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- Penguin District School Calendar
- Assistant Principal's Report
- School Association Update
- Green Penguins
- Prep B Term 3
- Secondary Music Report Term 3
- Year 8 Drama Term 3
- Year 8 Artwork Term 3
- Year 9-10 Art Term 3
- PDS Beanies
- Book Week Photo Competition
- 2025 Bookfair
- BNA Winter Roster
- NWPSSA - WE NEED COACHES!
- 2025 Science Week @ HIVE
- YFCC Arvo's At The Junction Devonport
- School Calendar
For all upcoming events please see the Penguin District School Calendar
Mt Hotham – Ski Trip 2025
With 38 students and 4 staff embracing the alpine experience, this camp has been a living example of our Term 3 focus value: Courage. Whether snowboarding, skiing, or simply playing in the snow, our students have shown courage in countless ways—both on and off the slopes.
After a long day of blizzard like conditions, I asked our Ski Trip crew what courageous behaviours they had demonstrated already in their first two days away from home. Their responses were thoughtful, inspiring, and living examples of courage;
- Boarding a plane for the first time
- Getting up at 3am to travel to the airport
- Leaving our parents behind and accepting the challenges of living life independently
- Locking into ski or board binding knowing there is no turning back
- Trying something completely new and foreign whilst stepping out of your comfort zone
- Getting onto a chairlift for the first time not knowing what the other end of the lift looks like
- Having a go on a new run, even when unsure where it is going to take you
- Falling down and getting back up again knowing you need to keep on trying
- Facing blizzard like conditions head-on (We certainly did this!)
- Attempting jumps and tackling bumps
- Taking on unfamiliar runs instead of sticking to the usual familiar spots
- Building new friendships and working with new instructors and staff
- Navigating the shuttle bus system independently
- Pushing through soreness and fatigue on a daily basis
- Switching off phones to be present with friends
- Trying new foods
- Skiing powder for the first time
- And for some, being away from home for the very first time
Watching our students persevere through challenges, overcome frustrations, and support one another has been nothing short of fantastic. Skiing and snowboarding may look effortless on TV, but they are incredibly demanding skills. The determination and resilience shown by our students as they learned, fell, laughed and tried again is a true credit to them.
This week has been a celebration of students demonstrating connection, respect, courage, growth and responsibility whilst creating unforgettable memories. We’re proud of every student who took part and grateful for the opportunity to witness their bravery in action.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Arianne Popowski, Jordan Taylor and Hayley Marshall for taking time away from their families to support our students. A big “shout out” goes to Mr Hughes who has done an enormous amount of work and planning in the background to make this trip possible. We would also like to thank Tim, Kathy and John for their lodge hospitality throughout the week. Finally, to our families, thank you for allowing us to share this amazing opportunity with your children.
Yours in partnership
Adrian Beard
(Primary Acting Principal)
IF YOU VOLUNTEER AT THIS SCHOOL, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR A “REGISTRATION TO WORK WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLE” CARD. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT for EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
Process of applying for RWVP
The following is to occur to enable RWVP to be progressed and issued:
Complete an online application form at http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children (ensure Department for Education, Children and Young People and the school/s are nominated).
- Attend a Service Tasmania Shop to verify identity, have photo taken, and pay the application fee.
- Department of Justice will assess and process the application, and if successful will issue the appropriate assessment notice and RWVP card.
- Registration may take up to six weeks to be approved hence prompt completion of the RWVP application is desirable.
- The renewal of RWVP is an online process administered by Department of Justice. Once a renewal of registration has been applied and paid for online, approval is instant however if renewal is not sought by up to 30 days post expiry, a new application is required which may take a further six weeks to approve.
Payment of fees
The cost associated with an application or renewal for RWVP is the responsibility of the individual. Payment can be made online or in person at a Service Tasmania outlet.
Safeguarding Training
The Department for Education, Children and Young People has rolled out mandatory Safeguarding Training for staff, volunteers and service providers. This annual training is compulsory and is designed to help us all understand how to better safeguard kids in Tasmania. You can access this training via the Department for Education, Children and Young People www.decyp.tas.gov.au/safe-children/safeguarding-children/safeguarding-training/ You will need to provide a certificate of completion to school prior to volunteering.
We have had an amazing start to term 3 in Prep, exploring new things in our classrooms and reconnecting with our friends after the holidays.
We look forward to an exciting term full of learning, inquiry and fun!
This term in the high school music program students will continue to build on there amazing progress thus far this year.
We have multiple bands and ensembles that are rehearsing and performing across all years 7 to 10. Including music in the following styles of Rock, Folk, Pop and Hip hop. Additionally, we have new songwriters creating music in partnership with students recording and arranging music in the schools new recording studio.
Jarrod Minton-Connell - Music Teacher
Towards the end of last term, our talented Year 8 Drama students took part in the Burnie Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is a great opportunity for young people to perform and receive comments from a qualified adjudicator.
Students participated in both the improvised and duologue sections, embracing the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. The adjudicator commended the energy and enthusiasm that many PDS students brought to the stage. Their efforts were rewarded with a first place, third place, and a few honourable mentions. Congratulations to all involved for your hard work and creativity!
Ayla and Kiara with their medal for winning first place in the duologue section with their performance of ‘Senator Brea’.
Year 8 Studied the artworks of Sally Morgan and created an artwork completed in a similar style to her painting techniques.
This Term Year 9/10 Art have started off the term working on “drawing what they see” with a focus on shade and tone.
