Newsletter - 27 February

Principal's Highlights

It was lovely to see our Mount Nelson Primary community come together at our Welcome BBQ to kick off the 2025 school year! This event is always a great opportunity to connect with other families, catch up with our teachers, and celebrate the start of our learning journey. Thank you to Marita and the School Association for organising this event!

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our Meet the Teacher sessions last week! It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with their child’s classroom teacher and learning more about the organisation of their weekly program and routines. These sessions are a great way to build connections towards a successful year ahead.

We understand that not all families were able to attend, and while we would usually share handouts via SeeSaw, the platform is currently unavailable. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email your child’s teacher or contact the office.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the School Association Committee meeting, and it once again reinforced how proud the Mount Nelson Primary School community should be of its dedication to our mission and values. One of the biggest takeaways was just how fortunate we are to have such a passionate and enthusiastic group representing our parent community. Their incredible ideas, well-thought-out plans, and ability to bring projects to life will continue to make a meaningful impact on the school.

Catherine Grace
Principal

Whole School Inquiry - Connection

Our school year has begun with a whole school Inquiry into the concept of connection. This has been a positive way to build a strong, productive, and happy class environment where everyone feels like a valued member of the team. Each class has a dedicated space in their room where they demonstrate their understanding of this concept.

Want to know more? Come into school during nurturing time from 8.30 - 9 am and ask your child to share the classes learning!

Student Voice

Over the last few weeks our school has been very productive with activities such as, the Year 6s went to The Molesworth Environment Centre. At Molesworth we focused on survival skills including learning how to use a compass and making shelters. The Grade 5s are doing this soon as well. We also had ‘Think U Know’. A police officer came in and talked about how to be safe online and helped us learn more about not to trust strangers online. We’ve also recently voted for our schoolhouse captains. Congratulation to Eva, Kai and Ted, Tommy, Louis and Monash, we are very happy for all of them.

We just want to remind you about the Athletics Carnival on Friday 28^th February for Grade 3 to 6 and the Kinder to Grade 2 Athletics Carnival will be on the 5^th of March Wednesday. Please remember to wear red for Bass, blue for Tasman, white for Flinders and your best running shoes. Parents and guardians are welcome to watch from the hill. Good luck to all! We also just want to remind people about hats this term, have a great week.

Bronte, Eliza, Peter & Emily
2025 School Executive

RSPCA Fundraiser - Dress in your Favourite Colour!

On Friday 7 March, The Mount Nelson Primary School Executives are organising a fundraiser for the RSPCA. We are inviting you all to dress up in your favourite colour or colours for the day and bring along a donation.  This can be a gold coin or even more if you would like to.  

We look forward to seeing everyone’s favourite colours and we’re happy to know that we are helping animals in need. Thank you!

Bronte, Eliza, Peter & Emily
2025 School Executive

Class Spotlight - 2/3 Green

In English and Science we are learning through the book Desert Lake by Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli. It is a story that shares information. We are learning about the animals that come back to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre when the water flows. This happens when there is a dry flood.

“A dry flood comes and gives the animals water to drink and have fun and survive there. Birds can eat fish.” – Arlo

“A dry flood is when the sand hasn’t had water for a really long time. It becomes really hard and when it rains the water can’t soak into the ground. It stays on the top and floats all the way along the hard ground.” – Lily

“A dry flood is a sudden rush of water that fills water holes so that life can settle in. It stays on the hard ground so it does not drain away so they last awhile.” – Nate

“A dry flood happens in a place that has not had rain in a really long time so when water comes it does not absorb into the ground.” - Leon

We are inquiring about what living things need. The water means living things can survive, like plants and animals. Some of these are endangered.

By 2/3 Green

Staff Spotlight - Christie Crow

What is your role at Mount Nelson Primary 

5/6 Yellow Teacher 

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience before coming here?

I have been teaching for 6 years now, teaching Grade 2/3 for a year and then grade 5/6 for the last 5 years. I have come from Goodwood Primary where I developed a love for supporting children to be who they are and to feel accepted within a team. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

My spare time is filled with family, fishing, boating, crafting and sporting. My Fiancé and I love to go out on the water with our doggo for a fish of any sorts. I also am a crafty person and enjoy making jewellery out of abalone shell. 

