Week 2, Term 1 | 10 February 2023

Recently I revisited the global best seller, ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek.  

Sinek challenges businesses with the question - “What is your purpose, cause or belief?”

According to Sinek:

• Every single company knows what they do – the products or services they sell, or the job function they have.
• Some companies and people know how they achieve what they do.
• Very few people or companies can clearly articulate why they do what they do.

We often say what we do, sometimes how we do it, but rarely why we do what we do.

Why provides the context for everything else, it informs our decisions and relationships. 

How advances our why. 

Sinek highlights the success of Apple Inc and compares a hypothetical ‘what’ driven company, with the true ‘why’ driven example Apple provides for us today. 

• What driven – We make great computers. They’re beautifully designed, simple to use and user-friendly. Wanna buy one?
• Why driven – Everything we do, we believe in challenging the status quo and empowering the individual. We believe in thinking differently. The way we challenge the status quo is by making our products beautifully designed, simple to use and user-friendly. And we happen to make great computers. Wanna buy one?  

Over the coming weeks, I am looking forward to unpacking Mosman Prep’s Strategic Directions in the Messenger. It is critical that I start with WHY. 

Our WHY… “To ignite a love of learning and life as we prepare our boys to thrive both now and in the future.”

Our boys have a long learning journey ahead of them. Simply ’gazing at the flames’ will not prepare them adequately. We need to ‘light the fire’, developing them into life-long learners with the foundations to thrive in secondary school and beyond. 

Our HOW… “With Christian faith as our foundation, we provide an exceptional primary school education for boys by developing and strengthening” ……… 

• positive relationships
• honourable character
• pursuit of excellence in all learning activities
• commitment to contribute to the lives of others

Our WHAT…

Mosman Prep graduates are balanced and principled young men who understand faith and are globally aware. Through courage, compassion and the pursuit of excellence, they thrive personally and contribute richly to the lives of others. 

On graduation, a Mosman Prep School boy is:

• In character - Compassionate, Principled, Globally aware, Adaptive, Relational
• In learning - Collaborative, Curious, Autonomous, Prepared, Innovative

Our Strategic Plan is a roadmap to achieving our WHY, HOW, and WHAT.

2023 promises to be a very exciting year for our School, as we apply our Strategic Plan and recent School Wide Survey data, to progress our commitment to being a consistently exceptional primary school for boys. 

Peter Grimes | Headmaster 

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous psalms in the Bible. It reminds us that in life or in death — in times of plenty or want — God is good and worthy of our trust. The psalm uses the metaphor of a shepherd's care for his sheep to describe the wisdom, strength and kindness of our God. When we fast forward to the New Testament, we learn that Jesus reveals Himself to be the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23. Like a good shepherd, he protects, guides, watches over and cares for his sheep.

By way of illustration, at Mosman Prep we have exceptional teachers who provide shepherd-like care. In a fun way, this way demonstrated in Chapel this week when Mr O’Loan (2D) and Mr McDonald (6M) dressed up as shepherds for us! Their shepherd-like care helped the boys get a glimpse of how amazing and remarkable Jesus the good shepherd is. 

Blessings,

Rev. Daryl Diener | School Chaplain

Welcome to the Library for 2023!

Our library is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and learning. We have a wide range of books and resources available to support your child’s education and personal growth. 

Boys have made a great start to their reading year with borrowing commencing from Week 1. Each week during library lessons, boys are able to borrow books for the week. The library is also open at lunchtimes for borrowing or during class time. Boys require a school library bag or another suitable bag to protect the books.

To access the catalogue of books in the library, you can go onto the library page of the School website. Boys have access to this through their iPads.

Book Club is online book purchasing for the boys each month. Books are delivered to the School and handed out to boys who have ordered. There is a monthly flyer that boys receive with a cut off date for ordering. This month the cut off date is 18 February.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Mrs Lisa Maiden | Teacher Librarian

Recently I spoke in Parliament about the group of Year 5 boys from Mosman Prep who took the opportunity to travel to Coffs Harbour and donate over $2,500 of raised funds, to the Kulai Aboriginal Preschool.

