the mind and body it can enhance children’s overall cognitive function, improving concentration & attention span, memory & ability to focus which can lead to improved academic performance.
• Being a Bonding Experience & Improving Social Skills - Sometimes getting kids to talk at home can be awkward & getting outside & walking will encourage conversation. Walking with friends and family is a great way to connect with each other.
• Improving Sleep - Children’s naturally high energy levels plus extended screen time can make them restless. Burning off some of that energy with a walk may lead to improvements in both their sleep quality and yours!
• Building essential motor skills - for younger children, walking is a basic skill that helps to improve their balance, posture and coordination.
• Environmental Benefits - Traffic Congestion & air pollution around our area is reduced.
• More information & ways to make walking fun including I spy, alphabet challenge & park run @ benefits of walking for children

I wonder where you like to walk? Let me know when you next see me.

My daughter & I enjoy the coastal pathway along the waterfront most Sundays.

This term Inside Out 4 Kids are running a Primary Emotional Literacy program for two grade 3-4 classes & also a "Change, Grief & Loss" program for two students. If you want to find out more about the program content check out Inside Out 4 Kids on youtube
@  https://www.youtube.com/@insideout4kids902/videos

Students have enthusiastically begun puzzling again at our Gr 3/4 & Gr 5/6 puzzle clubs & we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new puzzles thanks to the sponsorship of Emu Bay Lions Club.

This weekend we have two teams heading to Launceston for the very first Tasmanian Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Schools Division @ the TAS State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition.  They are going to be part of puzzle history. We wish them luck as they work together to complete an unseen 500 piece puzzle in 2hrs.

If you think I can help you and your child in some way or you'd like to chat please leave a message at the school office.

Chaplain Sue & Otto the otter

Chaplain’s Thought

Brixhibition

Literacy Volunteers Needed

Calling All Parents & Carers: Help Shape Young Readers' Futures!

We believe that literacy is the foundation of a child's education, and we're inviting parents to play a vital role in fostering reading fluency and confidence among our students. Each morning, we aim to provide additional support by having parents listen to students read—an invaluable opportunity to strengthen their literacy skills in a supportive environment.

To get involved, parents will need to have:

• a current Working with Vulnerable People card
• to have completed Safeguarding training
  *this can be arranged at school prior to starting
• a free morning a week (8:30am - 9:25am) to dedicate to literacy support within classrooms

We will hold a training session to ensure everyone feels confident in their role.

If you're eager to make a meaningful difference in our students' reading outcomes, please reach out to the school office and ask to speak to Mrs Jo Dick to add your name to the list.

Your involvement can have a lasting impact on the young learners in our community, and we truly appreciate your support!      

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is coming up soon! This year at Montello Primary all our students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are participating. So let’s get reading! 😊

The Challenge is not a competition, but a way to encourage you to develop a love of reading for life. No matter what you aspire to do or be, reading and literacy skills will help you get there.

It’s not about how many books you read, but about the joy and excitement of exploring new stories,
characters, and ideas.

And for families – you can help your child get involved in the challenge by reading with them, talking
to them about what they are reading and providing lots of encouragement!

The challenge runs - 16 June - 24 August

Burnie Library Highlights

Libraries Tasmania – Libraries Tasmania is comprised of the State Library of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Archives, public libraries, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts and the Office of the State Archivist.

Community Notice Board

Burnie Library – After School Programs

e-Safety Webinar

2025 Term Dates

Department for Education, Children and Young People
Montello Primary School