Hello to the Warrane Primary Community, 
 
It’s with gratitude to the students and staff at Warrane Primary School that I write my first newsletter notes.  I’d also like to introduce Melissa Didham who has also joined the WPS team as Assistant Principal, and while we’ve both been on a steep learning curve in a new school, every cheery hello from students, families and staff has been greatly appreciated. Melissa and I are really looking forward to getting to know more members of the school community in the coming weeks. 
 
During May and June, there are many exciting events happening at school and across the country that WPS is proud to participate in: 
 
National Simultaneous Storytime 
Yesterday, 21st May, was National Simultaneous Storytime. In 2025, the chosen book was ‘The Truck Cat’. National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an important annual campaign run by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), aiming to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books. The LiL (Launching into Learning) group and selected students caught a bus to the Rosny Library, where they were lucky enough to hear the story read by Jo Palmer. 
 
National Walk Safely to School Day 
Now in its 26th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event encouraging all primary school children to walk and commute safely to school. The event promotes road safety, health, public transport, and environmental awareness. It was wonderful to see so many WPS families join in walking safely to school last Friday. Remember, it is very important that all children under the age of ten hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road—it helps them feel supported, seen, and safe. Well done to everyone who joined us! 
 
National Reconciliation Week 
National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held from 27th May to 3rd June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements—and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The 2025 NRW theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present, and future. It calls on all Australians to step forward together, look ahead, and continue the push forward, guided by the lessons of the past. I encourage you to take time with your child/ren to reflect on the importance of reconciliation for all Australians. 
 
Have a lovely remainder of your week, 

Frances Thorp 
 

I acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional and original owners of lutruwita/trowunna (Tasmania) and as the enduring custodians of the lands, seas, air and waterways. I pay respect to Elders past and present.

Congratulations to the students who were presented with their certificates of merit at assembly. They were very proud to be acknowledged for upholding our school values of Connection, Courage, Growth, Respect, and Responsibility. 

Year 5/6 Inquiry: What Do Living Things Need to Survive and What Can We Learn from Nature and Ourselves?

Over the past few weeks, Year 5/6 S/B students have been diving deep into our inquiry on survival - guided by the question: “What do living things need to survive, and how can we learn from nature and ourselves?” Inspired by the survival TV series Alone, students have been exploring how living things meet their basic needs in extreme environments—and what we, as humans, can learn from their adaptations.

We began by considering this overarching question as a class, engaging in a rich discussion where students shared and built on one another’s ideas. From there, we investigated the wild and remote landscape of Southwest Tasmania.

Students took part in a choral reading of an informative text about the region—an approach that supports reading fluency, confidence and expression. They learnt about the area's unique flora and fauna, the terrain and the deep knowledge of the Palawa people. Students then examined a range of resources, including the UTAS EucaFlip (Guide to the Eucalypts of Tasmania) and photo collections of bushwalking and camping in the region. These materials prompted thoughtful discussions about survival, adaptation and respectful relationships with the environment.

Building on this knowledge, students were challenged to plan for survival in the region. They selected ten items from a pre-made list of wilderness gear, carefully justifying their choices based on the harsh environmental conditions. This hands-on activity encouraged critical thinking and real-world application of their understanding of living systems and environmental science.

In Mathematics, the inquiry extended to the Cartesian plane (AC9M5SP02 & AC9M6SP01). Students imagined themselves dropped into Southwest Tasmania and used coordinates to map out essential survival locations—such as shelter spots and water sources.

Most recently, students have begun designing wilderness shelters, carefully considering weather, materials and safety. Soon, they’ll construct and test these shelters in a ‘wild’ outdoor setting—applying creativity and problem-solving in a hands-on challenge.

This inquiry will continue over the coming weeks as students deepen their understanding of survival, environmental challenges and the ways in which living things—humans included—adapt to thrive in volatile conditions.

5/6G had the pleasure of Mr Peter West (Strategic Initiatives and Marketing at Nexus Inc) read the National Simultaneous Storytime, 2025 book 'The Truck Cat' by Deborah Frenkel & Danny Snell. We talked about the value of connection, respecting differences, and how we can grow when we learn from each other. 

Corrected 2025 Levies have been posted to families. The cost of this years levies are $135. This covers all stationery, excursions, and activities for the year and can be paid via BPay or EFTPOS.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 6244 1747, via email at warrane.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au, or by coming in between 8:30am and 3:15pm.

The Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance for eligible families by waiving the cost of school levies. All families holding a current Centrelink Health Care Card, Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card are eligible for STAS.

Further information on STAS can be found on the Department of Education internet at: https://www.education.tas.gov.au/parents-carers/parent-fact-sheets/fees-levies/.

The online form can be found at: https://stasonlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au/ .

Parents who currently receive STAS will not need to provide any additional information and will not need to reapply. You cannot apply online or add additional students in the online application form if you are already receiving STAS. If you wish to add a newly enrolled child to your existing STAS file, please email the details to stas@decyp.tas.gov.au.

Questions about STAS can be forwarded to the Department’s Financial Services Unit at stas@decyp.tas.gov.au or by calling 1800 827 055.

We welcome volunteers at Warrane Primary School. As you would know from the past, volunteers require a Working with Vulnerable People check to be able to come onsite to help with events and excursions.

Registration to work with vulnerable people (cbos.tas.gov.au)

There is now an additional requirement that all volunteers have completed the mandatory safeguarding training module. The certificate must be provided to our office staff before you are able to volunteer.

For more information and to complete the safeguarding training visit:

Safeguarding Training - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

All students are welcome.

We have students who are allergic to nuts and eggs. As this allergic reaction can be life threatening, the school asks that these products are not brought to school in children’s lunch boxes or for class celebrations.

Items not to be brought to school include but are not limited to - all nut products, peanut butter, Nutella, peanut oil in margarines and all egg products.

It is important that all classes observe this nut and egg aware policy due to the danger of an allergic child coming into contact with residue left by other classes. The parents/carers and staff appreciate your co-operation in this serious matter.

A reminder that families are required to use the larger family carpark for school drop off and pick up.

The smaller carpark near the early years classes is for staff and service vehicles only. It does not have enough parking for families and the visibility of the surrounding area and access in and out during busy times creates an added safety risk to students.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this.