Week 6, Term 3 | 30 August 2024

Recently I was interviewed by the ‘Educator Australia’ with a focus on the critical early years of education, and our powerful Early Entry (pre-kindergarten) Program.

I hope you enjoy the initial article below, and the more detailed interview linked here.

Peter Grimes | Headmaster

A Holistic Approach to Early Development

In November 2022, the NSW government announced the first stage of a $5.8bn, 10-year investment in universal pre-Kindergarten education. Under the initiative, the state will introduce an extra year of education in the biggest reform of schooling in a generation, offering five days per week of pre-kindergarten to every four-year-old by 2030.

Long before this announcement, one Sydney boys' school was already recognising early childhood education's critical role in shaping young minds by not only building core foundational academic skills but also enhancing school readiness, fostering relational connections, and addressing each child's individual needs.

Mosman Prep, a leading all-boys school with a rich 120-year history, offers a unique educational experience for boys from Early Entry (pre-kindergarten) to Year 6. The school's innovative approach integrates play-based learning with a focus on core subjects, creative arts, languages, physical education, and spiritual and character development.

The school's Early Entry program, launched in 2007, boasts a proven track record of building core foundational academic skills, enhancing school readiness, fostering relational connections, and addressing individual needs.

Headmaster, Peter Grimes, says this extensive experience positions the school as a key resource in maximising this critical period in a boy’s development."At Mosman Prep, we've long championed the philosophy of nurturing young learners during their most formative years," Grimes said.

"Our Early Entry program, available in both 5-day and 3-day options, exemplifies this commitment by providing a stimulating and supportive environment that fosters a love of learning and lays a strong foundation for academic success."

The school is urging the government to consider established programs like theirs when developing the pre-kindergarten offering. "By leveraging existing expertise, we can achieve faster and more effective results," Grimes said.

"Mosman Preparatory School stands ready to collaborate and contribute its knowledge to ensure the success of this important initiative."

Read the full interview here

The Educator - Australia

You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. (John 13:13-15)

In a world that often emphasises winning, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or during a friendly game of Connect Four, the thrill of competition can sometimes overshadow the importance of relationships and serving others.

Consider the lessons we can learn from a simple game of Connect Four. The objective is clear: connect four of your discs in a row before your opponent does. However, in the pursuit of winning, we might forget the bigger picture—the opportunity to build friendships, practice kindness, and encourage others.

This idea mirrors a powerful moment in the Bible, found in John 13. As Jesus gathered with his disciples, he did something unexpected. Instead of demanding honour or recognition, Jesus humbly washed His disciples' feet. This act of service wasn’t about winning or proving superiority; it was about showing love and setting an example of how we should treat one another.

In our lives, we often face situations where we have to choose between winning and doing what’s right. Whether it’s in a competitive game like Connect Four or a more significant challenge, the true victory lies in how we treat others. Are we willing to serve, help, and uplift those around us, even if it means letting go of our own desire to win?

When we prioritise friendships and serving others, we reflect the example Jesus set for us. We show that the game is not just about connecting four discs, but about connecting with others in meaningful ways. We demonstrate that true success is found not in the victory of a game, but in the joy of building relationships and serving with a humble heart.

So, the next time we play Connect Four as a family or face any competition, may we remember that the real win is not in claiming victory, but in valuing the people around us and choosing to serve them with love and humility.

Blessings,

Rev. Daryl Diener | School Chaplain, Deputy of Pastoral Care

What a fantastic Father’s Day Breakfast we had last Friday with our Dads and Special Friends! It was a wonderful chance to connect, share some laughs, and hear from Mr Mark Aubrey, CEO of Sydney FC, as well as star players Joe Lacey and Marin France.

Thank you to the Year 4 parents and in particular Jerilee Abbott, Ginny Vacy-Lyle and Geraldine Stanton for all your efforts in putting this special morning together. 

Also to our Canteen ladies, Ginny Andrews, Tess Taylor, Christina Ludwigson and Vicky Poolman for the delicious egg and bacon rolls.

Last week, Mosman Prep secured 4th place out of all primary schools competing in the State at the Interschools Snowsport Championships in Perisher. This achievement highlights the commitment of our students and the support of their parents.

