Week 6, Term 2 | 29 May 2026

“We are sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren Buffett

It’s worth considering how we have benefited at Mosman Prep from the generosity of generations before us, through the successful ethos of the School and its warm family atmosphere, but also through the provision of the most effective facilities and equipment.

For a large part of the School’s 122 year history, teaching and learning took place in buildings leased from St Clement’s Church. In part due to the generosity of past parents, over time adjacent properties were purchased and learning spaces constructed. Today we are blessed with ‘state of the art’ facilities such as the Central Learning Space and Terrey Hills Outdoor Learning Centre.

Philanthropy in primary schools is about more than fundraising – it’s about building a strong culture of generosity, connection, and shared responsibility for the wellbeing and education of children in their most critical years of brain development.

When families and community members contribute to schools, they help create opportunities that may not otherwise be possible. Philanthropic support can enhance learning environments and provide additional resources, but, importantly, it can also teach children valuable life lessons and draw families together, creating a close knit and purposeful unit. It is a ‘win/win’ situation! It is our School! Its benefit for our children is enormous.

Students learn that communities are strongest when people work together, contribute where they can, and support one another. This helps nurture empathy, gratitude, leadership, and social responsibility from a young age, giving our boys a deeper appreciation of our School Motto, ‘Not for Ourselves Alone’.

Every donation is an investment in our children, our teachers, and our School community. It is a positive endorsement of our learning environment. Together we can continue creating a place where every child feels supported, inspired, and excited to learn.

Through Mosman Prep’s Online Auction closing on Saturday night (see below), we have a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude for what those before us have enabled, by considering how we might enrich the lives of todays and our future generations of young learners.

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” - Kathy Calvin

Peter Grimes | Headmaster

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Mosman Prep Online Auction - place a few bids, have some fun, and help support our wonderful school.

Prep Online Auction Link – LIVE until Saturday 30 May @ 8:50pm

Each and every one of you is invited to explore the online collection displayed and play a vital role in building an enduring legacy of opportunity for our boys. Every bid placed is a direct investment in their future.

Our auction items cater to all interests — featuring luxury holidays, exclusive sports experiences, health and fitness, premium wine and dining, fashion and professional photography. We are especially proud to showcase our incredible Class Artworks, each lovingly created by the boys themselves.

Prep Online Auction Link – LIVE until Saturday 30 May @ 8:50pm

Follow the link above to explore this exceptional selection of generously donated items from our Prep families and the broader business community.

Already joining us for the Autumn Ball? You'll see that a few exclusive "showstopper" items are reserved for the Live Auction on the night — we can’t wait to see many of you there!

Thank you all for your ongoing support and commitment to our boys and our wonderful Prep Community. Happy bidding! 

Peter Grimes | Headmaster
Mosman Prep Autumn Ball Committee

Following our session earlier this year, we are pleased to invite you to the next installment of our wellbeing series: "Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part II)" on Wednesday 10 June.

As part of Mosman Prep’s ongoing partnership with SchoolTV, this webinar continues our commitment to strengthening mental health literacy and prioritising student wellbeing within our School community.

In Part II, international experts Dr Emma Woodward and Dr Joe Stammeijer will return to build upon the foundations discussed in our first session. They will provide deeper insights and further practical, evidence-based approaches to help parents navigate these important topics.

Session Highlights:

Staying Calm and Connected
Building Daily Routines
Meeting the Needs of Neurodivergent Learners

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: FREE
Register: Scan the QR code below. Please see the attached flyer for details.

We hope you can join the webinar for what promises to be an insightful and engaging session.

Merel Dekkers | School Psychologist
Skye Adams | School Counsellor
On behalf of the Pastoral Care Team

Two weeks ago, a selected team of 8 boys each from Years 5 and 6 from our Gifted and Talented program were selected to participate in the da Vinci Decathlon. This is an event where 157 teams of 8 boys and girls from across the state gathered at Knox Grammar School to compete in 10 disciplines. In total, 1256 intelligent boys and girls, packed tightly into a hall. The atmosphere was intense, and very chaotic but, that’s what you would expect; 1256 children shouting and screaming at one another.

With the theme this year being: ‘Machines and Mechanics’ we prepared for the event through activities like working with the 6 simple machines in Challenge in Term 1. We had to create a complex machine to perform a task and cover 1.5m of distance, by making 3 simple machines and combining them. We drew up prototypes, justified our choices, tried out our plans, revised our ideas and adapted our machines – several times!

In the decathlon, there were various disciplines including: Art and Poetry, Engineering, Code breaking, Creative Producers, English, Science, Mathematics, Cartography, Ideation and Legacy.

