Virtual Production is here!

The 2023 NLPS Virtual Production has finally landed!

Students and staff have been working tirelessly for many months on this year's virtual production and boy-OH-boy what a fabulous result it is. Thank you to everyone involved and a special shout out to the Year 5/6 students and Tracey James for all the collating, editing and behind the scenes organising. A mammoth effort that is truly appreciated by all.

VIP Morning Tea Term 3

On the 11th of September at 9 am, Newport Lakes Primary School was abuzz with excitement as we hosted our much-anticipated VIP Morning Tea. This special event was an opportunity for us to come together as a school community, celebrate our students' dedication to our school values, and welcome a distinguished guest, Councillor Jonathan Marsden from Hobsons Bay.

The heart of this gathering was the celebration of our students who consistently exemplify our school values. These young role models were recognized for demonstrating respect, resilience, compassion, critical thinking and responsibility. It was truly heart-warming to witness their dedication to making Newport Lakes Primary School a better place for all.

We were honoured to have Councillor Jonathan Marsden from Hobsons Bay join us for the VIP Morning Tea. He shared inspiring words of encouragement with our students, emphasising the importance of community, leadership, and the role of young individuals in shaping the future. His presence added a touch of distinction to our event, and we extend our sincere appreciation for his participation.

In an exciting turn of events, our gathering received a visit from the Star Weekly, a local newspaper. Their photographers captured the joyous moments, smiling faces, and the spirit of unity that filled the air. Be sure to pick up this week's edition of the Star Weekly to see the beautiful snapshots from our VIP Morning Tea.

The VIP Morning Tea was not just a celebration; it was a testament to the strong bonds and shared values that define Newport Lakes Primary School. As we move forward in the school year, let us continue to nurture the qualities of kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity within our students, for they are the ones who will carry our school's legacy into the future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this event possible, from the students who inspire us daily to the dedicated staff and community members who support our school's mission, in particular Carly Bannon for attending the event today.

Thank you for being a part of this memorable day. Together, we make Newport Lakes Primary School a truly exceptional place for our children to learn and grow.

OK2BEME Day - Wednesday 4th October

We are so excited to announce the date of our annual OK2BEME Day - Wednesday 4th October, which will be in week one of Term Four. We have celebrated this day for the last three years, with its focus being celebrating differences and inclusivity within our school community. We are lucky to be part of a community that is so rich in diversity. It is a biological fact we are diverse in our brains, just like we are diverse in our gender, sexuality and ethnicity etc. Everybody has the right to be proud of who they are.

It’s not always easy being different. We aim to ensure that ‘different’ is seen as just different, neither inherently good or bad! We want to feel proud to be part of a community that supports and celebrates all its members, not just some. Our aim is to show all kids that they are welcome and can feel safe, whomever they are, and that everyone’s uniqueness is valued and important.

You might like to take a look at the video below that was created for OK2BEME Day in 2021: Inclusion at NLPS video

Additionally, please find a link to the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum, which forms a big part of our Health curriculum at every year level here: RRRR Curriculum

The theme for this year’s OK2BEME Day is body positivity. Different sessions will be taking place for different year levels on this day, focusing on this theme; the day will conclude with a whole school assembly where we will be collaborating to sing our brand new NLPS Values Song.

Social stories will be made available for all children in preparation for the day; these will also be made available to families.

Please note: OK2BEME Day is also a free dress day where students are invited to wear a colour/colours of the rainbow that represents themselves, family and/or culture.

Further information about the incursions taking place for different year levels will follow in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! 5/6 families only will be required to provide consent for their incursions.

So, what else is on?

Embrace Documentary

As part of this year’s body positivity theme on OK2BEME Day, students in 5/6 will have the opportunity to view Taryn Brumfitt’s documentary, Embrace Kids. which is rated G. This is an uplifting film created by the 2023 Australian of the Year, which brings together a vibrant collection of stories from young people and famous friends alike, who share their experiences about body image, bullying, gender identity, advocacy, representation and more.

Filled with fun and joy, this vital documentary is an energetic mix of animation, live action, interviews, music and more. The film helps children decode the ways that advertising, social media, celebrity culture, and the diet and fitness industries influence how we feel about our bodies.

