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Jumping castle operator in court over Hillcrest tragedy

A jumping castle operator who was charged over the 2021 <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hillcrest Primary School tragedy</a> is expected to face court for the first time. Six children, Peter Dodt, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart and Chace Harrison, were killed when the inflatable castle was lifted into the air on December 2021. The students were enjoying the end-of-year celebrations with their classmates on the oval of the school in Devonport in Tasmania's northwest, when the tragic incident occurred. Rosemary Anne Gamble, the operator who worked for Taz-Zorb - the company who supplied and set up the castle - was charged in November after failing to comply with workplace health and safety requirements. It is alleged that the castle was tethered at four of its eight anchorage points and the pegs recommended by the manufacturer, or a suitable alternative, weren't installed properly. According to court documents, seven students were on the castle when it became dislodged and airborne due to a "significant" weather event, causing them to fall from a height of about 10 metres. A few others were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/heartbreaking-detail-as-mother-of-jumping-castle-victim-speaks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> injured, with one nearby student being struck by the blower attached to the castle. It is alleged that Gamble failed to ensure the anchorage system was sufficient to prevent the castle from lifting, and failed to ensure there were pegs at each anchor point as per the manufacturer's instructions. It is also alleged that Gamble failed to provide adequate information, including manufacturer's operating manual to the two workers she was in charge of at the time. She is expected to face the Devonport Magistrates Court for the first time on Friday. Preparations for the coronial <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/update-on-inquest-into-hillcrest-primary-deaths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inquest</a> was put on hold because of the criminal charges. Image: Twitter/ ABC News

Legal

Devastating update on investigation into Hillcrest Primary School deaths

An inquest into the tragedy that unfolded at Hillcrest Primary School has hit an unexpected hurdle, as WorkSafe Tasmania is refusing to release the findings of their investigation. The devastating incident unfolded in December 2021 when <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/just-shattering-outpouring-of-grief-after-fatal-primary-school-incident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six children died</a> after a jumping castle was blown into the air during an end-of-year celebration at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania. As the inquest into the incident was due to proceed to determine what caused the accident, it was revealed in a pre-inquest hearing on Tuesday morning that WorkSafe Tasmania will continue to refuse to provide its report because it believes it will prejudice "any potential prosecutions" under work, health and safety laws. Coroner Olivia McTaggart said the decision was "unfortunate" and the inquest was adjourned pending an appeal in the Supreme Court in April. Ms McTaggart went on to say that because she did not have access to expert opinions and engineer reports, she could not properly investigate. "They are crucial to issues such as causation," she said. "In the absence of that material, the inquest cannot proceed." Sam Thompson, who was representing WorkSafe Tasmania, told the coroner the decision to not disclose the report was "most regrettable". He said an initial investigation into the tragedy had been completed, saying, "[It] is large and has been referred to the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]." He said a second "supplementary investigation" was ongoing and in its early stages, adding that not disclosing the report findings was for the "importance of protection". The coroner and lawyers representing families of the children will appeal to have the WorkSafe documents released in order for the inquest to proceed. Image credits: Twitter

Legal

"Whose nana is that?": Adorable moment kindy kids don't recognise the Queen

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth's passing, an adorable video has resurfaced of Her Majesty's 2000 trip to Western Australia. Out of the Queen's 16 trips to Australia, her visit to Vasse Primary School, Busselton, is being fondly remembered after the resurgence of a video on TikTok. The video has since gone viral, as the hilarious footage shows the monarch being taken aback when several students asked who she was. In the video, the Queen is brought into the pre-primary classroom and is asked separately by two young students, “What’s your name?” On both occasions, the Queen does not reply, and appears quite shocked by the question. <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 610px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7081233294037110021&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40itnarchive1955%2Fvideo%2F7081233294037110021%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26q%3Donthisdayitnp%26t%3D1663198266691&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;">At the end of the video, a young boy named Jake seemed as equally confused about the identity of the older lady visiting his class.</div> Talking to ABC, the school’s former principal Brian Devereux recalled he heard one student yell out, “Whose nana is that?” “I got sent an article from London from The Daily Telegraph saying that clearly education in Australia was lacking somewhat, because these children at this particular school didn’t know who Her Majesty was,” he said. Devereux said he remembered the shock when he was first told who was going to be visiting the school. “I had only been appointed to this school for a few weeks when I got a phone call from my boss who said, ‘Would you be prepared to host an important visitor?’ And I said, ‘Oh, yes. Who did you have in mind?’,” he said. “He said, Elizabeth Windsor — and I said, ‘Oh, is she in education or something?’ “And my boss said to me, after a little bit of a pause, ‘Brian, does the word Her Majesty or Queen ring any particular bells with you?’ I said, ‘Are you joking?’.” Despite the hilarious fumbles from the children, Devereux said it was an incredible day. “It was a particularly special day, I must admit, it was just lovely,” he said. “She was quite personable, she paid attention to everything she was told.” Image credits: TikTok

