Moderation Day

On Friday the 6^th of June, we will meet with schools from our Cluster to moderate students English and Maths common assessment tasks.  This will be a valuable day for our staff as we enjoy the collegiality and collaboration these days offer us as we work together across our schools.

University of Tasmania

We welcome Bec Medwin to Forest Primary School. Bec is completing a 6 week practical in our Prep classroom alongside Melissa Cox.  We look forward to supporting Bec and her growth on her learning journey to become a teacher.

AGRICULTURE

We welcome Caitlin Pearce to our Agricultural program, as she will begin supporting Mrs Hills from tomorrow. We look forward to continuing on developing positive relationships with our Forest Primary community.

Primary Netball Championships

On the 20^th of June Ms Pop and Danielle will accompany our Grade 5/6 netball team to Devonport where they will compete in a Northwest netball carnival.  We wish you all the best and thank Ms Pop and Danielle for giving up your time to train, coach and umpire our team.

Bake and take

Students and our families from Launching into Learning have been able to cook with Fran on a weekly, rostered basis and have had the opportunity to take home their cooking.  This has been an amazing opportunity for our families to work together and strengthen our relationships from within our school community.

JAM Assembly

Just a reminder that we are celebrating our specialists at Forest Primary on the 3rd of July in our Multipurpose Room.  We will see and hear from;

Music – Annette Dawes

The ARTS – Fran Joyce

Japanese -Mina Howe

It would be fantastic to see as many families come along to witness our showcase of specialist lessons here at Forest Primary School.

Spice Kids and the Eisteddfod

On Wednesday the 25^th of June our Spice Kids will be participating in the Burnie Eisteddfod led by Annette Dawes. They have been working hard during their lunch breaks to rehearse and prepare to be performance ready. Thanks to Annette and Toni for supporting these students during your lunch breaks.

SRC Crazy Hair Day

Just a reminder to come along with a crazy hair do for our SRC fundraiser day.  This is to raise money for our amazing silent disco.

CHSSSA – Cross Country

Goodluck to our 3-6 students who will be representing the CHSSSA at the North- West Cross Country event.  Thankyou Melinda Brown for accompanying the team.

School Photo

Don’t Forget to make your hairdressing appointment before Friday the 13^th of June Hehe ? for school photo day!

Communicating with Families - Evidence of Learning

Communicating and Reporting in Term 2– This term we will be offering a 2-way parent/teacher conversation happening in Week 8.  More information will be sent out to you to explain this process for you all, and our JAM specialist showcase – watch this space!

Reading Fluency

At school, we often talk about the importance of reading, but one key part of learning to read well is something called reading fluency. So, what exactly is it—and why is it such a big deal?

What Is Reading Fluency?

Reading fluency is the ability to read a text smoothly, accurately, and with expression. It’s not just about reading quickly—it’s about reading in a way that sounds natural, like talking. A fluent reader:

• Recognises words automatically (without needing to sound them out)
• Reads aloud with appropriate speed and tone
• Understands what they’re reading as they go

 Why Is It Important?

Fluency is a bridge between decoding words and comprehending text. When children read fluently, they can focus on what the text means rather than getting stuck on sounding out each word. This leads to a greater understanding of what they read, an increased confidence in reading aloud and independently, as well as improving performance not just in literacy but in all areas, as deeper comprehension leads to making stronger connections to all learning.

 How Can Parents Help at Home?

Here are a few simple ways to help:

• Read aloud together – Take turns reading pages or sentences. Model expressive reading.
• Listen to audiobooks – Hearing fluent reading helps children develop a sense of rhythm and expression.
• Re-read favourite books – Repetition builds confidence and fluency.
• Talk about the story – Ask questions and chat about what’s happening to build comprehension.

Reading fluency is a skill that grows with time, practice, and encouragement. By supporting your child’s reading journey at home, you’re helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Keep an eye out in the next few newsletters as I unpack some of the different strategies we are using daily to teach, practice and improve our reading fluency at Forest Primary School.

