Newsletter - 15 May

Senior Staff Report

Dear Parents and Guardians

We are pleased to share some positive news regarding our student attendance this year. and we appreciate the efforts of our students, teachers, and staff in making this possible. Because learning builds day by day, regular attendance is essential to ensure our students don't miss out on valuable learning experiences.

The connection between family engagement and attendance

As we reflect on our progress, we recognize that there is always room for improvement. One key area where we can make a significant impact is through increased family engagement. Research indicates that when families are actively involved in their children's education, attendance rates can improve even further.

Setting your child up for success

Here are a few ways families can contribute to improving attendance:

1. Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with teachers and school staff. Regularly check in on your child's progress and attendance.
2. Support: Encourage your child to attend school every day. Discuss the importance of regular attendance and how it contributes to their success.
3. Involvement: Participate in school events and activities. Your presence at school shows your child that you value their education.
4. Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that includes a set bedtime and morning schedule to ensure your child is well-rested and ready for school.

Looking Ahead

We are committed to working together with our families to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. By strengthening the partnership between home and school, we can continue to ensure that our students have the opportunity to succeed.

Home Support

This year, we aim to get our families actively involved in supporting our learners at home. Sharing books and practicing reading strategies together can make a big difference. Engaging in these activities not only helps improve literacy skills but also strengthens the bond between you and your child. 

Upcoming opportunities for families include:

• Parent/Teacher Conversations
• Growing Up Program parent information sessions
• Early Childhood Development presentation by our school psychologist

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our school community. Let's keep up the good work!

Catherine Grace - Principal          Rachel Viney - Assistant Principal         Georgie Field - Advanced Skills Teacher

Reading Opens the World

Reading together isn’t just about books — it’s about connection, curiosity, and growing together as lifelong learners.

Exploring all kinds of books with your child — from fiction and poetry to fantasy, science fiction, biographies, and nonfiction — is a powerful way to help them make sense of the world around them. Each story or fact-filled page offers a new perspective, sparks curiosity, and builds understanding.

As you read together, keep the conversation lively! Ask questions, share thoughts, and invite your child to wonder out loud. And if a question stumps you? That’s a great opportunity to learn together! Dive into more books, explore online resources, try hands-on activities, or even take a local field trip. These shared discoveries show your child that learning never stops — and that’s a beautiful thing.

Books that celebrate diverse cultures and family experiences offer children a powerful window into the world’s rich variety. When kids read stories from different backgrounds, time periods, and perspectives, they not only expand their knowledge — they also grow in empathy and understanding.

A wide range of books helps children see the world through many lenses, introducing them to new ideas, traditions, and ways of thinking. Just as importantly, books can also serve as mirrors — giving kids the chance to see themselves reflected in characters who are heroes, leaders, and changemakers. This kind of representation can be incredibly empowering, helping to build confidence and a strong sense of identity.

Let’s keep filling our shelves with stories that reflect the beautiful diversity of our world — and inspire every child to see their place in it.

Family Engagement

Welcome to edition 2 of 'Engaging & Learning Together".

We encourage families to make time to connect with their children through conversation. It could be at the dinner table, on the drive home from sport or, while waiting for the bus. Talking with your child will improve their vocabularies, language development, curiosity and critical thinking. Below are some conversation starters to get those little minds thinking. Give it a go!

Early Childhood Presentation

We warmly invite all families to attend a special Early Childhood presentation led by our school psychologist, Lesli Hokanson.

Lesli will share valuable insights and practical strategies to support the social and emotional development of our youngest learners.

The presentation will be held in the Art Room on Wednesday 21 May from 3:15pm-4pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to learn new ways to help set their child up for long-term success. We hope to see you there.

Gallery of Learning

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Class Spotlight - 2/3 Yellow

We have had a great start to the term in 2/3 Yellow!

We have been exploring multiplication through arrays. We have designed some gardens using different arrays. Our gardens have garden sheds, orchards, flower beds and rows of vegetables. Here are some of our garden designs.

Staff Spotlight - Brigitte Raymond

What is your current role at Mount Nelson Primary?

My name is Brigitte Raymond and this year I am lucky enough to be working with two wonderful classes, grade 4/5/6 and grade 2/3.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience before coming here?