Family & Pets

Update on inquest into Hillcrest Primary deaths

A joint public inquest will be held into the deaths of all six children in Tasmania’s Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy as a matter of priority, according to a coroner. The <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six students from Year 5 and 6</a> died after an inflatable jumping castle they were playing on was lifted in the air in <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/just-shattering-outpouring-of-grief-after-fatal-primary-school-incident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">December last year</a>, with witnesses watching as children fell from a height of about 10 metres. In the nearly six months since, Coroner Olivia McTaggert has overseen the investigation into the incident and says a “very large amount of investigative work” has already taken place. Evidence is still being gathered, with the coroner recently being provided with evidence as part of the Tasmania Police investigation that includes eyewitness accounts and evidence from WorkSafe Tasmania relating to the jumping castle business, equipment, and set-up due to be received shortly, as reported by the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-09/tas-hillcrest-jumping-castle-tragedy-inquests-to-be-held-jointly/101138866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. “A very large amount of investigative work has taken place already, with the coroner holding regular meetings with members of the investigation teams,” a statement from the state’s Coronial Division reads. “When the evidence in the investigation is complete, the coroner will consider retaining relevant experts.” It is likely that experts will be asked to provide reports around the weather conditions on the day, as well as scientific or engineering reports. “It is hoped that all evidence, including all necessary expert opinion, will be received within the coming months,” the statement reads. “Unfortunately, it is very difficult to provide precise time frames for completion of the investigation.” Though the specific date of the inquest will “depend on various factors”, the coroner said she will “give priority to scheduling the inquest as soon as reasonably possible”. Since the tragedy, the Department of Education has banned the use of jumping castles across Tasmanian schools. Image: Twitter

Caring

Victims of the Texas primary school shooting identified

The innocent faces of the Robb Elementary School <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/21-dead-at-primary-school-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shooting</a> in Uvalde, Texas, have been identified. Among the deceased were at least 19 school children and two teachers, who died at the hands of 18-year-old shooter Salvador Ramos. The children who died were between the ages of seven and 10, with some of them having just received awards for great school work. Amerie Jo Garza was one of the first children to be confirmed dead. She had celebrated her 10th birthday just two weeks ago, and was shot while trying to call emergency services. A member of Amerie's family wrote on Facebook, "Please don't take a second for granted. Hug your family. Tell them you love them." Among the other young victims were 10-year-old Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, 10-year-old Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, fourth grader Eliahana Cruz Torres, 9-year-old Eliana “Ellie” Garcia, 10-year-old Jackie Cazares, 10-year-old Jailah Nicole Silguero, 10-year-old cousins Jayce Luevanos and Jailah Nicole Silguero, 10-year-old Jose Flores, 10-year-old Makenna Lee Elrod, Maite Rodriguez, Nevaeh Bravo, 10-year-old Rojelio Torres, Tess Marie Mata, 8-year-old Uziyah Garcia, and 10-year-old Xavier Lopez. At least two teachers also died during the tragedy, who have been identified as fourth grade teacher Irma Garcia and 44-year-old teacher Eva Mireles. While police continue to have the school locked down as a crime scene for their investigation, locals have begun laying flowers at the welcome sign of the school in remembrance of those who have died. In an emotional press conference about the shooting, Texas politician Beto O’Rourke erupted with anger as he called out state governor Greg Abbott for "doing nothing" to prevent the unimaginable tragedy. “The time to stop the next shooting is now and you’re doing nothing!” Mr O’Rourke shouted at Mr Abbott during the televised briefing with a slew of other Texas officials. Don McLaughlin, the mayor of Uvalde, Texas, where the shooting occurred, yelled back angrily at Mr O’Rourke. “I can’t believe that you’re a sick son of a b**ch that would come to a deal like this to make a political issue,” Mr McLaughlin said, according to the Texas Tribune. At one point, Mr O’Rourke, a Democrat who is running for governor of the state, also said that the shooting was “totally predictable”. Mr O’Rourke was then escorted out of the building, where he blasted his political rival to reporters outside. “The majority of Texas is not reflected by that Governor or those people around the table who talk about mental health care and say that this is pure evil but that it is completely unpredictable,” said Mr O’Rourke, a former congressman from El Paso, Texas, who has been vocal about gun control since a 2020 mass shooting there. “This is predictable. It will happen and it will continue to happen until we change course.” Image credits: Getty Images