I want to thank you for initiating this camp and giving the boys the opportunity to learn and understand more about the significance of the Indigenous culture we have.

Congratulation on the success of the inaugural camp and I look forward to hearing about many more in the future!

Yours sincerely

Felicity Wilson MP | Member for North Shore 

This year our school will be sending teams to play in the NSTA Primary Schools Tennis Competition.

Four challenge events are held every year, one per school term. It is open to all primary school children and is played on a Saturday evening from 5:30pm to around 9:00pm.

It is a wonderful entry-level event for children wanting to start to play competitive tennis in a safe environment, with their friends.

Venues: Talus St, Willis Park and Forestville. Additional venues will be added if required.

Format: Yellow, green and orange ball level players can enter.

Teams of 2 play in a doubles round-robin, playing between 4-6 matches. Teams are graded and placed into divisions consisting of 4 to 6 pairs. There is no limit to the number of pairs a school can enter.

Dinner: Drink and pizza are provided to all players. We regret we are unable to cater to special diets.

Prizes: All winners and runners-up of each division receive medals.

Cost: $32 per player (including gst)

Further information can be found on the NSTA website.

Term 1 competition is on Saturday 11 March, 5:30-9:00pm.

Please complete the form if your son is interested in playing or email me (lmaiden@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au), if you have any questions.

Lisa Maiden | Teacher Librarian / Snow sports coordinator

Mosman Prep operates one designated coach service to support our families, while also partnering with Queenwood Girls' School to use their coach services. The Queenwood services can be accessed when there is availability.

In seeking to implement the most beneficial service and cater for the greatest number of Prep families, we have worked with our coach provider, CDC Charters, to alter our coach route.

The Mosman Prep coach will now travel from Chatswood to Mosman via Northbridge and Milsons Point Station. We are currently looking at the addition of a stop at Artarmon and as soon as a stop has been confirmed, the Coach Route booking will be updated.

For detailed route information and bookings visit: 

https://www.mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au/enrol-now/school-transport

While we have personally contacted families who have previously used our Northern Beaches coach regarding this change, please be aware that our Northern Beaches families seeking private coach travel will need to contact Queenwood. The Queenwood Service is currently available on their Allambie Heights and Avalon services. Once again, positions on this service are subject to availability and priority is given to Queenwood students.

For more information visit: 

https://www.queenwood.nsw.edu.au/Student-Life/School-Transport

We apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause.

What do we do at After School Care?

At After School Care we support children’s development in all areas, in a play-based environment. Most of all, we have FUN! ASC allows parents to confidently know that their child is in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

How do we develop children’s social development?

Mosman Prep’s ASC program is created in conjunction with the National Quality Framework and My Time, Our Place for primary aged children, and the Early Years Learning Framework for Early Entry boys. These Frameworks are both created and supplied by the Department of Education. Educators use these frameworks to guide the educational activities available for the boys, to best develop children’s social skills. Some of these social skills include:

• Interacting with care, empathy, and respect
• Respecting diversity, fairness, and the environment
• Becoming confident and involved learners
• Collaborating with others and expressing ideas

At ASC we encourage the development of ‘life skills’.

There are plenty of opportunities for children to learn valuable life skills when participating in daily routines and planned or spontaneous activities. ASC provides the opportunity for children to learn about cooking food, cleaning, taking care of the environment, and extending on what’s taught in a traditional classroom setting (physical education, sport, problem-solving, experimentation, hypothesising, and so much more).

FUN!

Finally, and most importantly, ASC is FUN. It gives children the opportunity to extend the time spent with their friends regularly – kind of like an after-school play date! ASC is also a safe environment for children to explore their creativity, find out what they enjoy, and to undertake these activities while having a good time with their friends. We are fortunate to be in a position where we can further support a child’s creative journey by sourcing resources to make this a reality within the ASC space. Whether children wish to explore craft, science (Wednesday or Thursday STEM activities), sport, technology, cooking, or music (pop hits are faves!), we provide space, resources and time for exploration. 

