From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

Our school values of Respect, Resilience, Persistence, Confidence and Independence underpin our whole school philosophy at IPS.

We are very proud of our students achievements, be they sporting, creative, musical or academic. However, our school is about much more than being great at something or just reading, writing and maths. It is also about feeling safe, connected, included and supported. 

We know that from time-to-time children worry about friendships, fitting in, getting things right, or dealing with other challenges at school. From time to time some people might feel anxious, left out, frustrated or unsure of themselves. That is perfectly normal  — everyone faces challenges. What matters is how we respond. 

At IPS, we show respect by including others and speaking kindly. We show resilience by keeping going when things are difficult. We show independence by making positive choices and asking for help when we need it.

And we show care by looking out for one another.

The task set for all students this week has been to do three simple things:

(1)   include someone,

(2)   speak kindly,

(3)   and ask for help if you need it.

Small actions can make a very big difference to somebody’s day. Everyone belongs at IPS!

Working Bee Last Saturday

In another demonstration of community belonging and doing something for others, we sincerely thank all the families who came out to help at our working bee on Saturday afternoon.  The weather was kind to us and we managed to get most of the jobs completed.  Pits were cleaned, lines were marked and rubbish filled the skip!  After the jobs were done, all our volunteers were treated to a sausage or two, expertly cooked by Mr King!

Thanks to you all for making our school shine ready for Education Week!

Good Choices

Student safety and respectful behaviour towards members of our community and their property are very important to us. Sadly, a neighbour's car has been damaged by a student or students throwing things over the fence at vehicles.

Understandably the owner of the vehicle was upset and we were embarrassed that a few students making poor choices can affect the community's opinion of all of us.

If you see anything may assist us in identifying those involved, please feel free to contact the principals so we can follow up.

2026 Education Week is 18th to 22nd of May

Education Week in Victoria 2026 will be held from Monday, May 18th to Friday, May 22nd, focusing on the theme "Showcase your school". The week celebrates public education, encouraging schools to highlight their unique achievements and student experiences.

Throughout Education Week, students, parents/carers, teachers, and school communities are encouraged to celebrate and share ideas to promote the wide range of cultures and cultural connections in Victorian schools.

All children deserve a place to learn and thrive in. The Victorian Department of Education Theme in 2026 is Showcase your School andhighlights the diversity of our communities and the importance of every child feeling safe and welcome at school.

Education Week Open MorningisWednesday 20th of May - 9.30am to 11.30am.

Come at 9.30am and allow our Junior School Councillors to tour you around our school.

Our students are our best ambassadors. The most common feedback from visitors is how delightful the classes are and the general "vibe" of the school. 

The morning will conclude with a brief address from the Principals, and a performance from our Strings ensemble and School Orchestra at 11am.

As the photos show, the joy on everyone’s faces is truly special. It is celebrations like these that build even stronger connections across our school community.

Strings Practise for Open Morning

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.

Student Attitudes to School Survey - Grades 4 - 6

Dear Parent / Carer / Guardian 

We are writing to inform you about the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey which will be administered to all government school students in Years 4 to 12.  

Please see the attached information letter to inform you about the survey and what you need to do if you don’t want your child to participate. Should you wish your child NOT to participate you will need to advise the school before the 18th of May.

School Photo Day is Thursday  21st May 2026.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM

Sibling, group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below.

Details on the School Photos page of this newsletter.

2026 Year 6 Camp - call out

A message from the Year 6 teachers and students....

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 (either as a volunteer or as our BBQ Captain), 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

Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day, taking place on Friday, May 22nd, is a national event that encourages students and families to walk, ride, or scoot to school, highlighting the benefits of active travel. 

It’s a great way to promote road safety, physical activity, and a cleaner environment. We encourage all students to take part.

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health

You are invited to our next FREE online Parent Session! 

Parent Session: Mental Health Workshop- When to Worry, How to Help 

Many parents notice changes in their child but feel unsure how to respond. This presentation helps parents recognise early warning signs of mental health challenges, understand what may be happening beneath the surface, and learn practical, supportive ways to help. It also highlights the importance of parental self‑care and where to go to get local support if needed.

DATE: Monday 25 May

COST: FREE

TIME: 7pm-8.15 plus question time 

WHERE: ONLINE via zoom (link sent after booking) 

FOR: Parents, Carers and families of children and young people aged 10+ 

Bookings essential: Click Here 

Info: Jess Sayers jessica.sayers@banyule.vic.gov.au 0468753812 

Finally

One of the most valuable life skills we can nurture in children is gratitude.  It is more than just saying "thank you", it is mindset that helps them recognise and appreciate people, experiences and opportunities in their lives.  Teaching gratitude to children helps equip them with important cognitive, emotional, and social skills that support long-term resilience, empathy, and overall life satisfaction.

Children who can express gratitude tend to develop a stronger sense of wellbeing, deeper resilience and empathy, foster more positive relationships and manage challenges better through a positive outlook on life.

Gratitude isn't something that children automatically pick up by themselves. It grows through modelling, conversations and experiences.  Whilst at school we intentionally teach and encourage gratitude as it relates to our shcool values, but families too are are at the forefront of supporting their children to shift from feelings of entitlement towards a greater appreciation of others.  

The simple acts of kindness and inclusion the whole school were tasked to perform this week is just one example of how the IPS community can support our students to develop a postiive mindset about themselves and others. 

A final nod to the subject of gratitude and community - if you have time, take a look at the video of King Charles's celebration of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday.  The King writes the very special card that is sent to citizens who reach the remarkable age of 100, but he needs the help of all the community to get it to him.  What a heartwarming way to mark the 100th birthday of someone who has given us a wealth of knowledge about life on our planet, the importance of caring for our environment, and the interconnected, symbiotic nature of our role within it.

BBC: King Charles sends Attenborough a birthday message with help from 'friends'

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.