From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

This week marks the start of Reconciliation Week - from the 27th of May to 3rd of June beginning with Sorry Day on Tuesday 26th May.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an annual Australian observance dedicated to strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the wider Australian community. It is a time to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to reflect on the ongoing journey toward reconciliation, justice, and equity for First Nations peoples. National Reconciliation Week encourages all Australians to contribute to positive, respectful relationships grounded in truth and understanding.

Student representatives from our school joined with other local schools, community members and elders in a Sorry Day Healing ceremony organised by Banyule Council at Malahang Reserve.  They reflected on the history and ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations. The event opened with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Colin, who shared stories of Coranderrk, language loss, and the resilience of Wurundjeri people across generations.

The Mayor spoke about the significance of Sorry Day, explaining the Bringing Them Home report and the importance of truth‑telling, justice, and reconciliation. Students were invited to imagine what it meant for children to be taken from their families; a powerful moment that helped build understanding about why this day matters.

Students from local schools shared poems about identity and belonging, followed by a traditional dance performance that celebrated culture, Country, and the passing on of knowledge.

Our students were invited to help lower the flags to half‑mast, a symbolic act showing respect for the Stolen Generations and commitment to reconciliation. After the formalities, students joined in community activities, listened to cultural stories, and reflected on what they had learned.

National Sorry Day reminded us that reconciliation is not only about acknowledging the past, it is about listening, learning, and walking together with respect and understanding. We are proud of our students for the maturity and empathy they showed throughout the event.

Our House Captains will deliver a reflective and informative presentation at assembly next Monday. 

Kinder Playdates

Our Foundation students hosted another very popular kinder playdate on Monday afternoon. Our youngest learners did an excellent job of demonstrating our school values, role modelling leadership, maturity and kindness. They were excited to welcome the kinder students to our school and engage in play alongside them.

It was lovely to see some of our playdate friends come in full school uniform too.  They clearly feel ready for school and have a strong sense of belonging!

Major Works outside school - 25th May - 12 June

Tradetech Services (Aust.) P/L will be conducting civil works at 111 Waterdale road, Ivanhoe to conduct electrical works on the boundary of 111 Waterdale road & within the Laneway next to 111 Waterdale road. These works are being conducted on behalf of JEMENA.

These works at times are noisy with saw cutting, use of Hydro excavation and other excavation works. This unfortunately is unavoidable with these types of work.

To assist us in completing this work and minimizing any inconvenience to residents, we would appreciate it if no vehicles are to be parked outside of 111 Waterdale road, Ivanhoe.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused to residents during this time.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT WILL BE ON SITE TO HELP.

Please call our office on 94407500 for any further assistance or questions.

*Please note permanent reinstatement will be completed within 20 working days following the work completion.

Thank you.

TRADETECH SERVICES AUS.

School Tour Dates - new enrolments

Mr Kent, Mrs Wright and Mr King are conducting two tours most weeks for new families. 

All tour times are from 12pm to 12.45pm. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning the office on 9499 1880.

If you have a child of a current student beginning next year, please don't wait to enrol as early accurate figures allow us to plan classes and staff them appropriately.

2026 Year 6 Camp - please get on board!

I'm happy to give up my day for your children! 

Will you join me at FAIRFIELD BUNNINGS?

Dear year 6 families,

 

We are reaching out for your support as we work together to make our Year 6 Canberra Camp as affordable as possible for all 75 families in our cohort. As you know, camp is a milestone experience that builds independence, connection, and lifelong memories. 

 

To help reduce costs for every family, we will be running a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser on Sunday June 28th, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and we need your help to make it a success.

 

To run the day safely and smoothly, we must fill every volunteer slot across the full eight hours. Even one hour of your time will make a meaningful difference. Every dollar raised directly reduces the cost of camp for your child and their peers. Your contribution genuinely benefits the whole community.

 

We are also seeking one parent to take on the role of BBQ Captain. This is a key leadership role on the day, and we would be incredibly grateful to anyone willing to step forward. 

Responsibilities include:

• Registering to use Bunnings’ free Mobile Payments (if our group chooses to use it)
• Being on site for the full duration of the BBQ
• Checking in with volunteers and ensuring everyone is feeling well
• Ensuring volunteers report any concerns immediately
• Overseeing and completing the required BBQ clean three times throughout the day
• Completing the end‑of‑day reporting of expenses and total funds raised

If you can help, please sign up by clicking the link below and adding your name to a time slot:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nqMs9W88tgTINiBBk1td9gDR4LVuAtUmzpwJjgdHazc/edit?usp=sharing

Your generosity, time, and community spirit will directly support our students and help ensure that every child can participate in this unforgettable learning experience. 

Thank you in advance for anything you can offer, big or small. Together, we can make this fundraiser a success and lighten the financial load for all families.

Sincerely,

The Year 6 Team

Holiday Program

We are currently working as hard as we can to have something in place, partnering with Their Care to provide a holiday program for the next set of school holidays.  The moment we know, we will let you know!

Finally

Mark and I will be attending the Statewide Principal Conference on Thursday and Friday this week.  On our return to school, we will be sharing what we have learnt with our staff. Some of the exciting topics we look forward to hearing about are; the Science of Learning, the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, Sustaining Excellence in Leadership and Collaboration, AI in Schools and Leading from Great to Excellent.  

We thank our experienced leaders, Nick King and Sue Kelly who will lead the school on these days.  

Thank you for your continued support.

Pam Wright

Co Principal

http://www.ivanhoeps.vic.edu.au/ 

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.