14 August 2025

Principal's Message

I acknowledge, with deep respect, the traditional custodians of this land, the mumirimina people and pay my respects to Elders past and present, to the Aboriginal people with us today and to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community who continue to care for Country.  I stand for a future that profoundly respects and acknowledges Aboriginal perspectives, culture, language and history.

Our School Values

Our Commitment:  In partnership with community, we provide a welcoming school of choice that inspires and supports all learners to succeed as connected, creative and curious thinkers.

Dear Parents/Families,

Term 3 is off to a swift start, with students actively engaged in pre-kinder programs, winter sports, work experience opportunities, school band incursion and teggana school visits. These visits are open to all students considering enrolment in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) subjects for 2026, offering valuable insights into future pathways. Alongside these varied experiences, students and staff are working hard to ensure our key literacy strategies are implemented daily to maximise learning impact.

One of our core approaches repeated reading is operating across the school as a key improvement strategy. This term, teachers are embedding this practice while also exploring the latest research and developments in reading comprehension. We look forward to sharing this learning journey with our community as we continue to strengthen literacy outcomes for all students.

Reading priority

This term, our teachers are embedding effective reading practices while actively engaging with the latest research and developments in reading comprehension. We are excited to share this learning journey with our community as we continue to strengthen literacy outcomes for all students.

Our latest NAPLAN results reflect the positive impact of our sustained improvement agenda. Over recent years, the school has remained committed to embedding the key elements of effective reading such as word origins and fluency into every classroom, for every student, every day.

As a result of this foundational work, our focus is now shifting toward reading comprehension. We view comprehension not just as a skill, but as a product of the deliberate and consistent reading practices we have cultivated across the school.

No matter which curriculum our students are engaged in, whether it is the Early Years Learning Framework, the Australian Curriculum, VET or TASC, strong reading comprehension skills are essential. These skills underpin students’ ability to access, participate in, and engage meaningfully with content across all learning areas.

Winter Fest - Thursday 21 August

We need a little playtime too and Winter Fest is just around the corner. Get ready for a cozy evening with fire pots, delicious food vans, a silent disco, face painting and so much more.

The count down is on. We look forward to seeing as many families as possible next Thursday night. Please keep an eye on our socials for more information.

Kelly Dyer
Principal

https://www.facebook.com/SorellSchool
Email: sorell.school@decyp.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6269 1100

ECE Campus

Today each class enjoyed an informative session with St John’s First Aid, where students learned how to seek help if needed and how to manage minor first aid situations. We value opportunities like these, where visiting organisations enrich our curriculum and provide students with practical, real world learning experiences.

There is a definite buzz around Book Week, with classes diving into the shortlisted books and exploring their stories in creative ways. We look forward to seeing students dressed as their favourite characters and thank families for their ongoing support that makes our parade such a wonderful celebration.

Each Wednesday morning, we collaborate with the Nest to host our Magic Movers session in the General Purpose Room. This program provides a supportive and welcoming space where parents, grandparents, and other family members can engage with their children through play, climbing and jumping activities. With a wide variety of equipment to explore, children can develop their physical skills while enjoying quality time with their loved ones.

Last Friday’s assembly was a real highlight.  Our Prep students impressed us with their knowledge of narrative structures, beginning, middle, and end through a beautiful reading of ‘The Last Tree in the City’ written by Peter Carnavas. Year 1-2 students from Ms Mamacas and Ms Harts class showcased their understanding of environmental observations and the forces of push and pull, making science come alive for our audience.

Teresa Spinks
K-2 Assistant Principal

Year 3–6 Campus

Students have continued to focus on their learning over the past fortnight. Year 3 and 4 students have continued their code breaking and fluency lessons within the classroom and are examining the structures of information texts this term. Year 5 and 6 students have continued to grow their understanding of where words came from through their Word Origins program and are continuing their work on character analysis in writing.

