Welcome to Term Two!

We've had a busy three weeks with students participating in many events, and there's more to come. It's wonderful that our students at Sheffield School have so many opportunities to grow and learn.

On Wednesday, 30 April, we were honoured to have Her Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, along with her husband Professor Chalmers, and Mayor Haberle and her husband Mr. Haberle, visit our school farm as part of her itinerary in the Kentish area. Our SRC members spoke to Her Excellency about the school farm and other educational programs. We were all very impressed and proud of our students; they spoke clearly and confidently. Our guests couldn't speak highly enough of them and their presentations.

During the school holidays, a small group of students represented Sheffield School by laying wreaths at the ANZAC Day service and reading aloud essays they had written. The RSL spoke highly of the students and their presentations. We are grateful to these students for taking time out of their holidays to represent our school.

Last week, agricultural classes experienced Agfest. Many students spent the day exploring various stalls and learning about all things agricultural. Staff who attended reported that the students represented the school well and demonstrated exceptional behaviour.

Since the start of Term Two, the weather has become cooler, and we've noticed a small number of students wearing non-school hoodies. Our expectation is that all students wear the school uniform. This demonstrates pride in our school and ensures safety, as uniforms make it easier to identify students both on school grounds and during trips. If you need assistance purchasing a uniform, please contact me at school so we can support you. We are also looking for donations of second-hand uniforms to offer to students who don't always have one. If you have items to donate, please drop them off at our office at a convenient time.

Recently, we've noticed an increase in inappropriate language in the primary area, especially in the playground. Teachers will be speaking to their classes about our value of respect and the importance of using appropriate, positive language. A letter will be sent home to parents/carers in the coming week, seeking your support in discussing  with your child the importance of respectful and acceptable language.

One of our school priorities is attendance. Regular attendance is crucial for children to gain the skills and knowledge needed for success now and in the future. Attending school every day gives your child the best chance to learn, grow, and connect with friends and teachers. It's where 'bright lives' and 'positive futures' begin.

This year, we reinstated homeroom in the senior school to help develop connections between staff and students. Each day, there are HR quizzes, challenges, and competitions. During this time, we have also been focusing on student attendance. Students have been setting personal goals based on their attendance so far and will continually review their goals. Have a chat with your child about their attendance goal and discuss ways you can support them in achieving it. If your child is away, please contact the school at your earliest convenience. If you need support in getting your child to school, let one of the senior staff know.

Currently, staff are working on mid-year reports and evidence of learning samples for some subjects, which will be shared with parents and carers. There will also be opportunities for three-way conversations where reports, student progress, and next steps in learning can be discussed. Remember, you can talk to your child's teacher at any time if you have concerns about their learning progress.

This year, the School Cattle Handling Committee has been reinstated. This is a positive move forward, providing an opportunity for parents and community members to work together with staff and students. There will be a public committee meeting on June 24 at 7 pm at the school farm. It would be great to see some new faces. If you're interested in joining the committee or volunteering in any way, please come along. If you can't attend but would still like to be involved, you can contact Nikki Jackson at 64918222.

We hope to see many parents/carers throughout the term, whether at our next assembly, cross-country carnival, or three-way conversations. We appreciate your involvement in your child's education.

Wendy Leonard
Acting Principal

Anzac Day Services

On Anzac Day we had a number of students proudly represent our school at both Railton and Sheffield services. Students attended the service at the Sheffield Town Hall at 10:30am before marching down the street to the cenotaph. Here, SRC members laid a wreath on behalf of each sector of our Sheffield campus (Early Childhood, Primary & Secondary). Students at the Railton service laid a wreath on behalf of the Railton campus.

In addition to these students, we also had two of our Year 10s present their award-winning essays. Nathaniel and Kelsey were chosen by Bernie Binns, RSL President, to read out their Anzac/World War 2 essays – Nathaniel at the dawn service and Kelsey at the 10:30am service. Both students read beautifully and were praised by the community for their efforts. Congratulations to both!

