Channel Newsletter | 12 November

From the Principal

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

Over the past few years, I have met regularly with the CST Board to prayerfully discuss the future direction of Channel, from 74 students in 2019 to waiting lists 2026 - where to next? The recent Endeavour Health audit survey also reflected some thoughts within our community, with parents and students asking if it is a possibility for Channel to continue through to secondary school.

A common question during school tours and interviews is about our future size, the possibility of double-streaming, and what our capacity might be.

After much discussion, the decision has been made that Channel will remain a single-stream Primary School for the foreseeable future, with an ideal capacity of 188 students. This equates to class sizes capped at around 22 students in Early Childhood (Kindergarten – Year 2) and 25 students in Upper Primary (Years 3 – 6). This is a guide rather than a strict rule.

We are thankful to share that in 2026, Channel will reach the milestone of being a full single-stream Primary School, with enrolments across all year levels and waiting lists in most classes. We celebrate God’s continued faithfulness and provision as our school community grows and flourishes.

Margaret Louw - Principal

Classes for 2026

At Channel, we form composite (multi-age) classes to best meet the learning, social, and emotional needs of every student. Research supports this approach as reflective of real life and highly beneficial for both older and younger students.

Benefits include:

Shared teacher workload and collaboration between year levels
Flexible, diverse friendships and social growth
Development of adaptability and acceptance
Balanced class sizes and effective student–teacher ratios

Next year, and into the future, we are pleased to offer a well-balanced model for our composite (multi-age) classes. This structure provides a clear division across the curriculum, separating Early Childhood from Upper Primary and while maintaining standalone classes for Prep and Kindergarten. We are also delighted to share that we have secured dedicated teachers for each group.

Our class structure for next year will be as follows:

Kindergarten – Mrs Day
Prep – Mrs Schenk / Mrs Hartog
Year 1/2 A – Ms Willoughby / Mrs de Deuge
Year 1/2 B – Mrs Hall / Mrs van der Velde
Year 3/4 A – Mrs Hibbert / Mrs Brocklesby
Year 3/4 B – Mr Bint
Year 5/6 A – Mrs Lynch
Year 5/6 B – Mrs Wyllie / Mr Pluck

The next steps for us as staff is student placement in each class. This is prayerfully considered, based on each child’s academic, emotional, social, and spiritual needs—ensuring they are placed in a class where they will thrive and experience success.

Students will be notified of their placement on Thursday 11 December, when they will also meet their new teacher and visit their classroom for 2026. I am sure you will appreciate the complexity of this task. Once decided there is virtually no opportunity to change as every move has a roll-on effect on other students.

We ask parents to speak positively about class groupings and trust the teachers and leadership that each placement is made with your child’s best interests at heart. If you would like to discuss your child’s placement further, please contact me directly via email.

Bike Week is a much-loved tradition at Channel, giving students the opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun while developing essential cycling skills.

All students (Kindergarten – Year 6) are asked to bring a bike and helmet to school. Throughout the week, students will learn how to ride safely, understand road rules, recognise risks, and look after their bikes through basic maintenance. We also focus on being responsible, encouraging one another, and enjoying physical activity outdoors. All students are allowed to wear their sports uniform throughout the week.

As you prepare for Bike Week, please remember to:

Check your bike (tyres, brakes, seat height etc)
Check your helmet (does it fit)
Let us know if you need help getting your bike(s) to school

Thank you for helping us keep the wonderful tradition of Bike Week alive!

The Salvation Army
Bags of Hope

Individual Class Items List

Community Engagement Committee

The Community Engagement Committee is a group of parents who volunteer their time to organise events that promote fun, fellowship, and the strong community spirit we share at Channel.

This year has been another wonderful, community-filled one! With the help of parents, teamwork, and the guidance of our Principal Margaret Louw, we have hosted our annual Welcome BBQ, Lantern Walk and Grandparents’ Day. We supported the Easter Fun Day sub-committee and now we are busy planning for the Huon Show (selling Oliebollen), and our end of year Christmas at Channel celebration.

