Newsletter - 23 August 2023

Principal's Highlights

We had a great parent workshop early in the term, and one of the questions I was asked was,

How can I help my child with inquiry at home?

As parents, we have been watching our children captivated with Inquiry since they were born.

Perhaps you remember them fascinated by leaves dancing in the wind, or maybe you watched with amazement as they climbed to reach something you were sure they were unable to, or that child teaching themselves with tenacity how to ride a bike? 

We are actually hardwired to Inquire, to learn and when we want to learn something we are particularly driven: when we have a question to answer, a problem to solve, or simply when we are super curious about something.

When your child asks a question for example, they might ask something like “Where does the sun go at night?” the temptation is usually to answer the question but in fact it can be really lovely to invite your child to share their thinking before you share yours.  If you don’t know the answer, “I wonder how we can find out together?”.  It doesn’t mean that you never answer their question, it is about inviting your child to explore and do some thinking together.

You might have some materials, maybe some beautiful pebbles, some broken items that are okay to tinker with that you might leave somewhere for your child to discover and explore and talk about with you.  

Another really easy and powerful thing to do is to research in lots of different ways.  So, encourage your child to make a phone call to somebody that you know that might have some knowledge about what they are exploring or, go outside to observe something to find out. You could even use photos, watch some clips together or survey family members.
During this time there are a number of ways we can gather information without necessarily having to google things.

In the spirit of Inquiry as a parent in encouraging Reading, we can remind ourselves to ask a little more than we tell.  This does not mean we don’t explain things but maybe ask a question. Your child might be asking you what a particular word is as they are reading and you might sometimes choose not to tell them, but to ask “HMMMM does this word remind you of any other words you know?  Or wonder what would happen if you broke the word down?”

As little bit of struggle is important for learning.  So, allow yourself sometimes to hold, wait and allow the child to struggle a little bit before stepping into show and help or support as your chid is trying  to figure out something they are being an Inquirer.

There are so many thigs we can do as a family and really engage in that wonderful spirit of Inquiry that really helps us to be independent, engaged, curious and life-long learners.

Enjoy Inquiring with our children.

Catherine Grace
Principal

Timeframe for reporting and communication for Term 3

During Term 2, we held Parent/Teacher Conversations that enabled teachers to share English samples of students work and talk about your child.  We had a massive turnout of families who attended this year! Of course, if you need to catch up with the teacher again because there has been a change in circumstances, or there are concerns from the family or teacher in relation to their current educational development, then please email the office to make an appointment.  If teachers require an appointment, then they will be in contact to request a meeting.

This term, we continue the Communication and Reporting schedule for families.  There will be the opportunity for Parent Teacher Conversations.  We are doing this individually with families this term by having face-to-face or phone call conversations with parents/carers during Monday, 18 September – Thursday, 28 September. 

There will also be Evidence of Learning (EoL) in Maths and some more specialists subjects sent home to students in Prep to Year 6.  This term you will receive a Schoolzine alert to let you know when your child’s class teacher is sending home their EoL samples.

Teacher Agreement Changes

A new Teacher Agreement was established recently through negotiations with our department (DECYP), the Australian Education Union and the State Government.  This agreement included several changes to teaching conditions.

One change provides teachers with access to 40 hours of in-class support per year (pro rata), as part of the new inclusion  of ‘Maximising Time to Teach’.  So, a full-time teacher will be provided with a teacher assistant for one hour per week to support them with the administration load.  Teacher assistants can photocopy, collate reports, make and organise resources for teachers.

School Mission Statement

Mount Nelson Primary community of learners.  What are your thoughts and ideas?

Thank you to the people who have already contributed.  For those that haven’t, we would love your input into the question 'What kind of learning community do we want Mount Nelson Primary to be?'.

Please click on the link and reflect on some words that describe the community you would like to see.
https://www.menti.com/alwdn1g47ixg

Please check back as we will share the results in the next newsletter.

Student Voice

Welcome to Week 5 of Term 3!

Last week was National Science Week and we had a number of scientists come to our school to talk us about a whole range of scientific topics.  The Grade 6's learnt about greenhouse gases and climate change, as well as argo floats.  2-3CR learnt about how all the krill in the world is heavier than people, as well as learning about the food chain and how the sun helps.  That’s only a few things the scientists told our school.

We hope everyone is looking forward to Book Week next Wednesday, 30 August 2023, and make sure you have your costume ready!  Your costume also has to be related to a character from a book, so make sure you bring your book in as well!

Inquiry Afternoon and 60th Birthday Celebration - Save the Date!

Our Whole School Inquiry question for Term 3 is...
‘In what ways does our connection to place shape our identity, wellbeing and purpose?’

Please join us to celebrate our learning and how it has changed over time on Wednesday, 20 September 2023.
Spend time in your child’s classroom between 1.10 - 2.30 pm and then join the school to celebrate its 60th birthday from 2.30 - 3 pm.

Book Week 2023!