News

21 dead at primary school shooting

Twenty-one people have been killed in a deadly school shooting in the town of Uvalde in Texas. The 18-year-old gunman killed 18 students and three teachers at at Robb Elementary School, before he was allegedly killed by responding police officers. Governor Abbott said the suspect was armed with a handgun and possibly a rifle in the attack, as he posted his weapons of choice on Instagram before heading to the school. The governor identified the teenage gunman as Salvador Ramos, who is also believed to have shot his grandmother before leaving to go to the primary school, where he barricaded himself inside. “He shot and killed, horrifically, incomprehensibly, 14 students and killed a teacher,” the governor said earlier, before the increased toll was reported. "He himself is deceased, and it is believed that responding officers killed him," he added. "It is believed that two responding officers were struck by rounds, but have no serious injuries." "There are families that are in mourning right now. And the state of Texas is in mourning with them." In addition to those killed, at least thirteen children are being treated for injuries at Uvalde Memorial emergency room. The public have been asked to stay away as police investigate the crime scene. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the attack, White House officials said, and is expected to deliver remarks later on Wednesday. Mr Biden also ordered that flags on the White House and other US federal buildings be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims in Uvalde. Image credits: Getty Images

News

School slammed for going completely meat free

A school’s decision to go “meat free” permanently has sparked anger among parents, with some even trying to transfer their children to different schools.Barrowford Primary School in Lancashire, England, has begun offering vegetarian dinners and urged students not to bring meat in their packed lunches.Though the school introduced the new rule last year, a letter informing parents was only sent out last week, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/17631295/school-bans-meat-vegetarian-packed-lunches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>.The school has said it hasn’t received any complaints about the new meals, but unhappy parents have taken to Facebook to share their feelings.Zoe Douglas, whose children attend Barrowford, is even attempting to transfer her children to a new school as she has “had enough”.“It is a joke. I’m looking to move mine as I’ve had enough of that school,” she said.“I think they forget that non-meat eaters and vegans have to take a lot of supplements. What supplements are they getting instead at that school?“Nothing, probably saving on food costs.”Ms Douglas is also angered by the fact the meal plan was introduced “ages ago”, but she has only just found out why her daughter returned from school talking about “disgusting” new sausages.“I only found out this week in an email,” Ms Douglas said.“Amelia ordered sausage and mash and when she bit into her sausage she said ‘eww’.“Teachers said, ‘oh, it’s a vegetarian sausage’ but they hadn’t told her before she ordered.“She ended up just having mash for her dinner. I’m fuming. She’s been on packed lunches since.”Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned why everyone couldn’t be accommodated, rather than forcing meat-eating kids to adapt their diet.“Why not accommodate the veggies, vegans, whatever and add to the menu instead of making our kids adapt?” they queried.“And to request parents pack lunches that are veggie as well, not to mention the local farmers, this is absolutely ludicrous.“No wonder my kids are starving and raid the fridge before the shoes are off.“Vegetarian is a choice for when they are older.”Other parents asked, “what happened to freedom of choice?”, while others said they were “dumbstruck” at the “absolutely ridiculous” decision.Some locals are particularly upset, due to the school’s rural location where farming is a core part of the area.Livestock buyer Alex Nutter said: “We have absolutely no hope of teaching the younger generation about our food production when primary schools are teaching them to be ‘meat-free’.“It’s very worrying what we’re up against.”Other parents have welcomed the move and see it as the school catering to the different needs of students.Head teacher Rachel Tomlinson said the decision was made to “stop climate change” in the letter sent to parents.Ms Tomlinson noted that meat and dairy products “come at a huge environmental cost” as the livestory industry has a large carbon footprint.“If you still want to send packed lunches, could you please consider meat-free options to further support us in doing our bit to reduce carbon emissions as a school community?” she concluded in the letter.When approached by The Sun, Ms Tomlinson said the decision was made to show changing daily habits can have an impact.“Our children learn about the principles of sustainable development as part of the national curriculum, and are really interested in how they can contribute to better looking after our environment,” she said.“We have been careful to approach this in a balanced way, and teach that it is fine to eat meat, but that reducing our consumption can help our planet.”Image: Getty Images

