Term 1 Celebrations at Newlands Primary School

What an incredible Term 1 we’ve had at Newlands Primary School! Our Foundation have finished the term celebrating their first 50 days at school, marking a milestone in their learning journey. Meanwhile, Andy Morton from Preston Police kicked off our term with an insightful CyberSafety session, equipping parents with strategies to support their children online. Shortly after, Uncle Trevor shared his wisdom in a powerful session on Koorie Cultural Understandings, deepening our community’s appreciation for Indigenous perspectives.

The excitement continued with a Foundation Team Building incursion by Supreme Incursions, strengthening friendships and cooperation among our youngest learners. Simultaneously, our Grade 5/6 students showcased their sporting skills in the Interschool Sports competition, playing basketball, softball, and bat tennis with great enthusiasm. The school community also came together for the Newlands Working Bee, where families pitched in to enhance our school grounds (most notably the toilets), strengthening our sense of belonging and teamwork.

Later in the term, Vanessa Hamilton led the engaging ‘Talking the Talk’ sexuality education session, helping families navigate important conversations with their children. Parents then had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of classroom processes during our Classroom Information Session, which was followed by the Wellbeing Handbook Celebration, marking the school’s dedication to supporting all students. To wrap up an eventful February, our PFA hosted the much-loved Welcome Back Picnic, bringing families together to relax, connect, and enjoy an evening of music and fun.

March saw our Grades 3 and 5 students tackle NAPLAN, demonstrating their skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy. Our resilient 1/2 students concluded their Inquiry unit with the Resilient Warrior Day incursion, celebrating their learning in a fun and active way.

As the term neared its end, students dressed up their bikes and eagerly participated in Ride 2 School Day, thanks to our dedicated PE teacher Raul, who organised prizes and activities. Our Student Leaders were inspired by a Student Leadership Conference at the Convention Centre, gaining valuable insights into leadership and responsibility. Families then came together for our termly Parent-Teacher Interviews, providing a wonderful opportunity for meaningful discussions about each child’s progress.

The final week of term was filled with joy and cultural appreciation. School Photo Day captured the bright smiles of our students, and our grand Panama Cultural Week Celebration showcased student performances and learning about Panamanian culture. To cap it all off, the Spanish Fiesta tonight will bring our school community together for an afternoon of food, performances, and festivities, celebrating the vibrant Spanish culture that is woven into our school’s identity.

What a phenomenal start to the year! Term 1 was a true testament to our students, teachers, and families’ dedication, enthusiasm, and sense of community. We can’t wait for what’s to come in Term 2! Like what you say?

Mandy

A heartfelt thank you to Mandy for her incredible work as our Business Manager over the past five years. She has built strong, genuine relationships with students, staff, and our wider community, and her presence will be deeply missed. We wish her all the very best as she embarks on a new adventure in the Sunshine State.

Good luck, Mandy — your next team is lucky to have you!

Term 2 Events (Tuesday 22nd April – Friday 4th July)

Week 1

Monday 21st April – Easter Monday (Public Holiday)

Friday 25th April – ANZAC Day

Week 2

Friday 2nd May – Outdoor Movie Night

Week 3

Friday 9th May – Mother’s Day Breakfast

Week 4

All Week – Education Week

Wednesday 14th May – 2025 Foundation Information Night

Friday 16th May – IDAHOBIT Day

Week 5

Friday 23rd May – Colour Run

Week 6

All Week – Reconciliation Week

Monday 26th May – Sorry Day

Sunday 1st June – Working Bee

Week 7

Thursday 5th June – World Environment Day

Friday 6th June – Curriculum Day

Week 8

Monday 9th June – King’s Birthday (Public Holiday)

Week 11

All Week – Parent Teacher Interviews

Friday 4th July – Cultural Week Open Classrooms