If you would like to view this documentary prior to OK2BEME Day, Embrace Kids is currently available for rent on Apple TV or streamed on Binge. Alternatively, parents/carers are most welcome to join the 5/6 cohort in the gym at 11:30am on OK2BEME Day to watch it. If you plan on joining us, please let your child’s teacher know.

If you would prefer to opt out and not have your child view the documentary, please indicate this via the Compass event. Your child will spend time in a different classroom while the documentary is being shown.

For more information about the documentary, please visit https://theembracehub.com/see-the-film/

Year 4 Students

Year Four students will be participating in a session focusing on friendship boundaries as a part of the OK2BEME Day 2023. We will explore the concept of healthy boundaries, what they look like and how to advocate for yourself if someone does not respect your boundaries. We will also unpack how having boundaries will help you define what you are comfortable with and how you would like to be treated by others. The session will run for one hour and will involve role playing, exploring the book ‘The not so Friendly friend’ and reflecting on our new learnings.

Prep to Year 3 Students

Our younger students will be watching “Proud to Be Me!”

“Proud to Be Me!” is a live, interactive show that celebrates everyone’s special qualities. Using role-play, fun characters and interactive stories with music, “Happy Being Me!” encourages students to learn the importance of friendship, and to be aware of their own uniqueness.

"Proud to Be Me!" is also ideal for Prep-Year Three students as an aid to their reading experience, and the ways in which they relate to literature and the world around them. The performance encourages participation in drama and promotes reading. With the help of simple props and costumes, your students become the stars of the shows! All our shows contain positive messages about friendship, sharing, self-belief and tolerance. Various acting techniques are employed - music, poetry, mime, song and narration - to encourage the students.

https://www.showsforschools.com.au/show/id/13695

OK2BEME Parent Session & Morning Tea

As part of our school’s commitment to inclusion and celebrating differences, including around backgrounds, brains and bodies, our OK2BEME Day is happening in Week 1 of Term 4. As part of the week, we are hosting a special event for parents. The focus is for parents who have neurodivergent (and suspected neurodivergent) children, however, anyone who is interested in learning more about neurodiversity is welcome to attend. The event will be a mix of an information session, provided by Chrissie Davies, and a social opportunity to meet and connect with other parents of neurodivergent children over morning tea.

Chrissie presented our well attended after hours parent information session last term ‘What do you see when you look at me?’ and will be speaking on other, related topics around parenting children that are neurodivergent. As a school we hope that by building the connections within our community it will help to improve wellbeing for all, so that our children can experience true inclusion which honours and respects the richness of neurodiversity.

WHEN: Friday, October 6th 9:00-10:45am
WHERE: Multipurpose Room, NLPS

Bookings essential for catering purposes on CompassTix - https://compasstix.com/e/x4m8twn1ob

'Growing Up Online' - Parent Session .

NLPS invites parents to an educational and empowering session about the benefits of growing up online, and what parents and carers need to be aware of.

The session will be covering topics such as:

reality & risk
online grooming
cyberbullying
sharing nudes
problematic gaming
exposure to damaging content
and top tip
question time

Susan McLean is Australia's foremost expert in the area of Cybersafety and young people. She was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving Cybersafety & young people. Susan took her first report of cyberbullying in 1994 and since then has conducted extensive research and has completed advanced training and tertiary studies in both the USA and UK. She has authored resources for the Victorian Dept. of Education & Training, writes and reviews school policies, provides crisis management/advice to schools and to national and international companies. Susan is the most highly qualified & experienced presenter in Australia and is internationally renowned.

When - Monday 30th October - 7pm to 8pm
Where - NLPS Multi Purpose Room
Bookings essential via CompassTix - https://compasstix.com/e/ocgvm3hojn
This is an adult only session - no child minding is available

Visual Arts News

2023 Art Show

The Art Show Opening Day will be held on Wednesday 8th November 8am to 9am with a gold coin donation required.

Come and visit the exhibition in the NLPS Gym daily from 8am - 9am and 3:30pm - 4:30pm on Wednesday 8th November through to Friday 10th November.

Term 3 Lunchtime Clubs

Community Corner

Upcoming Community Events & Adverts

Check out 'What's On' this month for lots of free family friendly activities in our local community