Newsletter - 6 December 2024

Principal's Highlights

Dear Families,

As another wonderful year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude. To our incredible staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Every day, you go above and beyond to support the learning, growth, and well-being of our students, and we are so fortunate to have such a caring team.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our families. Your trust, encouragement, and involvement have been invaluable in creating a thriving school community. Together, we’ve helped our students grow and strive for excellence.

As we reach the end of the school year, it’s also a time to say some goodbyes.

To our Grade 6 leavers, we wish you all the very best as you move on to high school. We know you’ll continue to embody our MNPS values and achieve great things in this exciting new chapter of your lives.

Staff Farewells

Miena Robinson

As the term comes to an end, we farewell Miena, who will be beginning a new stage of her career at Blackmans Bay Primary School. We take this opportunity to recognise her significant contributions to our school.

Miena’s skill in Inquiry based teaching, blending student agency with curriculum goals, has been a valuable asset to our learning programs. Her positive and energetic approach, along with her care for students, has been highly regarded by both colleagues and families.

Her expertise in drama and music has also added great value to our school’s creative programs.

We thank Miena for her dedication and wish her well in her future endeavours.

Rowena Bishop

As the term concludes, we say goodbye to Rowena and acknowledge her valuable contributions to our school community.

Rowena has fostered a caring and inclusive classroom environment where her students have flourished. Her dedication to supporting individual learning goals has been instrumental in helping each student achieve their best.

Rowena’s positive energy and her ability to build strong connections with students and families have been deeply valued.

We thank Rowena for her commitment and wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her career.

Katie O'Keefe

Thank you to Katie who joined us in Terms 3 and 4 to cover for Rebecca Gould while she took maternity leave for the birth of her first child.  Katie has established herself as a kind and caring educator at Mount Nelson Primary and has built a strong connection with the 2/3G class.  We wish Katie and her family well as she begins her maternity leave for the coming year. Katie will return to New Town Primary School in 2026.

Hannah Beven

This year we see Hannah Beven take leave from Mount Nelson Primary in 2025 to welcome her first child early in the new year!  It has been an exciting time at Mount Nelson Primary for staff and students to see Hannah’s pregnancy journey and we can’t wait to see the photos of her much-anticipated arrival. We’re also hoping we will have a few visits in 2025 to sneak in some cuddles!

It is also a joy to welcome new staff to our team….

Welcoming New Staff for 2025

Christie Crow

My name is Christie Crow and I am very excited to be starting a new adventure teaching 5/6 at Mount Nelson Primary in 2025. I have previously taught at Goodwood Primary School, teaching grade 5/6 and I am very passionate about helping young students grow to become the best versions of themselves. I spend lots of my spare time outdoors, usually on the water fishing or snorkelling, also going for dogs walks with my puppy Roy, crafting or spending time with my family. I am originally from New Zealand and have lived in Tasmania for 15 years and think that Tassie is the most beautiful place and we are so lucky to this our home. I look forward to connecting with the families, students and wider community at Mount Nelson Primary. 

Tess Oddie

My name is Tess, and I am very excited to be joining the Mount Nelson Primary School community! I previously worked at Lansdowne Crescent Primary School and am now returning to teaching after taking a year of parental leave. I am passionate about inclusive practice, creativity and inquiry-based learning. In a previous life, I practiced as a nutritionist and loved to travel, however these days I enjoy making pottery and spending time outdoors with my family and kelpie dog. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in the new year and wish you all a safe and fabulous holiday season.

Cyntra North

Hi Mount Nelson, my name is Cyntra. I am excited to be starting 2025 in your gorgeous leafy surrounds! For the last 5 years I have had the joy of teaching grades 1 & 2, and more recently grades 3 & 4 at New Town Primary School. I am passionate about early years literacy, so I am thrilled to be teaching grade 2/3 next year. I like to incorporate fun into the school day with silly chants, singing and moments of dependable connection. I love reading, podcasts when I drive, and music is generally always on. I have 3 children of my own and a cat called Miso, whose antics we adore. Is there anything better than a quirky cat?! If you can’t find me, I am likely to be outside: I love overnight hiking and visiting the beach on a sunny day or going for a cold blustery walk. Fun fact: I am giving bee keeping a try these holidays. How about you? I look forward to hearing what my 2/3’s are up to when we meet!

