Week 2, Term 2 | 10 May 2024

‘You fill a bucket when you show love to someone, when you say or do something kind, or even when you give someone a smile. That’s being a bucket filler.’
– Carol McCloud, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

Each week in Assembly, we explore one of our ‘School Values’ and ways we can actively live these out in our daily lives. This week, as we focused on ‘Kindness’ as a way of respecting others, I read the book, ‘Have You Filled a Bucket Today?’

Occasions such as Mother’s Day provide great opportunities for us to reflect on the different ways people express appreciation and love, and what expressions have the greatest impact for our loved ones. What is the best way of filling their bucket?

‘The object of love is not getting something you want but doing something for the wellbeing of the ones you love.’ Gary Chapman

Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell introduced the concept of love languages in the book ‘The Five Love Languages’ and later in ‘The Five Love Languages of Children’. They said some people love through physical touch, others through words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, or quality time.

Love languages for our children are a way to understand and express love tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Just like adults, children have their own unique ways of feeling loved and appreciated.

It’s common to have different love languages within a family and it can be tricky to navigate. However, once you do learn your child’s love language, it can make all the difference in your relationship and their happiness.

Here are the five love languages for children, as outlined by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell:

1. Words of Affirmation: Some children feel most loved when they receive verbal praise and encouragement. Simple words like "I'm proud of you" or "You did a great job" can mean a lot to them.
2. Physical Touch: For some kids, physical touch is their primary love language. Hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and cuddling with loved ones make them feel secure and loved.
3. Quality Time: Spending meaningful time together. It is the gift of being present and telling a child, “You are important, and I like spending time with you”. Playing games and going for walks together are two helpful approaches.
4. Gifts: While gifts might seem materialistic, for some children, receiving a thoughtful present is a powerful expression of love. It's not about the value of the gift but the sentiment behind it.
5. Acts of Service: Some kids feel most loved when others do things for them. Whether it's helping with homework, preparing their favourite meal, or assisting with chores, these acts show them that they are cared for and valued.

Understanding a child's love language can help parents, caregivers, and educators build stronger relationships with him, enhance his self-esteem, build resilience, foster emotional intelligence and wellbeing, and promote healthy development.

By incorporating love languages into parenting practices, parents can create a nurturing environment where children thrive emotionally, socially, and psychologically, cultivating loving, supportive relationships that last a lifetime.

Peter Grimes | Headmaster


References:

How to Connect with Your Child Using Love Languages - Big Life Journal (2024) Jelena Parr

The 5 Love Languages of Children - Parents (2023)

Todays Mother's Day Breakfast was a wonderful celebration of our Mothers and Special Persons.

A heartfelt thank you to Michelle Palmer, Katja Koren, Elisha Houston, Year 1 and Kindy parents, and our guest author of 'The EXTRAordinary Happy Tree', Pippy Pomeranz for making our Mother's Day celebration unforgettable!

Early Bird Reminder: Don't miss out on discounted tickets for the Winter Ball Fundraiser! 

Purchase your tickets now and join us for a night of fun while supporting our school! The Early Bird special offer ends on 15 May 2024.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1205067

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

You become what you feed your mind. This statement is even more poignant as we know that our children’s minds are like sponges; they soak up the good and the bad.

In the Bible we learn that following the example of Christ involves learning and thinking. That is, our minds are actively engaged in our faith walk. This means being conscious of what we are seeing and hearing. With this in mind, we explored the idea of pure minds in Chapel this week, by recognising that our minds are the steering wheel that determines our speech and actions.

Using a sponge illustration I asked a student to dip the sponge in the clean water and then pull it out and then squeeze the sponge. We noticed that if we put clean things into our minds then clean things will come out in our lives. The student then did the same in the bucket of dirty water. Again we noticed that if we put unhealthy things into our minds then unhealthy and unhelpful words and actions will come out in our lives.

In our digital world of influencers, endless youtube videos and games, it is easy for ourselves and children to absorb content that will not positively shape character.

God therefore encourages us to keep our minds on the things in life which are true, pure, right, holy, friendly and proper. Jesus himself is the ultimate example of this. Jesus overflowed love for his neighbour in such powerful and practical ways because his mind was filled with love.

As parents, may we continue to guide and support our children in the brain food they are consuming so that they grow to be boys of great character who pursue love, kindness, respect and compassion.