Eight students competed at the State level, with the top six teams and top 20 individuals qualifying for Nationals. We are proud to announce that the following students have qualified:

Zac Sherlock
Tom Flitcroft
Jonathon Andrews Zucker
Louis Kennard
Eric Sun
Tobias Fildes
Rory Du Vernet
Angus McGuire

We wish them the best of luck as they represent Mosman Prep at the National Championships next week.

This year’s Book Week theme, ‘Reading is Magic’, was a huge success with boys engaging in a variety of activities to mark this calendar event.

A true highlight was the Dress-up Parade, where boys brought to life their favourite character with creative costumes. It was made all the more special having so many families present to share in the fun and magic of this event.

Another highlight was the two renowned authors that visited us this week. Junior Primary enjoyed a talk from Jane Godwin, who spoke about her inspiration for her 30+ picture books; and Senior Primary was mesmerised by Nathan Luff’s stories about growing up with 4 brothers -who were the inspiration for a lot of his books.

Early Entry to Year 2 enjoyed a performance featuring not one, not two, but three shortlisted books reenacted, which concluded with the boys joining in a dance.

But these were just the beginning! The boys had a full week of activities to dive into. Whether it was:

• Crafting magician wands to cast spells
• Catching the Reading Buddies lounging around reading books
• Joining a character flash mob dance
• Enjoying readings, including: Greek and Norse mythology, poetry, picture books
• Watching story book reenactments
• Enjoying storytelling with puppetry
• Participating in a character scavenger hunt to crack a code
• Dancing and enjoying a performance, about 3 of the shortlisted books.

Book Week was a fantastic celebration of books and storytelling. There was something for everyone to enjoy and participate in, leaving memorable moments for all.

Nicholas (2A): ”I liked when Jane (Godwin) told us about the moveable hidden stairs at her old house, where her sister hid things. They think that her stuff is still there, but there is carpet over it, so they can’t get to it”.

Tom (5G): “Nathan’s stories about his brothers and the games they played were funny. But I really liked it when he told us that he used to make up different stories about his black tooth.”

Sasha (2B): “I like the book character parade because it was fun to go around all dressed up”.

Ronan (3H): “I liked it when the teachers danced” -referring to the staff Flash Mob performing the nutbush at lunchtime dressed in their book character costumes.

Jack (3H): “I really enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt in the library, because it was fun to do with my friend and adventurous”.

Harley (1M): “I really enjoyed the [Maybe a Miracle] performance, the drama and the dancing was great”.

Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

Boys were thoroughly entertained by 2 renowned Australian children's authors. Junior Primary were visited by Jane Godwin and Senior Primary was entertained by Nathan Luff.

Author: Jane Godwin 

Jane read from a few of her books, including sharing a story of how her sister's secret hiding place under the floor of their old home was later carpeted, so she was never able to retrieve anything. Jane also showed the boys how to construct a rebus letter.

Author: Nathan Luff

Nathan entertained the senior boys with stories of growing up with 4 brothers. He described some of the games they played and their many adventures. He also recounted how his storytelling occasionally landed him in trouble and what inspires him to write.

Books by each author are still available. Ordering is easy:

• Scan the QR code for your chosen author
• Select our School
• Pay for the books
• Books will be delivered to the School

If you have any questions please contact Ms Kazamias directly on dkazamias@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

Look out for a copy in your son’s school bag or follow this link to view it.

It's packed with hundreds of books from just $3 to encourage your son’s reading journey.

For those who placed an order from Issue 5, remember to spend the $5 earned to spend on Issue 6!

To place your order via LOOP, simply follow this link to Scholastic Book Club.

The order closing date for this Book Club issue is 3:00pm, Thursday 12 September.

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

Happy reading!

Dora Kazamias | Teacher Librarian

Mosman Prep has been successful in receiving grants to support the School’s sustainability projects, including laying the foundation for the School’s composting and worm farm program, and the “Greening” of Mosman Prep through education and hands-on experiences for the future generation.

The School has recently successfully applied for grants towards these sustainability goals, through Mosman Council and the Mosman Environmental Foundation. These organisations support good environmental practices and educational initiatives in the Mosman community through grants processes.

