For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar

Launching into Learning

Our littlest learners have ventured into our local community twice this Term in Launching into Learning’s Pop Up Playgroups. These are valuable learning experiences, whereby children and their families can connect with the natural environment.

The Early Years Learning Framework says: “Children’s connectedness and different ways of belonging with people, country and communities helps them to learn ways of being which reflect the values, traditions and practices of their families and communities. Over time this learning transforms the ways they interact with others.”

Our intention is to teach children to value and respect the natural world around us. When they are exploring Johnsons’ Beach we discuss the rock pool habitat and it’s importance, the elements of change that occurs across the shoreline when seaweed, shells and feathers appear and marvel at all the community members that spend time with their dogs walking the beach.
At Ferndene State reserve we discuss the tree canopy that provides shelter for animals, the role that fungi play in the ecosystem and wonder about the old mining tunnel and the history that it holds.
Our intention is to model respect and instil this deep within our learners too.

We endeavour to allow students to develop this love of nature throughout their full schooling journey and there are many opportunities for this, including the Outdoor Education bushwalk that happened last week and the Grade 1 students who are helping with gardening at school.

Shoutouts

My first shout out must go to the families that attend LiL each week. We are grateful to be able to share a love of learning, our beautiful new facilities and quality time with your little people.

A mighty Pink shout out to those who assisted in running Pink Day last Friday. We raised over $1,000 and we are proud to be helping Shirley in her quest to assist the Cancer Warriors on the North West Coast.

I saw a lovely shout out online recently where 2 PDS students were spoken highly of due to their kindness at the basketball stadium. They introduced themselves to a new student starting at PDS soon and that indicates maturity and respect And should be commended.

Shoutout to the secondary students that jump into the canteen at recess and lunch to help hand out orders and assist where they can. It such a busy space and we know that Tish and Belinda appreciate the kindness of those helpers.

Shoutout to Lachie T who recently took out a big golfing milestone by winning his first open age pennants match. We are very proud of your efforts.

Don’t hesitate to send us an email and let us know the amazing things our students are doing in the community too. We’d love to give them a shoutout in future newsletters and in Green Penguin Meetings.

Assembly

During the Secondary assembly on Thursday, 50 students were formally recognised as being outstanding in their ability to show our focus value of Respect.  Over 200 Secondary students were nominated by all teaching staff across the high school and this is a testament to the level of commitment our students are showing to uphold our values.

Interhigh Swimming

A team of 30 students represented Penguin at the Interhigh Swimming event this week. This is the highest number of representatives from PDS in 10 years. Congratulations to all students who made the team and worked hard at their individual and team events.

Transition

Year 10 students had a visit from Michelle Summers from Hellyer College last Tuesday afternoon to start the process of transitioning from Year 10 to 11. This is a big step for a lot of our students and it’s important to begin this transition period as early as possible to give students the time and skills to process this change. There will be more information sharing and preparations for the Hellyer Taster Day coming up in Term 2.

In Year 5/6 Digital Technology students have been using the Tinkercad 3D CAD drawing program to design an avatar based on themself or a fictional character. Tinkercad is a free online program that can be accessed through www.tinkercad.com

What is CAD?

CAD is the acronym used for computer-aided design software. First introduced back in the 1960s, CAD became more commonly used in the 1980s with the advent of more affordable and powerful computers. Today, CAD software plays a key role in the design process in many industries.  Engineers and designers may use CAD software to create 2D drawings and 3D models of their designs. This allows them to more easily change and modify the design and test different scenarios and outcomes. CAD software also includes various tools and features that help analyse the design (such as stress analysis) and create detailed technical drawings and documentation.

Below is an example of the Tinkercad design platform that the students have been using.  The designs shown are created by John, Angus and Hayley.

In Year 7, we have started the year by solving encryptions. Students have been learning how computers talk across networks to keep our information safe. We have also started our coding journey using the Blockly style, writing small programs using print and variable commands.

