ENewsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Important Diary Dates

From the Principal

Hello all, and welcome back from your extra long weekend. I hope you all managed to avoid the heat and have some downtime. On Friday 7 March staff participated in some professional learning.

PUPIL FREE DAY

We started off in the morning, looking at our well-being plan. Our Wellbeing Plan was developed last year largely in response to our well-being and engagement collection (WEC) data. We have revisited the plan and made some edits. We now have a well-being plan which spans 2025 to 2027. Our specific focus is around Resilience and Persistance. You will hear more about our actions as we continue this work.

We then discussed our overarching Strategic Plan. Many of the actions in this plan are a continuation of the improvements and progress we have made over the last few years. We continue our strong focus on developing phonics, spelling and reading skills and will also turn our attention to writing skills. Additionally, we continue to focus on the provision of high-quality mathematics teaching - more about that from Steve in this newsletter! In the afternoon we looked at the difference between a learning disability/disorder and a learning difficulty and we discussed what that means to us in our classes. Our junior primary teachers were able to spend some time organising their literacy programs and the Years 3 to 6 teachers met to discuss their morning literacy program.

Of course, another highlight was that we celebrated the upcoming marriage of Teagan Lange who works in a 5/6 class on a Friday. We started the day with a morning circle and we all shared what we had brought to celebrate Teagan’s special day, using the traditional poem

“ something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new”.

We had a lovely morning tea with wedding cake and then we were all invited to the library for a wedding reception! (for lunch really!!) Fortunately for us Cloudy Davey SSO was auditioning to be the musician at the wedding so we even had some live music to go with lunch. Lunch was prepared by Sabrina from the canteen who did a fantastic job. I highly recommend you utilise the canteen if ever possible!

All in all it was a very productive day!

Other days of Approved Professional Learning

These days of professional Learning in schools are very important in building the capacity of teachers and SSO staff for the betterment of your children. For this reason the Government has continued with 4 Pupil Free Days for this year. These have been approved by Governing Council and are as follows:

Term 2: Friday May 9th, Tuesday June 10th (following Kings birthday on 9th)

Term 3: Tuesday Sept. 2nd (following Sept 1st closure for Adelaide Show)

From the Deputy Principal

Welcome back after a hot long weekend.

Our numeracy session during our staff development day on Friday focused on dispositions in maths. The new SA Curriculum has a very strong focus on students being resourceful, resilient and reflective. Embedding these dispositions into our teaching and learning is a continued focus for us at NPS. Being able to look at these dispositions in detail, identifying what they look like in the classroom, and planning for these areas within our maths units, ensures we are continuing to develop our approach to the teaching of maths.

According to the SA Curriculum - Mathematics enriches our lives and expands our horizons as we notice, explore and describe the patterns and connections we see in our world. It enables us to accurately and confidently apply mathematical thinking and working skills to engage with challenges in many contexts. Mathematics empowers us to think critically and make informed decisions which help us thrive in our everyday lives. It helps us innovate, continuously shaping our futures, turning problems into opportunities, and discovering the possibilities of the unknown that will sustain and change our world.

Examples of dispositions we are focusing on are below:

Resilient

Persevere when working mathematically, showing determination by grappling with challenges, and celebrating efforts and the rewards of sense making and ‘figuring it out’.

Resourceful

Show inquisitiveness by noticing, wondering and seeking information before accepting facts to better understand their world through a mathematical lens.

Reflective

Reflect on themselves as learners, including strengths, challenges and engagement when thinking and working mathematically.

Wellbeing at NPS

Play Group

Playgroup is up and running at Nuriootpa Primary School, it is open to children up to 5 years old. Come join in the fun with us and other families during the school term, we run on a Tuesday Morning from 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Playgroups offer a range of benefits for both children and parents:

For Children:

Social Skills Development: Playgroups provide an opportunity for children to interact with peers, helping them develop essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts.

Language Development: Through play and interaction, children improve their vocabulary, communication skills, and understanding of language.

Cognitive Growth: Engaging in different activities like puzzles, games, and pretend play enhances problem-solving skills, creativity, and early cognitive abilities.

Emotional Development: Playgroups help children learn to manage their emotions and understand the emotions of others. They also help build self-confidence in new environments.

Physical Development: Activities at playgroups often include physical play (e.g., running, jumping, or climbing), which promotes motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health.

For Parents:

Support Network: Parents can connect with others who are going through similar experiences, creating a sense of community and support.

Resource Sharing: Parents can exchange tips, advice, and information on child-rearing, health, and early education.

Mental Well-being: Regular interaction with other parents can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a welcome break from the routine of parenting.

Structured Activities: Playgroups often provide organized activities, which can give parents ideas for fun and educational things to do at home.

Reduced Parenting Pressure: In a playgroup, parents can share the responsibility of supervision, which can help reduce stress.

Overall, playgroups foster both individual and group development in a fun, supportive, and educational setting. We look forward to seeing you and your children.

Breakfast Club

Break fast Club is up and running on a Wednesday and Friday mornings. Come join us and have a slice of toast and a piece of fruit served from 8:30 am. I would like to thank Impact, Apex bakery, Kick start for kids and families for their kind donations. We are developing a Year 6 breakfast crew who help with serving breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast has been linked to better focus, memory, and performance in class. Breakfast clubs help ensure that children are ready for learning when school begins.

What's Happening at NPS

Mr. Norton's class update!

We each created a self-portrait that reflects who we are and what we stand for.

In our class novel, Holes by Louis Sachar, the setting plays an important role in shaping the story. The dried-up lake symbolises hardship, survival, and perseverance. “There used to be a town of Green Lake as well. The town shriveled and dried up along with the lake, and the people who lived there.

We each created a self-portrait that reflects who we are and what we stand for.

Students attend YLAA Course

Ms Wild's Class Update

Book Club is due Wednesday 26th March

Colour Run 2025

Monty’s Colour&Slime Fun Run coming Friday April 11!

Simply go to www.myprofilepage.com.au and click onto the register button to create a cybersafe, online profile page.

Raise $10 to receive your first incentive prize or send your donations to one of the great causes on offer!

You can even earn free bonus donations!

Community News

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.