Principal's Report 

Dear families and friends of MPW,

We are now just over half way through the term, and I hope everyone had an enjoyable long weekend last week. Our Curriculum Day provided time for teachers to work on their assessment and reporting obligations for the end of the year, including moderation of student work samples and report writing.

Congratulations to Harris in year 6 for making it to the State Athletics Finals at Albert Park for discus recently. It is a marvellous effort to compete at the State level. We celebrated Harris’ achievement yesterday at assembly where Harris shared a brief video of his efforts on the day. Well done Harris!

MVIMP Combined Concert

Our MVIMP students performed alongside their peers from Moonee Ponds PS, Ascot Vale PS and Ascot Vale West PS yesterday and last night for the 2024 Combined School Concert. The concert was held at the Clock Tower, which provided an authentic stage experience for the students to perform in their matinee show during the day and then again for the evening show. 

Our MVIMP students should be extremely proud of themselves, as their efforts and performances were outstanding yet again. Students were able to perform for their parents and families in their instrumental groups, concluding with the combined all schools band to close out the performance. Everyone did a fantastic job, with their hard work and enjoyment of music truly on display.

Congratulations to Cooper who was the recipient of this year’s school based achievement award, selected by the music tutors.

Thank you to Sandra for her role in coordinating the MVIMP Program at MPW and supporting the organisation of the concert with staff from the other 3 MVIMP schools. Thank you to our parent helpers, Julie and Kylie, for helping with the organisation of hampers during the day. Thank you to Sharyn and Donna for supporting throughout the day with our students.

It was an entertaining evening for all and a terrific demonstration of our student’s commitment to their musical learning. 

Please see the music section of the newsletter for some photos and a report.

New Assistant Principal

Congratulations to Elisha Katsonis who has been the successful candidate for our Assistant Principal position. The position commences in 2024 and is a 3 year contract. The Assistant Principal will continue to have a focus as the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Leader. Elisha will be visiting over the coming weeks in preparation for taking up this role for next year.

I would like to thank Amanda Elmer and Jenny Strouzas for their support throughout this year in the role of Acting Assistant Principal. Their commitment and contributions to our students, staff and community have been greatly appreciated. 

Foundation Transition Sessions

We have finalised our four main 2024 Foundation transition sessions. During these sessions, our future foundation students were given an opportunity to experience time in a classroom to complete some activities and interact with each other. Parents were invited to participate in Literacy and Numeracy sessions facilitated by Kim Simmons and Jess Greenbaum.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the F/1 team (Toula, Jasmin and Lisa), Jenny, Donna and our administration team (Sandra, Sharyn and Xavia) for their support and organisation of the Foundation Transition program this year. It truly is a team effort and runs smoothly through the efforts of those involved.

F/1 Activity Night

Tonight our Foundation and year 1 students have their Activity Night. This is the beginning of our Camping Program, where students return afterschool for activities and pizza for dinner. Thank you to those staff in the F/1 and 1/2 teams for their organisation and support tonight to ensure students have a fun and memorable experience. 

Book Packs for 2024

We are again offering a Book pack system for the purchase of important stationary for the new school year.  We have reviewed the book packs to ensure there is flexibility for families to order resources that are deemed essential for students to have as part of their learning, and optional resources that families may already own or want to source themselves. Book packs are sourced through the government provider COS, so the value is guaranteed. A benefit for families is having the resources delivered to the school ready for student at the beginning of the year.

The 2024 book pack lists will be circulated in the coming days via a Compass notification.

Capital Works Update

We are slightly behind schedule for the commencement of the upcoming Capital Works. We have been in continual contact with the VSBA (Victorian Schools Building Authority) and are expecting an announcement in the next two days and look forward to communicating with the school community as soon as we have this confirmation.

2024 School Structure Update

With our anticipated numbers across the school for next year, we will be continuing with 15 classes in 2024. Considering where our cohort numbers are currently, we have been reviewing options for a structure that the school will be able to deliver. Factors that are considered include our enrolment numbers at each year level, student needs, our staffing profile and the school’s budget.

Taking all of this into account the structure the school can operate at for 2024 will be: Foundation/Year 1: 4 classes; Year 2: 3 classes; Years 3/4: 4 classes; Years 5/6: 4 classes.

With the upcoming Capital Works Program, expected to start very soon and throughout 2024, our F/1 classes will begin the year in the portables. All going to plan they will then move into the updated Junior Building in the second half of the year.

We hold our 2024 transition opportunity for students with our Orientation Day on Tuesday 12th December. On this day students will meet their teacher and class for next year.

MPW Fun Run

Bree and students in JSC have been planning for this year’s Fun Run. This year will be a school based Fun Run with the Colour Fun Run being held every second year. The date has been penciled in for Friday 24th November. Full details will be shared home once arrangements are finalised at JSC tomorrow, where they will be finalising a charity and theme for the event.

Regards,

Jarrod Sutton

Principal