Last week we celebrated Harmony Week, a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a core set of Australian values.  

At MHPS our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. In class our students focussed on learning experiences which support the Harmony Week theme Everyone Belongs and celebrated our diversity.

Today our students and staff wore either cultural clothing, clothing that was significant to them, or the colour orange.  Traditionally orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. 

Enjoy the photos!

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at our last assembly.

Last Thursday the Quadrangle was filled with the most amazing Lego builds for our annual Brixhibition competition. Entrants ranged from Kindergarten through to Year 6 and all participants are to be congratulated on their skill and creativity! Students voted for their favourite builds in each age group and winners will be announced tomorrow.

A big thank you to the students, staff and family members who helped transport builds to and from school.  Thank you also to those who supported classes on voting day and assisted with setting up and packing up. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated in making this incredible event run so smoothly.

Aimee Pridmore - Quality Teaching Coach

The Buzz will be starting a new group of beginners in Term 2.

What is The Buzz?

• The Buzz is a beginner brass band facilitated by volunteer members of the City Of Launceston RSL Band.
• Instruments on offer are cornet, trombone, trombone mini and euphonium. All learner instruments are made of plastic and are ideal for children.
• The Buzz lessons are weekly on a Thursday afternoon from 3:10 pm - 4:00 pm. Lessons take place in the school PAC. Students will need to be collected from the PAC at 4:00 pm.
• There is no charge for lessons, instrument hire or book hire. We do expect that all students will take care of borrowed instruments and books and be responsible for bringing them to school on Thursdays.

Learning any musical instrument is a challenge and requires patience, persistence, a positive attitude and plenty of practice.  Learning a brass instrument has the added challenge of producing a sound (a buzz).  Students who join The Buzz need to be prepared to practise at home in order to make progress on their instrument.

If your child is interested in joining The Buzz they can see Mrs Partridge for more information. You can also email Mrs Partridge at cherie.partridge@decyp.tas.gov.au if you have any queries.

Launching into Learning groups have started!

We would love to re-connect with our families and welcome new ones with children from birth to 4 years.

Why come to Launching into Learning?

• Play and learn alongside your child
• Meet other families
• Get to know the school staff
• Get ready for school

Programs include Kindy Gym, Pre-kinder, Playgroup (0-4) and Baby Playgroup. See the information attached for times and details.

Please talk to a member of the LiL team or the school office if you would like some more information about our programs.

Lisa Probert, Danielle Evans and Kelsey Campbell

The Qkr! Team have advised that the Android phone issue has now been resolved and parents/users can now download the App from the Google Play Store.

Invoices have been sent home to families who have not been approved for STAS.  This composite levy covers almost everything, including learning materials, resources, equipment, excursions and performances.  It does not cover specialised activities such as the Leavers’ Dinner, cost of school photo or any other optional activity.

Families are able to choose between a single payment of the levy or they may take advantage of a range of payment options. You are most welcome to discuss your needs with Ms Tina Todman our School Business Manager (6326 1892).

The Student Assistance Scheme provides assistance for low income families towards the cost of levies. STAS is provided to the school rather than paid directly to families. STAS 2024 application forms are available for new enrolments, or for families who have not applied for, or been in receipt of STAS in 2023. Please note, being the holder of a Centrelink Health Care Card does not automatically mean that a family will be approved for STAS. Families who were approved and received STAS in 2023 have been sent correspondence regarding STAS 2024 directly from the Department for Education, Children and Young People. STAS application forms can be downloaded from the Department's website at www.decyp.tas.gov.au or collected from our school office.