The Moorabbin Primary School Community touch the land and think of the Bunurong People and surrounding Clans of the Kulin Nation who cared for the land before us.

We share our gratitude to their Elders past, present and emerging.

As we touch this land, we promise to treasure it, taking care of all its people,

animals, plants and waterways.

We at Moorabbin Primary School appreciate this land.

Dear Families and Carers of Moorabbin Primary School,

On Tuesday, our school students came together to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Students took part in a reflective ceremony, learning about the importance of remembrance and the values of courage and peace. At 11.00am the whole school stood silent for a minute of silence, observed respectfully by all students and staff. It was a moving opportunity for our students to show gratitude and respect for those who gave so much.

HIGHETT RSL DONATION

This week, we were delighted to welcome a representative from the Highett RSL to our school, who kindly presented a generous donation of $1,000 to support our school community. Our student leaders proudly accepted the donation on behalf of all students and staff. The RSL representative shared how pleased and grateful he was to contribute to our school, recognising the strong community spirit and respect our students show each year during commemorative events. We extend our sincere thanks to the Highett RSL for their ongoing support and generosity.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP SPEECHES

This week, our students proudly presented their leadership speeches to their peers as part of the selection process for our 2026 student leadership roles. It was inspiring to see so many students speak with confidence, passion, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in our school community. Each candidate demonstrated great courage in sharing their ideas and vision for the year ahead.

Following the speeches, students participated in a voting process that encouraged respectful listening, reflection, and thoughtful decision-making. We are so proud of all our students for the maturity and encouragement they showed toward one another. Regardless of the final outcome, every participant demonstrated the true qualities of leadership — responsibility, teamwork, and respect.

NEW SCHOOL CANTEEN

Our new school canteen has been a huge hit with students and parents alike! Since opening, it’s been wonderfully busy each Wednesday and Thursday, with plenty of happy faces enjoying the fresh and tasty menu options. It’s been fantastic to see our school community supporting the canteen and appreciating the variety on offer. A big thank you to everyone involved from fun Fresh foods in particular Tracey and her team in getting the new canteen up and running — it’s already proving to be a great addition to our school with the ice-cream cups proving to be extremely popular, as you can see in the pictures below that line for these sweet treats was HUGE!!!!

STUDENT VOICE ON OUR HOUSE SYSTEM

Recently, our students were given the opportunity to share their thoughts through a survey about our school’s House system. It was wonderful to see so many students engage thoughtfully and express their ideas. The majority of students indicated that they would like to keep the current House system, while also learning more about the history and meaning behind each House.

We recognise that this feedback may differ from how some parents view the system, but it’s important that we continue to value and respect student voice as part of our commitment to shared decision-making and a strong sense of school belonging.

As a next step, students will be working with staff to explore the origins and stories behind our Houses in 2026, helping to strengthen their understanding and pride in this long-standing school tradition. In next weeks newsletter we will share the results from our parents survey responses.

Student Voice House Survey

1. Feelings about the Current House Names

Positive / Happy to Keep (≈55%) – Many students like that the names are part of the school’s history and tradition. “They’re part of our history.” • “They’ve been around since prep.” • “It feels wrong to change them.”
Neutral / Don’t Mind Either Way (≈35%) – A large group said the names don’t affect them much. “They’re just names.” • “I don’t mind what they are.”
Prefer Change (≈10%) – A smaller group felt the names should be updated to be “more modern,” “inclusive,” or “connected to today’s values.” “They sound old.” • “We should choose names that include everyone.”

2. Reasons for These Feelings

History and Legacy – Students appreciate the historical connection and how the names honour important people.
Neutral or Uninformed – Some said they don’t know much about the history and would like to learn more.
Modern Values / Inclusivity – A few believe new names could better reflect diversity, nature, or student voice.

3. Importance of Keeping Historical Connection

Very Important (≈50%) – “It keeps our school’s story alive.”
Somewhat Important (≈40%) – “We should remember history, but also reflect today’s values.”
Not Important (≈10%) – “It’s time for a fresh start.”