Blessings,

Rev. Daryl Diener | School Chaplain and Coordinator of Pastoral Care

Years 4-6 Maths Challenge students took part in the Bebras Team Competition (Computational Thinking) this week. They worked in teams to solve questions such as the one at this link.

Here are some comments from several of the Year 5 participants about the challenge.

Inquiry Buddies

Years 2 and 5 English Challenge students began their ‘Inquiry Buddies’ sessions last week. Each Year 2 student has been paired with a Year 5 student, according to a topic about which both children would like to learn more. We have subjects such as: Egyptian Mythology, Future Technology, the Stock-Market and Engineering. Everyone is thoroughly engaged and bursting to learn more. We will have a ‘brains trust’ visitor on whom the students will be able to call for further direction. The project will culminate in a display of the students’ learning in whatever form they choose. The audience will be parents, staff, and other classes. We are excited to see this progress throughout Term 2!

Colleen Elkins | Director Gifted & Talented Education

At After School Care, we are committed to fostering social responsibility and environmental awareness in children and young people. This aligns perfectly with Outcome 2.4 of the Learning Frameworks, where we encourage respect for our planet.

One of the ways we achieve this is by discussing and practising the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Repurpose! We explore ways to minimise paper waste, such as utilising both sides of a sheet for drawing or crafting paper airplanes.

Recently, two families generously donated gently used games and toys, demonstrating the power of repurposing items.

How can you be a part of this exciting initiative? We're seeking donations of recyclable and reusable materials for our sustainable craft sessions. Do you have any of the following items lying around unused?

• Boxes and paper scraps
• Fabric scraps or ribbons
• Small jars
• Paper plates or cupcake liners
• Shells and stones
• Utensils (plastic or wood)
• Baskets
• Wool or yarn
• Small donations are ideal due to space limitations. These materials will be used for crafting, sensory play, loose parts play, and construction activities – all while fostering a love for the environment. See below for some examples of our creative use of recycled and repurposed materials.

Thank you for your support! Together, we can make playtime at ASC fun, enriching, and environmentally conscious.

The ASC Team | Director: Leonie Westenberg

Brendan Frost | Year 6 Teacher | Sustainability 

Senior Primary students, do you have what it takes to rise to the top of the podium and claim the title of Gold Medal Reader?

The ‘Be a Gold Medal Reader’ launched this week and will go through to the end of Term 3.

To participate you must complete the 5 different set challenges -one for each Olympic ring!

These include:

• A Marathon reading challenge
• A Synchronised reading challenge
• A Triathlon challenge
• A Coach Time challenge
• An Athlete Focus challenge

There is also a Bonus : Train Like an Athlete challenge, for those elite readers who are up to the challenge.

🏅To be awarded the Gold Medal award, all 5 challenges must be completed.

Silver Medal awards will be given to those who complete 4 challenges and Bronze Medal awards will be given to those who complete 3 challenges.

Junior Primary students have been issued a reading challenge too. This term they are tasked with reading a variety of picture books to complete their BINGO cards. With an Olympic themed challenge to follow next term.

Let the reading games begin!

Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

BOOK CLUB ISSUE #3 is out now!

Ignite your son’s imagination and foster a love for reading.

Issue 3 of Scholastic Book Club was handed out to boys this week. Follow this link to view it.

Scholastic is offering Credit to Spend in Issue 4, with every purchase made from this issue!

The order closing date for this Book Club issue is 9:00am Monday 20 May.

To place your order, simply follow this link to Scholastic Books.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for Book Club.

Happy reading!

Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

“I am a collector. Always looking, finding ... and keeping! Bowerbird loves BLUE. Magnificent cobalt. Brilliant, vibrant blue! But something is missing. What could it be?” (Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker)

This year National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) will be held in Week 4 of Term 2. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

Help us welcome The Bowerbird to Mosman Prep, by bringing in small twigs or something blue eg. a blue ribbon, string, fabric offcuts or the like, to help build its nest.

Ms Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

We recently completed phase 1 of our new furniture installation for classrooms and breakout spaces, in line with the School's Strategic Direction of ‘fostering a love of learning through enhanced teaching and learning practices’. These enhanced learning spaces and facilities support our learning model, and ensure a safe, innovative, and nurturing environment. This furniture upgrade enabled us to make a significant contribution to the Kaloleni community in Tanzania.

