Week 7, Term 3 | 1 September 2023

What a fabulous evening of creative arts and community celebration we enjoyed last night! The boys were so very impressive in their participation and their presentations.

Research demonstrates the enormous positive impacts participating in The Arts can have on students' academic and non-academic success. Research also tells us that girls dominate engagement in the arts, and that boys can fear being judged, and in some environments will stand away from opportunities to become involved.

Not at Mosman Prep.

At this most critical time of brain development, we provide safe opportunities for our boys to take risks, explore possibilities, and develop passions, allowing them to discover they have many roles to play as a scholar, athlete, artist, musician, friend, and compassionate community member. 

Through programs such as our Creative Arts offering, we develop in our boys: character, confidence, independence, a love of learning, and commitment to live a full and rounded life in their community and beyond themselves in society. 

Congratulations in particular to Ms Juliana Zatz (Director of Creative Arts), Mrs Xina Crowther, Class Teachers, Mrs Anne Moss, and Mrs Lisa Maiden for preparing the boys and their learning so well for the celebration.

Thank you also to Mrs Anne-Maree Pastega for her meticulous attention to resourcing and logistics, and to our fabulous Canteen Managers who once again catered for us superbly, both in quality of food and warmth of manner.

Such a night doesn't happen without the servant hearted, enthusiastic, and proactive contribution of all our staff team. A team which continues to go above and beyond to bless the boys, parents, and school community.

We are excited that all our boys have weekly singing and visual arts lessons from creative arts specialists, and that they all learn an instrument - starting with tuned and untuned percussion; followed by strings in Year 2; ukulele in Year 3; brass, woodwind and percussion in Year 4 and Year 5; and in Year 6, the consolidation of all the concepts they have learnt. In addition, the rich diversity of ensemble groups available, allows our boys additional opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and passion.

Students engaged with the Arts have higher self-esteem; are more academically engaged and motivated in other subject areas; have increased higher order thinking, creativity, and critical thinking skills; and have greater life satisfaction, and a deeper cultural understanding and sense of meaning in life.

I look forward to the next chapter in our Creative Arts program, which is already comprehensive and outstanding.

Mr Peter Grimes | Headmaster

We all want the best for our children, don't we? We want them to get the most out of their educational opportunities. We want them to enjoy the activities they engage in, to be surrounded by friends whom they care about and are a positive influence. We want our children to receive and be surrounded by wise counsel. To this end, I'm reminded of the wise counsel in the Book of Proverbs that a father gave his son. The words remind us to be life-long learners who seek counsel from others and the wisdom which can be found in the Bible and the life and teachings of Jesus.

My child, listen closely to my teachings and learn common sense. My advice is useful, so don’t turn away…“If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live. Be wise and learn good sense; remember my teachings and do what I say.” (Proverbs 4:1-5) 

Similarly, as we approach Father’s Day this weekend, may we listen closely to the following words that communicate the love that God, our wise Father has shown us.

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.” (1 John 4:9-12)

Getting Creative
This week students in Years 3-5 engaged in the Good Samaritan Story from Luke’s Gospel. I challenged the older boys to develop a creative way to retell the event and explain the meaning of Jesus’ teaching.

Chapel X-Factor
As part of our Shine Like Stars series in Chapel we have been enjoying fantastic X-Factor moments from students. This week in Junior Primary Harley Debono (KB) wowed us with his bike riding skills. Whilst in Senior Primary The Trickshot Trio of Tristan Skulina, Mitch Ward, Jakob Stalley (Year 5) impressed us with their skills!

Rev. Daryl Diener | School Chaplain

We all need help and support sometimes. We were made to be in community and connection with each other. On 14 September it’s R U OK day and the theme of this year is “I’m here to hear.” This is to help us remember that you don't need to be a psychologist or a mental health professional in order to check in and ask someone if they are ok. Just bring your authentic and caring self. 

Check in on your family. Check in on your boss. Check in on your strong friends. Check in on your mental health professional friends. Check in on your tradie friends. Check in and remember sometimes all the person may need, will be for someone to listen to them. 

Make sure you check out the R U OK website for more ideas on how you can engage with this wonderful initiative, in your family, or workplace. Click here

Also there is now fun merchandise and clothing, to make it even easier to start a conversation with someone. Shop here

How can we recognise the signs that someone may not be ok? You can find the full guide for the signs to look for here

For where to refer someone who is not ok, click here for some useful helplines and services. 

Be kind to yourselves, and others. 

Skye Adams | Provisional Counsellor

On Saturday evening, 26 August, a group of Mosman Prep boys competed in an NSTA Primary Tennis Tournament in Roseville. The boys played competitive doubles against other schools, learning to keep score and played the best of six games in each match. 

The standard of tennis was excellent, and the boys all kept cool heads and played brilliantly, displaying some outstanding serving, volleying and ground strokes. 