Melissa Cox

Instructional Specialist

 Forest’s Hot Reads – Year 1 Edition

 Olivia Anderson

My favourite book right now is ‘The Little Red Riding Hood’ because it teaches you not to trust strangers. I think everyone should read this book so they can learn not to trust strangers and it is a funny read.

 Hayden Batty

I love the ‘Dog Man’ series because it has great pictures and the stories are hilarious. You should go and read these books especially if you loved the movie and want to have a laugh.

 Oakley Gray

The ‘Hotdog’ book series is great because there is a character that is a talking hotdog, and he is very stretchy. You will love these books because the Hotdog tells the stories of his silly adventures.

 Max Deverell

‘Ba Ba Blue Sheep’ is a fantastic book because it makes me laugh and it changes the words to the song Ba Ba Black sheep in a funny way. Everyone should read it especially if they like nursery rhymes.

There are lots of things you can do to set your child up for success:
Make sure your child goes to school, every day.
Going to school every day gives your child every chance to learn and grow, and connect with their mates and teachers. It’s where bright futures start and where they’ll benefit the most.
Get them excited for school
If you show a positive attitude and excitement towards school, your child will pick up on that. The most common thing we hear from students, of all ages, is that school is where they can:
» spend time with their friends and teachers
» create new and fun experiences
» find their interests
» learn new things
» open up their options – for whatever future they want (whether that’s their dream job or to travel around the world).
Share these positives with your child. Talk to your child about school. Open up a conversation with your child about what’s happening at school. It will help you to better support their interests and confidence in learning. If you show an interest in school, they’ll know that getting an education is important and valued.
Celebrate the milestones
Big and small! Celebrate milestones such as making it through the first day or week of school. And remember: all milestones look different. If it’s a big achievement for your child, it’s important to recognise it.
Set up a time to talk to your child’s teacher or principal if you’re struggling to get your child to school, help is available. Please talk to us at school about your situation. We’ll support you, in whatever way we can.
Know when to seek help
There is no weakness in admitting you need help. If your child has completely disengaged with school, and not attending at all, there is support to help you. In the first instance, talk to us at school. For more helpful tips, please check out the Anything can happen website.

This term in Science, we’ve been wrapping up our unit on Living Things with an exciting deep dive into the fascinating world of insects. We kicked things off by learning the three key features that all insects must have:

1. No bones – they have an exoskeleton
2. Three body parts – head, thorax, and abdomen
3. Six legs

With our new knowledge, we examined real insect specimens and created detailed, labeled diagrams to showcase what we observed.

One of our favourite lessons was a fun and slightly squirmy comparison between gummy worms and real earthworms! We explored their similarities and differences, then used our “insect checklist” to answer the big question: Is an earthworm an insect? Our predictions at the start of the lesson changed quite a bit once we applied what we had learned. Many of us even enjoyed holding and playing with the worms—though not everyone was brave enough!

But the highlight? After all our scientific thinking, we got to enjoy the “worms of our labour”—gummy worms, of course! We even added a little maths into the mix by figuring out how to fairly share the remaining sweets. There were lots of laughs, especially when we convinced Mrs. Cox to try one and she pulled a hilariously sour face!

As we head into the final weeks of our Unit, we’re buzzing with excitement to take a closer look at bees. We’ll even be conducting a honey-making experiment—stay tuned for the results!

We had the best week on the Hobart trip. We didn’t just learn about the places we visited but we also learnt more about ourselves, each other and how we work as a team.

We took on challenges and won! We showed resilience, empathy, respect and so much more.

We have built memories that will last forever.

We would like to thank the Forest Primary Parents and Friends for helping to us to be able to go on the trip.

Please read our reflections.

Hobart Reflection

It was my birthday on the Hobart trip and it was fun to go by myself with my friends on the Hobart trip because I enjoyed being independent. My small cake to celebrate my birthday made me excited as it has been a long time since I have had this.It is the first time I have seen where convicts were at the Richmond Gaol. I saw a whip, a bucket for the toilet, bread and water. It must have been bad for them, and I felt sad for them and a bit scared.I was not good at rock climbing because the tunnels were hard to get in to. I did have a go, even though it made me feel really upset.The whole trip was scary, but I had some good times.

