Raise a toast and thanks a brunch!

Happy Friday Everyone! 

It has been another standard week at Newlands, with many events happening for our students and families. It began on Tuesday with our second transition day for 2024. Sergio and Katherine were fantastic in supporting students and families through the session! ‘A little Spanish Conversation’ dinner took place last night at Neruda's Brunswick and today did we not only have our Father’s Day breakfast – with our favourite hatted chefs, but our book stall in the library has had students purchasing a range of books for holiday reading. One of the big highlights of the week was the Teachers vs Students soccer game. It was a fun afternoon where everyone had the opportunity to enjoy Sophia’s futball skills. 

Parent Opinion Survey

This week’s newsletter is dedicated to videos. Hopefully, families in our community have been mesmerised by the videos that have landed daily via Sentral this week. These videos aim to show families some of the work that we do. This coincides with the Parent Opinion Survey that is now available to be completed. Here is the link https://www.orima.com.au/parent and here is Newlands Primary School’s secret password – 130156.

We know that some families will want to complete the survey but forget, so we will be attempting to steal community members in the morning and invite them into the staffroom to complete the survey while offering biscuits and coffee. This survey provides really important information, as it helps us understand our parent community’s perception of our school’s strengths and opportunities for growth. The purpose of the creation of the videos was to provide more of an insight and understanding into what is happening inside the school’s walls each and every day. For those who are asking, what videos are you talking about…here is the link to all of them!

Part 1: Community Engagement and Learning

Part 2: School Ethos and Environment

Part 3: Student Cognitive Engagement

Part 4: Student Development

Part 5: Connectedness

If we can ask for one thing this term, it is to complete the survey! It closes on Friday the 8th of September!

2024 Grade Structures

In 2024, the school will be changing the Grade Structure, with the following changes:

• Straight  Foundation Classes
• Grades 1 & 2 Classes
• Grades 3 & 4 Classes
• Grades 5 & 6 Classes

Here is a video that provides some more information about the thinking and reasoning behind the decision. We understand that families may have some further questions, so Jess, Graeme and I will be available to answer any. We will be available to discuss this between 3:45 – 4:45 on Wednesday.

Grade Structures - YouTube

Parent Teacher Interviews 

As you would have seen on SENTRAL, Parent Teacher Interviews will take place next week. This is another opportunity to meet with one of your child’s teachers to discuss you’re their progress throughout the year and learn the focus for Term 4. This may be focused on academic, social or emotional goals. Newlands understands the importance of providing these ongoing formal opportunities ensuring that the student, teacher and family are all involved in the learning process. Please note that there are two dates available for both 2/3CD and F/1EF.

National Health & PE Day 

Funnily enough, the Parent Teacher Interviews are coinciding with National Health & PE day. Raul has organised a fun day of activities to celebrate the day, more information can be found on his page of the newsletter! We are encouraging students to dress up in their house colours for the day!

David – The Librarian

We would like to congratulate David for picking up a new library position at Badger Creek Primary School. While we celebrate his new position, unfortunately he will be leaving our school on Friday the 8th of September. We would like to thank David for his work and dedication to not only the library but the school over the last two years. He has been integral in the organisation of book week, the library being open at lunch times and after school, leading the Library Sub Committee team as well as being an active member on our school’s consultative committee. We wish him all the best and good luck. The staff at Newlands will ensure that the library will continue to be available and utilised by the students over the coming terms. 

F/1 – Narratives

The incredible F/1 team have been blown away by the quality of narratives that our students have created. The unit has focused on having sizzling starts, a problem and solution that keeps the reader hanging for more.  We did have a video of prepared of the wonderful Viv from F/1B reading her narrative about a hungry bunny and a farmer. Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties, we have been unable to upload it. 

2/3 – Clay Designs

The 2/3s continue to utilise the Art show as a way to encourage writing. The students have brought important artefacts to school that reflect their family history which they are then using clay to recreate. To coincide with their clay sculptures, students have been creating Artist Statements which shares with the audience how they made their clay design and provide some history and context to the importance of the artefact is to their family. 

4/6 – World Time

The 4/6s have been learning about time zones and 24 hour time using the countries from the world cup to solve problems. This has also helped Jose who has been calling his Spanish family during the night time, he now has a clear understanding of when he needs to be making the calls. The students have really enjoyed these Maths lessons, where they are understanding how and why time zones exist. 

There only 10 days left of Term 3, this year really is flying! Have a great weekend!

Thanks,