Newsletter24th February 2012Devonport CampusPrincipal: Mrs Grace Brown

School Contact Details41 – 43 Mooreville Road(P.O. Box 520)Burnie 7320

Phone:64 333870Fax: 64 344011---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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113 Middle RoadDevonport 7310

Phone:64 245554Fax: 64 242992

Hello Staff, Parents, Carers and friends,It was very impressive to note the smiles and greetings shared between staff members and students as they arrived on the first day back to school on Wednesday, 15th February 2012. Whilst many parents and carers commented that the summer holiday is too long for their children, the holiday program sponsored by the Glee Club was greatly appreciated. Many parents and carers took advantage of some free time whilst children really enjoyed the fun activities on offer. We value the commitment of many staff members and volunteers who planned and participated in the holiday programs this year. Many thanks for your support!

Welcome to our new families this year

Shelley and Brett Langer and family from Ipswich who arrived just before Christmas. Jake is enrolled in the Primary class.Zane Cooper, Sophie-Ella Woodhall and Brady Harris are new enrolments in the Kinder class.

BBQA ‘get together’ barbecue will be held on Thursday, 1st March at the Devonport Campus from 4:30 pm onwards for all families to attend. Meat will be supplied. Please bring a salad to share. Let’s make this a great social occasion to welcome especially our new families.

‘Big Day Out’ – 7 th February, 2012

I attended, along with many Principals from the all parts of Tasmania, a Leadership Symposium that was held at the Rokeby Police Academy. The opening address was delivered by the Premier, Ms Lara Giddings followed by Mr Nick

Dates to RememberThursday 1 st March BBQ (4:30pm)Monday 5 th March Carers Support Meeting (10:00-12:00)

Public HolidaysMonday 12 th March – Eight-Hour DayFriday 6 th April – Good FridayMonday 9 th April – Easter MondayTuesday 10 th April – Easter TuesdayWednesday 25 th April – ANZAC Day

Term DatesTerm 1 – 14th February to 1st JuneTerm 2 – 18th June to 7th SeptTerm 3 – 24th Sept to 20nd Dec

Student Free DaysThursday 12th July

Department of Education

Department of Education

McKim, Minister for Education and the DoE Secretary, Mr Colin Pettit emphasised the challenges facing school leaders during this time of tightening budgets and changing external circumstances. The Department of Education’s Strategic Plan for 2012 – 215 focusing on ‘Learners first, connected and inspired’ has now been finalised and the identified goals will drive the work that educators will do in the future.I do remain optimistic that we will be able to offer our students who are enrolled or accessing the School of Special Education NW fulfilling opportunities to learn and reach their potential. It will be a matter for all staff members, parents, carers, members of the School Association along with interagency networks to ‘look outside of the square’ to ensure that all available resources and opportunities are pursued and maximised to assist our students to continue to engage in purposeful and supported learning programs. There will be a greater emphasis on providing relevant skills and knowledge for teachers and support staff to foster innovation and continuous improvement.

Professional Learning Opportunities for StaffA varied and purposeful range of workshops were on offer as from Wednesday, 8th February for all staff members from both campuses to attend.7 th & 8 th February – Autism Spectrum Disorders 2012 – Intervention and Support for Students on the Autism Spectrum presented by Rose Clark & other guest speakers8 th February – Manual Handling Training presented by Lani Helbig 9 th & 10 th February – Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours presented by Nicola Crates (Optia) and Matthew Spicer (Anglicare)13 th & 14 th February – 4 Blocks Literacy ‘Rounds’ – led by Felicity Lovatt to brief teachers and TA’s on student literacy groupings for 2012 to foster the increase student participation with Pencil tools (light and high tech) for Writing, Alphabet Flip Charts, Word Walls and shared teacher weekly planning via resources on the IT sharepoint.

Class groupings for 2012Kindergarten on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 – 12 noon Teacher: Brooke AnsellEarly childhood class – Class teacher: Jo CorvinusPrimary class – Class teacher & Teacher-in-Charge: Ted BarranceSenior class- Class teachers: Brooke Ansell (Monday) & Grant Maloney (Tuesday – Friday)

CONTACT DETAILS:School of Special Education, Devonport Campus113 Middle Road, Devonport 7310Phone: (03) 6424 5554 Fax: (03) 6424 2992Email: school.of.special.education.devonport@education.tas.gov.au

ADVERTISINGSeveral improvements and changes to classrooms were made during the holidays with the Senior class now operating from the exterior classroom beside the staffroom.

I look forward to working with and supporting the whole school community during 2012. I know that there will be challenges to face however, open communication between all individuals that are respectful and built on mutual trust will ensure that our shared vision and priorities across the School of Special Education NW will be realistic and achievable. Our aim is to work together.

Yours sincerely,Grace

Whooping cough (pertussis)

o Notifications of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) to the Tasmanian Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) have increased significantly since late-2011. Cases of whooping cough have been reported from all regions of Tasmania. People of all ages have been affected.

o Please think about whooping cough if your child (or you) has a cough. Please see your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect someone in your household has it. Whooping cough is easily diagnosed and can be treated. Children with whooping cough must stay away from school until they are no longer infectious to others (5 days of treatment).

o Vaccination provides protection against serious whooping cough disease. Infants and teenagers should receive vaccine as part of their routine, free vaccinations. Adults should also consider whether they should get a booster dose.

o For more information, and contact details for DHHS,  please read the Whooping Cough Fact Sheet, available at http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/infectious_diseases/pertussis