Our 3 to 6 students were privileged to watch a performance from the Combined Primary School band last week. More than 90 students from southern primary schools performed for over half an hour in Broxham Hall. These students are involved in weekly band sessions at their school and this is one of their most important sessions before their end of year performance at the Derwent Entertainment Centre. The students enjoyed the live music, and they were impressed with our own Estelle Latham’s performance in the band.

Congratulations to Year 5 and 6 students who participated in the Winter Sports trials last week. I was impressed with the courage students displayed attending the trials, having a go and going outside their comfort zone. We wish those students who were selected all the best for their upcoming competition day.

A huge thank you to Mrs Wing for organising a grant through Variety Club which was used to purchase a bike for Ryka which will support her engagment with her learning at school.

Trent Sproule
3-6 Assistant Principal

Year 7–8 Campus

I asked Year 7 and 8 staff to send me any ‘specks of gold’ that happened over the past fortnight and I was inundated with fantastic examples of students engaging in learning and extra curricular programs. Chess club has proven to be a popular opportunity that Year 7 and 8 students are excelling in. There will be another tournament to attend in the coming months. Students are training hard to get ready for this. Year 8's have formed a Dungeons and Dragons group that meets regularly (including after school). This provides a great opportunity for students to build a sense of belonging to their peers and school. Kitchen Garden is a popular addition to Fridays. Groups of students head down to the great outdoors near the school farm to garden, grow, cook and tinker. Groups of Year 8's also participate in enrichment opportunities during the week that help to build resilience and foster positive relationships. We are always looking for ways to increase motivation and engagement in Years 7 and 8. I thank all staff involved in the planning and delivery of the programs listed above. Without their efforts, the students would not have access to these wonderful opportunities.

Year 8's have picked up a cooking class once a week this term. Both Year 7 and 8 students are currently learning and refining their baking skills. This course is hugely popular and we see high levels of engagement. The staff also love to be the nominated taste testers for the baked goods. 10/10 from me so far this term. Cooking is an essential life skill that we encourage all students to master. Recipes are available to bring home. Ask your children about what they cooked this week and they may just be able to bake you some yummy treats.

Over the next few weeks, students will be learning about the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey. They will look at key data from last year’s survey and then have the opportunity to connect with the survey platform prior to this year’s survey. This is a great opportunity for our school to get student voice about what is working well for students at Sorell and what areas they feel need more support. Already, students in Year 7 and 8 are telling us that they value positive relationships with key school adults, are keen to utilise the hub spaces for independent learning and appreciate accessing brain breaks when needed. We are always striving to meet students where they are at so we can support them to grow and improve their learning outcomes.

Lauren Clements 
7-8 Assistant Principal

Meet the Year 7-8 teaching team

Name: Megan Probert

Role: Year 8 English/HASS

How long have you been at Sorell School? Since 2008

Tell us something about yourself: I have two teenage children who keep me busy with their sporting commitments.

Year 9-10 Campus

Over the last 2 Weeks, our Year 9 and 10 students have been working hard in all their subjects. If you have a child in Year 9 or 10 that comes home and replies to the question “What have you been learning today?” with the reply “Nothing”, here are some of the topics you could ask them about.

In History our Year 9's are currently working on the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Their research and assignments are covering some of the amazing women of the Suffrage Movement like Vida Goldstein, Catherine Spence and Louisa Lawson. With the current Tasmanian Parliament showing how important it is that everyone has a voice and a vote, it is important our students see the struggle and the fight it took to give women the right to vote.

Our Year 9 English class is currently studying the classic book "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck. For those that have not read the book, it is a story of Friendship and Loneliness, and fighting to achieve your dreams. The students are working on using evidence to support their theories and ideas.

In Year 10 History, our students are studying Human Rights. They have focused on our First Nation People and their struggles to be treated fairly and have their voice heard. They are now looking outside Australia and examining how other people are fighting for their rights. In English the students are looking at Information texts

In Year 10 Science, they are studying evolution, looking at adaptations, Charles Darwin and Carl Linneas. In Maths they are studying surface area and volume. Ask them about Farmer Fred and his Farm Animals.  

