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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

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

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

News

"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

News

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.

News

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.

Mind

Primary school sports team help elderly man move firewood

A primary school rugby team from Cooma in New South Wales have performed a beautiful random act of kindness, helping an 81-year-old man shift a large pile of firewood. At the time of writing, the photo, shared to Facebook by Cooma North Public School teacher Mrs Jamieson, has been shared by almost 14,000 people and received over 75,000 likes. “When the boys went back to the bus after the game, the team and their parents noticed an 81-year-old gentleman trying to move his woodpile from the front of the house to the back. It was a rather large pile and would have taken the gentleman a long time,” Jamieson wrote in the Facebook post. “The boys and dads, without hesitation, decided to help the gentleman and completed the task in no time at all. “It is gestures like this from our fantastic kids that make Cooma North such a great school. Boys, I am very proud of each and every one of you.” Even better, the elderly man’s daughter commented on the post, thanking the boys for their “lovely” deed. “My parents were so grateful and can't stop talking about what a fabulous bunch of boys.” What’s the most selfless random act of kindness you’ve ever witnessed? Tell us about it in the comment section below. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/05/university-students-act-of-kindness-for-93-year-old/">Uni students perform beautiful act of kindness for 93-year-old</a> <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/76-year-old-volunteer-shares-wisdom-with-schoolkids/">76-year-old volunteer shares wisdom with schoolkids</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/04/3-year-old-meets-her-hero-garbage-man/">3-year-old meets her hero garbage man</a>

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Much-loved primary school “lollipop man” retires after 15 years

One catholic school is saying goodbye to their beloved “lollipop man” who is retiring from his position as crossing-guard after 15 years’ service. Ninety-three-year-old Holocaust survivor, Charles Bertinetti, has spent the last decade and a half aiding the children of Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School on their commutes home. During that time, Bertinetti has become a beloved figure amongst students and parents alike. In all of his years work, he has never once voluntarily taken time off work save for necessity due to a car accident. “I had a mind to go until I was 95,” Mr Bertinetti said. “It was a good job because it gave me something to do.” Bertinetti’s great work was warmly acknowledged by the school’s principal, Jo Fox. “There’s nothing greater than looking after children and keeping them safe, and (he) did that with 100 per cent dedication,” Fox said. Upon his retirement, each class at the school made Bertinetti farewell cards and even presented him with a trophy for his dedication to the school. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/08/taylor-tweets-permission-theatre-company/">Taylor Swift lets seniors in Aussie theatre production dance to Shake It Off</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/08/teacher-wins-millionaire-hot-seat/">Teacher spends $20,000 Millionaire Hot Seat winnings on shoes for students</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/08/national-geographic-photo-contest-2015/">Top 4 winners of the National Geographic Photo Contest 2015 will amaze you</a>

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Dogs help teach reading skills to primary school children

For young children just starting school, learning to read can be a daunting task. But a program, called Story Dogs, in Queensland is bringing the most loveable and non-judgemental reading companions into the classroom to help year one students gain confidence in reading. Once a week, dogs are brought into 15 schools across Queensland to help improve focus, confidence and literacy skills in young children. So far 75 children participate in the program, reading aloud to the dog and its owner for 20 minutes each week. Brisbane south coordinator Graham Mathias said the program had made a huge difference to the children, not only helping their reading skills but letting them interact with a furry friend. “We find that students who go to Story Dogs class are usually up and reading in the class within two weeks,” he told 612 ABC Brisbane. “Some haven't read in class since they started school so it brings their confidence up as dogs don't judge.” Grade one student Evelyn loved reading with a dog. “The first time it was embarrassing because I was so shy but when I starting reading a lot I wasn't getting confused,” she said. “Sometimes he (the dog) closes his eyes and dreams and other times he sits down next to us. “My reading has improved a lot – I didn't like dogs but now I do.” <img width="451" height="301" src="http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/6562814-3x2-700x467.jpg" alt="Year one students are learning to read with the help of dogs. Evelyn reds to dog team - Val and Doug" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="450" height="300" src="http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/6562852-3x2-700x467.jpg" alt="Dougal the dog with his owner Val and student Evelyn." style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Image credit: Terri Begley, 612 ABC Brisbane Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/06/aussie-cat-found-in-ireland/">Aussie cat found in Ireland – but how did it get there?</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/06/nyc-residence-bans-dogs/">Dog racism incident as building in NYC bans dogs based on breed</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/06/taxi-drivers-gives-ride-to-ducks/">Taxi driver gives free ride to a family of ducks</a>

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Primary school sports team help elderly man move firewood

Much-loved primary school “lollipop man” retires after 15 years

Dogs help teach reading skills to primary school children

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