From the Principal's Desk

Week 2

Over the last week we have elected sports captains and held CAPA captain speeches to lead our school in the respective areas for 2026. Year 6 have already displayed outstanding leadership with so many students wanting to take on a leadership role for 2026.

Congratulations to the following Sports captains.

Bandarooi - Henry and Oliver

Burra Burra - Maddie

Cheropin - Nixon and Emalie

I look forward to announcing the CAPA captains next week.

MGPS Swimming Carnival

Our MGPS Swimming carnival was held yesterday for students turning 8 this year all the way through to our oldest students. It was wonderful to see so many students having a go and cheering on their peers. Thank you so much to the army of helpers we had, making the carnival run smoothly.

Thank you Mrs Bull for coordinating the event and congratulations to our students who came 1st or 2nd in the finals who will proceed to the next level. Notes will be sent home later in the week.

We look forward to hearing who the winning house is!

You can find more photos on our FaceBook page.

Welcome BBQ

Come along and meet our teachers at our Welcome BBQ to be held in the cola next Wednesday 18 February from 5:30pm-6:30pm. Grab a free sausage sandwich and drink and get to know other parents and students.

Our amazing, dedicated and passionate staff at MGPS 2026

Our school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Each week, we will be introducing our team. This week, I introduce our teaching team.

Early Stage 1 - Kindergarten Koalas

Mrs Pennington and Mrs Killen

Stage 1

Magpies

Mrs McCathie and Mrs Williams

Possums

Mrs Corcoran and Ms Clyde-Smith

Stage 2

Bilbies

Mrs Clarke and Mrs Dunham

Wombats

Mrs Townsend

Stage 3

Emus

Mrs Bull

Dingoes

Mr Annetts

Learning Support/HPGE/RFF

Miss Randall and Mrs Dunham

Social/Emotional programs at MGPS:

You Can Do It!

You Can Do It! is the program which we use to teach social emotional skills and character strengths that help us to become happy, healthy and successful learners and friends. This year we will continue to focus on using our Keys to Success and Positive Habits of the mind to be successful learners.

PAX Good Behaviour Game:

PAX means peace, productivity, health and happiness, and this is what the PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX GBG) helps create and strengthen in each classroom. At Martin’s Gully PS we use this internationally-recognised PAX Good Behaviour Game (PAX GBG) for our students in Years K-6.

PAX GBG consists of proven behavioural strategies used daily by teachers with students. The 10 evidence-based and trauma-informed strategies build self-regulation in children, strengthen peer networks, reduce impulsivity and teach prosocial decision-making in children. The ‘peaceful’ classroom environment supports learning, wellbeing, participation and confidence.

PAX GBG develops students who can be fully attentive and engaged in learning so teachers can use their time and resources to teach. Schools using PAX GBG report:

Increased time for teaching and learning
Increased attention to and completion of academic tasks
Engaged learners
Improved learning outcomes including reading scores
Reduction in off-task and disruptive behaviours.

Zones of Regulation

Sorting Our Emotions Into Four Zones:

Feelings are complicated. They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, think about, and regulate, The Zones of Regulation organises our feelings, states of alertness,

and energy levels into four coloured Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. The simple, common language and visual structure of The Zones of Regulation helps make the complex skill of regulation more concrete for learners and those who support them. We learn to regulate our Zones to meet our goals and task demands, as well as support our overall well-being.

Have a great week!

Peta Deiderick