From the Principal's Desk
Week 7 - Exciting events and achievements this Week!
We are thrilled to share several significant activities and achievements this week across our school’s sporting and creative fields.
This week we begin NAPLAN and Mrs Polson kindly reminds us of the most important thing to remember as parents and for our students.
To Our Dearest Students From Year 3 and 5,
This week you will sit your first Naplan test. There is something very important for you to know.
This test does not assess all of what makes each of you exceptional and unique.
The people who score these tests don’t know that some of you love to sing, are good at drawing or can teach others how to use a computer program.
They have not seen the way that some of you can dance with grace or speak confidently to a large group. They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them when they are sad. They do not know that you participate in sports, help your Mum and Dad or that you play with your little brother, sister or cousins.
They do not know that you are caring, thoughtful and that every day you do your best. Because these attributes cannot be tested.
The scores you get from this test will tell you how you did on that day, but they will not tell you everything. They can’t tell you that you have improved on something that you once found difficult. They can’t tell you that you brighten up your teacher’s day. They can’t tell you how amazingly special you are.
So come to school ready to do your best for the NAPLAN test and remember there is no one way to ‘test’ all of the wonderful things that make you, YOU!
SOURCE: Naplan Letter to Kids - Dyslexia Daily Blog
Swimming PSSA
The PSSA Swimming Carnival on Monday provided our students with an excellent opportunity to showcase their abilities and hard work in the pool. Parents and supporters cheered on our swimmers as they strived to achieve their personal bests.
Congratulations to Ollie, Lucy, Nixon who qualified for individual events at the State Championships to be held next term. We are very proud of you all.
Soccer Gala Day
Recently our students involved in the school soccer team attended a Soccer Gala Day. Everyone showed fantastic teamwork and enthusiasm for the whole day. Schools from our area competed in friendly matches throughout the day, with opportunities for students to build confidence, develop new skills, and strengthen friendships. The program included round-robin games and skills. Thank you Mrs Dunham for organising this.
Hockey Trials
Last Friday our school hockey players represented us at the Armidale PSSA trials. It was a great chance for Tommy, Ollie, Bridget, Isla and Addie to get out the sticks and brush off the cobwebs and demonstrate their skills in dribbling, passing, tackling, and teamwork. Congratulations to all 5 students who were selected to progress to the Northwest trials on March 26 in Armidale.
Armidale and New England Show Results
Congratulations to our students who submitted entries for the recent school show! The show featured a variety of displays, including art projects, craftwork, science experiments, baked goods, and more. Our entries from each stage took home not only first and second places but also Stage 1 won over all champion!! The panel of judges, were impressed by the creativity and effort demonstrated by our MGPS students.
Some of our students also participated as individuals and also achieved great success!
Congratulations to our students Leo with an overall champion for his photography, Brodie for his parading and judging, Loretta, Charlotte, Henry, Olive and William for their artwork and teachers Miss See and Mrs Killen.
Year 6 into Year 7 Expression of Interest - All Year 6 students need to complete
To enrol your child in Year 7 for 2027, you will need to complete an Expression of Interest for Year 6 to Year 7 transition.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) lets you indicate which school(s) you would like your child to attend in Year 7.
The EOI process will be available on the school website under the “About Us” tab, Enrol and scroll down to Moving to Highschool
Submit a Year 6 to Year 7 Expression of Interest (EOI)
After you submit an EOI and it has been assessed, your child will be offered a place at a high school.
If your child will not be attending a NSW Government high school next year, please let us know by completing a Placement Not Required form, also available on the website under the “About Us” tab, Enrol and scroll down to Moving to Highschool
Submit a Year 6 to Year 7 Expression of Interest (EOI)
If you are unsure whether they will be attending a NSW Government school (you’ve applied for a private school, or you are moving
interstate), we ask that you still complete an EOI and follow up with your school once a decision has been made.
The online process will guide you through your options and collect the information required to make the process as smooth as possible.
Online submissions are due: FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2026
Autumn Festival
Save the date! We will be part of the Armidale Community of Public School Float for the Autumn Festival parade.
We hope to have a huge MGPS representation to walk in the parade before students head off with families to the Kids Festival of activities in Civic Park. More information will be sent out on School Bytes regarding where and when to meet teachers.
One Off Excursion Payment
At Martin's Gully we have a one-off excursion payment for all students. This payment covers all local Armidale extra-curricular trips such as Thalgarrah, Visiting Performers, PSSA knockout Sports and some Creative Arts Events as well as Intensive Swimming Program and Gymnastics Program.
This reduces the need for parents to be paying small amounts every time something is on.
The one-off cost for Kindergarten to Year 2 students is $80.00, and for students in Years 3-6 it is $110.00, and remains the same as last year.
Please note, this payment does not cover overnight excursions or extra opportunities that may be offered to selected students.
If this payment is not made, you will have to pay for individual activities as they arise.
Payments can be made online via our parent payment system. Payments can be made through School Bytes. All payments are due by 29 May 2026. Part payments can also be made.
Wellbeing - ATTENDANCE
It’s always wonderful to have our students in classrooms, ready to engage and learn. Our teachers and school staff are committed to fostering growth and opportunity, and we are here to work with you to support your child to reach their full potential.
Consistently going to school has countless benefits – from learning, to creating social connections and improving wellbeing through access to support and quality education.
If your child is absent from school, please let us know why as soon as possible, even if it’s just a few minutes at the start or end of the school day. Of course, there will be times when your child is unable to be at school, like when they are unwell.
If your child is feeling anxious about coming to school and you need support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly. There are also helpful resources for parents and carers on the NSW Department of Education website.
Thank you for being a part of our school community and for partnering with us to ensure students access the endless benefits of regular school attendance.
Armidale Running Festival and Future Fundraisers
Run for Rory: Armidale Running Festival – March 14-15
Merchandise will be able at the event sign on from Friday 13th March. Look out for the MGPS shelter to buy your merch. Purchase a shirt or hat to show you are part of the 'Running for Rory' team. All merchandise profits go straight to supporting Rory and his family.
Have a wonderful week!
Peta Deiderick