Message from Principal Sarah

Education Support (ES) Appreciation Day

On Saturday 16th May, it is Education Support Appreciation Day. At NMPS, we will celebrate the incredible work of our Education Support (ES) staff on Friday 15th May. Education Support Personnel Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the valuable contribution Education Support staff make to schools and student learning every day.

We sincerely thank our ES staff for all that they do across our school community — in classrooms, the office, sickbay, wellbeing, the kitchen and garden, and in maintaining our school grounds and facilities. Their dedication, care and hard work play an essential role in ensuring our school runs smoothly each day.

To all members of the NMPS ES team, thank you for the outstanding support you provide to our students, staff and families.

Education Week

Next week is Education Week, taking place from 18 May to 22 May. Education Week is an annual statewide celebration of education in Victoria and provides schools with the opportunity to showcase the outstanding learning, achievements and opportunities within their school communities.

At NMPS, we will be celebrating Education Week through an Open Classroom event across each year level on Friday 22nd May. Open Classrooms provide families with the opportunity to visit classrooms, engage in student learning, and experience the wonderful programs and learning environments that make our school so special.

Please refer to the Education Week update in this newsletter for further information about what will be happening in your child’s classroom. We look forward to welcoming families into our school to celebrate and showcase learning at NMPS.

Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS)

The Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) is an annual voluntary survey conducted by the Department of Education. The survey provides schools and the department with valuable insights into students’ experiences at school, including their learning, relationships, resilience, wellbeing, physical activity, and overall feelings about school and life in general.

Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 will be invited to participate in the survey between 18th May and 4th June. The survey will be completed during class time using a secure online platform specifically designed for this purpose.

Further information regarding the administration of the AtoSS has been shared with families of Year 4, 5 and 6 students via Compass.

School Review

Our school is preparing for our upcoming School Review, on Monday 25th May and Tuesday 9th June, as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality education. The review process provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, identify areas for growth, and strengthen the learning experiences and wellbeing outcomes for all students. 

During the review, a panel will work closely with school leaders, staff, students, and families to examine evidence of student learning, engagement, and school performance. The process will also help shape future priorities within the School Strategic Plan, ensuring the school continues to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving environment for the entire community.

We will be seeking parent feedback as part of our Review. Please keep an eye out on Compass for an opportunity to participate in a Parent Focus Group.

National Excellence in Teaching Awards

The National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) is the longest running, community based awards program that recognises teaching excellence in Australia and New Zealand. Nominations for these awards are now open. 

If you would like to nominate a teacher at NMPS for one of these awards, please follow this link. The nomination period is open until 30 June.