For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar

Dear PDS Community,

As we approach the end of another exciting year at PDS, we are delighted to share updates and highlights from our school community.

This week our students made PDS history!  After completing 30 or more hours a week of additional learning in their own time, 9 children from Years 3-6 graduated from Children’s University. In doing so they became the first ever Penguin District School children to graduate from the program.  Amazingly, Georgia from Year 5, completed 62 hours of work! This hard working and self-motivated group, supported by Dr Mackenzie, travelled to the Paranaple Centre at Devonport for the graduation ceremony on Wednesday. In answer to Romaya who asked shortly before entering the Centre, “Is this a big deal?” In short -YES!  Decked out in their black robes with mortar boards atop their heads, they courageously stepped on to the stage to receive their graduation certificates from the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker.  Hopefully these trailblazers will continue to extend their own learning beyond school and motivate their peers to get involved in the program in future years. Many thanks to Dr Mac for giving up her own time to support the group and complete the administrative tasks required, including logging the children’s hours, supporting their online learning and stamping their passports. A big thankyou to Belinda Chapman from the University of Tasmania who supported our school across the year. Finally, thankyou to all the families that came over to Devonport to support our children. London was officially PDS’s first ever graduate. To find out more about Children’s University.  Children's University (cuaustralasia.com)

Class structures 2024 – Teachers work closely together to create the best possible learning opportunities for our students at PDS.  Please know that there is considerable time and effort that goes into creating a model that best supports student’s needs, considers teacher strengths and environmental considerations.  At the core of every decision we make is your child’s wellbeing and safety.  The class structure for 2024 will be as follows:

• Kinder x 2
• Prep x 3
• 1 x 3
• 2 x 2
• 3/4 x 5
• 5 x 2
• 6 x 2
• 7 x 2
• 8 x 2
• 9 x 3
• 10 x 2
• 11/12

Recent Achievements

We've had a busy couple of weeks with the 3/4 Sports Expo and the Primary/Secondary at the Devonport Bluff on Thursday and Friday. A special shout-out to Mr. De-Ruyter, Mr. Perry, Mr. Taylor, Mr Rattray, Mr. Beattie, and Tahnee Shultz for their invaluable contributions to the success of these events.  Our students certainly demonstrated out school values to the highest order.

Athletic Achievements

Congratulations and best of luck to Estella, Jayla, and Maya who are proudly representing Tasmania in the national athletics carnival in Launceston from Thursday to Sunday this week.

High School Basketball Teams

We extend our best wishes to our four high school basketball teams playing this weekend. Your dedication and sportsmanship are commendable, and we are proud to have you represent PDS.

School Crossing

We have had a number of reports in the last couple of weeks of cars approaching the school crossing at unsafe speeds and also driving through the crossing in a dangerous manner.  Please respect the 40km/hr speed limit through our school zone as our student’s safety is paramount.

Finally, as we enter the final weeks of the school year, we want to express our ongoing gratitude for the continued support of our students, parents, and staff. Together, we make PDS a pretty special place be.

Kind regards

Adrian Beard (Acting Primary Assistant Principal)

A group of Early Years students have been working with Brodie, our Aboriginal Education Worker. They've currently been looking at number words in palawa kani. Can you see how old they are and what that number is in palawa kani? 

Jessie Eberhardt

Children this week have enjoyed playing with the loose parts from the Play Pod at recess and lunch time. Engaging in outdoor play with loose parts gives a myriad of developmental benefits. Loose parts, such as natural materials, planks, reels, and fabrics, encourage creativity and imagination, allowing children to invent their own games and scenarios. This type of unstructured play fosters problem-solving skills as children navigate challenges and negotiate with peers. Additionally, the sensory experiences provided by outdoor loose parts contribute to improved motor skills and coordination. The open-ended nature of loose parts play promotes independence, resilience, and a deep connection to nature, enhancing both physical and mental well-being in the process. Overall, the freedom and versatility of outdoor loose parts play contribute significantly to a child's holistic development.

Donations are still warmly welcomed.

Year 7 have had a busy start to Term 4! This week, we asked what their highlight of the term has been so far:  

“The throwing events at the athletics carnivals” - Conor 

"The jumping events at the Athletics Carnivals” - Simon 

“Painting boxes for the Christmas parade” - Hannah 

“Learning about Ancient Rome in HASS” - Arabella 

“Shot put at the Athletics carnival”- Jacob 

“Eating hashbrowns at the canteen” - Josie + Mikayla  

“Hanging out with my friends” - Leo  

“Hanging with my friends”- Tanah J 

“Athletics carnival everything”- Tempi + Violet 

“PE is the best”- Thomas 

“Increasing my knowledge of chemistry” - Alex  

With only four eventful weeks remaining for Year 7, they are excited to be moving towards the holidays and coming back refreshed for Year 8.  

Tannah + Miss Lutwyche 

We have started a book club with secondary students this term. Meeting every Thursday lunchtime to discuss books and further our love of reading. We have split into two groups to read Divergent and My Sister's Keeper. 

On Wednesday December 6, 62 selected students in year 7-10 will compete at the inter-high athletics carnival at the Penguin Athletics track (program attached). Students should meet in the school café at 8am for a team breakfast and briefing – families are invited to attend. Competitors will receive an information letter with their events in the coming days. Congratulations to all students!

It is time for our current Year 7, 8 and 9 students to put in their choices for their Applied Learning courses for 2024.  The following subject guides give all of the information required.  Students will have a link to an online form emailed to their school email address.  If you have any questions, please don't hesiate to email me geoffrey.davis@decyp.tas.gov.au