Polly Pullin

My name is Polly Pullin, and I am looking forward to joining and meeting all the students and community of Mount Nelson Primary in 2025. My family and I recently moved to Tasmania (actually Mt Nelson!) from Sydney, and we are loving our new life here. I currently teach at Princes St, relieving at other local schools, and prior to moving, taught in inner city Sydney. I have also worked as an art teacher to all grades, drawing on my knowledge from my previous career as an Architect. I have held rolls in learning support and taught Italian having spent many years living and working in Italy. I love working with young children to help them grow, learn and think for themselves and strongly believe in encouraging each child to become strong, independent and growth mindset thinkers.

2025 STAFF

Kind regards

Catherine Grace
Principal

End of Year Information (Reports)

Next Friday, 13 December 2024, each student will be given a physical information pack which will include:

• A short summative style 9-point scale against curriculum areas (a report with no comments)
• 2025 Class Placement & School Levy Information for your child
  

Your child will meet their next year’s teacher on Tuesday, 17 December in our annual "Step-Up Day". This will only be a short 15-30 minute session where each student will go to their new classroom to meet their new classmates and teacher/s. 

For families with students enrolled in Kindergarten next year, a pack will be handed out at Pre-Kinder today. If you were unable to make the Pre-Kinder session, they will be mailed home or given to a sibling already attending the school.

Student Voice

Happy Holidays! It’s the School Executives here to give you guys an update. With the latest and greatest at Mount Nelson Primary School, we have had a loaded 2 week so let’s jump straight into it.

First of we had the Champions Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to everyone who participated, and it was great to see everybody trying their hardest.

Next up we had the Triathlon, and hope everyone tried their best and had a blast! And hope the water wasn’t too cold. Thanks to Mr West for organising those events and to parents for supporting. 

And lastly, we had the Colour Run it was such a fun time for everyone and a big thanks to the School Association for organising this event.

Hobart Women's Shelter Christmas Donations

Dear Families,

Last year the school community donated gift vouchers or money through Qkr! for the Hobart Woman’s Shelter. The money raised goes towards presents for children living in the shelter.

Last year was a massive success, raising over $1,000. This year we are hoping to raise even more to support the Hobart Women’s Shelter.

Please bring your gift vouchers by next Thursday, 12 December 2024 or donate through Qkr  and the school will purchase the vouchers for you.

Thank you so much for every donation, it all makes a difference.

Kind regards

Ivy, Henry, Joe M and India
2024 School Executives

Class Spotlight - 5/6HR

Mackaroy Uncovered Review by Dora and Adelin

In the town of Mackaroy, suspicious things have been happening. A principal has gone missing, people are doing weird things and Tang and Mitchel, the only two people who are willing to do something about it, are finding it hard to navigate where to start and who is on their side...

In Grade 5/6HR, we have been listening to a podcast called Mackaroy Uncovered. This is a thrilling series about two courageous teenagers investigating a mystery in their town, where strange things have been happening.  They uncover the incomprehensible truth and solve another strange case along the way.

We liked this podcast because the characters are well written and developed across the episodes and have detailed backstories and the conversational style of this podcast ebbs and flows with a rhythm that suits the setting and mood.

People who like mysterious stories with bone chilling, sudden turns would love this series. Find it on the ABC education podcasts website.

★★★★ Adelin’s rating (Four stars)

★★★★★ Dora’s rating (Five stars)

School Satisfaction Survey 2024

Every year, the Department of Education conducts the School Satisfaction Survey to find out what our school does well and where it may improve. Thank you to our 59 families who participated in the school survey for 2024. It is through this valuable feedback we can continue to make growth in our wonderful learning environment.

Our parent survey data has seen growth in ratings in these areas:

• There is effective leadership at this school
• Staff at this school motivate our students to learn / expectations of students doing their best
• Our school is well maintained
• Family feedback is considered to inform decision making about the school
• Children’s learning needs are met at this school 
• Students feel safe at Mount Nelson Primary School

Areas we will continue to focus on, and inform planning for 2025 include:

• Communication between school and home
• Ideas / feedback to support learning in the home

Every year, all staff working in schools also complete the Staff Satisfaction Survey. We had 30 staff who completed this which is a 50% increase from last year!