The pre-loved furniture was donated to Team Vista, a not-for-profit organisation that sponsors over 300 children from Kaloleni Ward, a community bordering the Moshi rubbish dump. These children attend overcrowded primary and secondary schools with limited resources, where class sizes average 60-70 students with only one relatively inexperienced teacher. Team Vista is currently constructing a multipurpose community centre that will provide much-needed after-school lessons and activities. The donated furniture will equip this centre, with any remaining pieces going to Kaloleni Primary School.

Our motto, Non Nobis Solum (Not for Ourselves Alone), reflects the School's commitment to serving the broader community. By receiving new furniture to enhance its own learning spaces, we were able to extend a helping hand to Team Vista and the children of Kaloleni, fostering the concept of our boys living a life beyond themselves.

For more information about Team Vista visit, www.teamvista.com.au.

The theme for the United Nations World Oceans Day 2024 is "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing". It aims to uncover the hidden facets of planet Earth and create a fresh surge of enthusiasm for preserving and safeguarding the ocean and our entire blue planet. In recognition of this important day and message, please join us once more to help make a difference.

When: Sunday 2 June

Time: 9:30-11:00am

Meeting Point: Athol Hall Lawns (we will be cleaning around Athol Beach, Whiting Beach and the trails between). View Map 

What to bring: School hat, gardening gloves, water bottle and morning tea

Register your attendance: Click here to sign-up or scan the QR code.

Please note that boys will need to be under the direct care and supervision of their family members or caregivers.

If you have any questions, please contact Brendan Frost bfrost@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

Brendan Frost | Year 6 Teacher | Sustainability

We are pleased to announce that coach bookings for Term 2, 2024 are now available and it is essential to rebook:

For the Mosman Preparatory School Chatswood Coach Service, follow this Link - Mosman Prep School Transport.

Bookings for the Northern Beaches can be made through the Queenwood School, following this Link - Queenwood School Transport.

Attention all Mosman Prep skiers and snowboarders!

Time is running out if you're considering registration. The Sydney Interschools Championships are scheduled for the final week of the school holidays, running from July 16th to 19th in Perisher.

Please refer to this attached document for comprehensive details about the competition, including registration information and the specific snowsports being offered.

If you haven't already done so, kindly complete our Google Form to provide us with your son's details and your contact information, ensuring you receive important updates.

Additionally, please ensure you have a current Snowracer ID for both parent volunteers and participants. You can renew or register for one via the provided link. Please add your son's Snowracer ID to the Google Form or email it to Mr. Blackband.

It is also a condition of entry that all participants complete an Online Participant Waiver to compete in the 2024 Interschools Championships.
2024 Participant Waiver Form
2024 Volunteer Waiver Form

For further information, please visit our School Snowsports Page. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Blackband.

Matt Blackband | Director of Technology | 2024 Snowsports Coordinator
mblackband@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

We are thrilled to announce that Charlie Frankel has been selected to compete in the U11 Australian Little League Baseball Championship!

The tournament will be held at Blacktown International Sports Park from June 4 to 10, where teams from across the country will battle it out representing their communities.⚾️

We are so proud of Charlie’s hard work and dedication, and we can't wait to cheer him on! Best of luck to Charlie and the entire team!

The Balmoral Burn takes place up Awaba Street on Sunday 26 May.

We are entering a MCEPS team (all welcome) into one of the many races taking place, the Year 3-6 Primary Schools Challenge: 9:20am race start. There is also a K-2 Race at 9:10am for younger boys.

All boys are welcome to take part and those who enter in the Year 3-6 race will need to meet at the Balmoral Beach Rotunda wearing their School PE Uniform (navy blue polo) or athletics uniform at 8:45am. Please allow time prior to this to collect registration packs, timing devices etc if need be.

REGISTRATION (link HERE)- For Years K-2 & 3-6 (including Primary School Challenge) races, parents should register their children in 'Individual or Family 2024', and then select Mosman Prep as their child's school. This will ensure their entry is also part of the Primary School Challenge.

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

This term our Mosman Prep will be sending a team to play in the NSTA Primary Schools Competition. This is only a commitment to the Term 2 Challenge. Mr Johnston will be seeking teams each term.

Please refer to the below flyer. If your son is interested, then reply to Mr Edward Johnston via email (ejohnston@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au) and fill out the NSTA PSC Term 2 Form. This will enable him to arrange a tennis partner for your son.

You are then required to register online and make a payment for the competition. All additional information will be communicated directly to you from Northern Districts Tennis.

For more information please contact Mr Edward Johnston (ejohnston@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au).