Do you have any pets? 

I have a dog named Roy, he is a boxer and is the most handsomest/bestest boy in the world. 

Where is your favourite place to travel to? 

I love to travel to Bruny Island - specifically Cloudy Bay. 

If you weren’t in this role, what other career would you pursue?

I think I would attempt to be a sport coach. I coach rowing over summer and netball over winter and really enjoy the experiences.

Primary Progress Reports

Friday, 14 March 2025

This term you will receive your child's Application to Learning Report as the first part in our Reporting and Communication commitments for 2025. These statements provide you with some information about how your child has settled into their new class. It has been designed by our MNPS staff and aligned to our MNPS values and assets. We encourage you to share these reports with your child.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office to organise a conversation with the class teacher and make a time to meet.

Athletics Carnivals

Athletics Carnivals are always a highlight of the term. They provide a valuable opportunity for students to develop self-management skills, embrace challenges, and set ambitious personal goals. It is normal for students competing to experience a wide range of emotions, and learning to manage these feelings is a key part of growth. It is natural to feel nervous, but using our courage to step up and give our best effort is what truly matters.

At Mount Nelson Primary, we deeply value parent helpers, and we will require some volunteers for both athletics carnivals. If you are able to help out, we’d love to hear from you!

All parents, carers, family members who are wanting to volunteer at our school for 2025 must hold a current Working with Vulnerable People card and have completed the Mandatory Safeguarding Training for 2025. You can complete the training by following the link below – it only takes 15 minutes!

https://decyp-safeguarding.mygo1.com/signup/email

Upper Primary Athletics Carnival – Friday, 28 February 2025

On Friday, 28 February, Grade 3 – 6 students will compete in the School Athletics Carnival, this will take place on the school oval. Students will be able to participate in a variety of team, individual and participation events and all students are encouraged to participate in as many events as possible.

The first event will begin at 10 am and the carnival will conclude by 2.30 pm. A coffee van will be available in the morning for parents and spectators to purchase drinks.

Athletics Carnivals are an opportunity for students to take risks and participate in a range of activities which may or may not be out of their comfort zone and we encourage all students to try their best and attempt as many events as possible.

Students will be selected to compete in the SPSSA Interschool Athletics Carnival from this event. Students who wish to be eligible for the Interschool Athletics Carnival are invited to participate in the first heat of their age group to ensure they are eligible. All students will be informed of this prior to the day.

Please ensure your child has the following:

• Appropriate clothing (Warm jacket, running shoes)
• Drink Bottle
• Lunch
• Any medication they may need (Asthma etc.)
• House coloured clothing is encouraged.
  

Early Childhood Carnival – Wednesday, 5 March 2025

On Wednesday, 5 March, students from Kinder – Grade 2 will be participating in an Athletics Fun afternoon on the school oval. Students will participate in a range of activities in their class groups which promote participation and enjoyment in sport and will be supported by teachers, Grade 6 Leaders and parent volunteers.

Please ensure your child has the following items:

• Appropriate clothing (Warm jacket, running shoes)
• Drink Bottle
• Lunch
• Any medication they may need (Asthma etc.)

Any parents who wish to volunteer please contact Declan West via email and we will ensure you have all the information you need prior to the event!

Phonics Instruction

As part of the teaching of reading all classes participate in the explicit teaching of phonics and in primary classrooms, the explicit teaching of morphology. Teachers are guiding students through structured lessons in phonics and morphology, helping them become familiar with both the content and approach to learning.

Attendance

A huge WELL DONE to our students for achieving an outstanding 95% attendance so far this year. Every school day matters, and showing up each day helps build strong learning habits, friendships, and success.

Little Seeds

We are thrilled to launch our first Little Seeds session for the year this Thursday! Designed for children aged 0–5 years, these sessions offer a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to join their little ones in engaging, play-based activities that support vocabulary development and fine and gross motor skills. As well as getting to know your local school, it also gives you the chance to connect with other families within our community.

