Newsletter - 21 December 2023

Principal's Reflection

Dear Families

It is hard to believe that we only have one week of school to go for 2023! 

On behalf of all staff members at Mount Nelson Primary School, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of our wonderful School this year.  It has certainly been a very busy year with a change of Principal and some staff changes.  We have continued the rich tradition of Mount Nelson Primary and continued to offer excellence in education for all students, within a caring and connected community.  Our staff are justifiably proud of the year that was, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful, dedicated staff.  It is people that make the difference to any school, and we are lucky to have such hard-working teachers who go above and beyond to provide top quality programs.  I would like to thank our teacher assistants for their care in making a difference to the many students with whom they work.  The daily assistance and wonderful systems that our School Business Manager, Sandy, and Administration Clerk, Lucy, have in place enables them to complete a wide-ranging array of tasks critical to our success.  Our cleaners and grounds staff work very hard to allow us to  keep our school environment clean and tidy.  On behalf of the whole school community, I would like to thank every staff member for their commitment to every student’s progress.

I would like to send a special thank you to members of the School Association who dedicate many hours of their own time to progress the needs of our school. Thank you for your gift of time.

This week, we farewell a number of families whose youngest child is leaving our community, and some who are moving across the city or to another state.  To all of those families leaving us, I wish you well as you begin another part of your child’s educational journey.  May I extend best wishes and good luck to all of our Year 6 Leavers!

Sadly, we are farewelling Bu Ingrid who, for over 25 years, shown commitment and dedication in sharing her love, not only of the Indonesian language but the Indonesian culture as well. Through poetry competitions, participation in the Ogoh Ogoh Parade, a highlight of the year for many of our students and shared experiences with exchange students, our students have had wonderful opportunities to grow their understand of Indonesia. Your love for the language and culture is evident in everything you have done with our students.

So, thank you Ingrid for your remarkable service to our school and community and we wish you all the very best as you take a step back from teaching.

We say goodbye to Julie Ransley who although was only with us for a short time, has been an asset to our team. Julie is retiring after 42 years.  Her contribution to our school and the Department for Education, Children and Young People has been outstanding.

We also thank Clara Little for all her work in kinder this year and wish her every success on her next adventures! 

Best wishes for 2024. 
Catherine Grace
Principal

Our School Executive Team for 2024 was announced at our End of Year Celebration Assembly.  Congratulations to Ivy D, Joe M, Henry B and India W ⭐

2024 STAFF LIST

Updated DECYP Policies and Procedures

DECYP have updated policies regarding attendance and student behaviour management.  These documents are intended to provide a strong, clear and consistent approach to responding to attendance and student behaviour management in our schools.  They are guided by DECYP’s commitment to ensure that all students are known, safe, well and learning.

These policies can be found on SZapp under the "Forms & Documents" tile.  Find below images for reference.

Keeping Children Safe Online During Summer Holidays

During the summer break, children often spend more time online. Help them to have fun and keep them safe from online risks like inappropriate contact, online grooming and sexual extortion. Here’s how: 

1. Stay involved– regularly check their online activities and connect with them by playing online games together.  
2. Set family rules together– decide which devices and apps are okay and when to use them.  
3. Teach consent– Use holiday photos to discuss why asking people before taking or sharing their picture is important. These everyday opportunities to talk about consent can make it easier to say no to an online request that makes them feel uncomfortable. 
4. Stay informed– A new joint resource with Crime Stoppers NSW and the ACCE includes tips on signs to look out for and ways to protect your child online. eSafety also has several resources for parents on how to keep your child safe online.  
5. Know where to get help– If your child is under 18, the best way to get help on inappropriate contact is to report it to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. For reporting to eSafety, learn what you can report and how to report. 

Keep your child safe online and enjoy the holidays! 

NAPLAN 2024

Students will be sitting NAPLAN between 13 and 25 March 2024.

The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

This is the second year NAPLAN has been held in March, having previously taken place in May. This change was made so school systems would have access to results earlier in the school year. These can then be used to inform teaching and learning plans for the remainder of the year.

Why NAPLAN is conducted online

NAPLAN online provides a better assessment and more precise results.

One of the main benefits of NAPLAN online is that it uses tailored (or adaptive) testing. The questions a student receives depends on their answers to previous questions. This means that students answer questions better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.

Online testing also allows us to provide a wide range of accessibility options to support students with disability to access NAPLAN.

Feedback from students is that they find the online test more engaging. Please note that students in Year 3 complete the Writing Test on paper.

Parent information brochures and other resources

A parent information brochure and questions answered on NAPLAN and what it means for your child can be found at: NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers

The link will take you to the official National Assessment Program (NAP) website and covers a variety of topics such as the timing of the tests and how results from the assessments should be understood.

