From the Head of Teaching and Learning

We have begun the learning year with clarity and purpose, using comprehensive screeners and diagnostic assessments to identify where each student is positioned after the long holiday break. Our ‘test then teach’ approach ensures instruction is responsive and precise, enabling teachers to adjust curriculum and provide targeted support from the outset.

In Primary, we continue to strengthen our structured literacy blocks, building on the solid foundation established in 2025. We are already seeing encouraging progress as a result of consistent, explicit instruction, and carefully sequenced practice. We know that literacy is foundational to all future learning and life opportunities, and we place a premium on these daily lessons.

In Mathematics, we are implementing our core program with consistency and high expectations. In Primary, learning in both English and Maths is further supported through the IXL online platform, which provides targeted practice aligned to classroom teaching. If your child has not yet received login details, please contact their teacher, as IXL is a valuable tool for consolidating essential skills both at school and at home.

Our Secondary students have also enjoyed a strong start. Starting the year with camps provided an important relational foundation for our growing and maturing student body, strengthening connection, resilience, and engagement.

This week, students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 completed NAPLAN practice tests. These sessions allow us to resolve technical issues and build student confidence ahead of the formal assessments in Week 6. We view NAPLAN as one helpful data point within a broader understanding of student growth.

Selected students have also participated in the BEBRAS Computational Thinking Challenge this week, which is an exciting enrichment opportunity that fosters logical reasoning and problem-solving.

Across all year levels, our teaching and learning is underpinned by a Christian worldview. We seek to cultivate wisdom, character, and excellence, supporting students to flourish socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually.

Amanda Robertson – Head of Teaching and Learning

We are looking forward to our school photo day on Monday 23 March.

Primary students: come dressed in your full school uniform, clean black shoes ...... and don't forget your smile!

Secondary students: come dressed in your full formal school uniform, including blazer, tie and polished black shoes!

Jewellery requirements can be found in our Uniform Policy.

To order your school photos head to the link below and use this Access Key - UT4G5RQW

March

9 | PUBLIC HOLIDAY Eight Hour Day (Labour Day)
10 | Little Learners, 9.00am - 11.00am
11 | Year 9/10 Sports and Rec Excursion, 9.00am - 10.30am
11 | NAPLAN Testing
12 | NAPLAN Testing
13 | NAPLAN Testing
16-20 | NAPLAN Catch up Week
16 | Prep Excursion, 10.30am - 1.30pm
17 | Little Learners, 9.00am - 11.00am
17 | Year 9/10 Outdoor Ed Excursion, 10.30am - 1.30pm
18 | Year 9/10 Sports and Rec Excursion, 9.00am - 10.30pm

All details of re-scheduled events will appear on the Emmanuel Calendar.

Secondary Update

The National History Challenge theme this year is ‘Voices’. So far we have five students who are madly researching their chosen topics, ready to enter in a few months time. As this competition is research based and has to have the theme front and centre, getting information early, particularly primary sources, is a great start.

I love that verse in Proverbs 16:3:

‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans’

It is so reassuring to see how God wants to be involved in our daily pursuits.

And another little reminder: I am still hoping for more family histories about service in the Defence Forces, here or overseas, during war or peace time to add to our Honour Roll for this year. My email is snewitt@emmanuel.tas.edu.au.

Yours in Christ,

Sue Newitt – Secondary History and Drama Teacher

Primary Update

A Dot That Started It All: Kindergarten’s Art Adventure

Our Kindergarten classroom has been bursting with colour, creativity, and excitement as students dive into the wonderful world of art! From swirling paintbrushes to carefully chosen crayons, our young artists have discovered that art is not just something you make—it is something you feel, explore, and enjoy.

This month, we read the beautiful picture book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. The story introduces us to a little girl named Vashti who believes she cannot draw. Feeling frustrated, she says she just cannot make art. Her wise teacher gently encourages her to ‘just make a mark and see where it takes you’. Vashti puts a simple dot on the page—and that tiny dot becomes the beginning of something amazing.

Inspired by Vashti’s journey, our Kindergarten students began their own artistic adventure. We talked about how art does not have to be perfect. It does not have to look like anyone else’s. Art can start with something as small as a single dot!

Candace Freeman – Kindergarten Teacher

Employment Opportunities

WEEKLY FOCUS

Being Understanding and Compassion

PRAYERS POINTS

Students participating in NAPLAN
Grounds and Facilities Staff
Leadership Team heading to CEN Conference