The projects have two arms:

Environmental education: Establishing a hands-on garden to foster a deeper understanding of various curriculum areas such as science, nutrition, and environmental studies. The project promotes environmental education, increasing the environmental awareness and knowledge of children and families in the community. Children at the School have begun an indigenous garden in a small space near one of the classrooms and this is thriving. The “greening” project aims to extend this space to grow fruits and vegetables to share with others, and build an interactive garden space that serves as an educational resource for students and teachers, to foster and encourage an appreciation of the natural world.

Environmental impact: Adding a gardening, composting, and greening project to the School also enhances the natural environment for the local Mosman area and residents. The project has a community focus in providing an avenue for increased greening of a built area and a sharing of freshly grown produce (through the ‘One Meal’ organisation). This increases social capital through interactions with people and natural environments while reducing the School’s waste through worm farming and the Waste Warriors program.

Leonie Westenberger | Director of After School & Vacation Care/ Manager of Risk & Compliance

Exciting news! We're offering a fun-filled Vacation Care program during the September/October school holidays, 30 September - 3 October, for children aged 4-12. See below for all the details:

Program Details:

• Dates: Monday 30 September - Thursday 3 October
• Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Age: 4-12 years old
• Who can attend: Current Mosman Prep students (Early Entry & Primary) and children from other schools (boys & girls) within the age range.

Activities:

• Workshops: Each workshop morning features engaging workshops (subject to change due to COVID). Afternoons are for organised sports, games, cooking, and free play.
• Excursions: Full-day programs are also planned for our excursion days.

Booking & Enrolment:

• Limited spots available, so book early!
• Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CUQQD
• Enrolment: If your child is not already enrolled in ASC through HubWorks, complete the form here: https://mosmanchurchprep.hubworks.com.au/

Cancellation Policy:

• All bookings are final due to workshop planning.
• For COVID-related cancellations, contact lwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

We can't wait to make your child's school holidays unforgettable!

Contact us:
Leonie Westenberg | Director ASC & Vacation Care lwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au
Phone during Vacation Care & ASC: 0412 229 164

Congratulations to the following boys who represented MCEPS at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival. All the boys performed admirably against the best athletes from a multitude of other schools, many winning place ribbons for their events. The boys demonstrated excellent ability, camaraderie and sportsmanship at the carnival.

Year 2: Jordi Manns, Max Cameron, Freddy Ridhalgh, Jaxsen Varker-Miles
Year 3: Hamji Ding, Rupert Bateman, Thomas Robertson, Benjamin Waker
Year 4: Luke Yates, Lachlan Varker-Miles, Zac Sherlock, Archie Manns
Year 5: Theo Sheridan, Nils Stalley, Remy Hennessy, Valerio Iacovelli, Sebastian Rothwell, Harrison Charnock
Year 6: Salvador Apfel, Tristan Skulina, Austin Connellan, Vasili Karelas, Edward Timmins, Jakob Stalley, Josh Yates

Congratulations and best wishes to the following boys who through their outstanding performances have qualified to represent IPSHA at the CIS Athletics Carnival on Friday 6 September.

IPSHA Athletics Team Reps

1. Jordi Manns - 2nd overall in 8 Years 100m
2. Adam Shih - 2nd overall in 12/13 Years Discus & 1st overall in 12/13 Year Long Jump
3. Salvador Apfel - 4th overall in 12/13 Shot Put
4. Ed Timmins - 5th overall in 12/ 13 Years High Jump

Finally, many thanks to Mr Johnston and Ms Gresson for again managing the team on the day and also to all the parents who have come to support the boys at the respective carnivals this season.

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

The annual 1sts Rugby game between Mosman Prep and Pittwater House was held on Monday this week at Pittwater House, Collaroy. Well done to our Year 6 boys and coach, Mr Grimes. 

Match Report By William Dixon and Jamison Rose.

Last Monday afternoon the 1st XV Rugby team played a thrilling game at Pittwater House. Mosman Prep and Pittwater House battle each year to take possession of the converted Pittwater Shield. This tradition has been going on since 1965. That means Mosman Prep and Pittwater have a very long lasting connection.

