29 September 2023

Principal’s Report

Congratulations to our Grade 5/6 students for being awarded the Primary Encouragement Award at the Burnie Works – BIG Science Fair. I would like to thank Roger Jaensch MP for sponsoring the $500 prize that came with this award. I would also like to give a special mention to the staff members involved in making the science investigations happen for our students.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People has released a new strategic plan for 2024-2030.  I have included the new strategic plan below, but here are the main points:

• Why we are here: Bright Lives. Positive Futures.
• How we will work to achieve it: by making sure every child and young person is known, safe, well and learning.
• Our belief: The rights of children and young people are upheld in all that we do, particularly the right to an education, to influence decisions that affect them, and to be safe from harm.
• Our Values:
• Connection
• Courage
• Growth
• Respect
• Responsibility.
• Our foundations as a department: a valued and capable workforce; strong partnerships with children, young people, families and community; and focusing on continuous improvement informed by inquiry and evidence.

(Tim Bullard – DECYP Secretary).

As a school at Montello this strategic plan helps to sharpen our focus and concentrate on helping your children have Bright Lives. Positive Futures. 

Earlier this week, we recognised the wonderful learning that has been happening at Montello in our End of Term Assembly. It was pleasing to see so many carers, parents, extended families and community members in attendance to help celebrate the success that our students are achieving. It was also fantastic that our students were excellent audience members throughout and were dressed in full school uniform. I talk to our students all the time about the importance and responsibility that comes with wearing our school uniform and there is a reason that our logo is so close to our childrens' hearts.

During the assembly we recognised the life of Ronald Dale Barassi. I shared with the students that about 20 years ago I viewed an interview with Ron Barassi where he spoke about the mantra “If it is to be, it is up to me”. Barassi did not invent this saying but he shared it with hundreds, perhaps thousands of people during his lifetime. For me, it means taking responsibility and being accountable for your own actions. It was a message that was beneficial for me to hear as a 19-year-old and it has always stuck with me. There is no point waiting for life to happen to you or for someone to tap you on the shoulder and give you the perfect opportunity. You need to make it happen for yourself. We all only have one life and we need to make sure that we maximise every single day and put in the hard work. Things do not always work out but it is important that we do not see failure as final and that we get back up and try again.

I wish everyone a good Term 3 holiday break and I hope the weather is kind and that families can get out and about to experience our beautiful State of Tasmania. I know that the Burnie Show and the Wynyard Tulip Festival will be popular with our families and I encourage you to support these and other events happening locally so that they can continue in the future. If you are travelling around the State or further afield, I wish you all safe travels. 

Stay safe everyone.

Term 3 Merit Award Winners

Congratulations to all Kinder – Grade 6 Merit Award winners

School Calendar

Term 4

October

Monday 16^th   
First Day Term 4  

23^rd – 27^th
ECE Water Awareness

Friday 27^th
World Teachers Day  

November

Friday 3rd 
Student Free Day

Monday 6^th  
Public Holiday    

Sat 11^th
FIRST Lego League NW Tas Regional Tournament at Somerset Primary

Thursday 16^th   
3/4 Sport Expo

Tuesday 21^st   
Children’s University Graduation Day

Thursday 30^th    
PHS Orientation Day

December

4^th – 15^th
3-5 + At Risk 6’s Water Awareness

Monday 18^th 
School Picnic   

Tuesday 19^th 
EOY Celebration Assembly   9:30am

Thursday 21^st   
Last Day of School

Book Week

Book Week was celebrated from August 21st – 25^th at school.

Leading up to Book Week Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted books were read in classes and students all completed a piece of work from the story read in class.  One person from each class was awarded a $20 voucher to spend at the book fair.  Congratulations to the winners.

The week of activities started off with a Book Parade where many students and staff dressed up as characters from a book. 

A Book Fair was held and visited by all students and many books were purchased.  From all the books purchased by students, the school received commission and was able to get many new books for library. 

During Book Week a book exchange was trialled in the linkway.  This proved to be very popular with students.  We hope that students are enjoying reading the many pre-loved books that have gone into their homes.  We will be looking at continuing the Book Exchange in the future.

Book Week Highlights

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Premier's Reading Challenge

Congratulations to all Early Childhood students who worked hard to have all students complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge during Term 3. Students got to enjoy a healthy food platter as a reward for their hard work. Below is a photo of the Kinders enjoying their platter. Thank you to all parents who helped their child complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge at home.