Our brains worked hard, and by the end of the competition, we were absolutely exhausted. Without a single shred of doubt, all 157 schools participating in the decathlon found all ten subjects extremely difficult.

Fortunately, eight people from the Year 5 Mosman Prep School team left the da Vinci Decathlon with the certificate for first prize in Engineering, an amazing accomplishment (against 72 other Year 5 teams!) We also tied first place in Codebreaking and left with huge smiles lighting up our faces! We were ecstatic as if we had gained all the bragging rights in the world.

Hugo Donnan and Leon Baker

On Monday 25 May 2026, a group of eight boys from Year 5B went to the Lookout Preschool located next to the Georges Heights lookout point. The eight boys sat down with young preschoolers and they read picture books from the library of Mosman Prep. We smiled as the joyful faces of the preschoolers lit up with enthusiasm! They loved the books and the boys, meeting them and sharing interests.

After reading and exploring the classroom we went to the senior preschoolers. Even though the classroom was smaller, the boys and girls enjoyed the stories. The books varied from animals to trains to dinosaurs, with even funny reminders to not go to the toilet on a teacher’s head! Sadly, we had to leave, much to the disliking of the preschoolers and Mosman Prep boys. Final goodbyes had to be quick to make the bus to school and to be back for recess, but the boys hope to return and continue the reading and laughter that they brought us.

Tom Robertson - 5B

Mosman Prep is offering another fun and exciting Vacation Care program during the June/July school holidays, for children aged 4 to 12. You will find all the details you need below and in the documents attached.

Program Details:

Date: Monday 29 June - Friday 3 July 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Age: 4-12 years old

Who can attend: Current Mosman Prep and Queenwood students (Early Entry and Primary) and children from other schools (boys and girls) within the age range.

Activities:

• Workshops: Each workshop morning features engaging workshops. 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: Please use BookMe through Hubworks to book for Vacation Care: mosmanprepasc.hubworks.com.au
• Enrolment: If your child is not already enrolled in ASC through HubWorks, complete the form through the link above.

Cancellation Policy: 

• All bookings are final due to workshop planning.
• Please contact Leonie Westenberg lwestenberg@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au for further information regarding cancellations.

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

Thank you for your support.

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

Chatswood Coach bookings via the School website and can be made via the School Transport | Private Coaches | Mosman Preparatory School

As we look forward to the start of Term 2, we would like to remind you to secure your bookings for After School Care (ASC).

ASC provides a fun, caring, and inclusive environment where children can unwind and engage in a variety of activities, including:

• Active Play: Sports and sandpit fun.
• Creativity: Arts, crafts, and games.
• Relaxation: Reading and spontaneous free play.

The Essentials:

• Hours: Weekdays from 2:45 – 6:00pm.
• Catering: A nutritious afternoon tea is provided daily.
• Details: For more in-depth information, please refer to our ASC Handbook available on the School website.

How to Book:

• All children must be enrolled through Hubworks before a booking can be made: mosmanprepasc.hubworks.com.au
• You DO NOT need to re-enrol your child, if your child is already enrolled through Hubworks.
• Families must add payment credentials to the enrolment form and payment is made at the time of booking.
• Advance Bookings: You can now book sessions up to 24 hours in advance.
• Short-Notice Bookings: For casual bookings with less than 24 hours' notice, please contact the School directly at 9968 4044 or school@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to seeing your children for another exciting term!

Leonie Westenberg | Director ASC and Risk & Compliance Manager
The ASC Team

As part of our commitment to student safety and wellbeing, Mosman Prep adheres to the Child Safe Standards set by the Office of the Children's Guardian. To comply with these standards, all parent volunteers wishing to assist with the Canteen, Terrey Hills, or Excursions must complete the attached Volunteer Information Form.

The form requests the following details:

• Working With Children Check (WWC) number: For verification purposes only.
• Date of Birth (DOB): Required for WWC verification.

Please note:

The form includes references to relevant Mosman Prep policies, accessible on our website.

How to submit the form:

• Email address to send the completed form to volunteer@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your time and cooperation in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all our students.

Julie Shortland | EA to the Headmaster

The Senior Primary Athletics Carnival was held with Queenwood last Friday, at the Sydney Olympic Athletics Centre, Homebush. The theme of the day, as always, was sportsmanship, which I am happy to say was abundant throughout the carnival. Congratulations to all participants from Years 3 to 6 for striving to achieve their best.

The carnival is unique to us all as we were able to share the day and even join with Queenwood in some events like the tug of war and relay races. We were also able to watch and admire the athletic talent of the girls throughout the day.

On behalf of all the boys, our sincere thanks to all staff present at the carnival for their professionalism and hard work to make it all possible for us. Thank you also to the parents for showing support for all the boys.