Most impressive was the way they conducted themselves, encouraging one another, and even the opposition at times. They showed great sportsmanship, as well as healthy competitiveness. Great to see! 

Congratulations to Freddie Adamo and Arthur Mutsaers for winning their draw and receiving a gold medal.

On Wednesday the boys from Year 4 visited Terrey Hills for an incursion with Uncle Laurie from Guringai Tours. To link with “The Earth and Us” integrated unit, the focus of the day was to learn how First Nations peoples used the land sustainably. 

Uncle Laurie spoke to the boys about the annual fire (guyong) management practices employed by First Nations people to control undergrowth, and to ensure the regeneration of the bush.

He stressed the importance placed on caring for the land and animals. For example, when carving wood from a tree, it would only be taken from the south side of the tree, to cause the least harm. If emu eggs were harvested, only a few from each nest would be taken. If kangaroos were hunted, the largest and strongest would be left to ensure that the strength of the species would not be diminished. 

The boys were shown some artifacts, and weapons and were able to attempt fire making, and also boomerang throwing.

We also learnt more about Uncle Laurie’s ancestor Bungaree, who lived in the area of Mosman and was the first known aboriginal man to circumnavigate Australia with Matthew Flinders. 

The boys, teachers and parents all thoroughly enjoyed the day.

At the annual match Mosman 1st XV (Years 5/6) v Pittwater House a shield is competed for in rugby and cricket. Pittwater House won the rugby shield on Monday winning the match 40-33.

The game displayed great skills and hard vigorous play. Both teams should be congratulated on how the game was played.

At ASC we love to celebrate special days in our community. Recently, we participated in activities for both Science Week and Book Week, encouraging learning dispositions such as enthusiasm, problem solving, perseverance, and creativity.

During Science Week we explored flight, making and testing paper planes, paper helicopters and parachutes.

For Book Week we shared books and dress ups and began creating our own small books and bookmarks. 

The Learning Framework for ASC (My Time Our Place) provides broad direction for school age care educators in settings to facilitate children’s play, leisure and learning”. One way we approach this in ASC is through our activities related to special events in the school and community calendar.

Leonie, Bridget, Sarah, Hannah, Matilda, Abbi, Mici, Maya | The ASC Team

Mosman Prep’s Vacation Care program will be held during the September School holidays from Monday 25 - Friday 29 September. Please see our program below. Our Vacation Care program operates between 8:00am – 4:00pm  for children 4 to 12 years old who are currently enrolled in Early Entry or in Primary School. Siblings from other schools, both boys and girls within this age range, are most welcome to attend. Our numbers are limited, so we encourage you to book early.

How do I make a booking? Please book via the Trybooking link HERE- https://www.trybooking.com/CIV...

You will also need to complete an enrolment form via HubWorks, if your child is not already enrolled for ASC through Hubworks. Here is the link to enrol in ASC: https://mosmanchurchprep.hubworks.com.au/

Cancellation policy: All bookings are final as workshops are booked according to numbers. For any COVID related cancellations please contact lwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

Workshops generally run each morning unless stated otherwise, and afternoons are reserved for organised sport, planned games, cooking and free play.

Workshops may change due to COVID restrictions and another workshop may replace the planned workshop.

 Excursions are full day programs. 

Monday 25 September (Workshop $90) - JOIN OUR MASTER CHEF COMPETITION
Our workshop instructors will help us run our own ’restaurant' as part of a team. Then we get to work: Children will don their Chef hats and aprons, and off we go! We will create delicious food to share. Who will be the best Chef?

Tuesday 26 September (Workshop FULL) - SUPER FLYING DRONES
Today let’s get coding by flying drones, overcoming an obstacle course and be involved in a mission on community safety! Suited for all ages, as we will break into groups depending on age and stage. We will instruct drones to take off, fly around, overcome an obstacle course and knock down bowling pins representing our targets. 

Wednesday 27 September (Excursion FULL) - ARCHIE BROS CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE
So much fun to be had at Archie Bros in Alexandria - including dodgem cars, arcade games, car racing and more! In the late afternoon we will kick back at School with a G-rated movie to enjoy together.

Thursday 28 September (Workshop $90) - PARTY GAMES AND PARTY DAY!
Murphy Brothers will bring all their party games, activities and sports for a fun time of play. Relay races, throwing bills through hoops, crazy sculptures - you name it, we will play it! In the afternoon have your face painted with amazing face painters from Magic Dreams and let’s make and eat some party food.

Friday 29 September (Excursion $135) - LUNA PARK
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - Just for fun - experience the magic of Luna Park! With unlimited access to all the rides that children are tall enough to access, this will be a fantastic day of rides, the ferris wheel, Coney Island and lunch in the picnic area.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Meals: Please provide a packed morning tea and lunch for your child, with a water bottle. See NSW Healthy Kids for ideas: https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/food/healthy-school-lunch-box

Due to the severity of some children's allergies we are nut free. If your child has allergy or dietary restrictions, please discuss with staff prior to Vacation Care. (lwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au)

What should my child wear? Please make sure to clearly label all items of clothing. It is important to ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and the daily activities, with no singlets or sleeveless tops. Closed shoes must be worn. Children must have a hat to wear each day as per our sun safe policy. 

