Nigel's Natter

Hi Families,

It’s wonderful to be back at school after my leave, and I want to begin by sincerely thanking our incredible staff team for their dedication, leadership and care during my absence. It’s no small task to "hold the fort," and I have returned to a school that is calm, vibrant, and focused on learning – a true testament to the strength of our community.

$20 Boss Market Day – This Friday!

Our Year 5/6 students have been hard at work on their $20 Boss projects, where they’ve been challenged to start a small business with just $20 of seed funding. This Friday, they’ll be bringing their products and services to life at our Market Day! Students from across the school will be able to visit the market and purchase items – so a gold coin or two in the lunchbox wouldn’t go astray. It’s a great opportunity for students to build creativity, problem-solving, and financial literacy in a real-world context. I have already got some pre-orders in!

Semester Reports – Available Next Week

A reminder that Semester 1 student reports will be published on Compass on Tuesday next week (Week 11). These reports provide a snapshot of your child’s progress and achievements so far this year. We encourage families to read the report with their child and celebrate the successes, while also setting some shared goals for the next semester.

NAIDOC Celebration Day – Friday, Last Day of Term

We are excited to be holding our NAIDOC Celebration Day on the final day of term (Friday 28 June). NAIDOC Week is a time to honour and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At our school, we value and celebrate First Nations perspectives year-round, and NAIDOC is a special opportunity to come together in learning, respect and pride.

Students will take part in a range of cultural and creative activities including First Nations Art, Music, Dance, Indigenous Astronomy & Connection to the Stars and Games. 

Why Consistent Routines Matter at School – Part 2

At Hamlyn Banks, we’re continuing to build a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported and ready to succeed. One of the ways we do this is through our whole-school approach to Consistent and Predictable Routines (CPRs).

As shared in the last newsletter, consistent routines reduce cognitive load and help students channel their focus into learning—rather than guessing what’s expected of them. They also build a strong sense of security and predictability, which is especially important for students who may feel anxious or need additional support.

We now have eight CPRs being used across all classrooms, helping to support smoother transitions, stronger relationships and better learning outcomes.

This week, we’re excited to share the next four CPRs being introduced across the school:

1. Assembly – How we enter, participate, and leave whole-school gatherings with respect and pride.
2. Toilet Expectations – Promoting independence, responsibility and hygiene in a safe and timely manner.
3. End of Day Pack-Up – A calm and organised finish to the day, supporting smooth transitions from school to home.
4. Book Work Standards – Setting clear expectations for how we present our learning with pride and care.

These routines might seem small on their own, but together they build a strong, stable learning environment where all students can thrive.

Early Finish Reminder

A final reminder that school will finish at 2:30pm on Friday 4th  July. Please ensure your child is collected on time, and we wish all families a safe and restful term break.

Have a great week!

Nigel Holloway