Leadership @ MPS
Latest News
Most of you will be aware that we are in the midst of a School Review which looks at school performance over the last four years. We completed the first day of the review this week and look forward to completing the strategic plan that will direct the next four years of education at MPS. Our staff have done an incredible amount of work for this review - and we extend heartfult gratitude to every staff member for their extraordinary contributions to ensure that our school is a wonderful learning environment for every student.
After eleven years at MPS, I have decided to take some Long Service Leave! I will be away from Monday, 22nd May until the beginning of Term 4. I am still unsure as to how I will spend my time, however; I look forward to having some space at the beginning of my leave to plan some exciting adventures. I am also looking forward to spending some less frenetic time with my family - and I know they are looking forward to that, too! :)
Mr Ross Davis has been appointed by the Department of Education as Acting Principal in my absence. Ross is a Principal at a small country school in Regional Victoria and I have no doubt that he will enjoy his time here at MPS. Ross will be well supported as we have such a high level of capability and strength in our current leadership team as well as our team of teachers and ES staff.
It will be so very different for me, being away from Monty PS for a term and a half! I know that I will be super keen to return in Term 4 - totally refreshed!
Wanyara Incursion
Over two days this week- Tuesday and Wednesday - all of our students were treated to an interactive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural incursion delivered by Wanyara. Our students participated in three rotations over the two days. The programs were facilitated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the content was approved by the traditional owners of the land on which we stand.
In the 'Yarn' sessions, students were able to learn more about culture and share traditional artefacts.
In the 'Paint' sessions, students learnt about the importance of art in Aboriginal culture and the use of symbols. They then created their own art works and also contributed to a group artwork (which you can see below). It is titled 'Journey Through the Stars' and every Monty student added a 'U' symbol to represent their connection to each other and the incursion. The result were two stunning orginal paintings that will be proudly on display in our new building.
In the 'Dance' sessions, students learnt dance movements that represented different animals and then worked in groups to create their own dance performance.
In the 'Play, sessions, students learnt how play/sports were used to teach young Aboriginal children important skills and participated in some traditional games.
This was an important opportunity for our students to learn directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators and spend time in immersive, important learning spaces. It was wonderful to see how engaged our students were throughout the two days.
Building Update
After a successful slab pour last week, which saw over 30 concrete trucks coming in and out of the school grounds over 6 hours, the build site is really taking shape! If you haven't yet had a chace to see it, feel free to come into the school at drop off or pick up time and have a look.
We have been advised by our site manager that this coming Monday (8th of May) will be another very busy day with structural steel for the building being delivered. They will have their own traffic management team working again but we thought that a heads up to our school community would be relevant.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, 9th May - District Cross Country
Friday, 12th May - Mothers' Day breakfast
Wednesday, 17th May - 2024 Foundation Information Session at 7:00pm
Friday, 26th May - Curriculum Day (CAMP Australia available)
Monday, 29th May - Grades 34A & 34B Immigration Museum excursion
Tuesday, 30th May - Grades 34D & 34E Immigration Museum excursion
Wednesday, 31st May - Grades 34C Immigration Museum excursion
Friday, 2nd June - Family Movie Night (Movie TBC)
Thursday, 8th June - Grade 2 Melbourne Museum excursion
Monday, 12th June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday, 13th June - Professional Practice Day - Student Free Day (CAMP Australia available)
Wednesday, 14th June - Regional Cross Country
Wednesday, 14th June - Grade 3/4 Puberty Ed Parent Information Session in School Hall at 6:00pm
Friday, 23rd June - End of Term, early dismissal at 2:30pm
Sibling 2024 Enrolments
Please contact the office if you are planning to submit an enrolment for 2024!
Year 6 to 7 Secondary School Application Form
Please ensure that these are returned to the office no later than Friday, 12th May. Any questions, please contact Bianca in the office.
Have a great weekend.
The Leadership Team.