Newsletter - 21 November
- Principal's Highlights
- Student Voice
- Class Spotlight - 4/5/6S
- Staff Spotlight - Chantal Fox
- From the School Association
- Celebration Assembly - Group A
- Think U Know ESafety Program
- Sports Update
- Solving Conflict in Groups
- Mount Nelson Primary Community Garden!
- Supporting Online Learning at Home
- Little Seeds (LiL)
- Strike Soccer School at MNPS
- Student Achievements!
- Reading at Home
- End of Year Celebration Assembly
- I need to stay home if...
- School Calendar
- Community Noticeboard
Principal's Highlights
Dear Families,
We recently received the results from the Student Wellbeing Survey. This is a survey that occurs annually for all Year 4 to Year 12 students in Tasmanian Government schools and aligns with the DECYP Wellbeing for Learning Strategy. The data received informs the department and whole school approaches to student wellbeing.
The infographic below provides you with a summary of our school survey data.
At Mount Nelson Primary School, we continue to have consistently high wellbeing for key measures compared to other Tasmanian schools. Our students continue to track well. Pleasingly, 96% of students reported they had good relationships and support from their teachers and 100% of students felt connected to adults in their home.
96% of students identify as being motivated to persist in all learning jobs at school, and 86% of students show resilience when faced with challenges. Although we are above the state average in our student's showing resilience, this is an area we will continue to look into the area of resilience and how best we can support our students to thrive as lifelong learners.
The school student wellbeing team will use this data, aligned to our student safe-guarding framework, to implement regular quick check-in surveys in 2025, to assess how our students are travelling and what we can do to help the students who are struggling. The survey is anonymous, but through regular wellbeing checks in 2025, we can work to reduce this percentage. The Department have also released a new document, Social and Emotional Development, to assist with age-appropriate teaching in this area.
End of Year Reports
As the year draws to a close, our classrooms remain vibrant and productive, with students making excellent progress in their learning.
At the end of this term, you will receive a report detailing your child’s achievements and progress against the Australian Curriculum.
A reminder to families that end of year reports will be distributed on Friday, 13 December 2024.
The report will show your child’s learning achievement on a 9-point visual scale. The 9-point scale shows more specifically where your child’s learning achievement is against the expected standard for their year level.
There will be no teacher comments on the report.
For more information about the changes to reports:
- School Reports FAQs
- Understanding the 9-point scale
- Reporting - The Department for Education, Children and Young People Tasmania (decyp.tas.gov.au)
There will also be evidence of learning in HASS or Science for students in P-6.
Getting involved
To celebrate and consolidate this learning, our classes are organizing excursions. Some will invite parents to join, and we greatly value your support and involvement. Please note that the Department for Education, Children, and Young People now require all parent helpers and volunteers to hold a current Working With Vulnerable People (RWVP) card. If you plan to assist in the classroom or on an excursion, please ensure your card is up to date. Further details can be found in the link provided within this newsletter.
Classes for 2025
As we plan for the upcoming year, we are finalizing class structures and staffing. The proposed class structure for 2025 is outlined below:
- Kinder
- Prep
- Prep-1
- 1-2
- 2-3
- 2-3
- 3-4
- 4-5-6
- 5-6
- 5-6
Staffing arrangements for 2025 are currently under discussion with Human Resources at Learning Services and will be confirmed later in the year.
Communication
Communication often arises as an issue in schools, with Schoolzine (SZapp) and newsletters being the main form of school to home communication. I would also like to remind our school community about our Facebook page which also provides information about what is happening in the school.
Should you have any concerns or information about your child that you think the teachers should be aware of, please feel free to contact us to arrange an opportunity to talk, mount.nelson.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au. In the first instance, the classroom teacher is usually the best person to contact due to their closer connection to your child, but Senior Staff are also available should the classroom teacher not be available.
Kind regards
Catherine Grace
Congratulations, Sandy Fenton!
We are thrilled to announce that Sandy Fenton has been successful in securing the substantive School Business Manager (SBM) position here at Mount Nelson Primary School!
Sandy has been an integral part of our school community, demonstrating exceptional dedication, organisation, and a genuine passion for supporting our staff, students, and families - all with a smile on her face!
Congratulations once again, Sandy! 🎉
Student Voice
Hi it’s the School Execs here with an update on this week and last week!
Last week some students got to go to Interschool Swimming Carnival to represent Mount Nelson Primary. Overall Mount Nelson PS placed 2nd!
Also, last week on Friday the Grade 6's went on a Metro bus trip for a talk and ride. During the trip, we went from Mount Nelson down into town and then back up the highway to Mount Nelson.
Next week, the champion’s swimming carnival is going to happen, so we wish the students selected the best of luck. Also, something very exciting for all grades the colour run is happening on Wednesday next week and there will be more info on that later in the Newsletter.
Kind regards
2024 School Executives
Class Spotlight - 4/5/6S
In 4/5/6S we have circle time each Tuesday as a chance to share ideas, play games and get to know each other better. Last week we created collaborative portraits (one person drew the head, the next the hair, the next the eyes etc etc). The results really made us laugh!