Food & Wine

Touching scenes at sorrowful farewell for Hillcrest victim

Image: Pinegrove Funerals Zane Mellor, one of the victims of the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle incident in Tasmania's north, has been remembered in Devonport as a loving teenager and a passionate gamer. The 12-year-old was one of six students killed last Thursday while celebrating the last day of school, when a gust of wind lifted a jumping castle and some zorb balls into the air, causing children to fall from a height of about 10 metres. Two children remain in hospital a week after the incident but have been moved out of intensive care. At the service, at Pinegrove Funerals in Devonport, Zane's casket was draped in his PlayStation console, controllers and a poster of one of his favourite games. Speakers spoke fondly of his love of the hobby and other gamer friends he played with all over the world sent in messages of condolences. Officiator Tracey Bruce said Zane had some challenges in life with "both ADHD and autism". "But these quirks made him the character he was and certainly didn't stand in his way," she said. "He also had a love of animals, he was the chicken whisperer, the cat whisperer, and his support dog Peanut the dachshund was very loved," she said. Ms Bruce said Zane enjoyed spending time with his family. "Zane was kind, loving and caring to his little brothers and sisters until they got to around the age of five, then it turned into your typical sibling love-hate relationship," she said. "As a young boy he liked to head off on adventures and exploring with his dad. "His pop also told me that Zane had a fascination with hammering nails and cutting wood with a handsaw. "He was intrigued about building and Zane may have followed this path as he got older." Zane's mother, Georgie Mellor, gave a tearful tribute to her son, recalling his first breath and how he was always there for her as a young mum. "I was so young when I had you — only 15 — and now I know why," she said. Zane had twin passions — dinosaurs and gaming — which combined to form his online player name Jurassic Zane. Ms Mellor said her son "knew every dinosaur name" and "exactly what period they came from". He was said to have often corrected family members about the pronunciations. She said she spoiled her son rotten "and I have no regrets". "Everyone told me to get you off that PlayStation, but I let you play until your heart was content, until your eyes got sleepy and you fell asleep," she said. "I would come in, take your headset off, turn the PlayStation off and kiss your head goodnight. "The past year you have grown into a man that finally grew his wings. "I love you Zane, no matter what the weather, we're together. I love you Zane," she finished. At the end of the funeral Zane's casket was carried to the waiting hearse, and mourners, led by close family members, walked behind it as it left the funeral home.

News

Hillcrest survivor speaks publicly for first time

A survivor of the tragic jumping castle tragedy that <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/just-shattering-outpouring-of-grief-after-fatal-primary-school-incident" target="_blank">shook the town of Devonport, Tasmania last week</a> has spoken publicly for the first time since the ordeal. 12-year-old Beau Medcraft broke both of his arms and shattered his wrist when a gust of wind sent the jumping castle he was on 10 metres into the air at end of year celebrations at Hillcrest Primary School. He was one of nine students injured in the accident, while <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank">six of his friends</a> tragically died. Two children remain in hospital. In a video sent to country-rock musician Casey Barnes, Beau expressed his gratitude to the community for their messages of support. Sitting on a couch, with both arms in plaster, his right arm in a sling, and wearing Casey Barnes merch, Beau said, “Thanks for all the support and all the awesome people that commented. "I watched your video again and thought it was very nice.” Beau's dad also commented on the post, writing, "From beaus parents Hello to each and everyone thank you, your awesome an your comments are being heard and lifting his spirit as Beau reads through the comments and tells me who says this or says that with the biggest smile 😊 so from both me and his mum I wanted to say thank you for your kind heartfelt messages and words of encouragement to our boy Beau ❤️" <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCaseyBarnesOfficial%2Fvideos%2F1612545862412810%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> Commenters were quick to send Beau well wishes, with one person writing, “I know it's hard right now but things will get better,” and another commenting, “Love and a million wishes for a speedy recovery Beau. All of Tassie is behind you.” Barnes grew up in Tasmania and went to college in Devonport, and promised to organise “something special” for Beau and his family in the new year. Beau’s video comes as the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hillcrestprimary?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank">fundraiser for families affected by the tragedy</a> cracks the $1.4 million mark. The GoFundMe page will soon be shut down, as the money is rolled into a new public fund that will be coordinated by Devonport Council and the Tasmanian government, in order to ensure transparency. At a council meeting on Monday, Devonport councillor Alison Jarmin said, “I know there’s some angst about what is going to happen to these funds and how they are going to be administered. “We going to be making sure it goes to the right places and goes to the families and doesn’t get lost in governance and bureaucracy.” Devonport local and creator of the GoFundMe, Zoe Smith, said she was in awe at people’s generosity, telling reporters over the weekend, "It's just beyond anything we could have thought possible. “People should just be so proud of themselves and the amount that they have donated. It's incredible.” Image: Facebook