Our Early Childhood Coordinator, Georgie Field, has created a program filled with creative art experiences, indoor and outdoor play, and plenty of opportunities to explore and learn together.

Join us in the Kinder space every Thursday (term time only) from 9:15 – 10:15am - we would love to see you there!

Grade 6 Molesworth Excursion

The Grade 6 leaders travelled to Molesworth to strengthen their collaboration, communication, and thinking skills by building a hut out of sticks and navigating using a compass. Working together, they shared ideas, delegated tasks, and problem-solved to construct a sturdy shelter. Through teamwork and resilience, they learned the importance of listening, adapting, and supporting one another. This experience helped them grow as confident leaders, ready to take on new challenges as a team this year.

Afterschool Safety and Duty of Care

Please be advised that the school's duty of care concludes at 3.10 pm.  We kindly request that students are collected promptly by this time to ensure their safety. 

A teacher is always on duty in a Fluro vest in the top carpark from 3 - 3.10 pm. 

If you have a meeting point in the playground and are unable to arrive at the designated meeting point by 3 pm, please contact the office and we will ask your child to wait with the duty teacher at the top carpark until you arrive. This is a standard practice to ensure the child's safety and supervision until they can be reunited with their parent or guardian. As you would understand we need to know who has duty for care of our students at all times.

To ensure the safety of our students, after 3 pm, students may only engage in activities on the ovals and school grounds if accompanied by a parent or carer. Staff are unable to supervise children in these areas beyond this time.

Please be reminded that there is no supervision provided before 8.30 am, and children should not arrive at school before this time. If you need to drop your child off before 8.30 am, please contact Lady Gowrie for Before School Care. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

New from the Commissioner for Children and Young People

Library Timetable

Below is a Library Timetable so families know when their child’s class has their library session.

A friendly reminder that students must have a book bag to borrow books to take home. Book bags help protect our books so they can be enjoyed by all students throughout the year. If your child doesn’t have one, any sturdy bag will do!

Encouraging regular reading at home is a great way to support your child’s learning - we love seeing our students excited about borrowing books each week!

Levies

School levies for this year have now been raised and should be arriving in your mailbox shortly. Levies play an important role in our school community, as they directly support student learning. The contributions help cover essential items and services such as stationery, excursions, and classroom supplies.

Levies are typically paid in Term 1 each year. However, we understand that families may prefer flexibility, so payment plans are available.

Payment for levies can be made by:

• At the school (by EFTPOS, cash or cheque)
• At Service Tasmania (by EFTPOS, cash or cheque)
• Through BPAY (using the Biller Code and Reference on your invoice)
• Through the Qkr! app

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) recipients do not pay levies. Parents who are eligible can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS. Online applications can be made by using this STAS form. If you need access to a hard copy form, please contact your school, email: stas@decyp.tas.gov.au or phone 1800 827 055.

Please feel free to contact Sandy Fenton, our School Business Manager, if you require any assistance.

ThinkUKnow - ESafety Program

This week our Prep – Grade 6 students all had a session with the Tas Police undertaking the ThinkUKnow program. This program promotes safe internet use and teaches students of ways to stay safe when online.

We were also able to run a parent session for our families on Tuesday morning for those parents who were able to gain some further information on the ways to support our students when online. This program was a fantastic way to incorporate the current focus of our health lessons with the Grade 3 – 6 students who are investigating ESafety and Digital footprint.

Apples for Sale!

The Prep and Grade 5/6 Green class have buddied up to sell our school apples. This has involved the grade 5/6 class researching the price of apples and how best to make a profit! These delicious, organic apples are $5 a bag. The money we earn will support our school garden. Please keep track of our Facebook posts to know when our next stall will be!

Click HERE to view our Facebook page

Grounds Update

Our grounds are looking fantastic! We're getting the oval ready for the Athletics Carnival on Friday, and it's really coming together beautifully.

It’s going to be fantastic to host the carnival on our own school oval!

