The School MMG Survey, sent to parents via email two weeks ago, closes on Sunday 11 December. We would appreciate you completing the survey if you haven’t already done so - thank you.
Strategic Direction: Towards 2028
The 'Strategic Direction: Towards 2028' documents have previously been provided to you by email, in the Messenger, and found on our website. Last night, at our Speech and Prize-giving ceremony, I delivered a 'brief tour' of our direction. I commend the documents to you for a closer look, as you find time.
It is a rare feature for a staff to be fully immersed in strategic planning. Sadly, often it is a top down process, perhaps done for the purposes of fundraising or to ‘tick a box’, not seen by staff and not actioned.
In respect to our Strategic Plan, all the staff and the School Council have been engaged, and our parents and Old Boys all invited to provide feedback. Thank you to all who have contributed.
The recorded plan is a living document, with a comprehensive spreadsheet of priorities, goals, initiatives, timeframes, and success measures sitting behind it. It is exciting that many of the initiatives mentioned have commenced over the past years, thanks to the dedication of our staff team and School Council.
One such initiative has been the planning for two property developments involving the Basketball Court Area and a Creative Arts Music Facilities. Both projects support our strategic initiative: ‘Enhancing learning spaces and facilities so that they support our Learning Model’.
Below you will see Basketball Court development plans which include:
leveling and resurfacing of the court and surrounds
tiered seating
provision of a covered walkway
refreshing the Hall exterior
Further detail about the Basketball Court Development and Creative Arts Music Facilities will be shared during 2023.
Merry Christmas
I would like to thank all our parents, and their extended family members, for your support of our staff and the Prep Community in 2022. Your positive engagement in partnership has been incredibly empowering.
May the Christmas period and holiday break prove to be a very special time for your family.
We look forward to seeing you in 2023, for what promises to be a very exciting year for Mosman Prep.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1-2
Manly Golf Club, freshly rinsed by a brief but torrential summer downpour looked resplendent in Prep toned hydrangeas and menus featuring a delighted graduating class. The boys, shoes shined, blazers buttoned and hair neatly done, a buzz of nervous excitement, laughed at images of themselves, growing so quickly from young to ‘old’ on the big screen. Family memories were snapped in front of balloon decorations, all the while the anticipation building.
And the Valedictory Dinner of 2022 did not disappoint. The boys regaled the audience of past and present staff, parents and their peers, with stories, songs and poems. There was laughter and there were tears, nods of approvals and moments of surprise. A night filled with fine young men sharing their memories and reflections and even some secrets in so many different ways. The underlining theme of friendship, support and opportunity rang through as the boys spoke like the seasoned professionals they are.
The final race called, some inspiring words shared from Mr Grimes, and the boys could finally sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular visual journey of each of their times at Prep. Evenings of this calibre do not happen by accident, but as the result of enormous thought and effort from those involved. To the Year 6 parents and organising committee, the Prep staff and more importantly the Boys of 2022, congratulations. It was truly a night to share. Non Nobis Solum.
From the Chaplain
Christmas Cheer
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12)
Still charging up for some Christmas Cheer? Load up on these quick tips from the Chaplain's little workshop:
Play Christmas Carols as you setup your Christmas tree as a family
Give your kids a space they can decorate
Write or draw your Christmas wish list and then turn it into a game of charades
Get excited about spending the day with loved ones
Research the fasting present opening techniques
Video in slo-mo your kids opening their gifts
Practise your Christmas Cracker one liners in front of the mirror every morning
May our corridors, lounge rooms, kitchens and backyards be filled with joy this Christmas season, for as the angel said at that very first Christmas, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Stay safe, laugh lots, enjoy time with family and cheer loudly the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord.
God Bless,
Rev. Daryl Diener | School Chaplain
St Clement’s Carols
The fun and joy is not over! Come along to the wonderful Carols that St Clement’s are hosting over Christmas. Bring a picnic rug and join in the festivities at the Balmoral Carols by Candlelight or bring your family to the Christmas Eve and Day Services. All are welcome!
From the School Counsellor
Just a few things to wrap up 2022!
Remember… love is spelt T.I.M.E. No need for excessive gifts and lavish holidays, simply doing fun activities and spending quality time together is what’s important to your child. It may not be something they put on their Christmas wish list, but trust me it's what they want.
Teach your child the joy that comes from giving Try to teach your child about giving to others. It's not all about receiving; acts of kindness and giving can increase our own wellbeing and happiness. Try to get involved in a charity or volunteer in some way in your community.