Caring

Police begin heart-wrenching task at Hillcrest Primary

Just four days after the tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School that claimed the lives of six children, speciality police have arrived in Tasmania to help the investigation. After being flown down from New South Wales, the specialty officers will help interview many of the young witnesses of the jumping castle incident, in the hopes to piece together what caused the tragedy to occur. Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said extra resources were needed given the large number of young and vulnerable witnesses. Approximately 40 students had attended the end of year celebrations, when a strong gust of wind sent a jumping castle flying 10 metres into the air. Police officers, along with WorkSafe Tasmania, are investigating the cause of the incident and will report directly to the coroner. “The ongoing coronial investigation is not something we can comment on,” Mr Higgins told reporters. “We’ll methodically work through the circumstances of it. The lead-up, what happened at the time and afterwards.” As well as the additional police officers, the federal government announced $800,000 will be made available to fund trauma counselling for the community and first responders. The news of reinforcement comes just days after a sixth child died in hospital from injuries he sustained during the heart-breaking incident. Chace Harrison, 11, died in hospital on Sunday, as two other children remain in critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital. Tributes have flown for Chace online, with his basketball club, the Devonport Warriors, sharing how much Chace meant to the community. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBasketballAustralia%2Fposts%2F462641058555992&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="649" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our little Warrior, Chace,” his club posted on Facebook. “(To) all your extended family we wrap you in our hearts and offer you our support in these most heart shattering of times. To all who have been affected by this tragedy, we walk with you in your sorrow. “Chace, seek out a basketball court, lit up by the stars and keep shooting those hoops!” Image credits: Twitter @MonteBovill - ABC News Tasmania

Legal

PM sparks furore after visiting Hillcrest Primary School to pay respects

Image: Twitter / Monte Boville Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s tribute to the young victims of Tasmania’s jumping castle tragedy has taken a perhaps predictable turn, with critics Australia wide questioning his motives. Mr Morrison and wife Jenny visited Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport on Saturday afternoon, two days after a freak weather event sent a jumping castle airborne during an end-of-school celebration. Six lives were lost and two children were left critically injured. The couple laid flowers and a touching note, knelt for a minute’s silence and spent time reading other tributes to Addison Stewart, 11, Zane Mellor, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12 and Peter Dodt, 12. On Sunday afternoon, it was revealed that a sixth victim, Chace Harrison, 11, had also died. After the Morrisons’ visit, it didn’t take long for criticisms to come flying through on social media channels, though many defended the “entirely appropriate” act. Taking to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, former Wallaby and veteran journalist Peter FitzSimons questioned the appropriateness of the PM’s visit. “To me this seems to be more a matter for the Governor-General to arrive expressing the nation’s grief and shock, rather than the PM?” he posted. Former Labor Senator Doug Cameron also weighed in, claiming Mr Morrison had turned a press conference announcing funding support for those impacted by the tragedy “into a partisan political advert for Liberal politicians”. Everyday Aussies were also quick to slam the PM after Tasmanian ABC reporter Monte Bovill shared a snap of the Morrisons at the site, with one Twitter user claiming the leader was “not one to miss a photo opportunity” and accusing him of “turning tragedy into a public relations exercise”. However, the furore sparked a wider conversation about whether the criticism was unfair, with veteran entertainment reporter Peter Ford arguing Mr Morrison was in a hopeless position, and that “the same people would be on the attack if he didn’t” visit the site to pay his respects. Hitting back at FitzSimons’ comments, claiming they were a “bit odd” given he had “previously sung the praises of Jacinda Ardern for her compassion and care during times of tragedy in NZ”, including the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre. Other prominent Australians also leapt to Mr Morrison’s defence, with former TV personality and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas dismissing the criticism as “ridiculous” and arguing the site visit was the “right thing for the Prime Minister to do”. Former Howard government minister and Sky News host Gary Hardgrave also spoke out, posting that it was “most appropriate for Scott Morrison and Mrs Morrison to be there”. A string of reporters on the scene also defended the Morrisons, including Bovill. “For everyone replying to this. You weren’t there. There was no media opportunity, no political or campaign announcements in the northwest. The media were already at the school,” he posted. “You are using this to fit your own narrative...kids died and you make this about politics?” 7 News’ Nick McCallum agreed, saying that: “Prime Minister and Mrs Morrison’s visit to Hillcrest Primary was entirely appropriate. It was respectful … low key … showed emotions we all feel. No-one we spoke to in Devonport, including victims’ families, indicated they had any problem with it”