4. Ideas to Promote Houses & Increase Spirit

Common suggestions:

More Events / Competitions – House sports, fun games, cross-country days, “House Day” celebrations.
House Points & Rewards – More visible leaderboards, prizes, or treats for winning houses.
House Songs & Chants – Create chants, mascots, or songs for each house.
Learn the History – Teachers to explain who Dendy, Hawker, Lowden and Sadgrove were.
More Visibility – Flags, posters, uniforms, logos, or colours displayed around school.
Inclusive Voice – Let students help rename or vote on mascots and chants.

5. New Name Suggestions (if changed)

Themes from student suggestions:

Nature-based: Wattle, Bluebells, Crimson, Redtree, Evergreen, Tulip, Terrific, Spirit, Phoenix
Local / Historical: Hampton, Bourke, Worthis (Worthing Rd), Moorabbin, Boonwurrung
Values / Traits: Happiness, Determined Dendy’s, Wisdom, Empathy, Courage
Fun / Creative: Sadgrove Saints, Lowden Lions, Dendy Dingoes, Hawker Hawks, Ice Mochi House, White Wolves

Overall Summary

Majority sentiment: Keep the existing names but make them more visible, meaningful, and celebrated.
Key student wish: “Teach us the history and make Houses more fun!”
Minority voice: Some want new names that reflect modern values, Aboriginal heritage, or nature.

**AFFORDABLE LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS HEADING OFF TO SECONDARY SCHOOL**

Regenit, a not-for-profit, is bringing quality, low-cost laptops directly to Moorabbin Primary School for you to buy. We will be at the school on this afternoon Friday 14th November from 3:00PM to 4:00PM at the year 5/6 Building.

Each laptop comes with Windows 11, a warranty, and everything your child requires from a laptop - all for just $200! We are able to offer this amazing price thanks to the generosity of our business partners who donate laptops they no longer require, which we then refresh and make available to you at a great price. As an added bonus you help reduce the amount of usable items ending up in e-waste.

Visit us before or after pick-up on the day to see the laptops, buy on the spot, and take one home with you. This is a great chance to support your child’s education, contribute to sustainability and get a great deal! Want to know more? Chat with us on the day, visit (http://www.regenit.org.au), or email contact@regenit.org.au.

Kind Regards, Nick Fairbairn (Co-Founder and Director)

PYJAMA DAY MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER - GOLD COIN DONATION

Join us for a slice of nostalgic, rainbow coloured fun and help us raise funds for The Pyjama Foundation. The Pyjama Foundation recognises the importance of education, life skills and confidence in shaping a brighter future for disadvantaged Aussie kids. Through their Love of Learning Program, volunteer Pyjama Angels are matched with a child in care, providing one-on-one in-home support.

To show their support, students are asked to bring a gold coin donation and are invited to wear their pyjamas on Monday 24th November. Students should dress for the weather, wear suitable shoes and have their hat for outdoor play. During the day, our Grade 6 students will be preparing some yummy fairy bread for everyone. The fairy bread will be made with white sliced bread, butter or margarine and coloured sprinkles. Please speak to your classroom teacher if you need to discuss any dietary requirements. Every donation counts! With thanks, SRC Team.

BAYSIDE PRINCIPALS’ FORUM

Recently, I attended the Bayside Principals Forum, which provided valuable insights and updates across several key areas of school improvement and student wellbeing. The first session offered a state-wide update for government schools, focusing on current priorities and strategic directions across Victoria. This was followed by a deep dive into the Attitudes to School Survey, exploring how student perceptions of engagement, wellbeing, and connectedness can inform school planning.

The third session focused on Networks and VTLM 2.0, highlighting opportunities for schools to collaborate and strengthen teaching and learning practices through shared expertise. The final session addressed the vital topic of Addressing Racism and Promoting Inclusive School Environments, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued, and respected. The forum was an excellent opportunity for reflection, collaboration, and planning as we continue to build on best practice within our own school community.

It’s certainly been another very busy week at our school and next week our foundation students are heading off to an excursion to Legoland and Mrs Kelly has a whole school incursion as part of the SEL program the students will be looking into the hidden benefits animals and pets can bring to us in our lives. Interacting with animals can improve mental and physical health, reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

They offer emotional support and companionship, enhancing quality of life and reducing feelings of loneliness. Part of this topic will be a lesson of interacting with a variety of animals at the school. Myuna Farm Mobile Ark will be at the school from 17th – 20th November so the students can pat, talk and hold different farm animals in their SEL lesson.

Noxia Angelides

Principal

CANTEEN NEWS