Messages from the Principal

Hello NPS Families,

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this fortnight's newsletter. 

In fear of stating the obvious, it has been another 2 big weeks of teaching, learning, and everything in between. I've (attempted to) capture some of our key happenings below, so please read what resonates and or is a need-to-know, and as always, if you have questions and or comments, please reach out via the "Always On Feedback Portal". 

THANK YOU!

NPS Trivia Night

This Saturday night, we have our annual Trivia Night! I would like to thank all families and or caregivers that have assisted us in hunting down donations and or have helped in setting up what is always a great event! 

Shannon House Working Bee

THANK YOU to all of those Shannon House Families that attended last week's Working Bee.  Our school grounds ALWAYS look so much better after a Working Bee, so thank you to all of you who chipped in and assisted. 

Student Data

2025 NAPLAN Data

You may have seen in the media recently that Victoria has once again excelled in this year's NAPLAN Assessments, and I am VERY proud to say that we have also excelled as a school! I have included a snapshot of our NAPLAN Data below, comparing it to our Network schools and the state average. 

Buildings and Grounds

Prep and Junior Learning Area Update

Who would have thought such a small hole could cause so much damage! 

Due to the recent internal flooding of the above-mentioned spaces, we have had multiple builders and plumbers on-site repairing the damage caused, and hopefully, Junior Steinman and Prep Sadowy will be back in their spaces at the beginning of Term 4. 

Both spaces will have new cabinetry (or part of it), new carpet, and new paint (in patches!). 

Aberdeen St. Fence

You may have noticed that our picket fence has mostly been removed and replaced with new black fencing to match the other existing fence. This has certainly opened up the facade of the school, making it more visible from the street. There is still a small section to be completed, and this will happen in the next week. 

Playground Facelift

From Monday, our playground will be off limits as it is being repainted and, following this, repaired in certain sections, including three new slides! This will certainly give our playground a new lease on life and a much added pop of color in the yard! 

Important Points

Student Device Use

SLA students have recently been spoken to about their device use and some of the "message groups" that have been created by students. Some of the content and discussions in these chat groups have not been acceptable to some students who have been "kicked out" of various groups and or excluded. 

Additionally, we have noticed that some students within the MLA and SLA are spending upwards of 12=13 hours a day on their devices, including at times well past midnight. 

We are currently drafting an allowance form to be completed by families who wish for their child's device to remain at school overnight, either during the school week or over the weekend. For those who opt in, devices will be locked away securely out of hours and given back to students at the beginning of the school day.  

As a Principal and Parent who has faced occasional and similar battles, please speak with your children about their device use at home and review their screen time regularly. Apple's Screen Time feature is a game-changer and is worthwhile investigating if you have not already. More information can be located here: https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/ipod-touch/iph43cc563d2/ios

Thank you again for reading, and have a GREAT weekend! 

Principal

Newtown Primary School