Principal Report
Good afternoon families,
After a lovely warm end to April, last week’s change in weather felt especially severe! I really felt for the 24 students in Years 3 - 6 who represented NLPS at the regional Cross Country event last Thursday, braving arctic-like wind and rain. It certainly brought back memories of my own school cross country days and the fun of running through muddy, wet, and freezing conditions at school, district, and regional events right up until Year 10. At the time, I probably never stopped to think about what the parents and supporting staff standing on the sidelines were experiencing - I was too busy enjoying the 'runner’s high' that I still encourage all of our students to experience during our school trials!
Congratulations to all of our students who competed, and a big thank you as well to Mr A, Clare, and the dedicated group of parents who went along to support our team. Many of these students will now progress to the next level - fingers crossed for kinder weather next time, especially for the support crew.
Community Event - Mothers’ and Special Persons’ Breakfast
We were fortunate to have a cold but clear morning last Friday as we welcomed many special members of our school community into the yard to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026. As a school that values inclusion, we acknowledge and appreciate all the caregivers and special people in our students’ lives, and we hope that all mothers and mother-like figures had the chance to relax and feel celebrated over the weekend.
A huge thank you to our incredible Newport Lakes Parents' Club for coordinating this much-loved annual event. I know they are also looking forward to another fantastic Trivia Night later this month.
Exciting News - Student Performances in 2026
As you may recall, the school made the difficult decision not to continue with a whole-school production due to several factors, including our growing size. We have outgrown available backstage spaces, and venues large enough to accommodate both our students and audience have become prohibitively expensive. However, we remain deeply committed to providing performance opportunities for our students, and we will continue with a biannual production featuring our Year 5 and 6 students.
Jackson Castiglione, our Drama teacher, has already begun working with our senior students, and there is plenty of excitement building around what this production will look like. At this stage, we are aiming for a late October performance.
I understand this change may have caused some disappointment for some families, but there has always been another idea taking shape in my brain to ensure all students continue to have opportunities to perform regularly. I just needed to make sure our wonderful new Music teacher, Jenny, was on board - and to seek some support from our amazing Parents' Club.
We are very excited to share that we are now in the early planning stages of an end-of-year school concert, likely to take place in early December. This twilight event will feature every year level, along with our school band and choir - and perhaps even a few teachers! The concert will be held here at school on a temporary stage set up near the gym, and families will be encouraged to bring along a picnic and enjoy the evening together as a community.
Just like a production, students will learn songs and routines, rehearse and practise, experience those pre-performance nerves and excitement, and finally enjoy the wonderful feeling of performing in front of a supportive audience and receiving the applause and recognition they deserve for all their hard work.
We look forward to sharing more details as plans continue to develop.
Congratulations to Eliza Warne!
On of our wonderful teachers, Eliza, has welcomed her first child, Jean, late last month. Both are doing well and Eliza and her husband are absolutely loving their time with their little one.
Potential Stop Work Action - June 4th
You may be aware that the Australian Education Union (AEU) has suspended striking action by their members for a period of two weeks. A half-day strike/industrial action has been scheduled for our area on Thursday 4th June, so this may still potentially go ahead. Please look out for further announcements on Compass and in our next newsletter should the AEU direct their members to recommence this action. Thank you for your patience.
2026 Foundation Tours / Enrolment
Our school tours began recently and will run through until early June, with an information session scheduled for the evening of Thursday 30th April. We’ve once again seen a strong level of interest from the community.
We’d like to remind families that enrolment applications are due by Friday 31st July, which helps us plan for 2026 - although submissions are also welcome at any time before then. If you have a child already attending the school and has a sibling due to start, please ensure your enrolment is completed by the deadline so that we can plan with confidence. Enrolment forms are available on Compass, our school website, or directly from the front office.
Reminder - Pupil Free Day on Wednesday 27th May
As per my last newsletter piece, all staff will be undertaking their professional practice day later this month. There will be no school for children on this day.
Childcare is available and further information and bookings can be made by contacting the school’s OSHC provider, TeamKids, via https://www.teamkids.com.au/venues/newport-lakes-primary-oshc/
May we all stay warm and dry as we hurtle towards winter 2026.
Carly Bannon
NLPS Principal