I am from Hobart, but before coming to Mount Nelson I taught in Melbourne for ten years, working with students between grades one and six. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have two young children, and we love to play at the beach, bushwalk, bake, paint and have dance parties! In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer, seeing live music, reading, traveling, swimming at the beach (even in winter!) and spending time with friends and family.

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

One of my most favourite places to travel to is Mauritius, which is where my dad is from. It has the most beautiful beaches and the best food in the world! I would like to live there one day and maybe teach English.

If you weren’t in this role, what other career would you pursue?

If I wasn’t a teacher, I could see myself being a professional travel blogger, a cafe owner, a librarian, or a physiotherapist! 

I am very grateful to be working at Mount Nelson this year and I look forward to getting to know everyone in this fantastic community.

Student Voice

I hope the start of this term has been a great for you. We're excited to share the events of this coming week and further ahead.

Friday 6 May is cross country; cross country is a good time to be a self-manager as you must know when your race is as well as be prepared. We would like to remined you that you can wear your house colours and face paint if you would like. The house colours are Bass red, Flinders white and, Tasman blue. If you are not sure of your house, ask the office. Your house captains will always be there to help you out if you’re feeling nervous, you just need to be a communicator and let them know. We can’t wait to see you out there and giving it ago.

 In Week 7 we're doing a fundraiser for Fred Hollows Foundation which helps the less fortunate to see. To raise money for this we will be running a Crazy Hair Day. We can’t wait to see all your crazy ideas.

Thankyou!

Student Voice Team

Sports update

State Athletics Carnival - Last Friday, Tom Ribbon (5/6 Green) travelled to Launceston to compete in the State Athletics Carnival representing the SPSSA. Tom participated in the 100m sprint as well as the 4x100m relay. His relay team finished in 1^st place! Well done Tom. What a fantastic achievement!

Cross Country tomorrow - A reminder that our School Cross Country is on tomorrow. We welcome parents and carers to come and support our young runners; however, we do ask that you leave the school grounds during the lunch break.

Declan West - PE Teacher

After school activities

 This term we have 4 after school activities on offer.

• Chess
• French Lessons
• Tennis
• Netball

We encourage our students to either explore something new or continue pursuing their activity of choice. Research shows that extracurricular activities offer a wide range of benefits for young people. They enhance skill development, boost confidence, and create valuable opportunities for social interactions. These activities provide children with the chance to discover their talents and interests, which can spark lifelong passions.

Cake Stall update

The election day cake stall & BBQ was a huge success.

We raised $3,863.00!

All money raised will go directly towards our Grade 6 Camp.

Once again, thank you to all our families who baked and donated items for the stall. We greatly appreciate your effort. A huge thank you also goes to our amazing staff who volunteered their time for the stall.

Calling for Volunteers - School Crossing Patrol

In the first week of Term 2, State Growth conducted a road crossing assessment. Unfortunately, the students’ crossing did not meet the criteria for their support, so we are not entitled to a school crossing guard.

To ensure our students' safety, we are seeking volunteers from our school community to join the School Crossing Patrol program. Your participation will help us patrol this section of the road and support our families.

If you are interested in volunteering, hold and Working with Vulnerable People card (WWVP) and have completed the Mandatory reporting requirements, and would like more information, please phone our school office on 6223 2879 or email mount.nelson.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au

State Growth will provide all necessary training and equipment. The schedule would be from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and then from 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM, but it won't be every day if we're able to secure a few volunteers.

Together, we can make a difference in keeping our students safe!

Reminders

Update QKR! profiles - Please update your child's class and year information annually in the QKR! App to ensure accurate orders. The Student Profile section needs to be in your child’s name and each child needs a separate profile.

 Duty of Care - Arrival time for students is 8:30am each school day. Classes begin at 9:00am, and the school day finishes at 3:00pm. Our duty of care hours are between 8:30am and 3:15pm each day. Students should not be arriving at school earlier than 8:30am, unless they are booked in for before school care with Lady Gowrie.

Upcoming Events - School Calendar

School Association

Race Mrs Grace!

The City to Casino fun run is on this Sunday!

Students and families (including older siblings, grandparents, friends) can enter any of the 3 events but be sure to join the Mount Nelson Primary School team on registration for the chance to win $500 for our school (largest team) or a second chance draw of $250 (randomly drawn). 

For further information please contact: mnpsassociation@gmail.com

Futsal Tournament