We also love supporting our staff through meals, gifts, and encouragement — a small way to thank them for the love and dedication they pour into our children.

If this sounds like something you can contribute to and get involved with, please contact the school or speak to Chloe Verdouw, Karina de Hoog, Ali Richardson or Seth Isham.

We are looking for four new members for 2026!

Year 1/2 Cockatoo News

This term our class has been exploring the theme ‘Loving God’, reflecting deeply on what love looks like in our everyday lives. Together we have wondered what God’s love looks like to us, how we can respond to His love, and what it means to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Through Bible stories, class discussions and creative activities, students have discovered that love is more than words. It is shown in our actions, kindness and care for others and for God’s creation. In Science, we have been learning about Living Things, their needs and how each creature has been wonderfully designed by God. We expressed our love for Him by caring for His creation, making wild bird seed feeders and hanging them in the trees for local wildlife to enjoy.

In Mathematics, students explored the concept of capacity through hands-on investigations. They measured, poured and compared using different containers, learning to work collaboratively, take turns and respect one another’s ideas.

Throughout the term, our class has had many meaningful conversations about loving our neighbours as ourselves. It has been inspiring to see students showing love through acts of kindness, care for creation and appreciation of their peers.

Blessings,

Cordelia Hibbert and Grainne Brocklesby

Huon Show Fundraiser Oliebollen

We are raising funds for new seating in the Library. Please come along and support, either through buying Oliebollen, or through volunteering your time and serving for an hour or two. Anyone who puts their name down to help will receive a refund for the equivalent of one adult entry fee.

We are still looking for a few more volunteers 😊

Sign up Here

Employment Opportunities

Applications are welcome for the following positions:

Channel Christian School:
Maintenance Coordinator

Emmanuel Christian School:
HPE Teacher (Secondary)/Sports Coordinator
Primary P.E Teacher
Primary Teachers

Calvin Christian School:
Maintenance Officer (Junior)

Northern Christian School:
Teacher
Learning Support Aide

Relief Teachers across all Christian Schools Tasmania sites.

To APPLY to learn more, please visit the Christian Schools Tasmania website.

Prayer Wall

Please pray for Bike Week – for fun and safety.
Pray for the new Kindergarten families who have been joining us for the last few Fridays for their orientation sessions. May they experience a sense of belonging, and a confirmation that they have made the right decision in joining the Channel community for 2026.
Pray for the Huon Show – Oliebollen fundraiser. May the planning go smoothly and the day be filled with sun and laughter, raising funds for the Library.

School Calendar

NOVEMBER
14 | Kindergarten Orientation Session 3
15 | Huon Show (Saturday) – Oliebollen stall
17 - 21 | Bike Week
20 | Kindergarten – Year 2 Big Ride
21 | Kindergarten Orientation Session 4
21 | Years 3 – 6 Big Ride
28 | Schools Triathlon Challenge

DECEMBER
3 | Orientation at Calvin for Year 6
2 | Bravehearts’ Ditto Keep Safe program
5 | Christmas at Channel
11 | Bump Up Day at Channel
11 | Thanksgiving Assembly 9.00am
12 | Year 6 Fun Day
15 | Big Splash Day
16 | Last day of school / Year 6 Leavers Assembly

SCHOOL CALENDAR

School Reminders

Hats - Term 4

All students are to wear school hats during outdoor play times. We do not offer spare hats from the office. No hat, No play.

Updated Handbooks

We have updated our Handbooks. You can download and read a copy via the Parents page on our website.

Facebook Page

To see all the latest photos and updates in the life of the school please visit and like our Facebook page.

Your Feedback is Welcome

If you have any suggestions on how to improve our newsletter, we would love to hear from you! You can contact us or fill out our feedback form.