Newport Natter

At the end of the term we will be farewelling Ellen Kafkis as she takes up her appointment at Epping West Public School, gained through merit. Ellen has been a highly regarded and much loved member of Newport Staff since her appointment in 2014. Ellen’s work with our K-2 students, particularly in ensuring a positive and successful start to school in Kindergarten and giving students a chance to develop their talents and shine through Newport’s Dance Program has been outstanding. I am sure you will join me in congratulating Ellen on her well-deserved appointment.

Additionally, Sophie Honeybourne will be taking leave to travel to Noosa with her family for Semester 2. Over the past 18 months, Sophie has been a key part of our school leadership team and has made substantial contributions across the school in student leadership, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Gifted and Talented education. We will miss Sophie’s passion for learning and wish Sophie and her family all the best.

We also send our best baby wishes to Lara Windon and Ashleigh Burnett. Lara who has been leading our Gifted and Talented Education Program this year is awaiting the birth of a brother or sister for Parker and Ashleigh is starting her parenting adventure.

We welcome the following staff to our Newport Team for Semester 2;

Tracey Mavromatis teaching KEK

Kristy Campbell teaching 6SH.

Bruce Stevenson will be relieving as AP for the remainder of 2019.

Teila Turner teaching 5AB.

Sappho Dalziell and Kylie Keogh supporting gifted and talented and early career teachers in Semester 2.

Deliberate structures that create opportunities for meaningful collaboration between teachers, about student achievement data and teaching and learning practices, results in positive consequences for students. This week all of our staff will be involved in grade planning which includes reviewing student achievement data, reflecting on programs and planning accordingly for Term 3. 

For many reasons, it is important that we have up to date contact details and information for all families. In particular, correct email addresses are required to receive school reports; and up-to-date phone numbers and addresses will certainly make the transition to high school easier for parents, students and schools.  Forms are available from the school front office. To update your information with us, please complete the form and return it to the office.

Over the past term teachers have been working hard, writing reports, to give parents an accurate depiction of student achievement in relation to syllabus outcomes. The reports give a 'point in time' judgement of student ability, aiming to describe the learning that has taken place as well as explaining areas for development. 

Next Wednesday, 2 July, reports will be emailed to the primary email addresses for each student. 

School photos will be taken this Thursday 27 June. All students should wear their full winter school uniform, including those who would usually wear their sport uniform on Thursdays.

Online orders are our preferred method for families to purchase photos however, envelopes have been sent home if you would prefer to pay cash. Envelopes and money will be collected on the day of photos only. Online order details are included later in this Natter.

Congratulations 6DC and many thanks to Chris Allum and Belinda Baker for a very informative Moot Trial of The Queen vs Cubby Stations Farms. Cubby Stations was accused and pleaded guilty of stealing water from the Murray-Darling basin. The students had to present their case to a panel of judges who then handed down their sentence. It was a wonderful display of persuasive texts in action. 

Best of luck this week to our debating teams against Narrabeen North, our Sydney North Dancers and Music students playing in the Northern Beaches Instrumental Music Festival. 

As this is the last Natter for the term, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. Thank you, as always, for your support this term in many varied ways.

Students return from holidays for Term 3 on Tuesday 23 July.

We would like to thank the Year 6 Parliament, in particular Isabella S. and Poppy Y., for organising 2 new (very large) red pillows for readers to relax on in the library.

Wednesday 26 June        Musica Viva

Wednesday 26 June        School Tour

Thursday 27 June            School Photos

Friday 5 July                       Last Day Term 2

Monday 22 July                Staff Development Day

Tuesday 23 July                Students return for Term 3

Newport's skiers and snowboarders braved the cold night temperatures to welcome the coming of the Winter Solstice last Thursday. The Solstice fell on Saturday and marks the turning point for the shortest day of the year, meaning each and every day will become just a little bit longer from now on, but not necessarily warmer. Children and their snow families kept warm in a variety of blue and white outfits and beanies while toasting marshmallows around the fire.

Electronic entries for our 27  racing competitors are in the system and it is just 2 weeks now until the Northern NSW Interschools Snow Sports Championships begins. Racers have been training hard and look well-prepared for a week of competition. We wish all our students the best of luck and let it snow!

The Snow Sports Committee.