It also allows access to a Public Demonstration Site which shows the types of questions students will answer and the functionalities that are available in NAPLAN tests.

Please contact the school if you have any further queries.

Schools Triathlon Challenge

On Friday, 1 December 2023, 65 students from Grade 3 – 6 went to the Schools Triathlon Challenge at Bellerive Beach.  We all had lots of fun competing, working as a team and cheering on our friends as they ran past our tent.  We asked two Grade 5 students what they liked most about the Triathlon...

James Malan - “I liked all of it!  I mostly enjoyed racing my bike against other students”

India Wadley - “I did the individual and I was trying to prove something to myself, and I proved it!”

It was such a great day and we would like to thank Mr West, Janelle, Christie and Mr Thorne for coming with us on the day and supporting us through the Schools Triathlon Challenge.

Henry Burke and William Kostiuk
Grade 5 Students

Fun in Kinder!

Kindergarten students have been having lots of fun using their sense of smell and touch whilst pouring, squeezing, mixing and making interesting concoctions with this Christmas inspired sensory table!

Strategies to Problem Solve

After participating in workshops with Lisa Ford, our Grade 5/6 classes have been working on strategies to help solve problems at school. Thank you to Janelle for supporting them to do this, as well as Sarah Chiu who created this wonderful poster for us.

Class Spotlight - 3/4G

In 3/4G we did a step-by-step painting class as a special Christmas activity.  We each painted a canvas and have created a Christmas masterpiece.

2023 Library Wrap

What another great year of reading and fun we have had in the library this year!  Your support of our annual Bag-a-Book day and Book Fair meant we got to add over 240 new books to our collection!  Thank you!

Book-o-Poly had everyone showing their competitive sides and with classes being paired with a buddy class made it very interesting!  But reigning champions 5-6 D along with their buddy class Prep Fox proved once again they are the team to beat, taking out the competition easily!

Our top 5 books for 2023 were...

1. Where’s Wally? The fantastic journey (23)
2. Drama (22)
3. Spot the shark in the ocean (21)
4. High five! (21)
5. Amulet, book five- Supernova (20)

Our top 3 genres were...

1. Picture books (3,299)
2. Non-fiction (2,131)
3. Novels (1,700)

Our top 10 borrowers were...

1. Kerry L (130)
2. Jed M 97)
3. Dylan S (91)
4. Scout C (86)
5. Lucas D (83)
6. Abigail C (81)
7. Xander M (81)
8. Gus J (81)
9. Hamish P (80)
10. Hannah L (79)

Thank you to my fabulous library helpers Ivy, Matilda and Stella for all your help this year 😊

Wishing you all a great holiday back and looking forward to seeing you back in the library in 2024!

Sheree
Librarian

Grounds Update

Our oval redevelopment has begun!

The trucks and machinery have moved in and is already starting to take shape as you can see from the photos.

Most of the works will take place over the summer break having minimal impact on the last few weeks of the school term.

We are extremely grateful for the support of the school community to make this project happen and look forward to our students enjoying the oval next year.

Student Medication

Student medication such as EpiPens, asthma puffers/spacers, antihistamines, paracetamol etc that has been provided to our school for your child/ren is required to be collected by parents/carers at the school office from 2.45 pm on Thursday, 21 December.

We are unable to give these to students to bring home; it will need to be a parent or carer.

In preparation for the 2024 school year, blank medical action plans and authorisation of medication forms can also be collected at the same time or are available on SZapp for downloading and printing (under the 'Forms & Documents' tile).  These plans and documents are required to be updated every 12 months.

Kinder and Grade 6 Graduation Assemblies

Thank you to the parents/carers and friends who helped us celebrate our Kinders and Grade 6's Graduation!

Lost Property

We have an abundance of lost property at our school.  Please check lost property located at the end of the hallway (outside the staffroom) for any items belonging to your child.

Any items not claimed by the end of the week will be donated to the second hand uniform shop and non-school clothing to City Mission.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Akarthna in 2-3CR for receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for performing with the Tamil School Group and the Aloka Dance Academy in the Diwali Multicultural Event on Friday, 17 November 2023!

Well done, Akarthna!!

Congratulations to Josie D who placed 2^nd overall for Grade 3 Girls in the Schools Triathlon Challenge on Friday, 1 December 2023!

Well done, Josie!

Student Achievements - Let us Know!

If your child has been selected to be part of a representative team, has won a prize in performing arts, has a part in a major stage production or any other significant achievement outside of school, let us know via the webform below so that we can share the news and celebrate the achievement in our school newsletter.   Let's Celebrate!!