By Amarley

Hobart Reflection

I went to the school a 6:25 am for the trip and the suitcase I used was big. On the bus I talked a lot which was nice. We went to Hollybank Treetop, and it was crazy. My favourite part about that was a zipline, it was so fun.At Port Arthur, the old buildings there were so cool, and the boat trip was epic. At dinner the food was good.Bowling was so much fun, and it was my first time bowling. I really enjoyed it, and Mr. Barnard got about 138 points. He was good at it.Richmond playground was so cool. There was a cool climbing thing and when I was at the top it was so high. I fell but Tori grabbed my arm, so I didn’t fall- thanks Tori.The trip was amazing and I really want to do it again

Arya Walters.

The Hobart Trip

I really enjoyed the whole trip and experience. My favorite part was the first morning/night because Monty was doing flint and peel, Jaylen wanted to read a book, Fletcher was tapping on the wall because it felt nice, and the Mr Barnard came up and said “BOYS”.My favorite day was Thursday; Parliament House, shopping, fish and chips, Bounce, Blundstone Arena, bowling and my favorite part of the day footy and lollies. I enjoyed the footy because I was barracking with my friends for the PIES!!!My favorite meal was steak and chips at Midway Point Tavern. The steak was medium rare and the chips and coleslaw were perfection, and the staff were super friendly. The meal was especially good because it was directly after walking around port Arthur.I thought the Hobart trip was fun because of the experiences, but also being with my friends.

Charlie

Hobart Reflection

My favourite part of the Grade 6 trip was when we went to Rockit. I liked Rockit because I got to climb the rock wall. I liked challenging my limits and climbing to the top of the wall.Camp was amazing for getting to have fun and learning a bit more about everyone.

Dustin

Hobart Reflection

The fun things in my opinion on the Hobart trip was that everything was extremely exciting. I was super excited to go but I wasn’t excited for the early wake up. But being able to see my mum in the morning, as I’m not usually able to, and just going to Hobart was super exciting. To be with my friends and just going to Hobart with them is something special to me.

When I got to Hollybank with the class we were super excited to go up in the trees and after training we all rushed towards the rope courses. It felt like five minutes when we were up there and then we had to leave again and another bus ride. I think we spent about 30 hours in the bus which is a really long time. Then for tea the first night at Pizza Hut the buffet was okay, but I have put worse things in my mouth. It was alright, like I ate there without complaining which means it wasn’t that bad.

The next day we went to Richmond Gaol and the lolly shop was amazing! There were so many lollies and ice cream flavours - I might just write this whole paragraph about the flavours. Next old Hobart town, like all the detail they put into it was crazy but a bit confusing. Why wouldn’t you put a model of Old Hobart town in Hobart? It confuses me. We went to Zoodoo which was cool and fascinating. Then for tea at Hogs Breath Café, which was alright. Rockit - phew that was an experience and a half.

Wednesday already- it’s amazing how fast this stuff goes by, and this day was cool. We went to Port Arthur and the Blowhole and the Tessellated Pavement for Amarley’s birthday. The cake was good, so I didn’t mind the travelling part of it. For tea we went to Midway Point Tavern for tea. That was one of the best nights for tea and I loved the Spaghetti Bolognese which was amazing. Rubee and Layla ate about three quarters of their meal - I don’t know why I included this but anyway.

On Thursday we visited Parliament House and Bounce. After Bounce we went to Zone Bowling and for tea we went to the hotel’s restaurant which was alright. Anyway, on Friday we went on the bus ride home and then we were all tired. In the end I felt really tired but also really good about the entire trip and the year, so I hope it can bring us all together as a class.

