Thanks for the 2021 Learning Journey

Who would have thought that we needed a replay of 2020? This year [2021] the ‘unprecedented’ year, while extremely demanding on students, teachers, and parents in so many ways, we realised what we needed to do and responded accordingly.

While we acknowledge the pandemic it did not dictate how we engaged with the students. It set a challenge that our teachers met head on. I saw such a high level of adaption by our teachers, and of course many creative approaches to teaching the curriculum.

I don’t want to dwell on how the year unfolded, I would prefer to reflect on how we have finished the year.

During term four we finally came back to school. We saw our students reconnect with their friends and their teachers. Just like they did in 2020. It was a joy to witness our first Year six graduation of students, who started as Year fours in 2019 in our grade 4/5/6 structure. To see their genuine happiness for each other was wonderful. As a team of learners, you could see how genuine their care for each was. They celebrated the success of all in 2021.

Our architectural team are coming close to finalising all the elements of the project, with intention of starting the project near the end of term 1. A document providing visual information about the project is attached to this newsletter.

We concluded a great first year of our Spanish bilingual program. The level of Spanish competency has been very positive and can only improve in 2022.

On a staffing level we will start 2022 with a broader leadership group that includes Jess and Graeme as our Leading teachers, further improving our school structure to support student needs and outcomes. We will also start 2022 with an additional teacher, who will be our STEAM [Science Technology Engineering Arts & Mathematics] specialist. We will also be starting the year with additional student wellbeing support and tutoring in the 4 to 6 area.

The end of the year has been one of elation sprinkled with a little sadness. The year 6 graduation was again a very uniquely presented night of Newlands magic. The students did not disappoint with their wit, observations, and reflections. The highlight of the night was the dancing, directed by Laura and the singing under the direction Carol, who has done a wonderful job connecting students to the joy music. The night also had a tinge of sadness as some of our longstanding families now become part of the unique Newlands history. A special thanks to the 4-6 teaching and others; Karren, Clara, Lexie, Lisa. Also, to Laura, Graeme, Raul, Carol, and Lydia who contributed a lot of time and support behind the scenes as well as on the night to mark the night so special and memorable for the students.

Goodbyes

Brenna – F/1

Brenna finished her pre-service training at Newlands, and was then we employed her as a teacher, and we have never regretted the decision. She has shown herself to be a great asset during her time at Newlands. We wish her all the best as she moves into another phrase of her teaching career.

Lexie – 4 to 6

Lexie has been a very much positive force within the 4 to 6 team. She has shown herself to be a great asset to the school during her time at Newlands. We wish her all the best as she moves into another phrase of her teaching career in Alice Springs.

Clara – 4 to 6

Clara came to us this year as our 4 – 6 Spanish teacher. She has provided great opportunities for the students to reinforce and extend their knowledge of the Spanish language. We wish her all the best as she also takes the career jump to teach in a secondary school.

Jessi – 2/3

Jessi came to us this year as our 2/3 Spanish teacher. She provided an extra Spanish teacher to support Jose to reinforce and further extend student knowledge of the Spanish language. We wish her all the best as she also takes the career jump to teach in a secondary school.

Lydia - Visual Arts

Lydia came to us mid-2021 to replace Bess. In her short time with us Lydia has been a positive influence in the visual arts space on all our students. She successfully created our 2021 on-line art show, which was fantastic. The year presented many obvious challenges to visual arts through ‘Teams’, but we are very thankful to Lydia for her persistence to engage our students through remote learning. Wish you all the best in 2022.

Students Leaving

For those students who will not be returning in 2022: we hope you leave Newlands with some fond and positive memories of your time with classmates and teachers. Wish you all the best in your new school, be it local, regional, interstate of international.

Newlands Staff

There are many aspects of a school that support learning; classroom teachers, Specialist teachers and Education Support Staff [ESS]. Each and every-one of our teachers and ESS staff have worked tirelessly to make the classroom, the programs engaging for all students.