Edward Johnston | Sports Teacher

We are excited that the Junior Primary Athletics Carnival will be held at Mosman Prep’s Outdoor Learning Centre in Terrey Hills on Tuesday 4 June. Like last year, Early Entry will again be joining the rest of Junior Primary at the carnival.

Arrival and Dismissal Arrangements

• Students need to arrive at school as normal. Boys will then be transported to Terrey Hills by bus in their respective year groups.
• The carnival will take place from 11:00am-1:30pm including all running races and novelty events.
• There will be a parents race at the end of the day. If you are interested in participating, please email Mr Johnston to let him know you would like to take part (ejohnston@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au). 
• At the conclusion of the carnival, students are permitted to go home with parents who are in attendance. All other boys will be returned to school by bus to be collected at 2:40pm.
  

Spectators

• Parents are permitted to attend the carnival. We look forward to having your support for the boys. We ask that parents remain in the designated areas. 

What to wear and bring

• Junior Primary boys are to wear their House sports uniform, including sun hat. As this is an inter-house Carnival, all boys must compete in their House shirt. Shoes with extra grip are recommended for the grass surface.
• Boys in Early Entry will need to wear their uniform to the carnival, including their sun hat.
• Bring a packed recess, lunch and drinks in a bag.
• It is recommended that boys apply sunscreen at home. Sunscreen will also be available throughout the day.
• If any boy requires daily medication, they are to bring it in a labeled bag and give it to their teacher.

Events

• All boys will compete in 50m and 100m races, with the 200m only for those boys who turn 8 this year.
• At the end of the running races, all boys will be involved in a novelty event rotation.
  

In the event of wet weather, the carnival will be postponed.

For those parents who will be attending, we look forward to seeing you there!

Edward Johnston | Sports Teacher

We are entering school teams in the ‘Primary Schools Challenge’ event at the:

Mini-Mos Marathon (https://www.mini-mos.com/2024-registration/ -2km race) on Sunday 16 June.

Parents will need to register their sons by entering their child's details first, as their age determines which races they can enter. During the registration, they simply select "Mosman Church of England Preparatory School” from the list of participating schools. All Mosman Prep boys are welcome to enter.

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

Please see the link below for the Winter Sport Saturday Fixture List. This will also be placed on the School website.

•   2024 Winter Sport Fixture List

Note: all times and venues are subject to change. Please check weekly team lists via School App, website and sports noticeboard (for boys to view).

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

Please see the link below for important Winter Sport information, also available on the School website:

• 2024 Mosman Prep Winter Sport Information
  
• 2024 Football (Soccer) Teams Information
• 2024 Rugby Teams Information
  

Term 2 Saturday Sport: Rd 1 of IPSHA Winter Sport is 4 May (first Sat in Term 2) to Rd 7, 22 June.
Term 3 Saturday Sport: Rd 8 of IPSHA Winter Sport is 27 July (first Sat in Term 3) to Rd 10, 10 August.

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

Saturdays: On Saturdays the MCEPS Information Line will be updated between 6:30 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 recent rain. 

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

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

From Term 2 2024 the Canteen will introduce two food ordering changes for parents to be aware of.

Firstly, late ordering options will be introduced on the Flexischools app. If you miss the 8:45am cut off, there will be an opportunity to order late recess until 10:00am and late lunch until 11:45am. Be aware, late order menu items on offer will be limited.

Second, Yellow Slip orders will change to a limited menu offering. Today, boys are accustomed to choosing from all available menu items when they don’t have packed food or have forgotten to place a canteen order. Due to the volume of these last minute orders and the burden they place on the canteen, food items available for a Yellow Slip order will be limited. The cost of a Yellow Slip order for recess will increase to $8 and lunch to $15. This expense will be tallied and charged to the student’s account at the end of each term.

Late or Yellow Slip recess order example:

• Piece of fruit
• Homemade treat (apple pancake or powerball)
• Popcorn or snaps

Late or Yellow Slip Lunch order example:

• Vegemite or ham & cheese sandwich or sausage roll
• Piece of fruit
• Popcorn or snaps
• Cup of plain milk or cold Milo

Please remember to pack your son's food from home or place a canteen order with Flexischools. Hopefully the late ordering service on the Flexischools app will add convenience and reduce the reliance on Yellow Slips. Rest assured, any boy that does not have packed food or a canteen order will be offered a nutritious meal, which will be charged back to your account. The new late order service and Yellow Slip policy will begin from Term 2 2024.

Jeff Brown | P&F Canteen Rep and Canteen Volunteer

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

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