As we move quickly to the end of the school year, we have been reflecting on the achievements of students, teachers, staff and our school community as we plan for success in 2023. Teachers are preparing student end of year reports and we are planning classes for next year to ensure a smooth transition into the 2023 school year. Deciding on class structures and placement of students into these classes is complex. We have surveyed every student asking them who they think they learn best with and taken 3 names to cater for this. We also take into account the academic, social and wellbeing needs of students in class placements and structures for next year. Also, class sizes are a consideration, which relies on numbers across grades. Traditionally we have had straight grades here at Burnie Primary but numbers in grades and resources has made this a real challenge, but at this moment in time, we intend to retain this model. We value the investment in early childhood education and as such, although the numbers are low, we intend continuing with two straight kinder classes in 2023. With 2023 enrolments changing daily its important that if you or someone you know intends enrolling at Burnie Primary that they contact the office as soon as possible so we can finalise our planning. We are also still working on our staffing for 2023, so in our next newsletter we aim to be able to announce our class structures and teachers ready for our transition morning on Thursday 15^th December, where students will spend the morning with their 2023 class in their 2023 classroom with their 2023 teacher. This will allow time for not only practical and organisational things like knowing where my bag goes at the beginning of the new school year, but also will provide a start to building those quality learning relationships that enhance learning and allows classes and teachers to hit the ground running in the 2023 school year.

Next Thursday 8^th December, we will be conducting our 2022 Athletics Carnival. In a reflection of the year we have had, we were unable to conduct our normal Athletics Carnival in Term 1 due to the restrictions placed on schools, and we have already participated in the NWSSSA carnival in Penguin, and as such, our Carnival this year will focus on participation and a fun whole school event. Running and novelty events will be held throughout the day in Grade groups. Students are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing in their house colours and have a drink bottle. Sunscreen will be provided for each grade but if your child has any sensitivities to sunscreen, we encourage you to bring your own along. We are always looking for parent / carer helpers on the day. If you wish to help out, even for part of the day we need you to register at the front office with your WWVP card number, just like any parent help in classrooms. Parents and carers are welcome to come and watch on the day, but please stay in the spectator areas. The Carnival will kick off at 11:15am on our school oval. Unfortunately, due to the number of events we have in the next 3 weeks, if it is raining, we do not have a ‘back up’ day.

We value the contributions all Grade 6 students make as leaders here at Burnie Primary School. Last week we heard from our Grade 5 students who gave speeches to inform students about their ability to be elected as either a Sports Leader or for our Student Representative Council. Today I was pleased to announce the election results to the following students.

Our 2023 Student Representative Council are Hudson Bain, Sari Armstrong, Malik Radford, Ella Bruinewoud, Darcey Hampton, Ella Dick, Quinn Aitken, Milla Dicker, Zoey Keegan and Indio Nott-Hage.

Our 2023 Sports Leaders are Jed Williams, Paige Aitken, Molly Stafford, Oscar Warsing, Kobe Skvaril and Rhani Radford.  

Andrew Starick
Principal

On Thursday 24^th of November 2022, 45 students in grades 4, 5 and 6 went to The Buff in Devonport to compete in the Primary Schools Triathlon. Students competed either individually or in teams across a three-stage race; a swim, bike and run. Devonport’s weather on the day was sunny and warm with a light breeze creating perfect conditions for the event.  There was a feeling of excitement around the tent as students arrived and prepared for their events. The students who represented Burnie Primary did so with pride and respect for our school. They aspired to do their best and supported each other throughout the day, with a highlight of each race being, watching the runners run past and giving them a hi-five. Our teams supported each other by crossing the finish line together to receive their race cap hat. It was a courageous effort by all students especially those who hadn’t done a triathlon before or attempted the individual event for the first time. Highlights included; team photos in front of the Burnie Primary School tent and sign, lining up along the running track to cheer on participants from across the North and North-west, and running across the line as a whole team to finish off the team events. A huge congratulations to all students on your amazing efforts, you all did your best. A special mention to Hudson Bain who came across the line in 5^th place in his individual race against other grade 5 male students. We hope to see so many students eager to participate in the event next year.

A reminder to all those who borrowed school shirts to return those to the school office or Miss Geard.

Only one session left for 2022!

Our final session will be on Friday, 9^th December.

All library books are due back by Friday 9^th December. Please feel free to drop those into the return tubs in the library or bring along to our session.

We look forward to seeing you this Friday.