News

Heartbreaking detail as mother of jumping castle victim speaks

The mother of one of the children who died in the jumping castle tragedy has revealed that she has been separated from her son for almost a year because of border closures. Miranda McLaughlin, mother of 11-year-old Peter Dodt who tragically died in <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank">last week’s jumping castle accident</a> at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, revealed in an interview that she was finally able to see her son and two daughters last week after almost a year apart. Ms McLaughlin travelled to Tasmania from her home in Adelaide to visit her children, who live with their father, after the state reopened its border to fully vaccinated domestic travellers. Ms McLaughlin told the Daily Mail, “Peter was full of life, always making people smile with his antics. His heart was bigger than the world. Words cannot explain what a beautiful soul he was or the loss we feel without him, forever in our hearts.” Peter was killed in the accident along with classmates Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart and Chace Harrison. Two children are still in hospital, while one is recovering at home. Chace passed away in hospital over the weekend, with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutewin telling reporters, “I am certain all Tasmanians share with me a deep sadness and heartache that young Chace Harrison, another child involved in this terrible tragedy, has now passed away. “I know that our community, which is so connected, will be deeply saddened, for the family involved and indeed all the families of the now six children who have lost their lives.” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said the investigation into the incident, conducted in conjunction with WorkSafe Tasmania, was ongoing, and would take some time. He told reporters on Sunday, “We are working tirelessly with all parties concerned to ensure the extensive investigation is completed as a matter of priority for the coroner. “Their priority will be to interview all witnesses, gather and analyse forensic evidence at all in biomedical aspects including weather patterns and conditions of the time of this incident.” Tasmanian Police have accepted an offer of help from NSW Police, and four forensic child interviewers will travel to Devonport over the coming days in order to assist in interviewing the traumatised children who were present on the day. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Sunday that $800,000 will be made available for first responders and members of the community to receive trauma counselling. Over a million dollars has also been raised in the community to support those in mourning. Image: Tasmania Police

News

The one jumping castle question police refuse to answer

As the devastating news of the tragedy in a Tasmanian primary school has sent shockwaves through the country, many people are demanding answers on how such an incident could occur. When a jumping castle was swept 10 metres into the air from the ground of Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, many children were hospitalised and six children lost their lives. The members of the school community were holding a "Big Day In" to celebrate the end of the 2021 school year, when the the jumping castle and inflatable Zorb balls were picked up by strong winds. Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine and Premier Peter Gutwein fronted the media on Friday, saying the tragedy was "beyond comprehension". “What should have been a celebration for the end of the school year turned into an unfortunate tragedy for our young children at Hillcrest Primary.” While sharing their condolences to the family impacted by the tragedy, the Police Commissioner refused to answer one critical question about the events leading up to the incident. He was asked several times by multiple journalists if the jumping castle was tied to the ground before it became airborne. “Was the jumping castle tethered at all?” one journalist asked, with Commissioner Hine simply replying, “That forms part of the investigation”. “It is fair to say that those injured were inside the castle. We need to piece the movements of the individuals together so we can present a full picture to the coroner,” he added. “What was the connection with the zorb balls, were they inside the castle or outside?” another reporter asked, with Mr Hine again insisting “That will form part of the investigation”. “But my understanding is that the zorb balls were outside. But it will form part of the investigation,” he said, before being asked by yet another journalist whether all the victims were inside the castle at the same time. “Again, that forms part of the investigation,” he said. Despite not being able to share any specific details that are "a matter for the coroner", the Police Commissioner did confirm that three boys and two girls had died in the tragedy. With permission from their families, police have released the names of all six students: Addison Stewart, 11, Zane Mellor, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, Peter Dodt, 12, and Chace Harrison, 11. “There is no doubt this incident will leave its mark and I know people are sending their thoughts and prayers from right across the country and even further afield," he said. “We will be doing everything we can to support the community through this tragedy. Police are liaising closely with the families of the children involved.” Image credits: YouTube / ABC News

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"Just shattering": Outpouring of grief after fatal primary school incident

