MPS Community Newsletter
8 March 2024
We are Maryland Public School
Every child, every opportunity, every day'
Maryland Public School excels in the provision of innovative,
quality educational opportunities for every child, developing their skills for life.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land.
We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We celebrate the strength, diversity and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It is already the end of week 6!
This week, the staff engaged in IMPACT meetings to analyse reading data and establish learning goals for each student to move along the fluency or phonological awareness progressions in learning. The discussions were valuable, as new strategies for teaching were explored and knowing what each student has achieved and needs to develop was highlighted in all K-6 classes. These goals will be communicated to parents within the next week and displayed in classrooms. Students will be very aware of what they need to do to ensure continuous improvement. IMPACT meetings align to Strategic Direction 1: Student Growth and Attainment.
Congratulations to Sadie on her wonderful achievements in athletics. She is a superstar.
Over the last 5 weeks I have had a number of complaints regarding some students at our school using inappropriate language. I spoke to classes and informed them that racist remarks or swearing will not be tolerated and consequences will be actioned including phone calls to parents and carers. The school requires your support in this matter as often children tell us they can speak inappropriately at home, which is unacceptable.
School Photos Wednesday 13 March 2024
School photos take place next Wednesday. Please send your child in full school uniform.
All orders and payment are now done online.
Welcome BBQ
Thank you to everyone who came to our Welcome BBQ and Parent Meet and Greet Sessions. It was a great opportunity to speak with our community and share what is happening in our classrooms.
If you were unable to attend, information was sent home explaining class routines, teaching and learning.
School Chaplain
Laurinda Lawerence is employed each Thursday and Friday as the School Chaplain through a Department of Education grant and New Vine church. Laurinda works with small groups of students developing skills and strategies in areas of social and emotional wellbeing through pastoral care. Laurinda’s role value adds to our wellbeing systems at Maryland Public School and is seen as an important relationship by both our staff and students. Sometimes there is confusion that Laurinda is a school counsellor or discussing religion or faith. The school's chaplaincy position complements the care offered by staff and aims to provide support for the personal and social wellbeing of students and the school community.
If you have any questions about the School Chaplain program please contact Mrs Lorraine Williams or myself.
We welcome Mrs Kellie Keehan to Maryland Public School. Kellie will be teaching 2K on a Monday. Today an email was sent to 2K parents and carers explaining staffing changes. Mrs Keehan and Mrs Reinhardt will be teaching the fabulous students in 2K for the rest of 2024. Thank you to Mrs King for starting off the year.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Deborah Kelly
MPS CALENDAR
TERM 1
Tuesday 12 March 2024
- SRC Fundraiser - Out of Uniform Day (Easter Egg or Bunny Donation)
- Hunter Swim Carnival
Wednesday 13 March 2024
- Individual & Class School Photos
- Year 3 & Year 5 NAPLAN Writing
Thursday 14 March 2024
- Year 3 & Year 5 NAPLAN Reading
Friday 15 March 2024
- School Cross Country
- Year 3 & Year 5 NAPLAN Catch Up (Writing)
Monday 18 March 2024
- Year 3 NAPLAN Language
- Year 5 NAPLAN Numeracy
Tuesday 19 March 2024
- Year 3 NAPLAN Numeracy
- Year 5 NAPLAN Language
- 6pm P&C Meeting - AGM
- Year 3 & Year 5 NAPLAN Catch Up
- 2.15pm K-2 Assembly
Thursday 21 March 2024
- 10.30am Harmony Day
Monday 25 March 2024
- Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday 26 March 2024
- Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday 27 March 2024
- Scholastic Book Fair
Thursday 28 March 2024
- Easter Hat Parade
- Scholastic Book Fair
Friday 29 March 2024
- Good Friday (Public Holiday)
Monday 1 April 2024
- Easter Monday (Public Holiday)
Wednesday 10 April 2024
- 9.15am Whole School Recognition Assembly
Friday 12 April 2024
- Last Day of Term 1
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Monday 29 April 2024
- Staff Development Day (Pupil Free)
Tuesday 30 April 2024
- Students resume for Term 2
OC CREATIVE CHALLENGE DAY
On Tuesday, we had the second ever OC creative challenge day. Last year, the day turned out to be a smashing success and so, it continued this year.
It started with a very early morning for 5/6A to catch that 8:00am bus. Luckily, we managed. Sharing the bus with Tighes Hill, gave us the opportunity to get to know some people we would be meeting throughout the day. Once we arrived in Cessnock at the PCYC, we had a bit of time to settle in and to meet the other OC schools.
The day kicked off with groups 1 through to 24 separated into different activities.
The activities included;
Maths Relay
STEM (paper plane competitions and toothpick towers)
Trivia
Drama
Gymnastics
And of course, the event of the day; Rock Climbing
These events gave us the chance to interact with OC children from other schools. There was a break in the middle of the day for lunch where most of our class sat and talked to their brand new friends. It was a great day for everybody. Lots of new friendships were formed, we tried lots of great activities and I’m sure we’d all love to do it again sometime soon.
