Newsletter - 2 May
Principal's Highlights
Welcome back for Term 2!
I hope everyone had a relaxing and restful break. It's wonderful to see our school community starting the term on such a positive note. Students have shared their holiday experiences and are excited about the learning ahead. I've been impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement in classrooms over the past few days.
This term, we continue to focus on inquiry learning, literacy, numeracy, and student wellbeing. Our staff are committed to using inquiry-based approaches that develop students as researchers, collaborators, thinkers, communicators, and self-managers. These approaches encourage questioning, critical thinking, and effective communication across all areas of the curriculum.
We also have some exciting activities planned for this term; Daily PE across the whole school, the Growing Up Program, School Cross Country, and a visit from David Gilkes to work with our staff next week. I am looking forward to another fantastic term working together.
Literacy
In literacy, we are placing a strong emphasis on our reading groups. Explicit teaching of skills in reading groups allows teachers to support small groups of students in reading texts independently, helping them develop effective reading strategies and a deeper understanding of the material. Families can play a crucial role by showing interest in their children's reading and discussing their favourite books and authors. Encourage your children to talk about the books they are reading in class, the new reading strategies they are practicing, and the interesting vocabulary they are learning. This involvement helps nurture a love for reading and supports their educational journey.
Maths
In Maths, many classes are testing and trialling our Shaping Minds Maths Program. This program is designed to enhance students' mathematical understanding through a structured approach that includes daily reviews, targeted lessons, and engaging activities. The Shaping Minds Maths Program focuses on building strong foundational skills in number sense, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. It encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge in various contexts.
LiL - Little Seeds
Our Launching into Learning, Little Seeds, sessions continue to grow and through great family involvement, our littlest learners are making connections with our school community through play-based learning opportunities. Our Pre Kinder sessions will also begin in Term 2 (stay tuned for dates) and we are very excited to welcome our Kinders for 2026 to commence their learning journey at Mount Nelson Primary.
Your support in our work is vital to our success. Can I ask that you continue to communicate with us about your young person, prepare your young person for each day at school ready for learning. We will continue to focus on attendance and supporting engagement with school as the year progresses. We want to see every student every day and we ask that you let us know when they are sick or unable to attend.
Catherine Grace
Principal
Staff Spotlight - Ange Berry
What is your role at Mount Nelson Primary
I am the new office lady!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience before coming here?
I have worked in primary schools for nearly 10 years! I originally started as a Teacher Assistant at Austins Ferry Primary. You may have met me before as I have worked at Mount Nelson as relief.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
On a warm summer's day, I love to go to the beach or go fishing, and on a cold winter's day I enjoy relaxing in front of my wood fire.
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have 2 French Bulldogs, Boston and Chino. I also have a cat named Bob who is 16 years old!
Where is your favourite place to travel to?
My favourite place in Australia would have to be Cairns, but I also love White Beach here in Tasmania. I enjoy spending my summer holidays at my shack there.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I taught myself how to crochet from YouTube videos. (you can always learn something new!)
If you weren’t in this role, what other career would you pursue?
My dream job is to be an elephant rescuer in Africa.
Class Spotlight - 3/4
On Tuesday the 29th of April 3/4M and 4/5/6S, walked up to the Sustainability Centre. When we got there we sat on the mat and Lucie read a book called “Country” then we had recess.
Karen got us to sit on the mat and gave us all string that had the colours of the aboriginal flag. We had to weave the string to make a keyring. It was very hard to start and it took some of us a long time to finish.
Then we went outside and lit a fire and talked about the Mouheneenner people and how they may have lived on Mount Nelson. Then Chelsea, Hannah, Heather, Jake and Florence made a cubby out of scratch. Team Bark (others in the class) used someone’s cubby, and it was pretty good.
When we got back to the Sustainability Centre we grabbed our bags and walked back to the school. We liked the excursion and it was very enjoyable.
By Chelsea, Hannah and Heather
Reading at Home
Family Engagement
Talking with children offers numerous benefits for their development and wellbeing. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection. We will now be including a section for "Engaging & Learning Together" in our newsletters. Encourage your children to get involved by chatting with them about Edition 1 below.
5/6 Netball
We are the grade 5/6 netball team of 2025.
Our names are Bronte, Adelin, Eliza, Akarthna, Alvina, A’tillah, Mikaylah, Molly, Florence and Emily. Our coaches are Amber and Alex, who are grade eights at Taroona High School. We have played 4 games, and the last game, we played St Aloysius Lime. We beat them 20 to 10, marking our second win. It was raining hard, which tested our stamina and our endurance, but our team pushed through and came out on top.
Upcoming Events
Election Day Cake Stall
Mother's Day
Music News
Sarah Tollner
Music Teacher
School Association
From the School Association
We have a big month of activities in May, with more details in this week's newsletter:
- Our Association AGM is Wed 7 May, and all parents and carers are invited to attend.
- The Mother's Day and Special Person's Stall is also on Wed 7 May, and is a great chance for children to purchase an item for the special person in their life.
- Join us for the City to Casino fun run on Sunday 18 May and you could win a prize for the school.
Easter Raffle Update
Thank you to everyone who participated in the free dress day and donated eggs for our easter raffle last term.
Your generosity helped raise over $1900 for our Grade 6 camp fundraiser!
Reminders
Please contact the school office before 9:30am if your child will not be attending school due to illness or any other reason. You can make contact via phone - 6223 2879, via email - mount.nelson.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au or via the Schoolzine app - click on the absentee tab.
Fun Run
Make sure to join the Mount Nelson Primary School team on registration for our chance to win $500 for our school.
Coats for Kids
Coats for Kids appeal aims to get a warm coat to every child in need in Tasmania this winter. For anyone who would like to contribute, there will be a collection bin for donations of good quality second hand coats located in the school foyer. They will then be distributed by the Tassie Mums charity.