Hello and welcome to the final newsletter for 2016!

Now this of course may be cause for celebration for those of you sick of reading my ramblings, but on a serious note I do hope that the newsletter is a source of some interest and a useful resource for you all. We have had some technical hitches but as of next year the newsletter will be back up on the website as well. Also remember that our Facebook page is an excellent way to keep in touch with the school, check out the photos from our adventures and see some links to interesting articles and resources. https://www.facebook.com/GiantStepsTasmania/

This week we had our first annual Super Hero Day. This was to pay tribute to our friend Seb, who sadly passed away earlier this year. It was an emotional day as it was Seb’s birthday, but it was also a fun day of crazy dress ups and fun super hero themed activities. I think Seb would have had a blast and im-pressed us all with his awesome skills and facial expressions. We were so happy to get a visit from Seb’s mum Sarah, and it was a really fun day. Well done to all who got involved and what awesome costumes!

Next Wednesday will be our last day for students and our usual end of year party. We have a great day planned with face painting, music, activities, fun and games. We will have a short assembly at around 11.30pm on the day where we will give out some awards and some graduation certificates. A BBQ lunch will be supplied for all visitors and students, and just general fun all around. It is a good op-portunity to have a chat with staff and meet some of the other parents. All are welcome. Santa will be making an appearance at about 1pm which is always exciting. So please join us on the day. We would love to see you all, parents, supporters, friends and staff members, all of you who have helped to make our organisation strong and able to provide our programs for our awesome students and clients.

I would like to thank all of the staff and students of Giant Steps for all of their work this year. I am very proud to be part of this organisation and I am proud of the role we are able to perform in our community. There are so many great stories and achievements that make this job worthwhile. I look forward to working with you all next year.

I would also like to say a huge thankyou to all of the spectacularly talented, intelligent and tireless families and support people in the lives of our children and clients at Giant Steps. You are the backbone and heart of our young people’s lives. Without you none of our achievements and victories could happen. It is be-cause of you and your support that we are able to work with our children and clients and you do not gets the recognition you deserve. Thank you all.

Not to be forgotten of course is a thankyou also to all of our supporters, donors, volunteers and helpers this year. There are too many of you to mention but the support of the Tasmanian community is such a beautiful thing. I am constantly humbled and honoured by the generosity and selflessness of people that give to our organisation. There is still a lot of good in people and we are reminded about that on a daily basis. Anything from a kind word to a large donation, it is all part of what keeps us going.

I hope you all have a great holiday and celebrate the holiday season with family and friends.

Tim Chugg - Principal.

Keeping you up-to-date with what’s happening at Giant Steps Tasmania

Phone: 63 622 522 Email: fundraising@giantsteps.tas.edu.au

Giant Steps TASMANIA - Weekly News

Friday 16th December 2016

A message from the Principal

GIANT STEPS TASMANIA - WEEKLY NEWS - 16TH DECEMBER 2016 Page 2

Special points of interest: 21/12/16 - Last Day Celebrations - See the message from the Principal Giant Steps Christmas gifts - see attached 2017 Learn How To Swim information - attached Police & Community Youth Club - 2017 information - attached Scarecrow Farm - School Holiday & Respite information attached

Term Dates 2016:

Term 4 ends - Wednesday 21st December 2016

2017 TERM DATES

Term 1 Begins Wednesday 8th February Term 1 Ends Thursday 13th April

Term 2 Begins Tuesday 2nd May Term 2 Ends Friday 7th July

Term 3 Begins Tuesday 25th July Term 3 Ends Friday 29th September

Term 4 Begins Tuesday 17th October Term 4 Ends Thursday 21st December

This months Aussie of the Month is: Zane!!!

For setting well into Red Room. Zane has very quickly relaxed into life in Red Room. He will happily work with all staff members and is building new relation-ships with the other students. Zane has coped very well with two different class-rooms as he has transitioned into Red.

GIANT STEPS TASMANIA - WEEKLY NEWS - 16TH DECEMBER 2016 Page 3

Batman (Ben) receives his ‘Superhero Training Academy

Award’ from Thor (Tim) Superheros Julius & Bianca

having fun in the sun :)

SUPERHERO XANDER FLYING

AMONGST THE

CLOUDS!

GIANT STEPS TASMANIA - WEEKLY NEWS - 16TH DECEMBER 2016 Page 4

BLUE ROOM BOYS AT THE CHUDLEIGH HONEY FARM

NEXT STEPS - JAYDEN & AMELIA MAKING REINDEERS IN COOKING