Staff Spotlight - Chantal Fox
What is your role at Mount Nelson Primary School?
The Prep teacher
How long have you been working at Mount Nelson Primary?
3 years
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hang out with my family and two dogs, garden, do yoga, cook for friends and travel!
Do you have any pets?
Yes, two funny little dogs called Affenpinschers, their names are Sparky and Lola
Where is your favourite place to travel to?
France! I love all the history and the beautiful towns. I especially love French food.
What is the best part about your job?
Hanging out with the best 5 and 6 year olds on the planet!
If you weren’t in the role that you’re in now, what job would you be doing?
Travel the world seeing new places and eating different and exciting food. Will someone pay me for that??
From the School Association
Colour Run!
The School Association is excited to be fully funding a Colour Run for all our students!
When: Wednesday 27 November, 2 - 3pm on the School Oval.
What to wear: We recommend plain black or white clothes. Closed toed shoes are required.
Watch the fun: Families are welcome to come along and watch from above the oval.
Get involved: Events like this can only happen with the support of volunteers. If you’d like to help out on the day please email Julie, Association Committee Chair, on mnpsassociation@gmail.com
A flyer has been sent home with students with more details, or you can contact Julie on mnpsassociation@gmail.com with any questions.
Final Committee meeting of 2024
All parents and carers are invited to join us to reflect on our achievements this year and to plan our activities to support the school in 2025.
Please join us on Thursday, 28 November from 6:30pm in the School Staffroom.
Celebration Assembly - Group A
In recognition for... | ||
Prep-1FT | Odin | his hard work, commitment to learning and for adopting more of a growth mindset. We are so proud of you! |
Maddison | showing resilience, adaptability and a positive spirit in settling into a new school! Your enthusiasm and courage are commendable! | |
James | his commitment to growth in all learning areas. James is consistently determined to do better. | |
Lucy S | her warmth and kindness to all her peers. Her friendly spirit makes her a joy to be around and thank you for creating a welcoming classroom in Prep-1FT! | |
2-3B | Larpa | his fantastic efforts in narrative writing and storytelling. Larpa has shown he is a creative and thoughtful author and has amazing ideas to share through his stories. Larpa is always hardworking and strives to do his best in all aspects of his learning. We are very proud of Larpa for his contributions to our team in 2/3B. Well done, Roo! |
Trisha | being an upstander and role model who embodies our school values and learner assets in everything she does. Trisha is an incredible teammate and always supports her peers and teacher in any way she can. Trisha’s happy and kind disposition is very special and we feel very lucky to have spent the year together. Well done, Trisha! | |
Hugo W | his powerful voice work and self-expression in our Inquiry. Hugo’s creativity and focus in making his sculpture of a Tasmanian Devil is to be commended, as is his thoughtful attitude and way with words to communicate feelings and emotions in his writing. | |
Florence | her connection to and support of her peers, especially in our voice Inquiry work. Florence goes out of her way to be a generous, kind and considerate peer to all and always brings out the best in people. She is sensitive to others’ needs and inspires us all to be our best self and show care and understanding in our interactions. | |
4M | Kyron | his increased focus, determination and self-management in the classroom which has seen him ready to learn and achieve with his learning. |
Molly | her use of the learning assets - Thinking, Researching and Communication – in her project on the Fairy Penguin which was a part of our Inquiry “What Can We Do To Protect Tasmanian Endangered Species From Becoming Extinct?” | |
Fraser L | displaying the school values of Caring and Respect through his interactions with students and teachers. He is a considerate classmate who is patient, supportive and understanding of people’s differences. | |
Bruno | displaying the assets of Collaboration, Thinking and Communication in our Inquiry “What Can We Do to Protect Tasmanian Endangered Species from Becoming Extinct?” with his focus on the Maugean Skate. | |
5-6H | Joel | being a self-manager and working on following instructions to complete independent work. Joel has shown growth in his maths and reading and has been working with other students to share his ideas and learning. |
Yushan | being a valued contributor to our learning this term. Yushan has made significant growth in writing, demonstrating a strong understanding of techniques that engage the reader. | |
Ava | showing consistent effort in her reading and using the learning asset of being a Thinker. She considers her intended audience when writing, leading to effective use of literary devices and further growth. | |
Abigayle | being a self-manager who can work on learning tasks independently and also collaboratively. Abi thinks critically when engaging with texts and actively contributes to both whole class and small group discussions around our learning. |
Think U Know ESafety Program
On Wednesday, 4 December, we have the 'ThinkUKnow' program coming to our school.
This program is facilitated by the Australian Federal Police and will take our students through being safe online, identifying unsafe situations as well as an understanding of their digital footprint.
All students from Grade 2 – 6 will have a 45-minute session with a trained 'ThinkUKnow' facilitator. If you would like any further information regarding this program, or like an understanding of what this program will cover please visit https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/about/our-program for more information.
Sports Update
Ride to School Program
Over the past two weeks our students from grade 2 – 6 have all had sessions with Shane from the Ride to School program with a focus on road safety skills and confidence when riding a bike. It has been great to see students grow in confidence – especially those who are learning a new skill.