Our Early Childhood and Primary students had the opportunity to enter an ANZAC Day art competition, that displayed what mateship meant to them and how their families commemorate the day.  Our Early and Primary winners were:

ECE Art Winners- Alex Rose & Winston 

Primary Art Winners- Lauren & Kaden

Kelsey, Jett, Hudson, Abigail

Maximus, Charlie, Ella

School Values Recipients

Primary Week 1

Early Childhood Week 1

Millie, Zekiel, Olivia, Trey

Early Childhood Week 2

Millie, Cobi, Nash, Judd

Bucket Filling Reward - Railton Campus
The students at the Railton campus were recently rewarded over two days with a casual clothes day, icy pole, and extended play in the playground for filling their campus bucket with pom-poms. They worked together to earn pom-poms throughout Term 1 by demonstrating the DECYP values: Courage, Growth, Respect, Responsibility, and Connection.

Agfest

On Thursday May 1 the Year 11/12 VET Agriculture and Year 9/10 Food and Fibre classes travelled to Quercus Park Carrick to visit Agfest.  A great day was had by all and the weather was perfect.  Students and teachers were able to see the latest in innovation from robotic milking to precision water application and the Tesla cybertruck was a popular talking point.  Students were required to visit specific sites on the day and research careers in Agriculture and new technology thanks to our statewide Revitalising School Farms team.

Secondary Cross Country

The 2025 Sheffield School Cross Country Carnival will be conducted on Thursday 22May.  The carnival will be held at the school farm and will enable students to enjoy the most picturesque cross-country course on the Northwest Coast.  Secondary students will begin their event from the new classrooms and will circumnavigate the perimeter of the farm for approximately 3.6 Kilometres.

The event provides the opportunity for athletes to display their best efforts whilst also encouraging walkers or joggers to participate.  The HPE department has again included colour stations for those who wish to be coloured.

We urge all parents and carers to encourage their young people to make the most of this event and develop some lifelong memories of school life.

Event times are as follows:

Year 7/8 event        1:45PM

Year 9/10 event      11:30AM

Primary Cross Country

The event will be held at the Sheffield Campus and will incorporate cross country elements. These elements will include hay bales from the school farm.

The difficulty of the obstacles and length of the courses will be catered to suit the year level of the students. Throughout their PE lessons this term, students have been training to properly prepare for their races.

Breakfast Club

Thanks to Cathy from the Kentish Lions Club for adding the Breakfast Club logo on the lovely bright aprons.

Her Excellency, the Govenor's Farm Visit

Community, Care and Connection

We hosted our friends from Kentish Adult Activity Centre today as a thank you for sharing time with us last term. The students did a marvellous job hosting today, and the guests were very impressed with the luncheon and our previous visits.

There were lots of highlights, especially watching Sheffield students interact so willingly and adapt to different situations in a respectful manner. The students had taken different activities to participate in when we visited the centre including card games, quizzes, painting and sketching. They engaged in conversations and shared laughs.

Today, the centre clients were bused down, greeted by Tyson and Shania and shown into the FLO room which had been set up beautifully with a team led by Bethany. Nathaniel gave a wonderful speech and then the luncheon was enjoyed. Mitch, Ataan, Nether, Sapphire, and Lillie worked quickly and efficiently to serve soups and hot drinks, too.

Our guests were so grateful, the students and I were each presented with a gift, a lovely poem and many compliments. Christine Nichols, the Centre co-ordinator spoke on behalf of the guests and sincerely thanked our students and explained how much joy our visits had brought, and we would be welcome anytime.

One guest was telling me how delightful the visits had been, how enjoyable the luncheon was and asked me if I’d had the opportunity to select these students, or had they chosen the class. I had to agree that I would have picked them if I’d been given the chance! Special thanks to Kirra and Mrs Oldenhof for their catering assistance, too. Teamwork makes the dream work! What a wonderful example of intergenerational connection. Well done 9/10 Community, Care and Connection class!