Year 8's are using Python coding and trying out game making platforms. These students are grasping new technologies at lightning paces.

Year 9 and 10 Digital Technology options is a busy space. While all students are learning the language of webpage creation in HTML and CSS, students have broken into pathways of interest and passion. Some extension students are learning C++ and C# for extended gaming programming and others are looking at creating simple recognition AI programs. There are many other areas as fresh off the state winners, Minecraft next round of Esports competition is on, as well as animation programs, 3D printing and even photography! Things are busy in the digital workspace.

Speed, strength and stamina were a plenty at the 2025 Inter-high Swimming Carnival held at Splash Devonport on Wednesday, 26 March.  Our 31-person squad demonstrated their personal best in all events that they were programmed to be in. All students participated in a 50m freestyle and a 4 x 50m relay. The fastest selected student from each gender and grade also competing in the backstroke and breaststroke events as well. Two people, from each gender, of any grade also participated in the 50m Butterfly and the 100m Freestyle. Congratulations to all competitors who competed, regardless of a podium finish.  Thanks to Julie Mckenna for organising our outstanding swimming caps.  Not only did we look professional but the way the team carried themselves all day should also be commended. School spirit and encouragement was in abundance as we watched and cheered our team on to the finish line. A very successful day had by all and congratulations again to all participants on their achievements.  We will stay tuned for the overall results.

In Week 9 of Term 1, Headspace are visiting PDS for workshops with students in Year 9 and 10.

Headspace Australia is a national organisation that aim to support young people and their families to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities.

We are also able to provide an evening information session for parents and carers of students in years 6 to 12 on Monday March 31^st from 6-7pm.

Please see the details and RSVP requirements on the attached poster.

We hope to see you there.

When: Monday 31st March 6-7pm
Where: Penguin District School (Year 7)
Contact: Jade Hughes
RSVP Required: Using this link –
https://forms.office.com/r/4ZHk6C4CU8

A sea of pink fell upon Penguin District School last Friday 21 March. It was so wonderful to see staff and students from Thursday (Kinders) and Friday embrace a day which was obvious to see means so much to so many families. Shirly Good, Penguin in Pink founder, was in awe at the amount of effort everyone had put in.  She awarded 4 students, two in primary and two in secondary, a $25 sports voucher.  The winners in primary school were Zara and Mia chosen by Shirly, with Tyrese and Ruby chosen by Miss Mott and Mr Hughes. We presented our money to Shirly, who shaved her head that morning, at the secondary assembly. Our final amount raised by PDS was a massive $1042. With our additional funds, Shirly said it pushed her fundraising amount to over $6000.  Thank you to everyone who supported this special day. 

2024 Gnomon is now available to purachse for $25 on the Qrk App or cash or EFTPOS from the office.

Karen is a nationally renowned psychologist, acclaimed author and founder of Hey Sigmund, and delivers practical and insightful talks on helping children and teens navigate big emotions and tricky behaviours. Karen will also be hosting a separate Q&A session.

Two AFL Holiday Programs Coming to the North West Coast!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience with TWO exciting events coming to our community! Whether you're a first-timer or an AFL pro, there's something for everyone. 

1️⃣ All-Girls AFL Holiday Program (April 14th)

• A fun-filled day just for primary girls!
• Ulverstone Football Club | ? 9am - 3pm
• Team banners, friendship bracelets, Easter fun, and more!
• Female coaches guiding the action!

2️⃣ Club VS Club Mini Series (April 15th)
Ready to compete with your club?

• Ulverstone Football Club | ? 9am - 3pm
• Split by age/skill level
• Mini interclub matches
• AFL Draft Testing, AFL Tas expert coaching!
• Grades 2-6

? Don’t miss out on these amazing opportunities to play, connect, and grow your AFL skills.

All Girls Program Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/north-west-coast-all-girls-holiday-program/faf5d729/register

Club VS Club Program Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/north-west-coast-holiday-program/525a1350/register

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