Champions Swimming
We have a huge end of term coming up, especially next week. Tuesday, 26 November is the Champions Swimming Carnival and we have had 20 students selected to participate in events. Congratulations to these students and the best of luck!
- Joe F, Joe M, William K, Lachie M, Brianna C, Angus J, Jamie K, Joe S, Tom R, Mae W, Oona P, Leah J, Ellie T, Max F, Alisa S, Annabel S, Andy Y, Abi O, Eliza S and Alvina T.
Triathlon
The All Schools Triathlon is also this coming week on Friday 29 November. Please remember that any student who requires a bike for this event, that transporting the bike to and from the event is the responsibility of the student not the school as we do not have capacity to transport bikes to and from the event. Any issues with this please contact me via email and we can try and find a solution - declan.west@decyp.tas.gov.au
The bus for the Triathlon will be needing to leave school as close to 9 am as possible so please ensure your child is at the school and ready to leave as early as possible on the morning of the event. Students will be supported by staff at the event, and parents are welcome to attend and support their child as well as they compete in this fantastic event.
Solving Conflict in Groups
Our work with Lisa Ford over the last 2 years tells us that conflict in a friendship group is very normal. With Lisa's input, we have designed a poster to support students to solve conflict within a friendship group.
For some people, this may look like going through the steps with an adult. For others, they may be able to resolve it independently following he steps on the poster.
This poster is displayed in each classroom to support conflict resolution.
Mount Nelson Primary Community Garden!
We would like to say a huge thank you to Clarissa Hope from ‘Pickett Fence Produce’, who kindly donated a bag of seedlings for our school garden. It really is becoming an amazing community space. Don’t forget to pick some radishes, spinach or rocket for your dinner tonight!
Lettuce, spinach and radishes picked from the Mount Nelson School Community Garden!
Supporting Online Learning at Home
To help families learn online at home, every family with children in kindergarten to year 10 are receiving a copy of Supporting online learning: a guide for families.
This guide provides families with information and advice about:
- school communication apps, such as Canvas Parent
- managing online privacy
- social media readiness
- effective online searching, and
- spending time online as a family.
Families are the most important influence and support for children and young people. Learning online at home builds life skills to succeed in today’s digital world.
Guides will be sent home soon.
For more digital skills and support, please email digitalskillsforfamilies@libraries.tas.gov.au
Little Seeds (LiL)
Our Little Seeds Program (Launching into Learning) runs every Thursday from 9.15 am - 10.15 am in the Kinder space
Please make sure to join our Facebook Group to stay up to date with all the sessions and exciting events!
https://www.facebook.com/share/k8DELGhWBhG6km9t/
What is Little Seeds?
Little Seeds is a program for young children, Birth to 5 years old and their families, where you and your child can form relationships with your local school and other families before they start Kindergarten. Children learn a lot in the first five years of life. At Little Seeds, you and your child learn together to give them the very best start to life.
Why Little Seeds?
Children’s experiences in their earliest years are really important to their ongoing development and they have a major impact on the future achievements at school and later in life. We know that supporting children’s learning experiences before they even begin school will give them a greater chance of success. At this young age, learning through play and exploration alongside the people that mean the most to them is a really positive experience for children.
Strike Soccer School at MNPS
Strike Soccer School is Back at Mount Nelson Primary! 
Due to high parent demand, we’re excited to announce that Strike Soccer School will be returning for Mount Nelson Primary School students!
One-hour sessions every Wednesday until the end of term 4 Skills training led by experienced coaches Open to all students from Prep to Grade 6 Cost: $15 per week
Don't miss out on this fantastic program! Find the link below to register your child.
Mount Nelson Primary Soccer — Strike Soccer School
Student Achievements!
We’re so proud to share that our talented Year 4 student, Akarthna, was featured in The Mercury and performed at this year’s Diwali Celebration as part of the Tamil Language and Culture School. 🎉🌺✨
The festival, held on Saturday, 9 November 2024, at Princes Wharf No. 1, was a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition.
Congratulations to Akarthna for being part of such a significant event and sharing her talent with Hobart! We’re so proud of you! 💛💚💛
If your child has been selected to be part of a representative team, has won a prize in performing arts, has a part in a major stage production or any other significant achievement outside of school, let us know via the webform below so that we can share the news and celebrate the achievement in our school newsletter. Let's Celebrate!!
Reading at Home
20 is plenty!
Reading at home for 20 minutes a day can help us learn so many things and help build confidence, fluency, reading stamina and general knowledge.
End of Year Celebration Assembly
Please join us as we reflect on and celebrate the achievements, growth, and memorable moments of another wonderful school year. The afternoon will feature student performances, special awards, and a look back at our collective journey through 2024.
Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Time: 1:00 PM (Doors open at 12:45 PM)
Location: Hobart College Theatre
This event is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of our students, staff, and school community.
We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.
All school families are welcome!
I need to stay home if...
Unfortunately, there are still quite a few nasty bugs around. Please make sure that you keep your children at home if they show signs of covid, the flu or gastro (coughs, sneezes, fever, sore throat, upset tummy).
School Calendar
Community Noticeboard