Back to School 2024 Information

School Starts
Thursday, 8 February 2024 - Kinder to Grade 6 

2024 Office Opening Hours
The office will be open from Monday, 22 January 2024

Levy Payments
Invoices will be mailed out in February.
Payments will be due by Friday, 1 March 2024.

Validation Forms
Validation forms will be sent home with students on the first day of school and should be completed, signed and returned to school by Wednesday, 14 February 2024. 
Validation forms need to be signed and returned even if there are no changes to be made. 

Uniform Sales and collection of Qkr! Orders
Wednesday, 31 January 2024    3 - 6 pm
Thursday, 1 February 2024         10 am - 12 pm

Marine Discovery Centre - Prep/1P & 3/4G

On Thursday, 14 December 2023, Prep/1P and 3/4 G went to the Marine Discovery Centre in Woodbridge. It took about 35 minutes to arrive there by bus. When we arrived, we had recess and met Andrew, the Marine Discovery teacher.  Andrew told us all about the Marine Discovery Centre, what we were going to do throughout the day and how to hold and touch the marine animals/creatures safely.

Next, we split into two groups with about 20 students in each group. The first group went inside and rotated around four different stations. The activities included, drawing, and labelling a seahorse life cycle, identifying and drawing shark eggs, steering an underwater submarine and bioluminescence artwork. The second group went inside to the aquarium gallery, feeding, and touch tank rooms, where they got to hold and feed the sea animals.

We spent about an hour and a half exploring, then it was time for lunch. After lunch, the groups swapped over and did the other activity. It was such a fun day at the Marine Discovery Centre.

Written 3/4G

From the School Association

As we bring the 2023 school year to a close, it is exciting to see activity on the school oval as works finally commence. The majority of works are expected to be complete during the school holidays, so fingers crossed for good weather.

Congratulations
Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to join us for our BBQ celebration after the school end-of-year assembly. It was lovely to connect with so many families and reflect on a fantastic year together. Congratulations also to all 21 winners of our Raffle.

A big thank you to our canteen coordinator!
This year we farewell our canteen coordinator, Ainslie, who has given her time to the school in this role for 4 years. Ainslie has provided healthy canteen options for our children and given parents a day off lunch prep each Friday morning!

If our canteen is to continue into 2024 we need a new canteen coordinator, or perhaps two people sharing the role. Please contact the school association if you’d like to know more about this role or how you might be able to contribute: mnpsassociation@gmail.com

Volunteering in 2024
Your School Association will continue to support the work of teachers and staff with fun community events and fundraising activities throughout 2024. These events and activities are only possible with the support of our parents and carers.

There are opportunities to engage in a single activity for an hour or two, to make an ongoing commitment throughout the year, or anything in between. Giving a little of your time to activities of the School Association can make a big difference for our students.

Sign up using the simple volunteer form on Qkr! and you’ll be the first to know when and how you can get involved.

The holidays are here!
On behalf of the School Association Committee, I wish you all a safe, fun, adventurous and restful holiday season. We look forward to connecting with you again in 2024.

Julie Preston
MNPS Association Secretary

Canteen Wrap 2024

Well that's a wrap for canteen in 2023!  A HUGE thank you to our school community for supporting the canteen again this year.

Delivery of this service is reliant on volunteers, so a big "WOO HOO" and thanks to the following volunteers:

Lihini Weragoda, Kristy Sullivan, Lauren McLean, Gemma Carter, Celia Boden and Angela Paynter.  Special mention must go to Peggy Zhang for her many weeks of volunteering during the year. 

Also to Mary and our School Association, Liz, Lucy and Sandy and student helpers throughout the year.

We also have to make note of the wonderful food supplied by local businesses: Mount Nelson Store, King Street Butcher (Walker family), Sush and Sandy Bay Bakery

As outgoing Canteen Co-ordinator, I would like to express my sincere thanks to staff and students for allowing me to be a part of your Friday's at MNPS.  Wishing everyone a very safe and happy Christmas and 2024!

School Holiday Programs

Summer Reading Fiesta

Read, relax, repeat this summer. Complete any five challenges and go in the draw to win a prize! Open to all ages and residents of Tasmania. 

• Complete any five challenges listed in the entry form and go in the Summer Reading Fiesta draw to win one of three vouchers. 
• Fill out the entry form (PDF, 154 kB) or pop into your library to pick one up.  Submit to your local public library in Tasmania by 5:00 pm (ADST) Wednesday 31 January 2024.
• To submit online find your local library email address at: https://libraries.tas.gov.au/locations/

View the Libraries Tasmania summer school holiday activities webpage for more activities!

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