Principal’s Report – Term 3

Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and milestones our students and staff have reached over the past few months.

This term has been filled with rich learning experiences, exciting events, and strong community engagement. From classroom projects to excursions, sporting events, and creative arts showcases, our students have continued to demonstrate curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to growth.

A particular highlight has been the continuation development of our school-wide focus on improving students’ literacy across the school with a key focus this term on staff’s unwavering commitment to lifting literacy outcomes across all year levels. Teachers have engaged deeply with DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) to monitor and support foundational reading development. These assessments have helped us identify specific areas of need and tailor instruction to ensure every student is progressing. In addition, our exploration of Word Origins has enriched vocabulary instruction, helping students understand the roots and meanings of words, which in turn supports comprehension and spelling. The professional learning and collaboration around these tools have been inspiring, and we are already seeing positive shifts in student confidence and achievement. We encourage all students to spend time at home reading their favourite books and enjoying the skills and knowledge that active reading develops. Staff have worked collaboratively to embed best practices, and we are already seeing positive outcomes in student engagement and achievement.

Improving student attendance remains a key priority at Port Dalrymple School, and we continue to explore creative and meaningful ways to engage students especially on Fridays. Our Feel Good Friday initiative has become a highlight of the week, offering students opportunities to connect classroom learning with the development of social skills and positive relationships. Through activities that promote wellbeing, teamwork, and emotional literacy, we’re seeing stronger engagement and a growing sense of belonging among students. These efforts not only support academic success but also help build a culture where every student feels valued and motivated to attend regularly.

I’d also like to acknowledge the incredible support from our families. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply encouraging your children each day, your partnership is invaluable to our school community.

As we look ahead to Term 4, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Planning is already underway for end-of-year celebrations, transition programs, and further opportunities for student voice and leadership.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I wish all families a safe and restful break.

We’re proud to celebrate the success of our teacher professional learning program, which has led to several staff achieving full registration this year. This reflects our commitment to high-quality teaching and ongoing professional growth to support every learner at Port Dalrymple School. Thank to all staff to their ongoing support of each other and students, showing our connection and growth for all.

Wow! Where has Term 3 gone? The past 10 weeks have flown by, filled with rich learning experiences and exciting opportunities for our young people to grow in their knowledge, skills, and confidence across core subjects, electives, and a wide range of on-site and off-campus activities.

As we look ahead to Term 4, we anticipate a busy, productive, and important final stretch of the year. After the holiday break, students will be expected to maintain focus on their studies, demonstrating their learning through tasks that contribute to end-of-year assessments and reports.

Term 4 will also feature several key events, including:

• Athletics Carnival (Week 4)
• College Enrolments
• Year 10 Celebration Events
• Year 9 Student Leader Board Selection
• Year 6–7 Transition Activities
• Year 8 Duke of Edinburgh opportunities
• …and many more exciting opportunities packed into a short timeframe!

We are incredibly proud of the engagement, effort, and achievements of our students this term. Thank you to all staff, families, and community partners who continue to support our learners.

Enjoy a safe and restful break – we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for Term 4.

Ongoing upgrades

Over the break we will see continued work undertake to ensure our students have the quality learning environments and resources they deserve to improve success. Between the wellbeing Hub

What a wonderful opportunity we had across our school community and end to the term with Rum’un visiting. He joined our assembly acknowledging students and their contribution to our school community. Joined in reading “A Devil of a Day” and joined in YMCA with the dance group. Thank you AFL Tasmania, Tasmanian Football Club, George Town Lions Club and Andy and Taylah from the Youth Impact Group.

? Meet Rum’un – A True Tasmanian Devil 

Rum’un is a cheeky, gritty, and uniquely Tasmanian character, created to represent the heart and soul of the island and its people. The name “Rum’un” is a local term of endearment meaning a scallywag or odd character, often used affectionately by older Tasmanians.

? Role in the Club

• Rum’un will be a key figure in community engagement, especially in schools.
• Aims to boost junior football participation and represent the club at events statewide.
• Embodies the club’s values: determination, creativity, and connection to community.

