Messages from the Principal - Mr. Barclay.

Hello NPS Families! 

Today is WORLD TEACHERS DAY! 

Throughout my 23 years having worked in education, I have worked alongside some sensational teachers. People who do what they do every day because they have a passion for supporting and educating young people. It is that passion that, in my opinion, separates the good teachers from the great ones.  

We are fortunate, and it is always not the case, to have an entire staff (our amazing ES included) who love what they do. People who are willing daily to go above and beyond for our kids, your kids, and I am exceptionally grateful as School Principal that we have the staff we do. 

So to all teachers, and especially ours, I hope that they have had a WONDERFUL World Teachers Day!  

Our Working Bee took place last Saturday and although it was asmall, and a little disappointing, number of families who attended, they were certainly a mighty bunch who were VERY hardworking (including our own NPS staff members; Ali Giuricin, Rowena Weller, and Cindy Podhorsky). We were able to tackle a LOT of what was listed and were able to refresh our grounds and gardens thanks to their hard work. The planning and organisation of our working bee were discussed at School Council this week and our council reps had some great ideas for future working bees! 

Again, THANK YOU to the families that lent a helping hand, it is greatly appreciated not only by me but also by our student body.   

It is that time of year when I ask families to inform me of 2025 grade placement considerations. The processes of finalising class sizes and placing staff for the 2025 year are in full swing, and as part of this process, discussions have began about class list development for next year.

As always, what decisions that are made regarding where students are placed will ensure we have the best possible balance to cater for every single one of our students and their academic, social and emotional needs.

As parents/caregivers, you may have your own thoughts and thinking regarding the placement of your child for 2025 regarding friendship groups and or classroom factors. 

Note that this is not a request process and although your thinking will certainly be considered, the individual requesting for specific teaching staff will not be. If there are comments and or thinking that you have regarding this, please complete the linked Google Form below. This is to be completed by Friday 8th November. Considerations after this date will not be accepted. 

2025 Grade Placement Submission

Our Mural is coming along very nicely as per the photo below! If you look closely you might be able to make out some of the design elements including the animals and plants that are included! Once complete, this will be a great addition to Dave's Courtyard and give a tired area of our school a much-needed boost of colour!    

This Saturday morning we have our first 2025 Prep Transition Program session taking place in the form of our Pancakes and Play event! Pancakes and Play has been operating for a VERY long time here at NPS and has always been a great way for our new Preps and families to meet and connect. Mr. McKinnis will be once again working the BBQ and cooking up pile after pile of pancakes - something I am told he has perfected over a number of years! 

We have 2 BIG events taking place over the next two weeks, one being our Swimming Program starting next week followed by our annual Art Show in week 5! We hope that all of our families can attend our Art Show and join us for what will be, as it always is, a great night! The flyer for the Art Show is on our main newsletter page if you're wanting more information.   

Well done Ayla!

Ayla was chosen to play in the u12 Vic Country Basketball Jamboree which was held in Echuca at the start of the school holidays. She was one of 12 girls from the Geelong/ Bellarine/ Colac region who qualified for a 4 day tournament focusing on skill development and team play. Amazing effort!

Finally, we have recently received our 2024 Parent and Caregivers Opinion Survey Data for those families that opted to complete it, and thank you to them. Next week via Compass, I will be sharing some of that data and asking ALL NPS families to elaborate on some of that data to help us here at NPS understand what we can do more effectively and or where immediate improvements in our school can possibly be made. As always, your feedback is valued and heard. 

I hope you all have a great and relaxing weekend,  

Corrie. 

Principal

Newtown Primary School