Anushka
SRC NEWS
Our very first SRC meeting occurred last Thursday 29 February and we got a fantastic showing, with all representatives participating and displaying some nerves and excitement. We started the meeting by setting up norms/expectations, which was agreed by all members. Each class were given the reporting book for recording all ideas and school initiatives, plus we spoke about our very first SRC fundraiser. The out of uniform day and chocolate donation is being held on Tuesday 12 March. A very exciting time for the team and we look forward to the next meeting and many more fundraising opportunities.
LIBRARY NEWS
SPORT NEWS
Crossroads Rugby League Trial
Congratulations to Tremayne B for his selection in the Crossroads Zone Rugby League team. He will trial for the Hunter team later this term.
Crossroads Basketball Trial
Good luck to Noah K and Cruze Q as they trial for the Zone Basketball team this Friday.
Hunter Swimming Carnival
Congratulations and good luck to Yian C who qualified to represent the Crossroads Zone swimming team at the Hunter carnival.
Cross Country
The annual school Cross Country will be held on Week 7 Friday 15th March from 9.15am - 11.00am. Students will be practising the course during PE sessions. The Crossroads Zone Cross Country will be held in Term 2.
Knights Knockout
Mr Folpp will be organising a team to attend the Knights Knockout Rugby League Gala Day in Term 1.
Football and Netball Competitive Gala
The Football and Netball Galas will be held over Terms 2 and 3. Mr Folpp is selecting and coaching the Football teams and Mrs Van Leeuwarden will be selecting and coaching the Netball teams.
DASH
The Crossroads Zone are using the DASH platform for all Zone carnival and trial notes. Please ensure that you register by the closing date otherwise your child may not be able to compete at this event.
Crossroads Website
All sporting information is on the Crossroads website. http://crossroads.primarysport.com.au/
BAND NEWS
2024 Band Captain Announcement
This week, all our band students voted for our Year 6 band captains. A huge congratulations to:
- 2024 Band Captains - Sarah J & Jaxon C
- 2024 Band Assistant - Harrison E
We look forward to seeing our band leaders flourish in their leadership roles!
Mrs Shaw & Mr Stirling (MPS Band Coordinators)
NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
There are various opportunities for students to engage with local music programs through The Arts Unit including:
The Hunter Wind Ensemble is a regional wind band for public school students in Years 5 to 12. The ensemble provides an engaging and supportive environment for talented musicians to develop their musical skills while performing some exciting wind band repertoire. Membership is open to all talented woodwind, brass and percussion players from local NSW government schools. A minimum of 3rd grade Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) or equivalent is expected to audition. Please see the attached HWE flyer. Students can complete the online application form and join the HWE at the open rehearsal Sunday 10 March at Merewether High School Learning Centre.
Hunter Singers and Hunter Trebles is a vibrant regional choir organisation based in Newcastle, dedicated to nurturing and developing young voices and promoting Australian choral music. It provides valuable musical opportunities for developing voices. The Hunter Singers features students from public high schools (Years 7 to 12) in the Hunter region, while members of the Hunter Trebles (Years 4 to 6) are drawn from local public primary schools. If you are interested, please see the attached flyers for each choir. For more information please contact Heather Ross on 0448 556 818 or heather.l.williams@det.nsw.edu.au
There are also various opportunities for students to engage in state music programs through The Arts Unit. Student applications are now open for State Wind Bands, State Music Camps and State Choir. These programs aim to provide high level ensemble rehearsal and performance opportunities to students and teachers from across NSW.
State Music Camps - The Arts Unit’s State Music Camps provide an opportunity for high potential music students in NSW public schools to develop their performance skills under the guidance of expert conductors and tutors in a residential camp setting. During the week, students participate in both large and small ensembles, performing a range of engaging and high quality repertoire with the camp culminating in a concert for families on the final night.
2024 dates - Junior State Music Camp (Years 5 to 8) – 21 July to 26 July (Term 3 Week 1)
Venue - Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen
Cost - Sydney metropolitan student participation fee - $700/ Students from rural & remote schools - $375. For more information and to apply please see the attached flyer or visit: artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/nsw-public-schools-state-music-camps. All applications close Friday 10 May. Enquiries: Jacqueline Shaw jacqueline.shaw@det.nsw.edu.au
State Choir - The Arts Unit’s State Choir provides an opportunity for high potential and gifted choristers to sing challenging repertoire with Australia's leading choral directors. The choir is open to all NSW public school students Years 8 to 12, with no audition required. The rehearsal schedule is condensed to support participation from non metro students, who will rehearse in Sydney across three days to prepare for performances at the Sydney Opera House.
Workshops - The Arts Unit, Lewisham Sunday 11 August 2024 & The Sydney Opera House Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 August 2024
Performances - The Sydney Opera House Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 August 2024
Cost - Sydney metropolitan student participation fee - $110 / Students from rural & remote schools - $82.50. For more information and to apply please see the attached flyer or visit: artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/state-choir. Applications close Thursday 30 May. Enquiries: Jacqueline Shaw jacqueline.shaw@det.nsw.edu.au
PRELOVED UNIFORM SHOP
Opening Times
- Monday 3.00pm to 3.20pm
UNIFORM SHOP (NEW UNIFORMS)
- Wednesday 8.00am - 9.30am
- Friday 2.00pm - 3.30pm
COMMUNITY NEWS
Maryland Public School