Book Week has arrived!
This year, our parade will be held on Wednesday, 30 August 2023.  Students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character, so have a look around the house and see what you can find to make a costume out of.

Please don’t feel like you have to go out and purchase one as it’s not necessary.  Students will have the opportunity to share which character they are in our Book Week parade.  Unfortunately, parents are unable to stay due to it being in the hall.

Science Week

Science Week was a huge success at Mount Nelson Primary School!  We have to say a huge thank you to Amelia Fowles for all her organisation, coordination of expert visiting Scientists and engaging hands-on learning experiences. 

We have learned about Antarctic animals, icebreakers, habitats, equipment needed, climate change, global warming and so much more!  We would also like to thank all the Scientists and other visitors who supported our learning this week. Thank you to Damien Stringer, Melanie Breen, Aleks Terauds, Justine Shaw, Peter Oke and Tatiana Rykova 

Research shows that the best outcomes for student learning come when there are strong family partnerships between school and home.  We are very lucky at Mount Nelson Primary School to have such an involved community.  Science Week was a great demonstration of what learning looks like when we work together!

Luca, Prep - "I learned that Blue Whales are the biggest animals in the world!"

Angus, Grade 3 - "I learned that there are different animals that make different noises."

Nate, Prep - "I loved learning about how the Nuyina can break ice about 1.6m thick!"

Florence and Gwyneth, Grade 1 - "We studied frozen seaweed from Antarctica."

Layla, Grade 3 - "We learned about the ozone layer and how it protects our earth."

Jed and Leon, Prep - "We learned there were 18 species of penguin."

Alissa, Grade 6 - “I learned that every time we light a fire inside, turn on a light or even drive a car, it creates greenhouse gas.  And every time the sun’s long wave come to Earth, it traps the heat making the earth warmer”

Daniel, Grade 5 - “One thing that inspired me, was that Peter works for his interests, not the money” 

Joe F, Grade 5 - “When I saw the Argo float, I was fascinated and I want to learn more”

Maddi, Grade 6 - “For about three years I’ve been wanting to become a marine biologist. This presentation is pushing me to study the ocean”

Mason, Grade 6 - “The Argo floats can reach down to 2km and have a 10-12 year battery.  They collect information about the saltiness, the temperature and the currents in the ocean” 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 16

Next

Pre-Kinder Program 2023

Our Pre-Kinder program will run every Wednesday for 3 weeks in Term 3 starting Wednesday, 6 September 2023 and will continue into Term 4 until Wednesday, 6 December 2023.  It will be held in our Kindergarten Classroom and run by Sarah Chiu, our Kindergarten teacher.  Session times will be from 9.15 am until 10.15 am.

This is an excellent opportunity for children to familiarise themselves with the school environment and also provides a great opportunity for parents and children to meet each other before school begins.  Since the focus of these sessions is on the children who will be starting school in 2024, it is preferable that younger siblings do not attend.  Only 1 adult will be able to attend with their child at each session.

We understand that some families may be unable to attend these sessions due to other commitments.  If this is the case for you, please let us know and we shall endeavour to provide as much information as we can by mail.

Launching into Learning

Our Launching into Learning (LiL) program is an inviting place where everyone aged birth to 4 years, and their families can come and communicate, create, and explore different learning experiences.

Our learning space offers a variety of open-ended invitations to play that change weekly.  Recently, we have been having a wonderful time using natural materials to create potions on our tough tray.  Some children squeezed lemon juice, crushed petals, and mixed herbs to create potions that made them invisible!  Children have been getting messy in our sensory tub, using our new bamboo loose parts to construct marble runs, and creating lots of fantastic art and craft.

It is so exciting to have so many families coming along, and our favourite way to end our session is with music and dancing.  We are excited about all the fun things planned for the rest of the term, including an excursion to the Sustainability Centre!  We welcome you to join us in all the fun!

Grade 6 Camp 2024

Grade 5 parents/carers are invited to join us to discuss the results of our camp survey and explore the options for a Grade 6 camp in 2024. 
We will meet in Mick and Liz’s Grade 5/6 room at 3.15 pm on Wednesday, 30 August for approximately 30 minutes.

School Intentions 2024

School planning for 2024 is underway.  To assist us with this work it would be greatly appreciated if Kinder to Year 5 families could give us an indication via email to mount.nelson.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au if you may be moving elsewhere or changing schools for 2024.

Where can I get help in times of need?

Families impacted by trauma

Trauma comes in many forms, but it doesn’t stop the need for extra support.  These are some places we can go to ask for extra help.

• Support for parents: where to get it | Raising Children Network
• Parent helplines and hotlines | Raising Children Network 
• Trauma - Beyond Blue

Multicultural Families

If you have recently moved from another country, below are some places you can link up with for support. 

