SBIS Newsletter - March 5 Newsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Families,

As we approach the half-way point of Term 1 I would like to thank families and staff for such a positive start to the school year. It's been lovely to see the enthusiasm and joy in our classrooms as children engage in their learning, settle into new routines and connect with their classmates.

Beach Carnival

Yesterday’s Beach Carnival was a tremendous success! We had excellent participation from students, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the activities. A big thank you to Declan for your organisation of this event and to staff and family members who helped make this event possible. Your support and involvement are greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Year 2 Leader's Presentation

We are excited to announce the upcoming Year 2 Leader's Presentation. This event will showcase the leadership skills and talents of our Year 2 students. Families of Year 2 students are warmly invited to attend as we present our Year 2 leaders with their School Leader badges and hats on Wednesday 12 March at 9:15am in the GP room.

Staff Professional Development - Lifting Literacy Priority

Our staff are committed to continuous improvement, and in 2025 we are focusing on staff professional development in literacy to ensure that all learners are engaged, challenged and learning successful.

This year, we will be using the UFLI Foundations program to deliver daily phonics lessons. This evidence-based approach will enhance our current literacy instruction and support our students in developing strong reading skills. Next term we will hold a parent information session to share with you our work in this space.

School Association AGM

At our school, we are dedicated to a holistic approach where every learner can reach their full potential. We aim to nurture engaged lifelong learners, creative problem solvers, and respectful citizens. Our commitment to this vision is reflected in all our programs and initiatives.

The School Association AGM will be held tomorrow, Thursday 6 March at 7pm in the staffroom. All members of our school community are automatically members of the School Association and are entitled to attend all meetings. If you would like to undertake an active role in the School Association, I encourage you to consider joining the 2025 committee which will be formed at the AGM.

The School Association plays a vital role in enhancing educational experiences for our students and fostering a strong sense of community. By becoming a member of the committee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to important decisions and collaborate with other parents and teachers to create a positive and inclusive school environment.

Warm regards,

Emily

Beach Carnival fun

Volunteering at our School

As we embark on a new school year, we want to remind our school community about the important requirements for volunteering at our school. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, it is mandatory for all volunteers to have their RWVP  (Registration for Working with Vulnerable People) and to have completed the Our Obligations - Safeguarding Training 15-minute video before engaging with children and young people in a volunteer capacity at our school. Certificates for the training video are valid for 12 months from the date of completion and must be emailed to sandy.bay.infant@deyp.tas.gov.au  When checking in for any volunteer activities within the school Please bring your WWVP card with you. These steps are essential in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for our children.

1. To apply for a Registration for Working with Vulnerable people, please visit: Apply for registration to work with vulnerable people | Service Tasmania
2. To complete the Our Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video please visit: Compulsory Safeguarding Training for Workers - Department for Education, Children and Young People
3. Once completed you will receive a certificate, which you can save but will also need to be emailed to Sandy Bay Infant sandy.bay.infant@decyp.tas.gov.au 

Staying Safe

As we begin a new school year it is a good time to have a conversation with your child about personal safety and protective behaviours. Rather than focus on ‘stranger danger’, the current advice is to talk to your kids about the ‘safe places’ and ‘safe people’ in their lives.  

Some tips include teaching your kids to: 

• Where possible walk with friends, in a pair or in a group.
• Walk on the right-hand side of the road to face oncoming traffic.
• Wherever possible, leave space between you and the roadway, especially if a car stops nearby.
• Stay in view. Avoid going into areas that are hidden, such as bush or behind buildings or walls.
• Be alert – earphones and headphones can reduce awareness of surroundings.
• Tell your child if they are alone and an adult approaches them, to treat the adult as a stranger.
• Do not accept gifts from, or go anywhere with, someone they do not know.
• Run from a situation if you feel at risk.  A nearby shop may be your safest option.
• Report suspicious behaviour to your parents and school staff immediately.

Ensure your child is fully aware of their plan for travel to and from school and if any changes are made to these plans, they will be informed either by you or the school office, not a stranger unknown to them.

Swimming and Water Safety Program

Prep to year 2 will participate in our swimming and water safety program held at Collegiate Pool.  

The program will run from Monday 17 March to Friday 21st March.

Please send your child with their bathers on under their school uniform, a towel, plastic bag and underwear to change into.

The schedule is as follows:

Dahlia Show

Classes have been busy sketching dahlias that were very kindly brought to the school by the Hobart Horticultural Society.  The Dahlia Show is on Saturday 8 March and will include artwork that students have been working on during the week.

Launching into Learning

LiL Calendar Term 1 2025

Term Dates 2025

Important dates coming up

Please keep an eye on the school calendar which can be found on the Schoolzine App.  Important events for 2025 can be found there. 

2026 Kindergarten

Wellbeing Walk

Wellbeing walk is held every Friday.  Emily and Rachel meet at Sandown Park Rotunda at 8.15am, Everyone is welcome.   last week we were lucky enough to see dolphins.  

School Health Nurse

Please have a look at the below Health and Wellbeing padlet link, there is lots of helpful information.

Health & Well-being: SBIS

School Association AGM