? Celebrating Tasmanian Spirit

With gravel-scraped knees (a nod to Queenstown’s famous oval), a mischievous grin, and a heart full of Tassie pride, Rum’un is here to lead the charge as the Tasmania Devils prepare for their AFL debut in 2028.

Hands on Learning students have been working hard in the HOL precinct this term. There has been an influx of school-based projects where students have repaired equipment, repurposed old materials, and developed new items for the school yard and classrooms. The HOL Café team have been busy in the kitchen and garden, growing food for the school community and preparing a variety of meals for different occasions. Students have had their Focus Plans on display and these have varied from ‘developing positive communication skills’ to ‘learning ways to help me focus when I’m distracted’. Students in HOL work on their Focus Plans every week and aim to develop their personal skills and abilities through real projects. They give back to the school community with the varied projects they undertake and they develop a place to belong by contributing to the group and something bigger than themselves. We’ve got lots of exciting projects heading in to term 4, well done HOL team.

Adventure, Resilience, and Frozen Toes: Our Derby Camp Recap!

Last week, our Year 9/10 students embarked on an outdoor adventure to Derby, Tasmania—a trip packed with wild weather, breathtaking landscapes, and plenty of laughs.

Our first night set the tone with a dramatic thunderstorm that rolled in during the night. Rain lashed the campsite and winds howled, threatening to take tent pegs with it, but spirits remained high.

The hike from Little Blue Lake to Cube Rock was a highlight. The trail wound through lush forest and rocky outcrops, offering stunning views and a real sense of achievement. Whilst Cube Rock was windy, it gave us a rewarding end to the uphill trail. A small skat of rain hampered our descent, with a few making the slide down the hill not on their feet.

If the storm didn’t test our toughness, the second night certainly did. Temperatures plummeted, and many woke up to a frosty start, searching for some hot water to make a warm drink to warm them up. Despite the cold start there were still smiles and enthusiasm from students.

Back at the lake, students took to paddle boards for a chilly session. The water was icy, and the occasional splash left many gasping—but the laughter and teamwork made it all worthwhile. Some even braved a quick dip, maybe on purpose or maybe by accident.

The final adventure saw us tearing through the famous Derby mountain biking trails, including the eerie and exciting Derby Tunnel. It was dark, muddy, and super cool. Emerging into the sunlight felt like a triumph.

This camp was more than just a getaway—it was a test of resilience, teamwork, and courage. From storms to sub-zero nights, from steep hikes to freezing lakes, our students showed what they’re made of. Derby gave us memories we’ll never forget and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Wow! Where has Term 3 gone? The past 10 weeks have flown by and there have been so many opportunities for our young people to engage in and further develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in core subjects, electives and other on-site events and off-campus excursions.

We look forward to a very busy, productive and important Term 4. After the holiday break, students will be expected to continue focussing on their studies to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of learning tasks that will contribute to their end of year assessments and reports. Also, we have our annual Athletics Carnival Week 4, College Enrolments, Year 10 Celebration events, Year 9 Student Leader Board selection process, Year 6-7 Transition activities and many more events in a short space of time.

Some Term 3 Highlights include:

• NHSSA Sport - Congratulations to our Division 4 Netballers winning their Grand Final and well done to our Soccer Team for making their Grand Final
• Student Voice Workshops
• AMC Site Tour and Pool Survival Practical
• Airport Excursion
• Book Week Activities and Costume Parade
• 9/10 Sport Leaders coaching, scoring, umpiring 5/6 TPSSA Friday Sport
• Year 9/10 Exams
• Yarning Circle Opening and Smoking Ceremony – NAIDOC Week
• Whole School Assembly – Recognition of Academic Achievement
• Year 9/10 Polish Program – Career Preparation
• Year 11/12 Career and Life Planning sessions
• Year 11/12 VET Courses – students progressing in Hospitality, Construction and Engineering
• Flexible Programs including: Hands on Learning, Swimming Lessons, Cultural Arts, Port Rock, Soup Kitchen
• Breakfast Club
• Speed Careering – Year 10
• Commissioner for Children and Young People Visit
• 7-10 STEM Hydrogen Excursion
• Royal Australian Navy – Helicopter Simulator sessions
• StudentWorks Visit
• R U OK? Day
• Donut Day
• PISA Testing
• Student Leadership Workshop – Dylan Hesp
• Café
• Attendance Reward Afternoon (for students over 90% attendance in Term 3)
• Year 9/10 Derby Camp - Port Sport Leaders and Duke of Ed students
• Feel Good Friday’s – Volleyball Matches, Music Concert, Waffle Breakfast,
• Fortnightly Assemblies
• Footy Festival Day

In grade 7 science this term, students have been learning about classification and ecosystems. We have learned about how we can classify (or organise) living things based on their physical

characteristics and behaviours. We have also learned about different biomes and how energy is transferred in food webs. Students have created their own food web dioramas to demonstrate the relationships and energy flow between organisms in a biome of their choice. Attached, we have an aquatic biome and Mahalia and Ruby’s desert biome. All students have done a fantastic job at creating their dioramas!

We are grateful to have our own school pool at Port Dalrymple School.

Our students have been making great use of this wonderful facility to build their confidence in the water and develop essential swimming skills.

Being water safe isn’t just about knowing how to swim—it’s also about understanding how to stay safe around the water and in all related spaces, such as changerooms. Teaching these important safety habits early on can make a big difference in keeping our students safe and confident.

The swimming program also supports the development of social skills by encouraging students to communicate, cooperate, and build confidence alongside their peers. Working together in the pool fosters turn-taking, sharing, and positive peer interactions in a fun, supportive environment. These experiences help strengthen friendships and promote teamwork both in and out of the water.

Term 3 has been a wonderful and busy time for our Junior school students. Our classes have  embraced learning with enthusiasm and have continued to demonstrate our school values with a focus on responsibility. Teachers have been working closely with students to grow their value of connection, by supporting student growth, teamwork skills and resilience.

One of the highlights of this term was our Bike and Scooter Day, thank you to the staff who organised this incredible event, all of our junior school students are excited for more! It was fantastic to see so many students participate, showing off their riding skills, wearing helmets with pride, and practising safe habits. The playground was full of energy and smiles as students enjoyed the jumps and celebrated taking positive risk, having fun and moving their bodies. 

Across classrooms and playgrounds, students have also been building positive friendships, with a focus on learning friendships and what it looks like to support others in class. We are seeing students supporting one another, working cooperatively, and showing empathy and inclusion during learning and play. These positive connections create a warm and safe environment where everyone feels welcome.

As we look ahead, students are excited about upcoming attendance celebration days. Every school day matters, and we welcome families partnering with us to support increase student attendance. These events recognise and reward the dedication families and students show in coming to school regularly, and they’re a great way to build school spirit.

Thank you to all families for your ongoing support throughout Term 3. Together we are helping our students develop confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. We look forward to an equally exciting Term 4!

Did you know that Developmental Language Disorder or DLD affects 1 in 14 people? That is about two students in every classroom. DLD is a hidden but common condition where individuals have difficulty understanding and using spoken language without any known cause.

DLD is not visible so it can often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Students with DLD can struggle to follow instructions, express themselves clearly, or understand what others are saying. These challenges can impact learning, attendance, behaviour, social interactions, and confidence but with the right support students with DLD can thrive.

If you’re a parent, teacher, school staff, or student and you’re concerned about language development or communication skills, please reach out to your school’s Speech and Language Pathologist. We’re here to help, answer questions, and guide you toward the right support.

There are also fantastic organisations offering free resources to learn more about DLD:

• RADLD – RADLD - Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder - RADLD
• The DLD Project – The DLD Project | Developmental Language Disorder Information & Training

Let’s work together to make DLD visible and ensure every student gets the support they need to succeed!