Jo Dick, AST

Class Snapshot

1/2 Emus

3/4 Red

Pre-Kinder Sessions

Community Pantry

Our Community Pantry will be set up early in Term 4. It will be located in the foyer near the Office entrance.

School Nurse News

Hearing & Vision Referrals

Recently, The Lions Club visited Montello Primary School to conduct vision screening assessments on students. Some parents were sent letters explaining that your child may require a follow-up with the Optometrist. Although this is a separate event to the School Health Nurse Program, Nurse Lyndsay would like to encourage all parents to consider taking your child to an optometrist each year for a free consultation. If your child does require glasses, you may be eligible for the Spectacles Assistance Scheme. If your child did not receive an eye test, or if you have concerns about their hearing, Nurse Lyndsay is available each week to undertake hearing and vision screening. A signed consent form will be required and is available at the school office.

Spectacles Assistance Scheme

In the case of the optometrist, you may be eligible for the Spectacles Assistance Scheme which provides financial assistance for the purchase of spectacles to those who meet the guidelines:

• Clients are assisted with the cost of specific types of lenses and frames
• There is a restriction on the frequency of application
• The assistance is means tested and is not available to all health care card holders
• To be considered for assistance an application form must be completed and accompanied by an optometrist’s script for new glasses
• Please speak to your optometrist to assist you with the Spectacle’s Assistance Scheme or contact the Spectacles Assistance Scheme directly on 1800 232148.

Audiology Clinics

There are several audiology clinics located around the North-West. Some fees may be applicable depending on the facility or health professionals’ preference. Please enquire within the facility for appropriate prices and information.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the main school office.

Lyndsay Norton
School Health Nurse

Online Behaviour Is Communication

Join Millie from Child Centred Play Therapy and Support Services for this free and engaging online workshop.

Tuesday 7th November
6:45 - 7:30pm Online via zoom

To register:

Sports News

Congratulations to students Mitchell, Hunter, Noah & Emily who recently participated in the NWPSSA Launceston exchange. We had students participating in soccer & football.

Well done also to Noah White who won the MVP for the day at the soccer.

House Tally Points

Chaplain’s Chat

Last Thursday 21st September was World Gratitude Day. I wonder how often you practice gratitude.

As I have written before there are many benefits for your wellbeing  in practising gratitude: it can help  encourage more positive emotions, promote kindness, increase sleep quality & develop an overall sense of happiness & resilience.

Here  are some prompts to help you practice gratitude today & everyday focusing on gratitude for the world around you, for people in your life & for yourself & who you are.

• What are some foods you couldn't live without?
• What's the best thing that happened to you today?
• What things do you take for granted eg electricity, water etc.
• What made you smile today?
• What are the nicest things someone has ever said to you?
• List 3 things you like about yourself?
• What are some things you're thankful your body can do for you?

Most of these ideas come from the free 21 day gratitude journal downloaded via subscription 

Some activities students completed with me this term are pictured below.

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's Thought

Term 4 – Hats

Burnie Library

What's Happening at the Burnie Library in October

Community Notice Board

Burnie Works

Inside Out 4 Kids

Burnie Hurricanes

HIVE School Holiday Program

Burnie Arts Centre Performance

Drive In Movie Night

Burnie Tennis Coaching

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM
BURNIE TENNIS CENTRE
Monday 2nd Tuesday 3rd Wednesday 4th October
9.00 to 10.00am 4 to 7 year olds
Cost $15.00 per session or $40.00 for all 3 days
9.00 to 11.00am 8 to 16 year olds
Cost $30.00 per session or $80.00 for all 3 days
Private lessons available
11.30am / 12.00pm / 12.30pm / 1.00pm
Cost is $35.00 per session or $90.00 for all 3 days
For bookings or enquires please contact Grant on 0417528502
All lessons will be conducted by Grant a Tennis Australia Club Coach Professional.

Hockey Holiday Clinics

Kids on the Cape Fun Run

Breast Screen Bus

321 Go 2023

Women’s Support Group

Children & Teens Anxiety

Community Kinship Program

Annual Community Dog Walk & Lunch

Sea-Lyons Aquatics

Joeys Scouts

Reminder - Daylight Savings

Term Break

2023 Term Dates