At least five children have died after a jumping castle flew into the air at a primary school in Tasmania. The chaos unfolded around 10am on Thursday morning at the Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport on the north coast of Tasmania. The jumping castle was lifted about 10 metres into the air when a strong gust of wind came. At the time of writing it was unclear how many children were on the jumping castle at the time, but there are reports of several critical injuries, as multiple ambulances and two rescue helicopters attended the scene. “A number of the children have been taken to hospital and some are in a critical condition,” Tasmanian Police Western District Commander Debbie Williams said during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. “This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the family and the wider school community, and also our first responders. There is no doubt this has been a very confronting and distressing scene.” During the press conference at the school, the Police commander confirmed that two children had passed away from the devastating incident – however, follow-up reports on Thursday evening placed the figures at five confirmed fatalities, all from year 5 and year 6 at the school. “Counselling is being made available to the families affected by this in the school community along with the first responders," she said When informed of the tragedy, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the incident was "just shattering". “It is just unthinkably heartbreaking. Young children on a fun day out, together with their families and it turns to such a horrific tragedy, at this time of year, it just breaks your heart,” he said. “And I just want to say, on behalf of all Australians – to the parents and families and friends, all who were there, to the other young children there and witnessing these events, I just pray you‘ll have great family around you and great friends and you can come through this horrific tragedy.” Image credits: ABC News

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Children killed in Hillcrest tragedy identified amid overwhelming support

Image: GoFundMe Tributes from all over the world are pouring in as people have dug deep to support the victims and their families following the horrific jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania that has killed five children and critically injured several more. Zoe Smith, who describes herself as “a local girl who grew up in Devonport”, said she started a GoFundMe fundraising page despite not knowing any of the children killed or injured. An overwhelming number of donations have been lodged so far, with more than $250,000 raised in less than 24 hours – and the total is continuing to rise quickly in the wake of such a tragic incident. Police say a “significant local wind event” contributed to the jumping castle flying more than 10 metres into the air as students from Hillcrest Primary School gathered to celebrate the end of the school year. It’s unknown at this stage how many children were on the jumping castle at the time, or how it was anchored down. Messages of condolence are flowing in for two of the students who have been identified among the dead, with separate GoFundMe pages set up for them. They were named as Grade Six students Zane and Addison. Addison’s aunt wrote that she “was always such a sweet kind, old soul.” “My niece was tragically taken in the accident at Hillcrest Primary. I’m hoping to raise some money for my brother and sister in-law to help pay for funeral costs and to pay off some bills for them while they try and navigate life without their precious daughter,” she wrote. “They have another daughter and son to take care of and I’m hoping to alleviate some of the stress of bills.” Ms Smith said set up her fundraiser because she was “moved by the tragedy” like many other Australians and wanted to do something “to support the families throughout Christmas”. “All funds will go to the families of the children who were tragically killed and injured to not only support them but provide them with much needed gifts in this time of such sadness,” she said. “All the funds will be donated to the school and the Parents and Friends committee to be distributed to the families affected!” “Any donation is much appreciated and hopefully we as the incredible community of Devonport can rally to support such deserving and hurting people,” Ms Smith said. Support has been put in place for the school community, including school counsellors and chaplains for use over the holiday period. In an interview on The Project, Mayor Annette Rockcliff said she had met the students only last week after visiting the primary school. “I did meet all of those children last week, I was in their classroom for an hour or so, so it’s tough to think about that”, she said, looking visibly upset. Police officers who responded to the scene were visible distressed by what they saw. “These children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said. “Emergency services were called to the scene around 10 am this morning after a wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable zorb balls to lift into the air.” “Our thoughts are also with those emergency services personnel who attended to try and save these people’s lives,” he said. Investigations are underway into the incident, with involvement from WorkSafe Tasmania. Mr Hine said that investigation could take “quite some time”. You can donate to the GoFundMe <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hillcrestprimary?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet">here</a>.