Fletcher Kingston

Hobart Reflection

The first day was good even though Hollybank was a little scary, but I tried it, and it was really fun. Putt Putt Golf was fun, but I wasn’t that good at it. On Tuesday I woke up and saw my friends and we went to do fun exiting things like Old Hobart Town. This was fun because there were a lot of different things. Rockit was fun because the tunnels were fun, and Zoo Doo. Wednesday, we went to Port Arthur. This was interesting because we found out all the ways people escaped. We went to Midway Point Tavern for tea. Thursday, we went to Bounce, Ninja Stadium was fun because we got to dress up as a cricket player and bowling. Friday everyone was really tired. My favourite place was Zoodoo because I like seeing different kinds of animals. It was really fun to be out with your friends and other people.

By Jaylen

Hobart Reflection

Monday morning, seeing my friends early in the morning, I was excited to be there but when it was time to get on the bus I got a little nervous. Afterwards I was fine.At Hollybank I was scared to do something new but when it was over I felt a great sense of achievement. Hollybank was my favourite place.At the zoo I really enjoyed the animals. There were animals I maybe hadn’t seen before and some of my favourite animals.On the trip I felt safe and included all the time.

Kiara

Hobart reflection!!!

OMG I knew it was going to be fun, but not that fun.The places I went to were not the main highlight, the people were the highlight.I loved climbing and the tunnels at Rockit, and bouncing at Bounce, because not only was I smiling, but everyone else was too and that made me smile.Shopping, Parliament, up late talking, laughing are all my unforgettable moments.All the photos are memories on paper.BOUNCE, my favorite by far; flipping, big air mats, dodgeball on a trampoline.ROCKIT!!! Tunnels, rock walls and torches that lit up the way.The HOUSE, biggest game of UNO ever (I came second, Layla came 1st). Kiara, Amarley, Elsie and I had the best time ever in our rooms. No matter what I will never forget it.

Lahana Horton

Hobart Reflection

My favorite part of the Hobart trip wasn’t the places we went, it was who I was with. Being with my friends, it was just like I was with my family… I think that’s because they are family. I was nervous about being so far away from my family, but after one night all my problems went away.I did love Rockit, but I think that’s because I went through the tunnels with some of my friends. It was good to have those voices saying, ‘you’ve got this, keep going’. Just those few words lifted my spirit. All the fun we had - I could never forget the trip or the people I was with.I lit up with joy when I woke up on Amarley’s birthday, I couldn’t wait to see how happy she would be. I got her a small gift that she loved. The happiness on her face when she woke up, she was so excited.By Friday we were all exhausted, I looked around to see 18 other tired faces. The Hobart trip is a trip a will never, ever forget.

Layla Thorp.

Hobart reflection.

Wow! I can’t believe it’s over already. It feels like yesterday I was just starting grade 6 and so excited to be a leader of the school. I’ve just come back from camp, something I was looking forward to forever, and let me tell you it was worth the wait. Yes, I had so much fun doing all the activities but something better was the time I spent with my classmates. Over the short period of time, I’ve realised they are more than just classmates and more like lifelong friends. It was a wonderful experience, and I will hold all the memories close to my heart. I like when we were so scared to climb the trees at Hollybank, but we did it. I still remember the giggling late at night, all the excited happy faces when we were shopping, the voices of people arguing at parliament, and the sleepy bodies on the bus. But now camp is over, even though it’s finished I will always remember it.

Liv Ralston.

Hobart Reflection

The highlight for me was the great bunch of kids and adults that I got to go away with for the week. All the places that we went to and the experiences we had were amazing, but they wouldn’t be half as good if I wasn’t with such a positive group of people.Not once on this trip did I see anyone on their own. Everyone was so inclusive and accepting and that is just wonderful. I am sure that everyone in this class will remember each other long after primary school is finished.As far as places go, I really enjoyed watching everyone overcome the challenges and fears on Hollybank and Rockit. Old Hobart Town is always a favourite because you see something new every time you visit. All the colours and flavours of the ice creams at Richmond is staying in my mind.I feel really blessed to have experienced Hobart with such a great bunch of kids and adults. I watched the students grow and learn but I also grew and learnt alongside them. Never on an excursion have I received so many compliments and positive comments about a bunch of kids – and that makes it all worthwhile.