Mrs Maddick
Teacher

yLead

On Tuesday our Year 10 SRC attended a leadership workshop at Devonport High School, run by external organisation, yLead. They attended alongside leaders from Latrobe High, Ulverstone Secondary College, and Devonport High. Students spent a lot of time creating connections with other schools through a range of practical challenges and activities, developing a greater understanding of each other and creating a shared vision for the year ahead. A big thankyou to Devonport High School for hosting us for the day, and Latrobe High School staff for organising the event! 

Food and Fibre
Class 1/2B are excited to be learning about hydroponics this term in Food and Fibre with Ms Kennedy.

Canteen

Railton's canteen day is Wednesday.

Please make sure your orders are in by 9:30am.  You can either order on the QKR app or at the office.

We have added Gluten Free Wraps to our regular menu, and Hot Chicken and Gravy Roll to the specials.

Click HERE for the current menu

QKR
Order (and pay) for school lunches for up to two weeks in advance from your Smart device.      QKR Set Up Instructions

When logging on to QKR for the 1st time each year you will be asked to enter your child's year level and home group.  It is important that you add both of these details and not just home group.

Swimming Pool

The pool season ended on 6 April.  Keys can be returned to either Sheffield or Railton Campus in order to receive your $50 refund.

Every school Day Matters

Going to school every day gives your child every chance to learn and grow, and connect with their mates and teachers. It’s where bright futures start and where they’ll benefit the most. 

Vaccinations

Is your child in year 7?

School vaccinations are happening soon.

• human papillomavirus (HPV), and diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (dTpa)

Vaccinations help protect them from serious diseases - now and later in life.

If your child is getting vaccinated,  make sure you’ve provided your consent.

Contact your child’s school for information on how to do this.

Learn more at https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/immunisation-for-adolescents

Safeguarding Training in our school

All volunteers (parent helpers, coaches, breakfast club helpers) are required to complete Safeguarding Training prior to working with children in our school.

Please ensure you present your certificate of completion at the office for our record.

You can access the training by clicking on the link below or using the QR code on the poster.

To complete the training, simply visit https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/.../safeguarding-training/

Please contact Mrs Davies if you would like support to complete the training.

All Girls - U11 Mini Series

Our four-week U11 Girls Mini Series is the perfect introduction to the game. It’s relaxed, local, supportive, and designed for girls of all experience levels. This is a great chance to stay active, make new friends, build confidence, and be part of a growing community.

Details:

• Free 4-week competition
• Friday Nights 5pm - 8pm 
• Two Hubs (Port Sorell - Ulverstone OR Penguin - Smithton)
• Commencing Friday June 13th

Click on the link to start the registration process: https://forms.office.com/r/XrkMNgbv1i

Absolutely no experience needed. Brings your friends and have some fun! 

For questions: Beth.Kompes@afl.com.au

Devonport Library

13YARN

13YARN have a dedicated team committed to crisis support and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing a crisis, helping to prevent self-harm and suicide. We aim to remove cultural barriers stigmas, shame, guilt or the feeling of helplessness by allowing a person in crisis to who calls our support line a moment to be heard, validated, without judgement.

Our free and confidential service is available to school students of all ages experiencing a crisis, we offer one-on-one crisis support to help seekers of any age who call the line on 13 92 76. We can offer referrals to local and national support services if requested, along with a simple safety care plan to help navigate their next steps.

Click HERE for more information on 13YARN

The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that Australian children spend more time on screens than is recommended. I’m writing to you to invite your support for National Spinal Health Week 2025 (26 May – 1 June 2025) to help increase awareness of the risks to students and parents of developing tech neck through misuse or overuse of technology devices.

This annual awareness initiative aims to shine a spotlight on spinal health issues affecting millions of Australians, including children and young people, and how educators can take proactive steps to improve the spinal health of our children.

An initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), Spinal Health Week is Australia’s leading and longest-running, award-winning community health awareness campaign for musculoskeletal health. For nearly 30 years, it has promoted the importance of maintaining spinal health and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Click HERE for more information on National Spinal Health Week

Click HERE for more information about HEYWIRE

Crash Team Racing Championship

Click HERE for more information on CRASH TEAM RACING

Kentish House

2025 Devon Netball Netta Roster

2025 Devon Netball Primary Roster