Dear Families/Carers

Charlene Best
Principal

PAT Assessments

During the first few weeks of Term 4, students from Prep to Year 6 will be completing the ACER Progressive Achievement (PAT) assessments. These assessments help teachers gain a deeper understanding of each student’s skills and knowledge across key learning areas.

The PAT assessments cover:

• Reading

• Early Years Reading

• Mathematics

• Early Years Mathematics

• Spelling

• Vocabulary

• Grammar and Punctuation

Each PAT assessment is designed with a proficiency scale that describes the skills and understandings students are developing at different stages. The results provide both quantitative and qualitative data, giving teachers valuable insights into each student’s current strengths and areas for growth.

This information supports teachers in tailoring learning experiences, tracking progress over time, and ensuring that every student continues to build on their learning journey.

On Monday, 1/2 Quokkas and Wombats enjoyed an excursion to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens for a day of learning outside the classroom. They walked through the beautiful gardens, observed a wide range of plant species, and learned about the environment and plant life. Some of us were lucky enough to spot a few platypuses in the ponds! It was a great opportunity to connect with nature, ask questions, and enjoy some time outdoors.

FINAL - TAP Parent Information Session

Invitation for parents who attended sessions last term...

We are very pleased with the seamless introduction of our new Kiss and Drop Zone. Thank you for encouraging independence, and we appreciate the positive feedback we have received from families. This initiative supports our families during the busy transition times at the beginning and end of the school day.

The new zone includes designated bays where children can safely exit cars. Please note that this area is a stop zone only. Students should exit the car promptly and safely. Staff will be present to assist children between 8:30 am and 8:50 am, and 2:50 pm and 3:10 pm. If the driveway is full when you arrive, we kindly ask that you continue driving and circle back.

If you wish to walk your child/ren to class, please use the visitor carpark (marked on the map) and follow the yellow lines to the school gate. Please ensure you supervise your child/ren when moving from the car to the school gate. Families parking on nearby streets are asked to use the pedestrian entry marked on the map. If you are entering the school grounds to wait for your child at the end of the day, please be mindful of not waiting in the Link Area outside classrooms, as this can be disruptive to routines in our classrooms.

This change is being implemented following a recent RWC (Risk Work/Health/Safety and Compliance) risk assessment conducted by CET. The assessment deemed the Top Oval unsafe to use as a car park. As a result, the Top Oval is now closed and will only be accessible to authorised personnel. A gate will be installed to secure this area and ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we all adjust to this new routine.

Parents vs Kids Soccer Showdown – A Goal Kicking Success! 

Last Thursday saw our very first SHU Community Crew-run event — the Parents vs Kids Soccer Showdown! 33 kids took part, each proudly taking home a special certificate for their efforts.

The Kinder, Prep & Grade 1 game was pure joy — a cheerful swarm of kids chasing the ball and giggling all the way. The Grade 2/ 3 players turned up the intensity, while the Grade 4-6 crew gave the parents a serious run for their money (and their fitness!).

It was a fantastic, relaxed afternoon full of energy, teamwork, and community spirit. A big thanks to all the families who joined in — whether playing, cheering, or helping out.

Special shout-outs to Dan and Sam for their top-notch umpiring, Gemma for keeping score, Rhys and Nathan for manning the BBQ, and Kiara for capturing the action. Thanks also to the school for providing the BBQ, sausages, and equipment.

The Community Crew will meet again this Friday to plan ways to support the upcoming Christmas festivities. If you’d like to join in shaping our school community, please contact the office — we’d love to have you on board! 

Scholastic Book Fair 2025

A reminder of Book fair will run from Monday 10th until Wednesday 12th November in the link area.

Playing in the Playground After School:

Please, parents, ensure you supervise your children after school hours while on the school grounds. It is important that we continue to work together to ensure that our expectations for behaviour align with our PBS Matrix and that we model appropriate adult behaviour. 

Medical Condition Updates:

If students have updated Medical conditions could parents please notify the school office by sending an email to shu@catholic.tas.edu.au stating 'Update regarding students Medical Condition' as its imperative that the school is aware of a medical condition that your child may have.

End of Day collection changes:

Please advise the office by phone or by emailing by 2.15pm of any change to pick up arrangements for your child . Thank you for your support.

Student absence:

Please ensure if you cannot log your child/ren absent in comapss that you call the office or send an email to advise of the absence before 8.45am.

If students are going to be away for a period of time please ensure to let the class teacher know and to update compass.

Please click on the link to view our updated uniform guidelines.

Please click on the link to view information from Midford.

Please see attached our attendance guidelines. Please ensure if your child/ren are absent from school that you mark them absent via the compass app or email or phone the school prior to 8.45am.

Thank you.

Join eSafety’s free live webinars for parents and carers:

Social media age restrictions explained – a guide for parents and carers

Understand the change to social media age restrictions.

Algorithms and adolescents: The rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people

This webinar explores both the benefits and risks of recommender algorithms, including how they affect the content young people see and what you can do to protect your child from the potential harms.

Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into secondary school

This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into secondary school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.

Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online

Parental controls can be a useful addition to the strategies you use to help protect your child online. This webinar covers the types of controls available, and how to use them alongside other online safety measures. 

Visit the website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars to view dates and times for these webinars and to register.