Miss Pop

Hobart Reflection

On Monday morning I looked around and I saw 18 tired but excited faces.On the way to Hollybank Tree Tops we all had a nap.My favourite bit was Hollybank because I went on blue, but I got scared, so I went on the green one.I built up my courage to go on the blue one and succeeded.

Monty Jones

Hobart Reflection

My favourite part of the Hobart trip was being with my friends and going to Rockit and camp. I like Rockit because I got through my fear of going through tiny spaces. I liked camp because I got to know everyone a bit better.On the way down to Hobart we stopped at Hollybank. While we were in the trees there was an obstacle that we had to do. I was scared but I did it anyway and I overcame my fear.

Noah

Hobart Reflection

As I stand in the parking lot waiting for the bus to arrive. I’m nervous but excited. I get to spend a full week with all my friends and classmates. As I said goodbye to my mum, I knew that it was time. I got on the bus and waved goodbye. I felt a bit sad to leave my family behind, but I knew they wanted me to go.Our first stop was Hollybank it was so much fun climbing on the rope courses with all my friends. On the bus ride down we all laughed together. I loved Rockit and Port Arthur, I loved Rockit because it was so challenging climbing the rock climbing walls, and the tunnels were challenging too. Port Arthur was so cool seeing the old buildings and what they used to do, I loved making the bricks it was so fun.On the way home I fell asleep- we were all so tired. As I looked back at all the things we had done I thought about how lucky I was to have done it all. As we pulled up to the school parking lot and when we got out of the bus, I thought about all I have accomplished

Rubee

Hobart Trip

The part that stood out for me was the fact that everyone was together having fun. It was a great experience where I made new friends and learnt new things. It also told me that I could live five days without my parents!A few other highlights included Rockit where we faced rock climbing and tunnels, Hollybanks and most of all, shopping! I loved spending time with all my amazing, loyal and fantastic classmates!I will always remember my classmates long after Primary School ends. This was probably the best school experience I have ever had, and it taught me a lot of things. Being with my class makes me happy and warm inside.

Ruby Medwin

Hobart Reflection

On Monday we went to tree climbing. When I was heading to the trees I thought it would be easy. When I got on one of the trees I was scared but I did number 2 and 1. I was very scared when I started but the funniest part was when i got on these step things I did the splits. I felt proud of myself for overcoming my fears.At Port Arthur I learnt if you couldn’t take the Cat of 9 tails you were a weak person in the gaol but if you could take it you were seen as strong. At Port Arthur there was 452 convicts that tried to escape but only 12 were successful.I really enjoyed being with my classmates for the week and I reckon it is an experience that we will never forget.

Seth.

Hobart reflection.

In Hobart, my favorite thing there was being with my friends. Being with them was like a big family, staying with them and going everywhere with them. I was having so much fun and spending time with them that I forgot about everything I normally do at home.I thought I would miss home everyday and miss what I was doing. But right now, while I’m sitting here, I miss being in Hobart. I miss being there with my class sitting there and running around having fun with them.Some of my favorite things about the trip were going to the Bounce, the Maze, and playing Uno with some of the class.One of my favorite things was the Maze, because I loved working together with my friend, and running away from people who tried to copy our answers and were following us.The whole time was a blast and I would do it 1000 times over if I could. It feels like it’s only been 2 weeks this year but we’re already on Term 2, I can’t believe it’s my last year in primary school, but it is going to be my best year. I love my class, and I wish I could never leave. I could relive the start of this year repeatedly. Spending time with them is some of the best times of this year for me so far, I wish it would never end. I love it here.

Tori xx.

Hobart Reflection

I loved the Hobart trip so much and I couldn’t have had a better time without the people around me. The fun and enjoyable environment made the bus rides so much better.Rockit! was great because everybody was encouraging and resilient with the challenges they faced, from rock climbing to tunnels.When it was all over, I heard lots of positive things about the trip, everybody was happy with a few tired groans.It was an experience I’ll never forget with Port Aurthur, Richmond Gaol and so on.I loved the trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. I am so glad for everybody who came and helped with the trip.

William