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Dan Andrews reacts to primary school teacher who refused Covid test

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has reacted to a kindergarten worker who refused to take a COVID-19 test, despite working on the same site as a child who has tested positive to the virus. The staff member was meant to be tested a week ago after a student at Glenroy West Primary School, which is on the same site as the kindergarten, tested positive to COVID-19. However, the staff member continued to work at the kindergarten for eight hours at a time between August 6 and 12 and refused to be tested. When asked about the situation, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews commented that “millions of Victorians have given so much” since the start of the pandemic. “If you’re asked to test because there’s a sense you may have the virus, but also look after the safety of people you’ve been with, some of whom might be little kids, I don’t know if that’s such a big ask, is it?” <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843304/9b472c5c702bec9f45a798f96864a79759b81244.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4307467842834fec97d3a5ff356a7d69" /> Image: 7NEWS As a result, at least children and their families have been asked to isolate for 14 days. Since the student’s positive result, 45 infections have been linked to the school outbreak, with dozens of active cases identified at the primary school. “As we always do, particularly with a high number of children we’ve had involved in these outbreaks over the last couple of weeks it will continue to be a Tier 1 exposure site,” COVID Commander Jeroen Weimar said.

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Primary school slammed for scrapping free time for students

A primary school in Perth has ignited debates between child-play experts after a controversial plan to limit free play for students. Clarkson Primary School has made the controversial decision to scrap free play at recess and replaced it with structural play as students weren’t engaging with each other. "A lot of that we attributed to increased social media, the likes of screen time plus a breakdown in families," Principal Tony Shields said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/clarkson-primary-school-under-fire-over-free-play/2f7cd722-32d4-465d-82ef-b296c1e06d82" target="_blank">9News</a>. "We wanted to come up with a way on teaching kids how to play properly." At recess, students are given 15 minutes of teacher coordinated play and 15 minutes of eating. There is also 5 minutes to wind-down. The only free play is at lunch time after 10 minutes of eating. Naturally, the move has sparked debate among experts. "If it becomes part of school policy, the norm and the practice, they will become frustrated agitated, tearful," early childhood education expert, Dr Sandra Hesterman said. "It is the Government's responsibility to promote societal attitudes that promote play based learning." Another expert says that the school is being pro-active to a problem. "There does need to be a balance, but I certainly don't see a problem with the school who has taken a pro-active approach to a problem," parenting expert, Claire Orange said. Principal Shields has said that the program is about promoting play instead of preventing it. They’ve had no complaints so far. "The kids are terrific, they're friendly and polite and there's a really calm comfortable environment in there." Feedback from parents has also been positive, saying that their children are eating better since the structured play sessions have been adopted by the school. "This one is a very poor eater but when they all sit together everybody is eating and everybody is talking, it makes a difference," mother Renjini Neir said.

Body

Can you pass this quiz of 4th grade spelling words?

Spelling can be tricky, even more so when you've realised it's been years since you've been tested on your ability to spell. No peeking at a dictionary or Google for this quiz of primary school level, but surprisingly tricky, words. Some of them are harder than you think, with some words sounding like others or spelt similarly. Scroll through the gallery for the questions and answers. Good luck! <div id="page29" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Written by Meghan Jones. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/can-you-pass-quiz-4th-grade-spelling-words">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/can-you-pass-quiz-4th-grade-spelling-words"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Mind

Can you solve this math problem for primary students?

A homework question that was intended for an 8-year-old has left parents clueless. The question, which was shared on parenting website <a href="https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3245037-Can-someone-help-with-this-KS2-homework?messages=100&pg=1#prettyPhoto" target="_blank">Mumsnet</a>, asks students to solve a riddle that involves working out what time various lighthouses will shine their lights. The answer is achieved by working out the common multiples between the schedules of the lighthouses. Can you solve the homework riddle? <img width="500" height="650" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818287/1_500x650.jpg" alt="1 (136)"/> The question has been criticised as being “ridiculous” for primary students to answer. The puzzle reads, “On the coast there are three lighthouses. The first light shines for 3 seconds then it is off for three seconds. The second light shines for 4 seconds then it is off for 4 seconds. The third light shines for 5 seconds then it is off for 5 seconds. All three lights have just come on together. “When is the first time that all three of the lights will be off together? “When is the next time that all three lights will come on at exactly the same moment?” The math question left parents baffled but they eventually arrived at the same answer that the lights would be off together at six seconds, and they would come on together at 120 seconds. Parents found that the problem was easiest worked out by finding the time they were off and then finding out when they were off at the same time. <img width="500" height="289" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818288/2_500x289.jpg" alt="2 (78)"/> The first light house comes on every 6 seconds, the second every 8 and the third every 10, so you have to work out the lowest number that can be divided by all those numbers – which is 120. The question frustrated many parents by the level of difficulty being given to students in Year 4. “That is a ridiculous question and I'm only here to learn something,” one wrote. Did you solve the problem? Let us know in the comments below.

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Can you solve this math problem for primary students?

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