Messages from the Acting Principal

Hello NPS Families,

It’s with great excitement that we welcomed our students and families back from the holiday. Our classrooms, hallways and playgrounds were humming with staff and students reconnecting and sharing about their holiday break. The day was smooth with only a minor glitch in relocating Junior Steinman and Prep Sadowy back to their classrooms following the Great Flooding Disaster of 2025. The silver lining to this event was the installation of new carpeting and storage in these spaces.

Term 4 will be jam-packed with some of our favourite events. Ms T is putting the finishing touches on our Art Show preparations as we all anticipate a great display of talents next Wednesday afternoon. I’m personally looking forward to seeing the celebration of our school’s artistic talents and fine program.

Another jewel in the Newtown Primary School crown is also just around the corner. Our annual whole-school concert is just weeks away. It is always a fantastic night that highlights the creativity, commitment and inclusion in our school. We will also recognise the Class of 2025 who are in their final term of primary school.

Last month, the Aussie of the Month was Eliza Taylor (Year 1) who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude in learning and care towards others. I sat down with Eliza to learn more about her experience at Newtown Primary School.

Aussie of the Month Interview:

Mr McKinnis: Eliza, congratulations for being last month's Aussie of the Month! How did it make you feel?

Eliza: I got proud (sic) and my mum was very happy. She said, “I’m so proud of you!”

MM: I’m sure she is. Where do you keep the award?

E: My mum put it on the shelf at home.

MM: Do you remember what you got the award for?

E: I was being kind, happy and nice.

MM: I know you are a kind person.  What do you do to be kind?

E: You help people and make sure they’re okay.

MM: Why do you think it’s important to be kind?

E: Because you have to be nice.

MM: I love that. Being nice is important. What’s your favourite subject at school?

E: Sport because you are the teacher and I like basketball.

MM: That’s a nice thing to say, Eliza. What do you love about Newtown Primary School?

E: That I get to see you and Mr Barclay. 

MM: Oh really?! Is that a good thing?

E: Yes. We haven’t seen Mr Barclay in a long time.

MM: Yes, he’s on holidays.

E: Wait, is he gone somewhere (sic)?

MM: Yes, to Queensland.

E: How many days?

MM: Two weeks.

E: Two weeks!!!

MM: I know! Isn’t he lucky. Let’s move on. What are you most looking forward to this term?

E: School Concert because of our theme but it’s a secret though.

MM: A secret? Could you give me a clue.

E: It’s a Disney movie theme.

MM: That’s sounds very exciting! Eliza, if you were to tell the whole school one thing, what would it be?

E: I’m proud that I got the award.

MM: We are all proud of you. Thanks for speaking with me today, Eliza.

E: (giggles) Yes.

2026 Grade Placement Requests 

It is that time of year when we ask families to inform us of 2026 grade placement considerations. The processes of creating class sizes, groupings, and placing staff for the 2026 year will begin at the start of this term, and therefore, via the link below, we ask for parents/caregivers to share their thinking regarding the placement of their child/ren for 2026.

This is not a request process and although your feelings will certainly be considered, the individual requesting for specific teaching staff will not be. If there are comments and or thinking that you have regarding this, please add this to the Google Form. This is to be completed by Friday 17th October. Considerations after this date will not be accepted. 

As always, what decisions that are made regarding where students are placed will ensure we have the best possible balance to cater for every single one of our students and their academic, social and emotional needs.

Link: 2026 Newtown PS Grade Placement Information

Kind Regards, 

Jarrod McKinnis, Acting Principal