School News and Information
Welcome to Stage One — Term 2 Newsletter
What a busy and exciting time it has been in Stage One! Our Magpies and Possums have been throwing themselves into every learning experience with energy and enthusiasm. 9 weeks in, 2 to go!
English — Writing Superstars! ✏️
We have been very lucky to have Mrs Diederick come in to teach some of our English lessons this term. She has been helping us explore the Seven Steps of Writing — a fantastic framework that is bringing out the writing superstar in every student!
Our current focus has been on crafting sizzling story openings. Students have been studying the senses — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — to create vivid and engaging beginnings to their stories. Our starts are truly sizzling!
We have also been exploring techniques to "tighten tension" — powerful tools that help writers build suspense and keep readers hooked. The creativity and effort our students are showing is absolutely outstanding. We are so proud of our writing superstars!
We have also been exploring nature journaling — taking our writing outside to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our school. On a sunny Friday last week, we headed outdoors, sat together, and observed the world around us using all of our senses. Students soaked in the sounds, smells, sights, and textures of the environment and used their observations to inspire their writing.
Maths — Measurement & Chance 📏
In Mathematics this term, students have been busy investigators! We have been exploring length and position as part of our measurement unit. Lessons have taken us both inside and outside the classroom, giving students hands-on opportunities to measure, compare, and estimate in real-world contexts.
We have also been dipping our toes into the language of chance — learning to describe the likelihood of everyday events using terms such as certain, likely, unlikely, and impossible. It has been a wonderful blend of practical maths and mathematical thinking!
Science — Design Projects 🔬
Exciting design projects are coming up in Science and we need your help! Students will soon be putting their creative and problem-solving skills to the test — and we'd love to make use of recycled materials. Students will be creating their very own design, solving a problem they've thought of. Think SharkTank for Stage 1.
Please send in any recycled bits and pieces from home — cardboard boxes, plastic containers, tubes, bottle caps, fabric scraps, or anything else you think might be useful. The more variety the better! Thank you so much for your support.
Art — Let's Hang It Competition 🎨
We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news! Congratulations to Ada Baldwin, whose artwork was selected as one of 69 finalists out of an extraordinary 750 entries in the 2026 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize — the prestigious Let's Hang It competition. Ada is among a group of 60 finalists representing 65 schools, and her selection is a truly remarkable achievement. What a superstar!
We would also like to extend a big congratulations to all of our students who were nominated this year. Your talent and effort made us incredibly proud:
🌟 Ollie Gillbody | Isaiah Liu | Hazel Rixon
With 716 art entries received from 65 schools this year, being nominated is a wonderful recognition of our students' artistic talent. Congratulations to all!
PE — Gymnastics at Armidale City Gymnastics Club 🤸
Every Thursday morning, our Stage One students have been travelling by bus to the Armidale City Gymnastics Club for gymnastics sessions — and we are absolutely loving it!
Students have been developing their balance, coordination, strength, and agility in a professional gymnastics environment. The enthusiasm, bravery, and skill our students are showing each week is fantastic. We truly are superstars on the gymnastics floor!
As always, thank you for your ongoing support. If you have any questions or would like to chat about your child's learning, please don't hesitate to reach out — we love hearing from you! 😊
The Stage One Team
Jem Clyde Smith
Anneliese Williams
Our Term 2, Week 8 You Can Do It Champions!
Kindergarten Koalas
Willem received his You Can Do It award for consistently demonstrating politeness, kindness and thoughtfulness in all aspects of school life.
1/2 Magpies
Sam received his You Can Do It award for being an upstander by seeking help from the teacher.
1/2 Possums
Hazel received her You Can Do It award for always being an upstander and making a positive difference.
3/4 Bilbies
Emanuel received his You Can Do It award for demonstrating kindness and integrity and promoting a positive and respectful community.
3/4 Wombats
Sonny received his You Can Do It award for advocating for the quieter students in cooperative tasks to ensure they feel included and involved.
5/6 Emus
Oliver received his You Can Do It award for your courage and commitment to standing up for what is right.
5/6 Dingoes
Ben received his You Can Do It award for always being a kind and caring class member who strives to do the right thing every day.
Congratulations Merit Award Winners!
K-2
3-6
WHATS HAPPENING
Please check SCHOOL BYTES and GULGOS for the most current updates.
Below are the dates that we have so far.
Please remember to let us know if we have missed anything.
We do not add the NW trials and State events to this list of dates as it causes confusion.
Please remember that changes may occur and we will do our best to keep you informed of those changes.
What’s Happening Term 2
What’s Happening Term 2 2026
Week 9
Thursday 18 June - Gymnastics
Friday 19 June - Athletics Carnival (students turning 8 and over)
Week 10
Tuesday 23 June - NW Touch trials
Wednesday 24 June NW Girls Football trials
Thursday 25 June - NW Boys Football trials
Thursday 25 June - Final Gymnastics sessions
Friday 26 June – Athletics day - Magpies performance at the opening ceremony
Week 11
NAIDOC Week for MGPS
Tuesday 30 June - NW Rugby Union trials
Tuesday 30 June - S3 Thalgarrah
Wednesday 1 July - S2 Thalgarrah
Thursday 2 July - S1 Thalgarrah
TERM 2:
SAVE THE DATE - Kindergarten 100 days of school celebration to be held on Monday 27th July!
LOST PROPERTY
Our lost property basket is overflowing with jackets, hoodies and jumpers. Please check at the office for lost items. If the clothing is not collected by the end of term, it will be donated to the clothing pool.
PEARL PEARCH LUNCH ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE EVERY THURSDAY - Get your orders in before 8:30am and don't forget to select your child's class.
