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.