Keep your children safe online Even though it's a holiday, keep in place your family Tech Agreement and firm screen time boundaries. I understand this is hard, especially if parents have to keep on working. But try to stick to the boundaries as much as possible, or be prepared for behavioural challenges when you need to go back to limits again. Keep your parental controls on and screen free zones in your house.
The esaftey commissioner website has all you need to know:
And as always, be kind to yourself, however you can. Sleep in, eat well, keep exercising. Enjoy time with loved ones. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
National Championship for VEX Robotics - Justin Guo and team
Well done to Justin Guo (Year 3) and his team, recently entering into the 2022-23 VEX Robotics Australian National Championship held in Sydney.
Justin's team 858A achieved Teamwork Challenge Champion in the National Championship for the VEX Robotics IQ Challenge elementary school division.
VEX Robotics Competition is organised by The REC (Robotics Education & Competition). Every year more than 1 million students, from over 24,000 teams across more than 60 countries, participate.
The REC Foundation’s mission in organising VEX competitions is to increase student interest and involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, affordable, and sustainable robotics engineering programs.
VEX Robotics Australian National Championship is the highest level of VEX robotics competition in the country. All the participating teams have to work hard to gain a spot from previous qualifying tournaments during this competing season. This year, the VEX National Championship is the largest in the last three years with over 100 teams and 1200+ people participating from all different states and territories.
Given the outstanding result of Justin’s team, they have been qualified for the VEX International Championships (VEX Worlds), the world’s largest robotics competition. VEX Worlds set the Guinness World Record three times in 2016 and 2018 for the largest robotic competition ever organised as well as the largest online robotic competition in 2021. Their team will represent Australia internationally at VEX Worlds, 25 Apr - 4 May 2023 in Dallas, USA.
Early Entry - Christmas Teacher Feature
12 Questions for Christmas!
Qu 1: What do you do on the Weekends? Hendrick
Well Hendrick, on a Friday afternoon, if the weather is good, I go for a surf! Then on a Saturday morning I go to watch the Mosman Prep sport....then I head home and...go for another surf! Usually on a Saturday afternoon I have work to do for Mosman Prep, so I get that done and then Saturday evening I might watch a movie at home or go out with some friends or my family. I start Sundays with a coffee and the crossword at the beach with my wife. Then I...go for a surf! After that it's time for church.
(Hendrick) How many times a weekend do you surf, Mr Grimes? It sounds a lot....
If I'm lucky Hendrick, it's at least three times on a good weekend!
Qu 2: What Mr. Men character would you be Mr Grimes? Harley
Oooo well Harley, I'll let you into a little secret. Mr Grime LOVES a safe practical joke! As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, I do really love a good practical joke. So I think....I'd need to be Mr. Mischief Harley although....
I think I would also be the last of the Mr Men characters written... Do you know who that is Harley?
(Harley) Yes Mr Grimes, it's Mr Adventure!
That's right Harley! I love Mr Adventure because I also love surfing, rock climbing, abseiling, skiing, bush walking - all sort of adventurous things!
Qu 3: Do you like riding roller-coasters Mr Grimes? Albert
I LOVE riding rollercoasters! The anticipation when you're at the top about to zoom down and your tummy goes up into your mouth....and you drop back down again! I once went to Disney World in Orlando - and I loved it!
Qu 4: What is your favourite food? Archie
Can I choose main course and dessert?!
I LOVE prawns, especially tempura prawns! And then for dessert.....I love chocolate mousse with ice-cream! Yum!
Qu 5: What do you and your family do on Christmas Eve? Mads
On Christmas Eve we get together with some friends and have a special dinner and then go out to church.
Qu 6: What do you do on Christmas morning? Isaiah
Well Isaiah, I can't sleep in on Christmas Day, it's too exciting!
First thing in the morning, I wake up, have croissants for breakfast, we open presents and then we go to church, to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Qu 7: Do you know anything about the Power Rangers? Riccardo
I believe there are 5 of them....and they come together to save the world. I also think there are 3 proper movies that have been made about them.....
(Lots of Power Rangers moves, sounds and general commentary from around the circle....)
Qu 8: What is your favourite animal Mr Grimes? Dilin
Great question Dilin! I need to pick three. A land animal, a water animal and an air animal.
(We think Mr Grimes has been asked this question before... - but please continue....)
Ok, my favourite land animal is a dog and a horse (that's two animals Mr Grimes counts Mrs Barton). My favourite water animal is a dolphin, and my favourite air animal is a sea eagle.
(Mrs. Barton has some follow up questions here....). Can you tell us more about the dog AND the horse please Mr Grimes....what is your favourite dog?
