Every fortnight, 1-2B and 5-6C participate in Buddies where the two classes come together to do a learning activity created by Mr Robertson or Miss Greene based upon the learning we have been doing in our classrooms.

In the previous weeks, our Buddies have joined us for library, where the Big Buddies have helped their Little Buddies find a book to borrow and read to them. In week 6, 1-2B visited 5-6C and carried out a science experiment based on the 5-6C's learning about the change in physical state. This experiment involved following Mr Robertson's instructions on how to make our very own ice-cream. It involved a lot of shaking and our hands went numb and red from the cold ice! The end result was really messy but yummy!

In week 8, 5-6C and parent helpers came to visit us in 1-2B to help design and create Lanterns for the Lantern Walk on Friday 23 June. We had a fabulous afternoon and created some beautiful designs based upon the theme of winter.

Buddies is a great opportunity for both classes as we are learning various skills, such as working together, relationship building, problem solving and most of all having a bit of fun with our learning. We love spending time with our Big Buddies!

1-2B Greene

On Thursday, 15 June, we were joined by many families to help their children make lanterns for themselves and members of their family, in support of the local ‘Lantern Walk’, celebrating the Winter Solstice.

We thank the many families who attended the ‘Open Afternoon’, in many of the Kindergarten to Year 6 classrooms.

We would also like to thank all those families who donated glass jars and milk cartons for the ‘Open Afternoon’.

We look forward to providing more opportunities to welcome families into the school as well as supporting local community events, moving forward.

Primary and Secondary Visual Art Students created work for the Gumboot Gala exhibitions: this included creating a Fairy Garden for the Rainbow Healing Garden and Decorated Gumboots where 150 artists were involved from Art Studios and four schools.

The Year 1-2 ‘Together’ Gumboot won the Pop Art Award, the ‘Colour Run’ collaged gumboots won a Wearable Award, Charlotte Dickenson and Ahang Rumdhali also won awards. The three judges were impressed by the quality and diversity of the art.

We are enjoying celebrating with our whole community all the wonderful things happening at Lilydale. Last Friday we were able to see the culmination of the Lantern Walk, hosted in our community, with the way being lit up by students’ recycled lanterns. What an awesome way to get out community together. Well done to all our organisers and contributors.

We also had the Australian Red Cross work with our Years 3-4 students last week to help them understand what items might be critical if they had to prepare for, cope with or respond in an emergency.  Talking through the importance of having planning for and calmness in a crisis was well received.

We had our Launching into Learning excursion to the CFLC at Newnham last Friday. The opportunity for our families to visit to understand the supports and services available is especially important for our first time families. The centre will conduct outreach services to the school in the coming terms and we look forward to this extra layer of support and early intervention for those in need.

Our first round of Primary sport is being hosted at the school this Friday. Wednesday trainings should have students fine-tuned and raring to go for the day. We look like we will have suitable weather but still strongly encourage students to bring a full change of clothes.

Thank you to those families who have responded to book an appointment, either in person or over the phone, for our parent teacher conversations which started Tuesday. This is a critical piece of the learning journey for students and families to receive in depth information and feedback about progress and areas for growth. If you haven’t made an appointment, please get in touch with us so that we can keep you informed.

Last week we had JCP Youth visit and run sessions for all students in Years 5-10. The information shared and the subsequent conversations were rich and provided important insight into how life choices can impact our lives. By focussing on positive decision making students can see what they can achieve and how they can assist one another to be their best.

Our Year 9-10 students have had further opportunities to work with a range of business groups to understand what is required for their futures. This week Year 10 students will have visited both colleges, with all other regional high schools, to better understand what course choices they have available. Similarly we have options for students who wish to stay with us. The flexibility in the 11-12 space is further demonstrated through taster days at schools and is very supportive for students as they navigate this section of their life.

As you may have seen on our Facebook page, we have had a visit to Timberlink, where students were immersed in the opportunities that their company provides. The employer was very impressed with our students, their presentation and their manners.

This week 15 Year 9 students are visiting ACL Bearings, UTAS Stadium, Tas City Building and Bunnings through the Smith Family Work Inspirations program. Again the focus is on ensuring that students understand employer expectation and also have further appreciation of all the options available to them.

Our school recently was showcased in the School Nurse Program video. If is great to see our students in this setting and again how well they work. We are really proud of how we are progressing and grateful to our community for the ongoing support.

Colin Pearson

Principal

Our School Association usually meets on the second Monday of each month in the Kinder space. Our next meeting will be on Monday, 14 August at 7:00pm. We would love to see more people at the meetings and invite you to attend.

If you need to get in contact with members of the School Association, please contact the school office on 6395 0100. Thank you.