How to enrol for ASC

You will need to complete an enrolment form via HubWorks. Here is the link to enrol in ASC: https://mosmanchurchprep.hubworks.com.au/ You can then download the ASC Handbook and booking form from the School’s website: https://www.mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au/community/after-school-care

Bookings may be returned to school@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au Casual bookings can be made via that email address or by phoning 9968 4044. 

Mosman Council are running a parenting event for our Mosman community. Details below:

Event: Triple P Parenting Seminar (Free)

Dates: Thursday 9, 16 and 23 February 

Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm

Location: Mosman Youth Centre

International Triple P Practitioner Award recipient Laura Hurstfield will be facilitating a seminar program. Triple P gives parents with children ages 2 to 12 years practical strategies to help them build strong and healthy relationships with their children.

Triple P helps you to:

• Promote your child’s development and communication skills

• Manage your child’s behaviour and emotions

• Build a good relationship with your child

• Assist your child to build their resilience and confidence

Participants are required to attend all three seminars as the content is built on in each session.

For information and bookings visit: Link - Trybooking

We look forward to having you join us.

Term 1
Monday 30 January - Thursday 6 April
Public Holidays: Friday 7 April (Good Friday); Monday 10 April (Easter Monday)

Term 2
Wednesday 26 April - Friday 23 June
Public Holidays: Tuesday 25 April (Anzac Day); Monday 12 June (Queen's Birthday)

Term 3
Tuesday 18 July - Friday 22 September

Term 4
Tuesday 10 October - Thursday 7 December 

We wish to make you aware of the School’s procedures regarding WWCCs. Any parent regularly volunteering should have at least a volunteer WWCC. While not required by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, this procedure reflects Mosman Prep’s ongoing commitment to child safety. 

Information on how to obtain a WWCC is available on the website below. There is no fee attached to obtaining a Volunteer WWCC.

Link - NSW Office of the Children’s  Guardian - apply for a WWCC

Once issued, please email the WWCC to school@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au so that it may be updated in our register.

Mosman Prep has partnered with Edstart and Futurity, two separate organisations who specialise in providing families with more flexibility to pay school fees on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. You can apply at any time during the year and a plan can be tailored to meet your individual families needs based on your school fee balance.

For more information please visit the School’s landing pages at:

Edstart https://edstart.com.au/mosmanprep

Futurity https://www.futurityinvest.com.au/education-loans/for-schools/mosman-prep-nsw

The School’s Business Manager, Liza Campbell is also happy to assist with any specific queries in this regard and can be contacted at lcampbell@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

Please note that any personal information provided to Edstart and Futurity is confidential and not provided to the School.

We would appreciate you passing the information below onto appropriate non-Prep friends or family.

Applications for Scholarships in 2024. These scholarships will allow for remission of part tuition fees (up to 50%) throughout a student’s primary education through to Year 6. They are available for internal and external applicants, and are subject to satisfactory progress and review. 

Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 3, 4, and 5 will be awarded on the performance of the student in the scholarship examination to be held on Friday 31 March at the School. Applicants are also assessed on a portfolio of other achievements.

Music Scholarships for students entering Years 1 and 2 are offered to acknowledge the School’s commitment to and excellence in Creative Arts. There are two Music Scholarships on offer:

1. Aspiring musicians with a strong musical aptitude.
2. Musicians who have the ability to read music and have commenced playing either a String or Wind instrument. 

An interview with the Headmaster for short-listed candidates is an integral part of the process of awarding all scholarships.

Applications close: Friday 3 March      
Applications after this date will attract a $50.00 late fee.

Examination date: Friday 31 March
For further information and to apply, visit the website.

2023 school travel applications are now open. Please see the link below.

2022 Term4Parentinformationnewsletter

The Senior Primary Swimming Carnival was held last week in fantastic spirit at Lane Cove Swim Centre. 

Congratulations to all boys who took part and many thanks to all the parents and friends for their support. A huge thank you also to all the teachers who helped run the carnivals so well in their various officiating roles. 

Age Champions: Cruz Simon (9 Years), Lewis Barrett (10 Years), Harrison Thomas (11 Years), Kai Turner-Smith (12 Years).