Tricky, tricky question. I LOVE dogs. I have had dogs all my life. I have a border collie called Jasper who can play the guitar.
Universal...WHAT?!!!!
Yes that's right. Jasper fetches his dinner bowl and crashes it on the floor to no response. I say to Jasper, if you can play the guitar, you can have your dinner. Jasper walks over to my son Sam's guitar and starts pinging the guitar strings....and I fill his dinner bowl!
(Mrs Barton) Clever Jasper - he's ringing the bell for dinner!
As for horses. I love them too. However, the first time I rode a horse, I was knocked off after a tree branch hit me and I fell to the ground! The second time, the horse walked into the middle of a puddle, with me on top and I fell off again! But you have to get straight back on again!
Qu 9: Are you good at skiing? Lex
Do you know what, I have skiied since I was about 5 years old and I love skiing!
At university I studied hard and worked hard to save lots of money to go skiing in Canada for 8 weeks. I also did a skiing course there to become an instructor and I learnt to ski really well.
(Mrs Barton) And Mr Grimes went to the snow with the school trip this winter too and saw some of the boys there - so that could be all of you next year!
Qu 10: Where do you like to go on holiday? David
Well David, I have a house at Foster which is three hours north of Sydney. I love going there with my family friends and going fishing and surfing. That's my favourite place to go on holiday.
Qu 11: Which sports did you play at school Mr Grimes? Sebastian
Well you know my favourite sport is Surfing don't you!
At school I played Rugby Union (real rugby - chants the British copywriter)
I also played cricket. Do you like cricket Sebastian?
(A little shy, Mrs Barton confirms: Seb plays cricket with the older boys and often bowls them out Mr Grimes!)
Qu 12: Do you think robots will control the future? Jenson
Amazing question Jenson! Well, humans are very different to robots. We have a heart and we can feel emotions. We can feel love and compassion for other people. Robots cannot feel those things. That is one of the things that makes humans very special and unique.
As humans, we were created to be responsible for the whole world, which would include robots. And so because of these two big things, I don't think robots will rule the world!
Bonus Question #1: What would you like for Christmas Mr Grimes? Harley
Ooo - I haven't even thought about that yet. I have three boys and my wife to think about first and what they would like. All I would love for Christmas is a beautiful, happy time with my family and friends at Christmas time!
Bonus Question #2: Do you have a chimney Mr Grimes? Mrs Barton
Ha! I live in a three-storey house so I do not have a chimney.
(Harley) But how does Santa get in? Does he have a special key?
No chimney and no key Harley. However, my Christmas tree is in my living room on the top floor and thankfully, there is a really easy way to climb over the balcony so Santa can make it all the way in!
(A resounding "phew" goes round the circle)
(Mrs Barton) Don't worry boys, Santa will land his sleigh on the roof and jump over the balcony! Ho Ho Ho!
Sunrise Year 6
Charmaine Dalgleish and the Year 6 parents presented the 'Sunrise Year 6' photo to the School, as a memory of a wonderful year!
Old Boys Visit to Mosman Prep
A big thank you to Max Collier, Hugh Taylor and Charlie Lieutenant for visiting Mosman Prep last week and having such a great chat with the current Year 6 boys about the transition from primary to secondary School.
Junior Primary Prize Giving and Christmas Concert - 'It's a Small World'
Year 6 Farewell Tunnel
Our Year 5 boys farewelled our Year 6 boys with a traditional Mosman Prep Tunnel.
Senior Primary Speech Night
Items for Attention
Teacher & Staff Thank You Luncheon
What a lovely P&F Thank You luncheon shared with our parents on Thursday 1 December. We are very grateful to our wonderful Mosman Prep families.
Special thanks to our wonderful P&F helpers:
Caroyln Dickason and her mother Colleen Byron, Siobhan Rothwell, Prue Crookes, Lisa Ward, Rhiannon Chisholm, Katie Simmonds, Alex Shaw, Bryony Hair, Olivia Collier, Lucy Hennessy, Jess Taylor and the other amazing Year 5 mum for helping with the washing up! Jill Jagger, Jane Hart and Jacqui Foord for baking the brownies.
2023 Term Dates
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
Parent Volunteers and Working With Children Checks (WWCCs)
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.
Mosman Library Service will be holding its annual Summer Holiday Reading program for children commencing on Thursday 1 December 2022 and running until the end of January. This program is designed to encourage children to continue reading through the Summer Holidays by awarding certificates and a grand prize as incentives.
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:
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.
