Week 8, Term 3 | 8 September 2023

Connection, Culture, Compassion, and Courage

“Students with access to arts education are five times less likely to drop out of school and four times more likely to be recognised for high achievement.”

A highly respected Headmaster of one of Sydney’s leading Independent Schools, many years ago, gave the following advice to his colleagues, ‘If one of your students is having trouble focusing in class or displaying unsatisfactory behaviour, put a violin in his hands and the result will amaze you!’

There is a powerful and compelling case, supported by cutting-edge research, that the Arts have positive effects on mental health, academic performance, and the development of innovative thinking. Despite this evidence, the arts are often marginalised in education.

Earlier this week, a Sydney Morning Herald article revealed that a school pilot program run by the Australian Chamber Orchestra Foundations Program found the following improvements in pupils who learnt a musical instrument:

• cognitive and academic abilities (including verbal and written communication skills, and mathematical reasoning)
• emotional, physical and behavioural development
• motivation and attendance at school
• improved school culture.
  

Through visual arts, individuals are taught to:

• envision by creating mental images and using their imagination
• express themselves and find their individual voice
• reflect about decisions and make critical and evaluative judgements
• engage and persist (even through frustrations)
• explore and take risks and profit from their mistakes.

Creative Arts in general enhances the ability of the hippocampus, and the other areas of the brain, to perform the tasks that they were designed to do by increasing the synaptic circuits. This helps in any life activity where learning and memory are needed.

One word you’ll often hear in research and education circles is “transfer.” It refers to the way that one skill — learning an instrument, for instance, or engaging in the act of painting or drawing — transfers into other aspects of our lives. Literature reviews also found that when children are engaged in the arts in the early years, they are better able to collaborate with peers and communicate with parents and teachers.

“The Arts can transform you like nothing else. They can help move you from sickness to health, stress to calm, or sadness to joy, and they enable you to flourish and thrive. Are you ready?

The world, and its beauty, are there waiting for you.” Brittany Harker Martin

At Mosman Prep, we are not only ready, we are already transforming our boys through the Arts!

Peter Grimes | Headmaster




References:

New Studies Link the Arts to Crucial Cognitive Skills - Edutopia (2020)

New Studies Underscore the Value of the Arts (short video)

How arts education builds better brains and better lives MindShift

From the book “Your Brain on Art” (2023) - Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Brain research shows the arts promote mental health (2020) - Brittany Harker Martin (Associate Professor, Leadership, Policy & Governance)

What Art Does for Your Brain - Mind and Body (2023) - Jill Suttie

How the Arts Develop the Young Brain - ResearchGate (2006) - David A. Sousa

If you were to ‘win the prize’ in the Christian life, what comes to mind? Is it winning The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) due to service worthy of particular recognition? Or perhaps canonised as a Saint like Mother Teresa. This week we learned from the book of Philippians that winning the prize in the Christian life meant entry into heaven. As The Apostle Paul wrote: “I run towards the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven.”

Remarkably, to win this prize of heaven doesn’t require good works nor does it require a 95% or above church attendance in your lifetime. Paul says, “This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.”

Over and over the bible teaches us that access and entry into God’s eternal kingdom is not based on our efforts, but rather trusting in the efforts of Jesus who suffered, died on the cross for our sake and rose again victoriously! This future reality is a guarantee when we come to God through faith in Jesus.

But wait, there’s more!

Our journey towards the prize of heaven is to be enjoyed as we pursue a forever friendship with Jesus. Paul speaks of his journey like this: “I want to know Christ”.

Chapel X-Factor

This week Mr Grimes showcased his skiing and surfing skills. See below, and Enjoy!

Rev. Daryl Diener | Chaplain

Jesus not only modelled to us what loving our neighbour looks like, but he also taught us to do the same. This week, selected boys in Senior Primary were privileged to attended the Social Action EXPO hosted by The King's School. Boys heard from three Social Action organisations (School Aid, Cana Communities and b kinder foundation) that seek to empower and support student agency and voice.

Our School was also selected to have a stall that celebrated our GoodCHAP Service Learning Program. The boys did a fabulous job representing Mosman Prep and sharing the many ways they seek to serve others together in the spirit of our School motto Non Nobis Solum - Not For Ourselves Alone. Boys who attended: Cyrus Mayes (3H), Lachlan Gole (4C), Theo Sheridan (4F), Mitch Ward (5G), Will Simon (5G), Tristan Skulina (5G) and Salvador Apfel (5B).

Rev. Daryl Diener | Chaplain

Year 6 participated in Legacy Week. This is an organisation who support families that have lost a loved one in the military, providing them with a legatee (who is a counsellor for family members), and also providing financial support and helping the kids with problems that their parents usually help them with. 

During the time, boys came into school early and left late, to help this charity. The boys sold lots of badges, pens, keychains and, the most popular, bears. Students flocked into the small portable stalls to acquire one. 

We can report that a total of $2,454.00 was raised for Legacy.

Thank you to the boys and parents who donated. Your support will make a big impact. 

JD Nell and Alex Ludwigson

Our Year 6 selected representatives attended the annual service at The Cenotaph, Martin Place to commemorate battles to the immediate north of Australia in World War II.

The boys were most fortunate to be given the privilege of forming the Guard of Honour for Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW.

Our School Captain, Harry Cominakis, escorted Her Excellency, through the guard of honour to her position in the Ceremony.

Greg McDonald | Deputy Headmaster

On Tuesday 5 September several of our Year 5 and 6 voracious readers had the honour of attending the ‘Lunch with the Stars’ event at Dee Why RSL. The stars were Australian authors and illustrators, such as Libby Hathorne, Mike Barry and Elizabeth Cummings.