As we waited on the pitch, Pittwater took a very long time to come on out. They had a big crowd of students and there was a great atmosphere of yelling and war cries. In those two minutes I don’t think any of us have had as much excitement ever. The game started with us kicking to Pittwater. Luckily we were able to get the first try, and then another, but as we were attacking they got an interception and ran away to score, which made the score 12-7 to us. We did not let that get to us and switched straight back on, focussing on the basics like keeping our tackles low. We put the pressure back on them and after all the hard work, we scored again. When the half time whistle blew, the score was 17-7.

At half time Mr Grimes told us to keep our head in the game and keep playing the good rugby we showed in the first half. Our heartbeat calmed and we were ready to go. Then came the second half. From the kick off we were lucky to get the ball off a penalty and soon we scored another try, with Josh running through them and getting it down. As the game went on we were able to get 3 more with the ending score being 34-7. Although it was a strong win, Pittwater certainly played a good game and should have been proud of their effort.

After handshakes and 3 cheers we all gathered together and said our thanks, had some speeches and then with a sense of satisfaction, we lifted up the shield. Photos were followed by afternoon tea with both teams mingling to enjoy a nice drink and sandwich that couldn't have tasted better.

MCEPS 1st XV Rugby Team v Pittwater House
Freddie Adamo, Salvador Apfel, Austin Connellan, Will Dixon, Jasper Fifield, Charlie Frankel, Stirling Hall, Ethan Hanna, Xavier Kahlbetzer, Vasili Karelas, Tom McLennan, Arthur Mutsaers, Henry Roach, Jamison Rose, Sebastian Rothwell, Ed Timmins, Josh Yates.

Best of luck to the below boys who will be playing AFL games against SGS St Ives on Friday as part of our optional Year 5/6 AFL program. The boys have been training on Tuesday afternoons and we are looking forward to seeing them put their skills into game action!

Year 5/6 AFL Squad: Salvador Apfel, Miles Brown, Tom Flitcroft, Charlie Frankel, Ethan Hanna, Xavier Kahlbetzer, Benji Rich, Henry Ridhalgh, Henry Roach, Sebastian Rothwell, Jackson Scoular, Theo Sheridan, Will Simon, Aksel Sprange, Gideon Waker, Mitch Ward, Josh Yates, George Yorston.
Coach: Rev Diener

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

As part of the MCEPS Physical Education Program, Early Entry to Year 2 boys will be doing the BlueFit Swim Safety and Stroke Program at Mosman Swim Centre each day from Monday to Thursday inclusively in both Weeks 9 and 10 (eight sessions in total) at the end of this term. Session dates are as follows:

Week 9: Monday 16 - Thursday 19 September
Week 10: Monday 23 - Thursday 26 September 

All Junior Primary boys will need to wear their sports uniform to school on these swimming days and bring swimming costumes (no board shorts), towel and goggles clearly labelled in a bag. All boys will be given swimming caps from the organisers. All classes will be transported to and from Mosman Swim Centre via the School buses.

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport 

This term, all classes in Years K - 6 have been learning a dance routine as part of the PE Program. The sessions have been conducted by professional dance teachers Vanessa Correa and Miya Hayward. By way of demonstrating these skills we will have a Year 3-6 Dance Demonstration on Tuesday 5 September (Week 9) during the Learning Celebration. K-2 will perform their routines in Term 4 as part of their end of year Junior Primary Play.

We warmly invite all parents and friends to come along and watch the boys bust a groove!!

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

Mosman Prep prides itself on its service to community, guided by our motto, Non Nobis Solum – Not for Ourselves Alone. In this spirit, in partnership with the P&F, we are pleased to be able to launch a new school community initiative called ‘Meals with Love’. 

This service will provide home cooked evening meals for Mosman Prep families in times of need. All meals are cooked by parent and teacher volunteers and are available for as many evenings as required. This service is anonymous, so meals cooked by volunteers will be delivered to the office for collection by the family as coordinated by the School. If your family has a need for this service, please contact Julie Shortland at the School Office at ea@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au.

If you are also interested in being a volunteer and cooking the occasional meal for a family in need, please contact our Meals with Love Coordinator, Rachel Johnson-Kelly at racheljk@bigpond.com. 

Rachel Joshnson-Kelly | Meals with Love Coordinator

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.