Mosman Prep Vacation Care Program: December/January School Holidays
Mosman Prep’s Vacation Care program will be held during the December and January school holidays: December 12-16 and January 23-25. 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.
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/
You can use your $500 Service NSW BASC Vouchers at Mosman Prep Vacation Care. You can redeem your voucher by either scanning your voucher from your phone with one of our ASC staff when signing children in/out of sessions, or emailing the voucher or single use code beneath the QR code on your voucher to lwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au
Cancellation policy: All bookings are final as workshops are booked according to numbers. For any COVID related cancellations please contactlwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au
Workshops generally run each morning unless stated otherwise, and afternoons are reserved for organised sport, planned games and free play. Workshops may change due to COVID restrictions and another workshop may replace the planned workshop. Excursions are full day programs.
DECEMBER PROGRAM
Monday 12 December - Excursion $130/ AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM AND SHARKS EXHIBITION Submerge yourself in the world of Sharks! In this immersive blockbuster exhibition created by Australian Museum experts, visitors will go back in time to meet sharks’ ancient ancestors, come face-to-face with an 8m-long Whale Shark, and uncover their extraordinary adaptations with interactive displays, touchable specimens and objects. We will also visit the general exhibitions of the museum, including dinosaurs and other displays.
Tuesday 13 December - Workshop $85 / REVERSE GARBAGE SCIENCE: ALL THINGS SPACE! What happens to space waste? Working in teams, students use industrial off-casts and e-waste materials to construct a space station, satellites, a lunar model or rockets. Students are challenged to consider the requirements for life in space as well as the opportunities offered by zero gravity as they design and construct their space module without the use of tape or glue.
Wednesday 14 December - Workshop $85 / IMAGINE AND CREATE ART WORKSHOP With Mosman Prep’s Art Specialist, Ms Crowther, we will think, imagine and create an amazing art piece to share. Where will your imagination take you?
Thursday 15 December - Workshop $85 / CRAZY SPORTS These are not your traditional sports! Join us for small group and team sports and games. Let’s play some Old Skool Games and a crazy mix of hybrid sports together.
Friday 16 December -Excursion $130 / ARCHIE BROS So much fun to be had at Archie Bros in Alexandria - including dodgem cars, arcade games, indoor trampolines and more! In the late afternoon we will kick back at School with a G-rated movie to enjoy together.
JANUARY PROGRAM
Monday 23 January - Excursion $130 / FISHING ADVENTURE Get out in the fresh air and into the sunshine and use hand-reels with bait to catch fish. We will also explore beach animal habitats, learning to build a habitat, and catch anything creepy crawly while understanding diversity in environments.
Tuesday 24 January - Excursion $130 / MONSTER SKATE PARK! Skateboarders and scooter riders can test their skills on the indoor street course or the outdoor area and mini ramps. This workshop is for beginners and advanced alike and for all ages - whether you are new to the sports or want to test your limits, this will be a fun day out. All equipment and safety gear provided.
Wednesday 25 January - Excursion $130 / HOLEY MOLEY Join us for games of mini golf and ten pin bowling. Forget the usual windmills and castles, at Holey Moley you will experience barrels of fun with your ten pin bowling lane and the craziest mini golf courses you have ever seen. Suitable and adaptable for all ages.
Due to the severity of some children's allergies we are nut and egg free. If your child has allergy or dietary restrictions, please make an appointment to 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.
Scholarships for 2024 open!
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:
Aspiring musicians with a strong musical aptitude.
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.
School Text and Resource Lists for 2023
Mosman Church of England Preparatory School Text and Resource lists for 2023 are now online for ordering.
The link below will take parents directly into the "Campion" website for Mosman Church of England Preparatory School ordering.
We again look forward to providing holiday sport clinics next year for both summer and winter seasons. Unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, there will be no January Sport Clinic prior to the boys returning to school in Term 1.
Term 1, 2023 Sports Information
Links to Important Term 1, 2023 Sports Information have been sent to parents and placed on the School Website. These include:
Please make sure you take the time to read all the relevant information to ensure a smooth beginning to the 2023 School year.
MCEPS Information Line Number: 9990 9196
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.
Parents & Friends
2023 P&F Events
Term Dates
Upcoming Events
For the schedule of school events, please refer to the online calendar, which can be found HERE. Government decisions due to COVID restrictions may require us to alter our scheduled events at short notice. The calendar will be updated accordingly.
Uniform Shop
Secondhand Uniform Shop
The Secondhand Uniform Shop is open, with our amended opening times, Tuesdays 7:45-8:15am.
