Mr. Barclay's Bulletin

Welcome to the 2024 School Year! 

Hello NPS families! 

I hope that you all had an amazing Christmas and start to the New Year. In talking to the students it appears that many families got away over the break and had an absolutely amazing time. Getaways ranging from day trips to Eastern Beach to overseas holidays to South Africa!  Personally, my wife and I loaded the car and the 4 kids and headed up for a week in Moama which was brilliant. As it was near 30 degrees every day, there were a lot of swimming and water activities to be had, including fishing in a near-flooded Murray River. I'd have liked to share a photo of the fish we caught... however, I cannot.  :( 

Having walked around our wonderful learning spaces this week it’s been just wonderful to see classrooms bursting with colour and our students brimming with excitement for a positive year ahead! I am thrilled to welcome back all our amazing students and families to NPS for what promises to be an extraordinary year, packed with adventures, creativity, and endless learning.

This year, we'll be building on our strong learning and teaching foundations where every student will be a curious and engaged learner. Within our learning spaces, our students will become active participants in their own learning and we are very excited about this. 

2023 was a highly successful year for us as a school and the measures on which our success is based, and specifically those Departmentally, were all positive. Our student learning achievement data indicated that our students are collectively sitting above their state and network age-relevant peers in all areas of literacy and numeracy. That is recognition that I as Principal am extremely proud of (I am more than happy to tell others about it!) knowing just how diligent our staff are towards providing the best education we can for your children. 

This year we will build on this and seek to continually improve all aspects of our school with that relentless focus on student learning and wellbeing. 

Term 1 is already shaping up to be its usual busy self with two school camps, our cross country day, athletics day, and multiple other events taking place - all within a 9-week term. Please review our school-wide calendar and take note of any dates that are relevant to your family. This is also the same for News Feed items via Compass. 

Finally,  I/we additionally recognise that true success flourishes when a strong partnership exists between school and home. Throughout the year, we are committed to fostering open communication, keeping you informed and engaged, and providing opportunities for you to be active participants in the school community. Please keep an eye out for these opportunities to help build and strengthen the great community spirit we already have in place! 

I wish all NPS families a truly successful, safe, and happy 2024! 

Thank you! 

Newtown Primary School 

Principal.