Thank you very much to all of our families who were able to take part in our Kindergarten - Year 6 Parent Teacher meetings, whether in person or over the phone.  

We were able to have meaningful conversations about student learning, wellbeing and work habits for 97% of our students.  This is remarkable and clearly highlights the commitment families and staff have to working in partnership. 

If we weren't able to connect with parents and carers this time, you should have received your child's Progress Report in the mail.  Please note that all parents and carers are most welcome to make contact with your child's teacher at anytime throughout the year.

In line with the Department for Education, Children and Young People Communicating Learning Progress with Families policy, there will be another scheduled opportunity to meet and discuss your child's learning progress towards the end of Term 2. This meeting will be a three way learning conversation, meaning your child will attend and play an important part in the meeting. A mid-year summative report will also be provided towards the end of Term 2.

We truly value our relationships with parents and carers, and sincerely acknowledge how important your role is in your child’s education.

Sharon 

We are thrilled to announce the Brixhibition winners and runners up in both the individual and team categories. A huge congratulations to Daisy in 1/2 Dingemanse, who received the highest number of votes, making her the overall winner at Mowbray Heights Primary School for 2024! Daisy has been invited to showcase her design in the ‘Grand Competition’ at the Launceston Brixhibition Event held on April 20 & 21.

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at our last assembly.

With our current whole school wellbeing focus being emotional regulation and resilience, students in Years 3 - 6 will be watching the film Inside Out on Friday of Week 10. Inside Out (rated PG) follows the story of Riley, an 11-year-old, whose family suddenly relocates across the country. Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control centre inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to the move, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate their new city, house and school.

As a school we seek to empower our students to take charge of their own health and wellbeing through the delivery of quality health education. This includes topics such as sun safety, oral health, hygiene, and growth and development.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People has recently prioritised smoking and vaping education in response to the impact vaping and smoking has on attendance and engagement within schools.  Since 2010 there has been an increasing number of young people taking up vaping in Tasmania. There is a misunderstanding amongst young people that vaping is harmless compared to smoking. This is not true, vapes still contain harmful chemicals.

We are well placed as a school to educate young people about the harmful effects of smoking and vaping, so they are equipped to make informed decisions about their health. Nurse Pia will be visiting the primary classes over the next couple of weeks to conduct education sessions about smoking and vaping.

More information can be found on the following websites, including tips on how to talk with your child about smoking and vaping.

Vaping - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

E-cigarettes and vaping - what are they? | Quit Tasmania

E-cigarettes and vaping | Tasmanian Department of Health

The Buzz will be starting a new group of beginners in Term 2.

What is The Buzz?

• The Buzz is a beginner brass band facilitated by volunteer members of the City Of Launceston RSL Band.
• Instruments on offer are cornet, trombone, trombone mini and euphonium. All learner instruments are made of plastic and are ideal for children.
• The Buzz lessons are weekly on a Thursday afternoon from 3:10 pm - 4:00 pm. Lessons take place in the school PAC. Students will need to be collected from the PAC at 4:00 pm.
• There is no charge for lessons, instrument hire or book hire. We do expect that all students will take care of borrowed instruments and books and be responsible for bringing them to school on Thursdays.

Learning any musical instrument is a challenge and requires patience, persistence, a positive attitude and plenty of practice.  Learning a brass instrument has the added challenge of producing a sound (a buzz).  Students who join The Buzz need to be prepared to practise at home in order to make progress on their instrument.

If your child is interested in joining The Buzz they can see Mrs Partridge for more information. You can also email Mrs Partridge at cherie.partridge@decyp.tas.gov.au if you have any queries.

Launching into Learning - Pre-Kinder

Pre-Kinder groups have started at Mowbray Heights Primary and will continue for the rest of the year as part of our Launching into Learning Program. Pre-Kinder is for children turning 4 this year who will start Kindergarten next year.

Families choose one Pre-kinder group to attend each week:

Tuesday 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Friday 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Friday 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Why Come to Pre-Kinder?

• Learn and Play
• Meet the teachers
• Get to know the routines
• Meet other families who will also be in Kindergarten next year

Children attend with an adult and there is no cost. You may also like to come to Kindy Gym and Playgroup.

If you have any questions, please ask us!

Lisa Probert, Kelsey Campbell and Danielle Evans

Invoices have been sent home to families who have not been approved for STAS.  This composite levy covers almost everything, including learning materials, resources, equipment, excursions and performances.  It does not cover specialised activities such as the Leavers’ Dinner, cost of school photo or any other optional activity.

Families are able to choose between a single payment of the levy or they may take advantage of a range of payment options. You are most welcome to discuss your needs with Ms Tina Todman our School Business Manager (6326 1892).

The Student Assistance Scheme provides assistance for low income families towards the cost of levies. STAS is provided to the school rather than paid directly to families. STAS 2024 application forms are available for new enrolments, or for families who have not applied for, or been in receipt of STAS in 2023. Please note, being the holder of a Centrelink Health Care Card does not automatically mean that a family will be approved for STAS. Families who were approved and received STAS in 2023 have been sent correspondence regarding STAS 2024 directly from the Department for Education, Children and Young People. STAS application forms can be downloaded from the Department's website at www.decyp.tas.gov.au or collected from our school office.