Principal Report
Happy Week 4 to the NLPS community!
We have moved into Guling (Native Orchid) season and we were lucky to see the beginnings of some slightly warmer weather this past weekend. My Facebook profile kindly reminded me that this time last year I was in sunny and hot southern Italy, but with all the exciting things happening here at our school this next month, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! Be sure to check out the school calendar later in this newsletter for more details of the many special events we have planned for Term 3.
100 Days of Foundation!
At the end of Week 2, we celebrated the 100th day of school for our Foundation students. Congratulations to all our Foundation students and teachers for reaching this significant milestone. Our students engaged in enjoyable learning activities that reinforced core academic concepts as well as let their hair down at the karaoke / disco party. I was amazed at how many students knew the words to songs that were older than they were! It was a festive occasion to recognise their amazing progress throughout the school year so far and inspire them to continue learning with enthusiasm. An indication of just how far they have progressed was evident this week when Mat and I visited the three foundation classrooms as part of our termly Leadership Learning Walks, and all the students were engaged in independent writing, with the many we asked being able to clearly articulate what they were doing and why, as well as identifying clear strategies for improving their work. What an outstanding bunch! Well done to the students, teachers and families for a fabulous start to their schooling journey.
Book Week and Parade Arrangements 2025
Our beloved Book Week Celebration is coming up on Monday, 18th August. Our staff have organised many engaging events during the week for our students to participate in, ranging from dress up day, to author visits, student magic shows and the Book Fair.
Our Book Week dress-up day is on Wednesday 20/8/24, with the parade occurring at 9.10am around the blue running track. We invite students to come dressed as a character from a favourite children’s story. The theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure!’ We're celebrating reading stories and their amazing power to transport minds, encouraging children to be curious about the wonders in our world. Please inform your children that on this day we will hold a parade. There will be music as we parade around to showcase our costumes and celebrate the magic of book characters.
A reminder that while we love dress up days, we want to make sure that it isn't something that is causing stress at home. Costumes can be as simple or as complex as you like. Costumes can be bought, borrowed, re-worn, or handmade and can be from head to toe, or just a prop or mask. The ultimate aim is to celebrate books and reading!
Parents are most welcome to come along and watch the parade on Wednesday morning. In regards to recording the parade, a gentle reminder of our school policy: ‘Photographing, Filming and Recording Students’, as directed by the Department of Education: NLPS endeavours to respect the privacy of all members of our school community and formally requests that parents/carers, students and invited guests do not photograph, film or record school performances, sporting events, excursions and other school-approved activities, besides images of their own children.
Parent, Guardian and Caregiver Opinion Survey (PGCOS)
The Parent, Guardian and Caregiver Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education, across all government schools. This year, the survey will be open from next week up until Friday, 19th September 2025.
The survey seeks parent opinion on measures of learning, teaching, school environment and relationship with the school community; and provides us with actionable insights in key elements for school improvement. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
Previously, we have asked a random sample of parents to participate but will invite all parents to participate in this year’s survey as a way to gather enough results from across our school community to be considered statistically valid. An invite will be sent out to families via Compass next week. The survey is completed online via the secure survey portal managed by ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. All responses to the survey are anonymous. We look forward to reading through and analysing the feedback, to inspire improvement for all students in years to come. The survey results will also be communicated to our School Council and the parents/caregivers/guardians through annual reporting.
District Athletics Event
A big thank you to Mr A, our PE teacher, for coordinating the District Athletics day at Newport Athletics Track. Congratulations to all the Year 3-6 students who participated at the district level, exemplified our school values, and gave their best effort. We also extend our gratitude to the staff (Tammi and Eliza) and parents who helped set up and came to support our students. It was a fantastic day, and we were fortunate to have kind weather. Pleasingly, the school did very well on the track (and field) and, more importantly, our students were incredibly respectful and responsible in how they represented the whole NLPS community. A big well done to the 60 students.
Exciting New Outdoor Spaces Coming!
If you are in the office area, we encourage you to have a look at the display we’ve recently put up with renderings for two new outdoor areas that are in the planning stage. One will be in the existing quiet area near the F-2 classrooms. The other will be an outdoor classroom between the current Year 5/6 double portable and the Music Room/Gym. Exactly how they will end up looking, and how quickly they get built, depends on a number of factors, including how much money we can fundraise through our Term 4 Twilight Fete. We will keep track of the funds we raise through a giant barometer and regular updates in the newsletter.
School Council Update
We are in the middle of the tender process for our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service provider. This process occurs every 2-4 years (depending on the contract length and extensions that may or may not be offered). This is an important service for many of our families, with up to 150 students in the program on some nights after school, as well as a significant amount prior to the school day starting. The NLPS School Council OSHC Subcommittee is meeting this week to discuss the submissions we’ve received and provide their recommendations to the School Council, who will hear from selected organisations next month before making the final decision after that.
Safe Crossings, Safe Kids
A reminder to parents and students to be mindful and safe around the numerous school crossings that are in our local area. If the flags are up, you must slow down and give way. Students, please remember to follow the instructions of the crossing guard and be extra safe by dismounting your bike or scooter.
Hopefully you have noticed the native orchids and wattles starting to bud and blossom - spring is definitely on the way! Stay warm and well this coming fortnight.
Carly Bannon
Proud NLPS Principal