Over the holidays, we've been busy adding fresh sand to the sandpits, installing new softfall around the play equipment, and planning some exciting upgrades to the garden beds and pathways.

Celebrating Birthdays

We understand that our community loves to celebrate their birthdays with their classmates at Mount Nelson Primary School.  To help us manage this and keep all students safe we ask you to follow the following guidelines:

• Parents of students with anaphylaxis caused by any food product are encouraged to either bring their own supplies of appropriate ‘treat food’ into school for the class teacher to store and distribute as required instead of birthday treats brought in by other students, or instruct the teacher that the student should not be given any treats at all when the rest of the class celebrates by sharing treats.
• Students with anaphylaxis caused by any food product will not be given food that isn’t supplied/ordered by their parent, unless their parent is present to check ingredients and give consent.
• Any birthday treats to be shared with others must be given to the class teacher before 9am. 
• We prefer that birthday treats are individually factory-wrapped and labelled with ingredients (e.g. Freddo Frogs).
• All birthday treats brought into school must have a written list of ingredients.

If you have any questions or concern, feel free to contact the school office. 

Have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person?

Call the Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice & Referral Line on 1800 000 123, or visit www.strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au

From our School Health Nurse

Term 1 Calendar

Hobart Chess Cup

From the School Association

A huge thank you to everyone who attended last night’s School Association Committee Meeting! It was wonderful to see both familiar faces and new members joining us. Your support and input are invaluable in shaping our school community.

We warmly welcomed new members and would love to see even more of you at our future meetings. Everyone is welcome—whether you want to contribute ideas, stay informed, or simply connect with other parents and staff.

Stay tuned for the date of our next meeting!

Community Noticeboard

Invitation to Mt Nelson Primary Students

The Sandy Bay Lions Junior Football Club is a community orientated and professional club which aspires to develop and foster a safe, challenging and inclusive environment for all individuals. We focus on:

• developing football skills and game sense
• encouraging players to reach their full potential
• providing a club culture where a sense of belonging, strong values, team spirit and sportsmanship are high priorities

As the club’s Development Officer, I would like to invite your child to play for Sandy Bay in the 2025 football season. Our Auskick program and matches are scheduled on Sundays with home games and training held at Lower Queenborough and Queenborough Oval.

All Kinder to Grade 2 students are eligible to participate in our Auskick program which commences on Sunday 9^th March at Lower Queenborough. To register please visit the Sandy Bay Lions Junior Football Club Facebook page.

All interested Grade 2 to 6 students are free to register with the relevant club team by using the following link:

https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/cfc9de

If you have any questions and require further information please contact the club registrar at registrarsandybayjfc@gmail.com or myself.

It would be great to see your child in the Blue and White colours this year.

Steven Hay, Development Officer
sgphay60@gmail.com
0467 731 177

Junior Skills Discovery Program (U5 - U8)

The Discovery Program provides one (1) additional session per week for players looking to develop their football skills.  This program allows children to play lots of varied fun football related games and aims to deliver the following for players:

• Learn football by playing football
• Discovering one’s possibilities through trial and error
• Organised fun football exercises
• Replicate street/park football environment
• Building a love for the game

The program has four 8 week cycles each season. Parents can sign up their children by purchasing an enrolment online in the store via the following link.

https://klufc.com.au/product/2025-klufc-young-lions-discovery-term-1/

Skill Acquisition Phase Program (U9-U12)

The Skills Acquisition Phase (SAP) Program provides two (2) additional sessions per week for players looking to develop their football skills.  Parents have a choice of enrolling for one or both of these sessions.  Each session focuses on one of the 4 core skills – running with the ball; striking the ball; first touch; and 1v1. Sessions are delivered by our qualified coaches and cater for all skill levels.

The program has four 8 week cycles each season. Parents can sign up their children by purchasing an enrolment online in the store via the following link.

https://klufc.com.au/product/2025-young-lions-junior-development-sap-term-1/

Please direct any enquiries to our Junior Technical Director, tim.dale@klufc.org.au or Program Administrator, Kristy Pereira, kristy.pereira@klufc.org.au, 0458 291 156