The Newlands Times

Leadership Report

It's been another fantastic week of learning at Newlands Primary School! Our school is finding a great rhythm now that our start-up program has concluded and we're transitioning into our regular routine. This week is especially exciting for our 5/6 students, as Interschool Sport has kicked off. We wish our teams the best of luck and know they will represent our school with pride, embodying our core values. Our Foundation students also had their very first incursion at Newlands, and I’d like to thank the teachers for organising such a fantastic experience with Supreme. It was wonderful to see the students laughing and collaborating together.

 

Cultural Day – Sharing Aboriginal Culture Through Stories

This week, Uncle Trevor visited the school, and everyone who attended will surely remember his personal stories. He emphasised the importance of sharing stories, celebrating cultures, and, most importantly, building our collective knowledge. It’s through understanding that we can create meaningful change.

 

PFA Morning Tea

The PFA is just getting started with the many events they have planned for the year. It was fantastic to see so many parents in the classrooms, undoubtedly sharing their favourite things about Newlands. The PFA had its first meeting last week and has plenty of exciting events and fundraising ideas in the pipeline. The energy in the staffroom was amazing—stay tuned for two more opportunities to get involved this term!

 

 

Parent Helper Program 

One of the things that makes Newlands special is the incredible support we receive from families who assist classroom teachers by listening to students read in the mornings. A huge thank you to all the families who have volunteered their time to get involved. Foundation families are especially eager to support—please keep your eyes peeled for communication from the Foundation team.

 

 

Working Bee – This Sunday!!!

This Sunday marks our first Working Bee of the year! The Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee has their priorities in place and is ready to go. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Kristy, Tim, Graeme, or me. We hope to see you there from 10:00am to 1:00pm!

 

 

 

 

Classroom Highlights:

 

Foundation: I had the pleasure of joining Jose’s class this morning, where the students showed off their Spanish skills. They demonstrated words like “piensa” (think), “saltar” (jump), “para” (stop), “tocar” (touch), and “correr” (run). The students were having so much fun while showing off their knowledge. This led into the Supreme incursion, where the students participated in a variety of activities that promoted collaboration and movement. Check out some photos on SEESAW!

 

 

 

1/2: I had the opportunity to chat with Mel’s class this week, and it was clear how much they were enjoying their learning. So many hands went up to share their favorite parts of the week! Here are a few of the students' highlights:

 

  • Anta: “I like that I’m moving up levels in reading. The texts are harder and more interesting.”
  • Marlo: “During Maths Club, I enjoy reading!”
  • Vivienne: “I like the Daily Review because we get to use whiteboards.”
  • Billie: “I love Lego Club because I get to make whatever I want. I’d never been before, and I feel like I’ve missed out!”
  • Barra: “Before Care is super fun because I get to make Beyblades with my friends.”
  • Evie: “I loved Lego Club because I made a Hair and Makeup table.”
  • Molly: “I love Mel because she’s really nice and never gets grumpy!”
  • Ryan: “Christine has taught me lots of Spanish!”

3/4: A big congratulations to the 3/4 students for their impressive progress in Facts on Fire this week. Parents are encouraged to support their children at home, as uncompleted sheets are being sent home in student reader bags each Friday. Here are some of Connie and Courtney’s favorite moments from the week:

 

  • Tess: “I liked writing this week because I got to write about a magical box.”
  • Lilly: “I liked literacy because we’re reading James and the Giant Peach and connecting different stories.”
  • Ines: “We read The Gruffalo and created our own versions.”
  • Marlo: “Maths is just the best subject!”
  • Alyssia: “I love Maths Club because it's fun and we’re learning.”
  • Kalen: “I’m writing about Ronaldo, and I love it!”
  • Natalya: “I like Spanish and writing because Connie challenged us to write one line of every letter in the Spanish alphabet.”
  • Fletcher: “It’s been great that the classes have changed a bit because now I get to see different people.”
  • Layla: “I like when Courtney shows us pictures of her dog, Pippa.”
  • Dom: “I like how Courtney lets us read together as a class.”
  • Autumn: “I like how Courtney teaches during Maths class and how Connie makes amazing Canva posters.”
  • Aviva: “Both teachers are really nice!”
  • Blaise: “Connie is open to lots of ideas, and she’s the best teacher on Earth. So is Courtney!”

5/6: Unfortunately, the school leader badges haven’t arrived yet. However, I’d like to once again congratulate our school leaders for all their efforts in preparing for the Term 2 school tours. They’ve been working so well together and offering each other constructive feedback. The 5/6s also had their first Interschool Sports game today, and the excitement was palpable! They played against Coburg Primary and displayed fantastic skills. We’re proud of their achievements and look forward to their next game.

 

Great news—the badges just arrived! We’ll be presenting them at the next assembly in Week 6.

 

Next Friday – Big Day at Newlands!

 

Classroom Information Sessions

Next Friday at 2:30pm, parents are invited to attend a session to learn about the focus for the term, important details, and how you can support your child at home. The Foundation session will be in the staffroom, the 1/2 session will be in Kylee’s classroom, the 3/4 session will be in Lisa’s classroom, and the 5/6 session will be in Clara’s classroom. We highly recommend attending if possible!

 

Wellbeing Celebration

At 3:30pm, we’ll officially launch our Wellbeing Handbook. I’ll give a brief introduction, and families can then learn more detailed information in the classrooms.

 

 

 

PFA Welcome Picnic

At 4:30pm, we’ll kick off our PFA Welcome Picnic. This is always a fun event where students can play with their friends, and families can mingle and discuss all the great things happening at Newlands. We look forward to seeing you there, and a big thank you to the PFA for organising this event!

 

 

 

 

See you at the Working Bee on Sunday!

 

Thank you,

Luke