We are continuing to raise funds for worthwhile causes through our Return and Earn Program at Mosman Prep. Students are encouraged to bring in appropriate containers to School.

What containers can you bring to school?

Please only bring in the following containers to school:

• Cans
• Plastic bottles
• Juice boxes or poppers
• For safety reasons, we request that students do not bring in any glass containers.

Most containers between 150ml and 3 litres can be accepted and can get you a refund. However, they must…

• Be in good condition (not be crushed or broken)
• Be empty
• Have the label attached

Look for the 10c label on the container to see if it is eligible for a refund. Remember to leave the lids on when returning your containers. They'll be recycled too.

A huge thank you to Mosman Prep Parents and Friends (P&F) for coming on board and generating the barcode you see above. Take this barcode and any (especially glass) containers to a designated container collection point, and funds will be transferred immediately to a fundraising account.

Let's work together to make a positive impact on our environment and community. To find out more information you can visit: https://returnandearn.org.au/ 

If you have any questions regarding this new initiative at Mosman Prep, please contact Brendan Frost (bfrost@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au)

Brendan Frost | Year 4 Teacher | Sustainability Coordinator

SAVE THE DATE

Students and families from Shore, Queenwood and Mosman Prep are coming together on Sunday, 10 September to make a difference to one of our local environments.

All Mosman Prep students and families are invited to attend the beach walk and clean up effort.

Details

Date: Sunday 10 September
Time: 9:30-11:00am
Where: Chinamans Beach/Rosherville Reserve
What to bring: School hat, gardening gloves, water bottle and morning tea. 

Please note that students will need to be under the direct care and supervision of their family members or caregivers. If you have any questions, get in touch with Brendan Frost (bfrost@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au)

Brendan Frost | Year 4 Teacher | Sustainability Coordinator

Wednesday 30 August saw our Mosman Prep Athletics Team perform at their last athletics carnival as a team for the year. There were 55 schools all over NSW that attended the IPSHA Athletics Carnival from both girls and boys schools with a total number of 1478 individual competitors at the event. Again like the Barker and Shore Invitational, the Mosman Prep athletes performed exceptionally well throughout the day by winning and placing in many of their chosen events during the carnival. I would like to announce that 3 of our boys made it through representing both Mosman Prep and IPSHA at the CIS Athletics Carnival to be held later this term. A massive congratulations to the following;

Adam Shih - 2nd Overall in the 11 Years Discus

Theo Sheridan - 3rd Overall fastest in the 9 Years 100m sprint

Edward Timmins - 5th Overall in the 11 Years High Jump

We cannot wait to hear how these boys will go in the next carnival and wish them well in their upcoming events. Finally, a huge thank you to Ms Hawdon, Mr Hudson, Mr Brown and Mr Nagy for all your assistance during the day of the IPSHA Athletics Carnival.

Best of luck to the following boys who will be representing Mosman Prep in AFL against SGS St Ives next Tuesday 5 September. This match will be played at Middle Head Oval at 3:45pm. The boys have been training hard with the assistance of Mrs Elvey and Rev. Diener and I’m sure they will play tremendously next week.

Mosman Prep AFL Team vs SGS St Ives

Year 6 - Archie England, Harry Cominakis, Harrison Thomas, Joey Boyd, Tom Harvey, JD Nell, Caolan Witherow, Tom Devereux and Alex Ludwigson.

Year 5 - Salvador Apfel, Henry Roach, Will Simon, Xavier Kahlbetzer, Sam Marsh, Nathan Stafford, Mitchell Ward, Edward Timmins, Hugo Hughes, Charlie Frankel and Gideon Waker

"Mosman Prep Meals with Love Service"

The P&F are interested in starting an anonymous service for Mosman Prep families providing home cooked meals at times of need. If you are interested in being a parent 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. We hope to be able to have this service operational in Term 4 and will provide details of how families can access it shortly.

If you would like to sign up please choose your day on the following google document Link - Google spreadsheet. There are 2 volunteers for each session. 

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

Information about the program:

Go4Fun is a FREE NSW Health program for children aged 7-13 years who are above a healthy weight, and their families. The program aims to help families learn about eating well, staying active and also helps to boost children’s self-esteem and confidence. 

The program includes: face-to-face sessions once a week for 10 weeks during the school term and is facilitated by qualified health professionals. Register for the program by calling 1800 780 900 or visiting www.go4fun.com.au/register. 

Term 2 programs are available in Chatswood and Brookvale starting the week commencing 29 April 2024.

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