Jamie Harwood 
9-10 Assistant Principal

9-10 Outdoor Education

Over the past four weeks, Year 9-10 Outdoor Education students have explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures through hands-on experiences, in line with the Australian Curriculum.

In Week One, we visited a coastal area to see ancient middens and learn their cultural and historical significance. 

Week Two took us to Shag Bay, where we learnt and played Marngrook, a traditional game believed to have influenced AFL.

In Week Three, we cooked scallops over an open fire and discussed Aboriginal histories of the area.

Week Four concluded at the Pyramids at Risdon Cove, where we learnt about the return of land to the local Palawa people and explored local history   We also learnt about mutton birds and, with the ranger’s guidance, cooked some over the fire.

This unit gave students the chance to connect with place, history and culture in a memorable and meaningful way.

Winter Fest Art

Students are making impressive progress on their ‘In the Winter Garden’ themed artwork ready for Winter Fest in week 5.

Students have created Aurora watercolour landscape, as well as 3D winter terrariums (tealight holders and wooden bases, filled with miniature objects).

Make sure you come along on Thursday 21 August to view these amazing art works.

Mel Symmons
Art Teacher/Year 9 AST

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Year 11–12 Campus

It has been a big couple of weeks in Year 11-12 as enrolments for next year open up and students start choosing their courses for next year. While the initial process is done, there is still time to change enrolments so do not be afraid to make contact with your school if you have questions or need something changed. It has also been a busy time for our VET students as many of them have been on work placements this term. It is always exciting for our students to get out and see how the practical skills they have learned apply to real world situations and hopefully it helps them understand what sort of career they might want outside of school.

Year 11-12 reports are coming home at the start of Week 6 (25 August). This third round of reporting will show what units and criteria students are passing or if they need a little bit of help. This will also be an invitation for a parent teacher meeting to explain the report as there will be no written comment attached to this report. This is the last progress report for 11-12 students and represents a chance to see how they are going as the end of the school year rapidly approaches.

Brody Walker
11-12 Acting Assistant Principal

School Calendar of Events

New absence service - EdSmart

Year 11 & 12 in 2026

Are you in Year 11 or 12 in 2026?

VET Course registrations NOW OPEN

Certificate II in Animal Care
Certificate II in Construction Pathways
Certificate II in Cookery
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
Certificate II in Sustainable Energy (Career Start)

Register your interest using the link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xzq-qWAMHkmLO6Mvj0auyC_GMI7VHEZEugAXSRLkLLJUMlJLMFhCVVNBVkxCVDNBMFJEN0laTEZRUC4u

Book Week

Winter Fest - Thursday 21 August

After last year's resounding success, we are thrilled to announce that Winter Fest is back. This year promises even more excitement, entertainment and community spirit. Get ready for a celebration that is bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever before.

Most importantly, this is a family event. Students MUST attend the event with a parent or guardian.

Food Vans, Fire Pits, Silent Disco, Art Displays, UV face painting, school band, chess games and plenty more that will provide two hours of fun.

When - Thursday 21 August 2025

Time - 5 – 7pm

Before & After School Care Discovery Early Learning, Sorell

Looking for before or after school care for your child? Discovery Early Learning – Sorell currently has spaces available for both Before School Care and After School Care.

We provide a safe, fun, and engaging environment for school-aged children, with activities designed to help them relax, play, and connect with friends after a busy day at school.

How to Enquire:

Head to our website and submit an Enrolment Enquiry Form, or contact our service directly on 6258 9100 for more information.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our Discovery community!

Sorell School Farm - Livestock for Sale

Sorell School Farm has the following livestock for sale

Pygmy Goat Wethers - $200 a pair (must be sold in pairs)

Miniature Cow - Galloway/Hereford Cross - $1000

A PIC is required to purchase