Penguin District School
PDF Details

Newsletter QR Code

125 Ironcliffe Road
Penguin TAS 7316
Subscribe: https://penguinds.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: penguin.district.school@decyp.tas.gov.au
Phone: 03 6434 2222
Fax: 

Save the URL of this page to edit these details later. You will be able to edit this event until it is confirmed by an Administrator.

PDS: Penguin Daylight Stories - Shining a Light on Our School’s Journey

Beard_Adrian.jpg

The Vital Role of the Student and Wellbeing Team

In today’s complex and fast-paced world, the wellbeing of our students is more important than ever. Schools are not just places of academic learning, they are places where our students grow emotionally, socially, and psychologically. At the heart of our school’s support system is the Student and Wellbeing Team, a group of dedicated professionals that work closely with students/staff/parents/caregivers to ensure every student feels safe, respected and ready to give their personal best every day.

This team includes:

  • Support Teachers who provide assistance to students with diverse learning needs, helping them access the curriculum and thrive in the classroom.
  • Psychologist who offers expert guidance on mental health, learning challenges, and behavioural support, ensuring students receive the care they need.
  • Speech Pathologist who helps students overcome communication barriers, enabling them to express themselves confidently and engage fully in school life.
  • Social Workers who connect families with resources, advocate for student welfare, and address social and emotional challenges that may impact learning.
  • School Chaplains, who offer pastoral care, a listening ear, and a compassionate presence, fostering a sense of belonging to all at PDS.

Together, this team provides a powerful network of care for our students and care givers. Their collaborative approach ensures that no student falls through the cracks, and that wellbeing support is just part of what we do here at PDS.

Finally, if you wish to discuss possible supports for your child, please feel free to contact Admin who will direct you to the relevant supports

Introducing our Support and Well-Being Team 

Social Work Team (Catherine Grining and Helen Burrage)

Hi, it’s Cat and Helen here! We are your PDS School Social Work Team 

  • We are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and support students from K-12.
  • We assist students and families with a range of services including counselling, external service provider referrals, advocacy, and well-being support.
  • We enjoy building supportive relationships with students and being that safe space for someone who may be having a tough time. 

Eloise Wickham-Dolbey (Psychologist)

 “As Penguin District Schools Psychologist, I work with kids K-12 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I offer clinical counselling to kids struggling with their mental health, as well as work with parents, staff, and external service providers to support the students the best we can. I also complete psychoeducational and behavioural assessments to help support students in class who may be having difficulties academically or behaviourally” 

Rebekah Brandsma (Speech Pathologist)

My name is Rebekah Brandsma, I’m a speech pathologist with the Department for Education, Children, and Young People (DECYP). I visit three schools in the North West, including Penguin District School, and work with children needing additional support with their communication skills or with their ability to eat and drink safely at school. Something I really enjoy about visiting Penguin District School is the strong feeling of community that exists at the school. You will most often find me in the Early Years classrooms or in one of the Support Staff offices near the library. 

Susan Broadby (Support Teacher K-2)

How I can help you:

  • Meet with families and students to discuss support required.
  • Refer students and link students with short term and long-term support with our School Health Nurse, Social Workers, Speech and Language Pathologist, Psychologist and Chaplain.
  • Access resources and materials required to support students with their regulation, engagement, and learning.
  • I work on Tues/Wed/Thurs 

Kristen O’Keefe (Support Teacher 3-6)

 How I can help you:

  • I work in partnership with classroom teachers and families to support student’s individual learning needs.
  • I collaborate with internal and external support providers to ensure every learner feels seen, understood, and equipped to succeed.
  • I also provide practical resources and strategies to build on classroom practice and support diverse learning needs.
  • I am working on Mon and Tues during term 3. 

Jodie Murphy – (Support Teacher 7-12)

 How I can help you:

  • Meet with families and students to discuss support required (Monday to Friday.)
  • Referrals for students to link students with short term and long-term support with our School Health Nurse, Social Workers, Speech and Language Pathologist, Psychologist and Chaplain.
  • Teacher Assistant management/coordination for student support
  • Small group/enterprise activities and organisation
  • Learning plan assistance and coordination 

Shout Outs

  • Thankyou to Hon Casey Hiscutt MLC, Mel and Jazz who took time out of their busy schedules to present our students with the Penguin 150 badges at assemblies yesterday.  Students will receive their badges next week if they haven’t done so already.
  • Congratulations and thankyou to Mrs Van-Essen and the Yr.6 Canberra teaching team.  We know you will have an amazing week in “the capital.”
  • Thankyou to all our parents/guardians and community members who joined us for our assemblies this week.  We really appreciate your support.
  • Welcome to our Pre-Kinder families that have been joining us over the last few weeks. We can’t wait to see your little ones thrive with us in Kinder next year.
  • Congratulations to our footballers who received awards at the recent Penguin Football Club celebrations.
  • Well done to all our Launceston Sports Exchange participants who braved the wind in Launceston today.
  • Well done to Katie for her netball coaching and umpiring this week.  Well done to our netballers for demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play.

 

Yours in partnership

Adrian Beard

Primary Assistant Principal (Monday-Thursday,) Principal (Friday)