Our staff survey completed by staff (including teachers and teaching assistants) working at Mount Nelson Primary School indicates we are very well above the Tasmanian average in these key areas:

• Students feel safe at this school
• Student behaviour is well managed at this school
• Students like being at this school

We are so proud of our school, and we would like to acknowledge our staff and families who encourage and support our students to be their best every day.

End of Year Celebration Assembly

Please join us as we reflect on and celebrate the achievements, growth, and memorable moments of another wonderful school year. The afternoon will feature student performances, special awards, and a look back at our collective journey through 2024.

Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Time: 1:00 PM (Doors open at 12:45 PM)
Location: Hobart College Theatre

This event is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of our students, staff, and school community.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you. 
All school families are welcome!

Thanking our Staff

We know that it is that time of year when our families begin thinking about thanking our staff at Mount Nelson Primary.

The ‘Gifts, Benefits or Hospitality’ Policy means that as Department for Education and Young People employees we are unable to accept - Money or money equivalent (tickets/vouchers) A valuable object valued at $100 or higher.

We are privileged to teach our students at Mount Nelson Primary School and value our families ongoing gratitude through your communication with us.

Colour Run

On Wednesday, 4 December, Mount Nelson Primary School Association hosted a Colour Run!

On the day, every student participating in the colour run had to wear a white or black shirt and the sunglasses were provided.

First up were the Year 6's who ran through, and we had a lot of fun. All the other classes that went through also had a blast while the Year 6's got to spray the powder on the others. Overall, I think everyone that participated had a blast and we might do this again another year.

Thank you to the School Association for organising this fun event for our students.

Grace B
Grade 6 Student

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Sport Update

Champions Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday, 26 November, some of us went to the Champions Swimming Carnival, it was fun and great to see how many people were there and tried their best. Congratulations to everyone who made it into Champions and well done to anyone who participated.

Joe F
Grade 6 Student

Triathlon

On Friday 29 November, was the day of the Triathlon, we hopped on the bus and were off to Bellerive Beach where the triathlon was hosted but we ran into some traffic along the way which slowed us down around 15 minutes but all the kids adapted to the situation at hand, after the traffic we got to the triathlon at around 9:30AM and our tent was already set up for us by Mr West and the bikers went to set up their bikes in the spot it was supposed to be.

Everyone then chilled in the tent with their bags and some laid down, some played rock paper scissors and some went to watch the first race, the grade 3 individual race which means they had to do all 3 events by themselves, biking, running and swimming, they started at the beach then ran to their bikes and after they finished riding they got off and ran to the finish line.

The same thing happened with the grade 4s 5s and 6s but the 5s and 6s needed to go further than the 4s and 3s, the 4s and 3s needed to go 5km on the bike, 100m swimming and a 1km run although the grade 5s and 6s needed to bike 6.5km, swim 200m and run 1.5km.

After the individual races there were the team races, each team had 3 people, 1 biker, 1 swimmer and 1 runner. The first race started at 12:00 and the grade 3s were off after there were the 4s 5s then 6s to finish of the triathlon and for everyone to go home.

Elijah
Grade 6 Student

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 9 will be donated to the second-hand uniform shop and non-school clothing to City Mission.

Little Seeds EOY Celebration

School Levies 2025

Celebration Assembly - Group B

International Volunteer Day!

Yesterday (Thursday, 5 December) was International Volunteer Day. Our school would like to acknowledge the incredible contributions of volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to make a difference in our school community. 

At Mount Nelson Primary, we are so fortunate to have amazing volunteers who:
🌱 Help nurture our beautiful bushland setting,
📚 Support student learning and growth, and
🎉 Bring life to our school events and activities.

Thank you for everything you do to make our school a wonderful place for our students and families!

Are you our next Canteen Coordinator? Do you know someone who might be interested?

Our School Canteen is a popular and well-supported activity amongst our school community.  If the Canteen is to continue operating in 2025 we must find a new coordinator, or perhaps two people sharing the role.

To ensure the continuation of this well-loved service, please consider whether you or someone you know might be interested in the role.  Contact the School Association on mnspassociation@gmail.com to find out more.

Mount Nelson Fire Brigade Lolly Run!

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