Students had the opportunity to meet 23 different ‘stars’ and acquired many autographs. Each group had an author at their table for lunch. Our groups had Katrina McKelvey and Ashling Kwok – both with very insightful advice to offer budding authors.

The key-note speakers, Mike Barry and Wai Chim, inspired us with anecdotes of how to dream, plan and produce stories to entertain others.

We had a wonderful day and feel even more inspired to write and tell stories!

Ms Colleen Elkins | Director Gifted & Talented Education
Mrs Lisa Maiden | Teacher Librarian / Snow sports coordinator

On Wednesday 6 September Early Entry and Year 5 went to Terrey Hills. Early Entry boys were so excited to spend time with their buddies! We all climbed into the bus and fastened our seatbelts, and we were off. The boys shared stories on the bus as others looked out the window and some of the boys even had a quick snooze before a busy day ahead.

On arrival the boy's had their refreshments together and then split into three groups, working in rotations. The first group were cooking with Ms Bainbridge along with two helpers. The boys made pizza scrolls with their own choice of toppings; pineapple, cheese, onion and ham. The boys got to use their pincer grip by rolling up the pizza scrolls and expanding their taste buds. The pizza scrolls were a big hit with all the boys. 

The second group were with Ms Dwyer doing PE. Ms Dwyer got the boys to do a warm up. The boys took part in jumping jacks, burpees and running back and forward. Once the boys were warmed up, they hopped over hurdles, ran through ladders and dribbled the soccer ball through cones. The boys truly enjoyed these activities as they used their gross motor skills and learned the importance of exercise. They also learned some rules of Irish Gaelic football and how to pass the ball. To finish off the group activity they played ‘Rob the Nest’.

Finally, the third group were with Ms Elvey where they made their own motorway using chalk to make the road, signs and zebra crossings and rode on go-karts. Once their safety helmets were on, they were off! They worked in groups of two, taking turns in pushing and driving. During this activity they learned about the importance of teamwork, road safety and their coordination.

The afternoon was enjoyed in the outdoor playground and oval, playing alongside the Year 5 boys. It was then time to get on the bus and head back to School. Overall, the boys had a wonderful day with endless learning at Terrey Hills. 

Jessica Elvey | Early Entry Teacher 
Clodagh Dwyer | Early Entry Teaching Assistant 

On Wednesday 6 September, Year 5 ventured to Terrey Hills for their first visit of a busy Term 3. Under glorious sunshine and blue skies, they participated in 3 very different and enjoyable activities.

Students worked with Mrs LaForest and the Bushlink team (Bushlink - The Spirit of Inclusion) to improve the resilience of the bush by identifying and removing weeds which were preventing growth of the native plants. They learnt about bush regeneration and how to promote native growth, enhancing natural areas and restoring natural habitats. They worked hard, seeing a huge difference in a small amount of time, and took pride in looking after the Outdoor Education Campus that they enjoy so much. Furthermore, they learnt lessons about inclusion and respect for people with disabilities.

In the classroom, Mr Brown extended the boys’ knowledge of electrical circuits by presenting a Science lesson on conductors and insulators. Students were firstly tasked with creating a series circuit that was incomplete at one point. They then tested various items to close the gap to see if the item would complete the loop and allow the current to flow. Many boys were able to correctly predict whether items being tested were either a conductor or an insulator. However, there was an interesting discovery that a pencil could be both a conductor and an insulator, depending upon whether wires were connected to the wooden or the graphite part of it.

On the field, Mr Gigner hosted some games that prepared First Nations and Torres Strait Islander children for adulthood by developing their speed, strength, stealth and agility. These included: Jumpinpin, a game based on the principles of spearfishing; Tarnambai, a running game replicating children chasing balls made of spinifex grass being blown along the beach; Gitja, a running and chasing game based on a story where someone had stolen Gitja’s food; and Buroinjin, a team game that is a combination of netball and NFL played to promote strategy and teamwork. The boys expended a lot of energy and had a lot of laughs whilst learning about the origins and meanings behind these Indigenous games.

Brian Gigner | Year 5 Teacher

Thank you for your support of After School Care (ASC). 

Recently, a few parents have been unable to secure a casual or late casual booking for their child for ASC as ASC has reached its capacity for that day. The best way to ensure a place for your child in ASC is to complete a permanent booking form. Booking forms and other information about ASC, including the ASC Handbook, are available via the link below.

https://www.mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au/community/after-school-care

ASC is regulated by National Education and Care Regulations. In NSW, educator to child ratios are set at one educator for every ten children (1:10) for Early Entry children and one educator for every fifteen children (1:15) for primary aged children.

Whilst we aim to staff beyond these ratios, there may be times when we cannot accept late casual bookings as we have met our ratios cap for that afternoon.

Thank you for your understanding. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Kindest regards,

Leonie Westenberg | Director ASC & Vacation Care

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

Tuesday 5 September saw a selected group of Year 5 & 6 students take on SGS St Ives in a AFL fixture down at Middle Head Oval for the afternoon. It was a very tight contest which went right down to the final seconds of the match where SGS St Ives came away with the win. The final score was 58-60 in SGS St Ives favour. The boys played really well and showed amazing effort all the way until the end of the match.

A big thank you to Mrs Elvey and Rev. Diener for coaching them. Training will continue next Tuesday 12 September in the afternoon at Middle Head Oval at 3:30pm - 4:30pm.

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

We are delighted to announce that we will be holding both basketball and cricket clinics during the October School Holidays!

Cricket will be held in conjunction with Cricket Appeal at Georges Heights and Basketball to be lead by Mr Giles (Basketball Coordinator) at Mosman Prep - School Hall. For more information, please see the link below. A flyer is included here: October School Holiday Basketball & Cricket Clinics

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.