ENewsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Important Diary Dates

From the Principal

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-teacher Interviews were completed last week, and I'd like to thank all of the great classroom teachers who ensured they saw as many parents/families as possible and were able to provide accurate and relevant information about their children. Thank you also, to those parents who completed the Feedback survey. Overwhelmingly families were happy with the interview process. If you have the time we'd love to hear from more parents / families. Just click on the link below!

https://forms.office.com/r/HP1fqGA4Pv

Governing Council

Governing Council held a meeting on last week. Governing Council is a very valuable group of parents who represent you, our school community. Here is an outline of the role of Governing Council:

Governing Councils are bodies that govern a school or preschool.

Governing councils work with the Principal to help set and monitor the direction of a site.

The governing council meets regularly to talk about the direction for the site. At NPS this is Mondays in weeks 3 and 8.

Meetings are a big part of being on a governing council, but it’s not only that. A Governing Council member might:

· be on an interview panel to select the Principal

· need to deal with media in response to an event or a good news story

· be an employing authority of an external provider such as our OSHC or canteen.

Shared responsibility

You do not work alone when you are on a governing council. You and the Principal have shared responsibilities, but your day-to-day involvement is different.

In your role on a governing council, you work with the Principal to:

· involve the local community

· develop and approve policies

· set the broad direction and vision of the site

· monitor and review the site plan

At NPS we have executive roles and several sub-committees which a Governing Council member accept responsibility for. We are always grateful to our parents who join Governing Council and I encourage you to tap into Governing Council members to know more about the workings of the school and/or offer feedback/help!

Your 2025 Governing Council are:

Shona Gates - Vice Chairperson

Ashley Blight

Sarah Martin

Hayley Laney

Gen Dahlenburg

Michelle Braley

Madeleine Chapman - Secretary

Marni Southam

Mel Palmer - Chairperson

Teearn Fitzpatrick

Sally Guy - Treasurer

From the Deputy Principal

NAPLAN is completed for another year. I was very proud of the resilience that students displayed while completing the testing period. A formalised testing situation is not common for students in primary school and can sometimes lead to some anxiety around the process. It is important for student to know that we just want them to do the best they can and show bravery in ‘having a go’.

End of term 1 is approaching very quickly. There are only 2 weeks until the holidays, which gives kids the opportunity to have a good break away from the rigours of school. In a very strong technology focused world, it is great to ensure our kids have the opportunity to engage in some less tech focused activities. I have added a list of suggestions that sound fun.

Here are some ideas, I'd love to hear how they go. I might try to do a couple myself!

Outdoor Adventures: Encourage kids to explore nature by going on hikes, bike rides, or picnics in local parks.

Arts and Crafts: Set up a creative space for drawing, painting, or crafting. Projects like making jewellery, scrapbooking, or building models can be very engaging.

Reading: Visit the local library and let children choose books that interest them. Reading can be a great way to explore new worlds and ideas.

Gardening: Involve kids in gardening activities, such as planting flowers or vegetables. This can teach them about nature and responsibility.

Cooking and Baking: Spend time in the kitchen together, trying out new recipes or baking treats. This can be both educational and fun.

Board Games and Puzzles: Play board games or work on puzzles as a family. These activities can improve problem-solving skills and encourage teamwork.

Sports and Physical Activities: Encourage participation in sports, whether it's joining a local team, playing at the park, or simply having a family game of soccer or cricket.

Music and Dance: Explore musical interests by playing instruments, singing, or dancing. Consider enrolling in a music or dance class.

Volunteer Work: Get involved in community service or volunteer projects. This can be a rewarding way to spend time and teach children about giving back.

Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments at home using everyday materials. This can spark curiosity and a love for learning.

Most importantly have a nice rest and spend some quality time with family.

Wellbeing at NPS

Our condolences go out to our Wellbeing Co-Ordinator, Alex Stokoe, whose father passed away last week. We also share these condolences with Kirsty Stokoe.

Alex has gone over to the UK to be with his family at this difficult time. We will welcome his return at the start of Term 2 and tell him how much we have missed his lovely presence!

In the meantime Fiona Lloyd continues in the role of Wellbeing SSO and is running several great initiatives including Playgroup, several Friendship Groups and supporting individual students with their Wellbeing.

If you'd like to talk about your child's Wellbeing between now and the end of term, please make contact with your child's classroom teacher in the first instance and they will take it from there!

Vicky

What's Happening at NPS

Year 5/6 SAPSASA Cricket

Congratulations to the students who were selected to play in this years SAPSASA cricket team. The boys showed great teamwork and resilience in their game on Monday April 24th. Unfortunately they didn't come away with the win, however, their efforts on the day were commended. NPS is proud of their display of sportsmanship in representing our school.

SACWA makes a donation to the breakfast club

On the 20th March Katrina from the SACWA (South Australian Country Women's Association)Women of the Barossa generously dontated $150 voucher for our Breakfast Club from a recent fundraising event.

Colour Run 2025

Can you help us reach our goal?

We have raised $3037 so far!

We aim to reach our fundraising goal of $5000 which will be put towards outdoor play resources.

Fundraising to help support our school is easy! Simply create a profile page at www.myprofilepage.com.au and share to family and friends to receive donations.

Receive a Monty Handball by receiving all your online virtual badges!

Casual Day - FRIDAY APRIL 4th

Community News

Coping Skills and Resilience

Volunteer at NPS

Parent Volunteers

If you are able, Nuriootpa Primary welcomes any parents and carers who would like to volunteer. Parent and Carer Volunteers are a valued support base for our school, assisting staff to provide a range of high quality opportunities to promote the learning, wellbeing and growth of students.

Some ways you can be involved may include:

· Listen to Students read

· Assistance on excursions and Camps

· Helping out at School Events (eg Christmas Concert, Sports day and SAPSASA)

If you are interested in supporting the school in either of these, please contact the Front Office and speak to Karen Brook on 8562 1040 to book in for an information night to be held early next term.

Please note: All volunteers need a WWCC (Working with Children Check) and RHAN (Responding to Harm and Neglect). The School will support interested people in gaining these.