Business Manager

There is one role that is the hub of the school and that is the role of the Business manager. The role is difficult quantify, role requires high degree of patience and skill to meet the demands of school, community, and DET. Mandy has been very focused and professional with parents, students, and staff. She has done a great job stepping into this role and successfully fulfilling a very complex job. I would also like to acknowledge the support role Bronia has played in the office assisting Mandy. Her genuine smile and good nature are a great asset for Newlands front of house.

School Structure

F/1 - 4 teams with a total of eight teachers. Each grade will be 20-22 students

2/3 - 3 teams with a total of 6 teachers. A ratio of 18-20 students to 1 teacher.

4-6 - 2 teams with a total of 4 teachers. A ratio of 18 students to 1 teacher.

School Council

This is another group of parents and teachers who give up their time to volunteer and support Newlands Primary School pursue opportunities to make Newlands a better place, again thank you. We thank Scott, Mim, Helen, and Sheraz for the time volunteered in 2021.

To the many individuals and groups at Newlands School; PFA, school council sub-committees we acknowledge your great work supporting the school.

New Buildings Plan

We are close to formalising the overall for the first part of our re-development. It is anticipated that building works will begin in term 2 2022.

Exciting news from one of our staff members

“Greetings Newlands community,

I am so excited to announce that my partner Gareth and I are expecting our first child in late April 2022.”

Rhonda (OHSC Co-ordinator)

2022 Classroom Structure

The information below is to provide families further clarification regarding the Newlands team teaching model in 2022.

In 2022 we aim to continue to develop a culture where students see they have two teachers that are responsible for their social, emotional and academic needs. This further strengthens our school ethos ‘Through relationships we build success’.

Each morning, the students will meet together with both their teachers. The daily morning Circle Time will alternate between your child’s English and Spanish teacher to ensure that both teachers have a strong understanding of their students and to reinforce the team-teaching culture at Newlands. After the initial four weeks, teachers may decide to make adjustments to this model to meet the individual and group needs of students. We will inform parents of any changes we make.

In 2022, as both classes are together, Literacy and Numeracy will be further refined allowing our teachers to be more effective and succinct to meet the needs of our students.

Parent Teacher Interviews in 2022 will consist of both teachers. These interviews will allow you the opportunity to receive a full report on how your child is progressing through the Victorian Curriculum through both languages. This will also allow families to hear about their child’s strengths and opportunities of growth in both English and Spanish.

You will also be able to access both teachers via Sentral in 2022. All messages must be sent to both teachers. One of your child’s teachers will respond. This will be the one whom has the most up to date or relevant information regarding your query.

In summary, your child will have two homeroom teachers, one English speaking and one Spanish speaking in 2022. The teachers will be responsible for all the students as we continue to create a stronger culture of team teaching.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Please note that one 2/3 class will have three teachers due to the fact that Sonya and Nikki will be sharing the role of English teacher. Sonya will be teaching literacy and Nikki will be teaching numeracy.

School Houses

During Thursday’s final assembly, we presented our new school houses to our students and parent community.

Darebin Celeste

Edgars Carmín

Birrarung Salvia

Meri Mei Ámbar

Kurrum Malva

In 2022, Newlands not only will the school have new house names and flag designs, it will also extend its School House program to five houses. This will not only provide students the opportunity to work with students from other grades in their area but to also align with our 2022 Specialist program which will include a new STEAM program.

Students will be told their house group, meet their peers and practice where they will need to line up for the specialist program on Monday the 31st of January.

The day before our specialist program officially begins.

Thanks,

Luke Cripps

Notice to Parents Piano Lessons 2022

Dear Parents

I am writing to let you know that I will be taking a break from teaching piano lessons in 2022. After 10 years at Newlands it will be a big change for me!

Wishing you a happy Christmas and a refreshing holiday.

Rachel Jones

Best Wishes to Our Community

All the best wishes for the holiday season. I hope you will enjoy the time reconnecting with family and friends, and we look forward reconnecting with all the Newlands community in 2022.

The Newlands Times

Issue 37 · 16 Dec 2021

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