Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

It has been a dynamic and rewarding term at CTDHS, filled with engaging activities, impressive achievements, and memorable experiences. Our students continue to thrive in a supportive and active school environment, and I am excited to share some highlights from the past weeks.

This week our Primary and Secondary students are attending the Schools Triathlon Events in Devonport. Last year, our students put on a fantastic display of determination and teamwork. We know that they will represent us with the same qualities this year.  Events like this reinforce the importance of health, fitness and resilience in our school culture.

Our early childhood students are attending the Infant Fun Day held in Longford. This event is a joyful celebration of early learning, with engaging activities that encourage creativity and social connections. We know that it is highly valued by our students, families and staff. To reward secondary students with excellent attendance, we are conducting an exciting camp to Freycinet and the East Coast. Activities include kayaking, scenic walks, and surfing lessons, providing a well-earned opportunity to connect with peers and explore Tasmania’s beautiful outdoors. This camp celebrates the importance of consistent attendance and its positive impact on learning and engagement.

A special congratulations to Ruby Bowerman, who represented CTDHS with excellence at the recent AFLW carnival and has been selected for the Devil’s Development Squad. Ruby’s achievement is a testament to her hard work and passion, and we are proud to see her excelling at such a high level. Our Year 2/3 students recently enjoyed an excursion to QVMAG, where they explored exhibits that sparked curiosity and creativity. The trip provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities, with students excited to share what they discovered.

Year 10-12 students are participating in White Card and Quad Bike training, gaining essential qualifications and skills. These programs prepare our students for future employment opportunities and highlight the importance of safety and practical, hands-on learning.

Primary students are eagerly preparing for swimming lessons in Weeks 8 and 9. Moving this program to Term 4 ensures an uninterrupted start to the school  year while also equipping students with vital water safety skills before the summer holidays.

As a K-12 school, supporting students in important transitions from Kinder to Prep, Grade 6 to grade 7 and Grade 10 to Grade 11 is essential. We are currently undertaking transition sessions and activities for these students. If you feel that your child needs any extra support, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you to everyone who contributes to our vibrant school community. Your ongoing support makes these enriching experiences possible for our students.

Regards

Mike

Congratulations to the following students who received certificates at our Primary Assembly on Friday 8 November 2024.

On Wednesday the 13th of November our class travelled on the bus to Launceston to visit the Museum.

When we got there, we were starving! So, we had recess before exploring the artefacts. We saw dinosaur bones, they looked big. There were also dinosaur teeth they looked sharp and strong. Then we looked at the rocks they were shiny and sparkly.

After exploring the artefacts, we went to look at the Hands-on Science Centre. Our class got to do science activities. My favourite was balancing the sticks and not making them fall.

Then it started to pour with rain, this meant we couldn’t go to the park. Instead, we went to the Planetarium. We watched a show all about the planets in our solar system. Then it was time to get back on the bus and head back to school.

The excursion was fun. My favourite part was the Planetarium.

Boston 

Grade 2/3 student

In Food and Fibre students have been discovering many different fibres such as rocks, seeds, string and soil. We have investigated how materials are made, and students created their own weaving frames and mastered the art of weaving.

We looked at the details in soil, what makes good soil for planting and how we can make soil healthy. We planted sunflower seeds in the big tractor tyres in the garden and look forward to seeing these bloom in the summer.

We have also planted carrots, pumpkin and zucchini in the garden.

Stone stacking was a fun activity where we learned about balancing, hand-eye co-ordination, team-work and pure determination. The Guiness Record stands at 31 rocks – we managed 14, (somewhat smaller rocks) which is a phenomenal effort.

The Prep to Grade 2 students discovered the strength of string. They lifted rocks, sticks and bags of sand and soil. Which do you think is stronger, wool or cotton? We made damper and spoke about when people would eat this and how it is a great camping food, perfect to bake in the fire pit.

Yvonne Albers

Teacher

In Hospitality students have been focussing on food presentation. We discussed why it is important for food to look appetising and appealing, specifically if you are serving it to others. We spoke about foods at functions, weddings, parties and what they all had in common. We have now created a common phrase of “the eyes eat first!” Which I am sure will be used often when serving up food.

It was fantastic to see students take pride in their work and present some truly mouthwatering Hors d'oeuvres (canapes)!

Our food presentation will continue with Sushi and Spring Rolls – stay tuned!

Yvonne Albers

Teacher

Thanks to an initiative started 8 years ago by Josie Chester, 17 students from the middle and high school were able to apply for their Tax File Numbers last week.  Marking an important step for students on their pathway to their working lives.  Over the years 90 students have been supported by Josie, Lucy Fox and Pauline Blyth in applying for their Tax File Number – making this initiative a hugely successful one for the students and their families.

But, as with many successful programs, it takes a village to enable this to happen.  Thanks to the parents who put together the many documents needed for the application, to the students who completed the forms and were so positive and polite.  To Amanda Lydon, Tom Hodge, Lucy Fox, Josie Chester, Lucy Powell and  Sue Burn and on the day especially Sophie Bennett in the office.

And a very special thank you to Mrs Pauline Blyth, the Justice of Peace, who willingly gave up her time to make sure all the documents were certified along with mentoring moments.

We all look forward to helping more students next year.

Lucy Fox

Community Member

If you have any school sports uniform items from your child representing the school at carnivals or Primary and Secondary Sports, can these items please be returned to the school office as soon as possible.