Age Runners-Up: Louis Kennard (9 Years), Matthew Thomas (10 Years), Adam Shih and Mitchell Ward (Joint 11 Years), Archer Webster (12 Years).

The E M von Tiedemann Trophy for long-distance swimming goes to: Kai Turner-Smith  

The Gibb Cup (House Champions): Yarnold

The age champions and runners up received their medals at assembly today. Place and participation ribbons will also be distributed next week at School.

The Junior Primary Swimming Carnival was held at Manly ‘Boy’ Charlton Swim Centre yesterday. It was highly pleasing to see so many boys competing and performing well. All boys are to be commended on their efforts at the carnival.

Thank you to the parents who came to cheer on the boys! Many thanks to the teachers for their efforts in officiating and in particular Mr Johnston who coordinated the running of the carnival. 

Age Champions:  Sebastian Tynan (7 Years), Thomas Robertson (8 Years)

Age Runners-up:  Brendan Cai (7 Years), Hamji Dinh (8 Years)

Age Champions received their medals at Assembly today. Place and participation ribbons will also be distributed at School.

We are excited about IPSHA Saturday Sport commencing tomorrow with Round 1 for our Senior Primary (Year 3-6) boys. Please find below a link to the IPSHA Codes of Behaviour for School Sport.

A few reminders for Saturday Sport:

Weekly Team Selections and Notifications

All our sporting teams are selected on a weekly basis, with teams being completely fluid and coaches encouraged to move boys between teams as they deem appropriate. Our teams are graded in line with the IPSHA draws that are provided to us. Grading boys allows them to play at a level where they are best suited, thus fostering greater skill development and enjoyment.

Team lists (with finalised venues and times) will be placed on the Sports Notice Board for the boys to view at School, sent via the School App, and also placed on the School Website for parents to check on Thursday of each week. 

Punctuality

For Saturday fixtures, boys need to be at the venue thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of their game and ready to warm up twenty (20) minutes before the start of the game.

Sports Attire

 All boys are required to wear the correct sports uniform for Saturday fixtures.

• Cricket players need to wear plain white cricket pants or shorts, the white school crested cricket polo shirt and white wide brim School cricket hat. 
• Basketball players will need to wear the Prep basketball singlet and navy basketball shorts and plain white socks.
• For warmth, the school tracksuit should be worn before and after games if required. Please note, school tracksuits become compulsory for Winter Sport in Terms 2 and 3.

Link: IPSHA Codes of Behaviour for School Sport

Your support as always is greatly appreciated.

Links to Important Term 1, 2023 Sports Information have been sent to parents and placed on the School Website. These include: 

• 2023 Term 1 Summer Sport Information
• 2023 Sport Dates
• 2023 MCEPS Saturday Sport Training Arrangements- 4 February
• 2023 Term 1 IPSHA Saturday Sport Fixture List & Venue Addresses (please note weekly teams are advertised on the Thursday prior to each round)
• 2023 Basketball Singlet Numbers (required when purchasing basketball uniforms)
• IPSHA Codes of Behaviour for School Sport
• School Website- Sports Fixtures and Training

Please make sure you take the time to take in all the relevant information to ensure a smooth beginning to the 2023 School year.

Saturdays: On Saturdays the MCEPS Information Line will be updated between 6:30am and 7:00am. This number has the most up-to-date information the School can provide regarding matters of sport and excursions. Parents are to call this number and not the School Office. After heavy rain Mosman Council often closes its grounds, so please check with this number for all school sport and excursion cancellations.

Weekdays: In case of inclement weather, please ring the Prep Information Line, which will be updated from 1.00pm. Ovals might be closed by Mosman Council on fine days, if the preceding days have been wet. It is therefore advised that parents should ring the School’s Information Line on training days if there has been rain. 

PLEASE NOTE:  if the message has not been updated, Sport is ON as scheduled.

Link - Trybooking

For the schedule of school events, please refer to the online calendar, which can be found HERE. 

The Recycled Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays 7:45-8:15am.