We had one new school record set on the day. The record for this event was long standing, set over twenty years ago! In the 10 Years High Jump, Max Cameron set a new record of 1.33m, surpassing the previous record of 1.31m, set by J. Arnold in 2002. Max now holds the school record in both the 9 Years and 10 Years high jump!

Age Champions: 

9 Years Champion: Lex Palmer
9 Years Runners Up: Hunter Letchford

10 Years Champion: Max Cameron
10 Years Runners Up: To be confirmed*

11 Years Champion: Lincoln Duffy
11 Years Runners Up: Sebastian Deane

12 Years Champion: Luke Yates
12 Years Runners Up: Edward Wicks

*To be confirmed after completion of the Junior Shot Put competition.

Congratulations to Luke Yates who won the 2026 Headmaster’s Cup (1500m) with Lex Palmer from Year 3 in 2nd place and Edward Wicks in 3rd place.

Congratulations to Bradley (304 points) for winning the Gilder Trophy for Senior Primary Athletics House Champions. In second place were Macdougall (276 pts), followed by Yarnold in third place (234 pts).

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport 

Congratulations to all of the boys from Kindergarten to Year 6 who tackled the Awaba hill last Sunday as part of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation Balmoral Burn.

The race is run up Awaba Street, Mosman, one of Sydney’s steepest streets. The course stretches for 420 metres from Balmoral Beach up to Moruben Road in Mosman. All money raised from the Balmoral Burn goes to helping frontline workers and sick kids in hospitals across Australia.

Special mention goes to Sebastian Deane and Lex Palmer for their top-10 finishes in the Year 3-6 race! Thank you to all the parents for supporting such a great cause.

Steve Riddett | Director of Sport

We are excited to be entering our school teams in the 2km ‘Primary Inter-Schools Challenge’ event at the Mini-Mos Marathon on Sunday 14 June.

REGISTRATION (link HERE -2km race) - Parents need to register their son/s and all Mosman Prep boys are welcome to enter. For the Interschools Challenge, register your son as an individual and make sure to select Mosman Prep as their child's school and Primary age category.

We are excited that the Junior Primary Athletics Carnival will be held at Mosman Prep’s Outdoor Learning Centre in Terrey Hills on Tuesday 2 June. Students from Early Entry, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 will participate at this event for the day.

For further information please see the link here.

Edward Johnston | PDHPE Teacher | Cricket Coordinator | Rugby Coordinator

This term Mosman Prep will be sending a team to play in the NSTA Primary Schools Competition on the evening of Saturday 20 June. This is only a commitment to the Term 2 Challenge. Mr Johnston will be seeking teams each term.

If your son is interested then reply to Mr Edward Johnston via email (ejohnston@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au). Mr Johnston will also be reaching out to boys during school time to seek interest in playing in this Term 2 competition.

You are then required to go online and register and pay for the competition. All further information is notified directly to you from Northern Districts Tennis.

For more information please contact Mr Edward Johnston (ejohnston@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au).

Edward Johnston | PDHPE Teacher | Cricket Coordinator | Rugby Coordinator

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

At Mosman Prep, we live by our motto Non Nobis Solum – Not for Ourselves Alone. In that spirit, our Meals with Love initiative provides home-cooked evening meals for Mosman Prep families in times of need.Thanks to the generosity of many of our families, parents and staff in our School community have been blessed by this service. To keep this wonderful provision available, we are looking for more volunteers to join our cooking roster!

How it works:

• The Service: We provide anonymous, home-cooked meals to families in need for as long as required.
• The Logistics: Volunteers cook a meal and drop it at the School Office; the school then coordinates a private collection.
• Your Commitment: Occasional! You only cook when you are available.

Get Involved:

• To Volunteer: Please contact our Coordinator, Georgina Ridhalgh, at gridhalgh@hlbnsw.com.au.
• To Request Meals: If your family could use some support, please reach out to Julie Shortland at ea@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au.

A huge thank you to Georgina, our Meals with Love Coordinator, and to all the parents and teachers who have already filled kitchens with kindness this year.

Peter Grimes | Headmaster

The Canteen has released its New Term 2 Menu - see the button below.

Most lunches and treats are lovingly made in‑house using high‑quality ingredients to nourish and sustain your boys throughout their school day.

We are also seeking your help - the Canteen needs volunteers each day for a one‑hour shift (10.20–11.20am). No previous experience is needed - just a willingness to jump in and support our School community.

Please see the sign‑up link Here 

NOTE: As a matter of compliance, school volunteers must complete the Volunteer Form below, and have a current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC). Send completed forms to volunteer@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au

Your time makes a real difference and helps our wonderful Canteen team continue to feed our hungry boys nutritious and delicious meals each day.

Thank you for your support!

P&F Committee and Canteen