Schools are typically places of great consistency for the young people and adults that are part of a school community. Consistency and predictability of routine, expectations and in the relationships between students and staff are key elements for a young person’s success. This week one of our most familiar and consistent faces, Mr Adam Conkie, will be taking some well earned long service leave for the remainder of the year. Mr Conkie started at Penguin High in 2010, after an invitation to formally start his teaching career at Penguin following a successful teacher placement in his final yar of university. Mr Conkie quickly emerged as a teacher that students warmed to with his balance of humour, care and genuinely wanting to see students giving themselves the best opportunity to shine. Quite often in his own time he can be found mixing with students sharing some pointers on the basketball court, football oval, or in common areas sharing his wisdom and further strengthening the connections that he has with our students. Whilst Mr Conkie remains as a member of our team, we thought it was timely to acknowledge and thank him for his contributions as he heads off on some well earned extended leave to enjoy time with family and working on some home renovations.

Teacher Shortages

Tasmanian schools in general are experiencing a shortage in relief and contract teachers statewide, with the situation more apparent during the winter months. This is a matter that the Department of Education and all stakeholders are actively doing their best to address, whilst recognising that consistency is key for our students. Our relief co-ordinators Mr Lane and Mr Maywald do a tremendous job to manage the relief arrangements across our school. Please understand that there may be occasions where despite our best efforts, that your children’s class may be collapsed for a day and shared across other classes. This still provides key adults that know our students, and understand our school expectations and routines. There have been recent occasions where Mr Lane and Mr Maywald have made more that 40 phone calls to secure relief staff. Teaching is and continues to be an immensely rewarding career and we hope to see even more young people consider this as a pathway beyond year 12.  

Sicknesses

Please remember that the same expectations are in place regarding illnesses and cold/flu like symptoms as from last year. If your child appears unwell, it is essential that you seek advice, either through a pharmacy or your local GP and follow the direction that you have been given. Notifying our school administration of when your child is unwell is still an important process. It may be that families are asked to provide a medical certificate for when your child has had a number of days away from school across the year, or a number of consecutive days unwell. A great way of addressing this is to request a certificate any time that you are seeking medical advice if your child is unfit/unwell for school.