• About us - Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (mrctas.org.au)
• Bicultural Refugee Health Service (TAS) | Australian Red Cross
• Register a personal account with TIS National | Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

Class Spotlight - 5/6M - Lisa Ford visits out 5/6 Classes

On Friday, 11 August 2023, Lisa Ford visited the class and talked to use about friendships and mean behaviours.  The first thing we looked at was the differences between rude, mean, bullying behaviours and how to deal with a bully.  We learnt that instead of being passive, be assertive and stand up for yourself.  Lisa told us that if we’re being bullied try and say something like “I don’t care” make direct eye contact (if not look directly above their eyes) turn and walk away.  Bullies try and steal your “Social Power” and by not making a response you don’t let them get to you.  Bullies usually feel bad about themselves or have low self-esteem, so they bully other people to make them feel like they’re in control.  We also learnt the difference between rude, mean and bullying behaviour.  Rude is saying something once that unintentionally hurts someone.  Mean is doing something to make someone feel bad once or twice.  Whereas bullying is doing something intentionally hurtful every day.

Next, we got to make Pokémon cards about our social power and what to do if we were bullied.  After that we learnt about different perspectives.  We did an activity where two people had a piece of paper each.  One person would draw something and give out slim instructions for the other person to try and copy what they were drawing.  The end results were hilarious and we learnt a lot about how perspectives can change things.  The next thing we did was an activity about being passive, assertive and aggressive.  We had a partner and we acted a scene three times, acting passive, assertive and aggressive.

The last thing we learnt about was rumours and that even if the original rumour is true, rumours get jumbled and twisted.  We did a test with five people; one person started with a rumour and passed it on to the other people.   By the end the rumour was so twisted it proved how quickly a rumour can change.  We had a lot of fun doing this and we learnt a lot.

We thank Lisa Ford for teaching us about this.

Ethan
5-6M Student

Some other comments about the Presentation...

Lisa said that normally parents say to ignore & walk away from a bully, and that’s how I thought I should handle the situation.  But she said to just look them in the eye up be the powerful one.  Nick T

From Lisa, I learnt that if somebody is being mean to me, I should not give them the power and instead walk away standing up tall and straight!  Nick W

I learnt how to stick up for my friends in a better way by not being as harsh and not getting myself into the problem or drama.  Claudia

I learnt to say something short and snappy to the bully then walk away.  Matilda

I learnt how easy rumours can be misunderstood.  Oscar

When Lisa Ford came for her visit I really enjoyed it because I learnt how to deal with arguments and not react and say mean words back.  Annabel

Temporary Visa Holders

Is your child a Temporary Visa holder enrolled with an Authority to Enrol letter from GETI?

Remember to let GETI know if any of your child’s details change, including:

• contact details (address, phone, email);
• if a new visa is granted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA);
• change of school or intention to move away from Tasmania.

GETI often send email newsletters or important reminders – remember to check your email junk folders if you haven’t seen anything from them in a while.

Email: trp@geti.tas.gov.au

3/4 and 5/6 Netball Spring Roster

KNA (Kingborough Netball Association) 2023 Spring Roster will be commencing on Monday, 4 September.  Games will begin at 4.10 pm, 5 pm or 6 pm (Grade 5/6 only).

We are looking for interested players for our Grade 3/4 and Grade 5/6 teams.  This roster is for both boys and girls.  Training will be held after school on Thursdays from 3 - 4 pm.

Participating students will need to have read and agree to the Mount Nelson Primary School Before and After School Activities Policy.  Registration will be with KNA and students are able to wear their school uniform when playing.

With the soccer season coming to an end, it is a perfect time to try netball and to represent Mount Nelson Primary!

If your child has not already joined and would like to join the team or if you would like more details, please contact Mary Blake at mnpassociation@gmail.com.

From the School Association

We are excited to host the Father's Day Stall next week and our first event in a couple of years on Saturday, 9 September!  At the Father's Day Stall, we will be selling fun socks from Jolly Socks, they are great quality and bright colours, as well as chocolates.  These can be pre-purchased on Qkr! or students can bring money on the day. 

Everyone will be receiving a letter about our event on Saturday, 9 September this week, tickets can be bought on Qkr!

Thank you to all the parents that came along on Thursday, 10 August to School and School Association Workshop about how we can be engaged in our students 'reading'.  It was a great conversation with lots of ideas.  One outcome is the School Association fundraising for upgraded readers, if you would like to donate to this need, you can do this on Qkr! and more information will be coming soon. 

A huge thank you to the Soccer Coordinators, Jaymie, Steph, Cam, and Emma for pulling together another wonderful Mount Nelson Soccer season.  All the best for teams competing this Saturday and in the Hobart Cup. 

There are two more School Association meetings for this term, Thursday 31 August at 7 pm and Friday 22 September at 2 pm, both in the staffroom.  All parents and carers are welcome and we'd love new members!

Canteen News

Canteen special this week - Friday, 25 August 2023

Homemade pumpkin soup with optional bread roll!
Orders close Thursday, 24 August at 9.25 am. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Noticeboard