PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

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,

Please don’t send your highly contagious sick children to school- it’s not fair to the other children and the staff.

Over the past few weeks, we have noticed an increasing number of students attending school while they are clearly unwell. This has resulted in the spread of illness across classrooms and has significantly impacted the wellbeing of both students and staff.

While we understand the challenges families may face when juggling work and other commitments, sending a sick child to school places others at risk and disrupts learning across the school. Especially if you know that your child has been vomiting the night before, or the morning before a school day, or has diarrhea. Why would we consider sending a child or children who are highly contagious to an environment where they will potentially be unwell and infect the class and spread their germs to others.

Staff illnesses and subsequent absences are becoming increasingly difficult to manage, particularly when multiple illnesses circulate at once. When teachers are unwell, it affects not only their own health but also the continuity of learning for their students. Keeping children at home when they are sick is a vital act of care—not just for your own child, but for the entire school community.

We ask families to act responsibly and thoughtfully during this time. If your child is displaying symptoms such as fever, vomiting, persistent coughing, diarrhea or general fatigue, they must remain at home until they have fully recovered. By working together and making responsible decisions, we can help protect the health of our students, staff, and broader community.

SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS!

As we approach the end of the year, we will soon be holding our final School Council meetings for 2025, marking the conclusion of another highly productive and collaborative year. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all parent and staff representatives who have served on School Council this year.

Their commitment, thoughtful input, and willingness to work together have played a significant role in driving improvement across our school. The time, energy, and care they have given—often behind the scenes—have ensured strong governance, strategic direction, and support for our students and staff. We are deeply grateful for everything they have contributed.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding service of our Treasurer, Colin, whose exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and steady guidance have been invaluable. Colin has provided our school with clear, reliable financial oversight and has helped ensure that our budgeting processes remain responsible, transparent, and aligned with school priorities. As Colin’s term comes to an end, we are now seeking a new Treasurer for 2026.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to become involved, support the school, and help strengthen our future planning. We encourage families to consider joining School Council next year—your skills, voices, and perspectives are essential to the continued success of our school community.

Why did you stick around for so long as the Treasurer?

Yeah, it's been a while, starting in 2017 I was a complete novice, so this is my 9th year on the school council. I've learnt a lot along the way, and seen the school change a lot! Admittedly, the main reasons for sticking around so long was the sense of pride my kids had that their Dad was helping Mrs Angelides run the school, and secondly was me having that feeling of contributing back to the school community. Of which I'd like to think I played a small part.

What are some of the unexpected joys/experiences of being Treasurer and/or being part of the Council?

Interacting with Mrs Vannutini (Karmen from the office) and Mrs Angelides has been a delight. Whilst running a school is different to the normal business world, I've learnt a lot over the years and sincerely appreciate the patience that Karmen has had with ALL my questions. I'm now proud to admit that Karmen pre-empts nearly all of my questions with a long list of monthly highlights. As a result, our monthly Finance meetings with Mrs Angelides and Mr Corrigan have evolved into discussions of what's going on around the school and how the school council can assist with any upcoming activities.

Why did you stick around for so long as the Treasurer?

What are some of the unexpected joys/experiences of being Treasurer and/or being part of the Council?

As a result, our monthly Finance meetings with Mrs Angelides and Mr Corrigan have evolved into discussions of what's going on around the school and how the school council can assist with any upcoming activities.

Where does all the money go?
- Interesting question, and sometimes I have had to wrap my brain around how expensive some things are...playgrounds, arborists, and roof repairs come to mind. But all things considered, with the age range of the kids, depth of our teaching staff and diversity of our school community, we do pretty well to provide an exceptional learning experience to our kids. Of course, as Treasurer I'd love to see more money come into the school, to allow us to offer more services, but rest assured Mrs Angelides doesn't spend any money unnecessarily.
In terms of what MPS spends money on, what items really surprised you?
- Playgrounds, they're really expensive! I never knew how expensive they were until the big one out the front, along Dane Road, was constructed back in 2018. Mind you, seeing all the kids play on the playground everyday has made the investment worthwhile, but it certainly felt like a lot of money at the time. Appreciation has to a go to the P&F, and a local politician, for funding that playgrounds' construction and I encourage everyone to think of these benefits when making a school contribution or supporting a P&F fund-raising activity.
What are you most proud of achieving in this role?
- I'm pretty proud of encouraging 'Mrs Angelides Annual Wish List'. It took me a few years of pestering to convince her but allowing Mrs Angelides to dream big and tell us (the School Council) what she wanted to achieve and to build, meant the School Council and P&F had something to aim for. The artificial turf field, laptop replacement program, covered outdoor areas and [soon to be completed] basketball court re-surfacing are a few projects we delivered. Without the collective buy-in from everyone I doubt we would have achieved half of these things.
Who will take your place? Who do you encourage to step forward as the next Treasurer?
- I encourage anyone with a curious mind to get involved. Whilst some financial literacy would be a slight advantage, Karmen takes care of 95% of that. The role then becomes about having conversations, and asking questions, to understand what's going on and then relaying that story to the school council.
So where to from here, are you swanning off into the sunset?
- With my youngest about to graduate from Year 6, I soon won't have any direct ties to MPS. However, as we live locally, we will certainly be keeping an eye on the place as we drive, walk or cycle past. As for the local High School, who knows I might pop up in a similar role there...

STUDENT LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

Over the last couple of weeks, our school has undertaken a rigorous and thoughtful process to select our 2026 School Captains and Vice Captains. Students participated in a series of leadership experiences, including preparing written applications, delivering speeches to their peers, and taking part in a formal votes and interviews with myself. Each stage of the process was designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their communication skills, leadership qualities, school values, and commitment to contributing positively to our school community. We are incredibly proud of the confidence, maturity, and enthusiasm shown by all students who put themselves forward.

While we celebrate those who will ultimately be appointed to leadership roles, we also want to acknowledge that not all students can be selected, and that this does not diminish the value or strength of their efforts. Every student who nominated demonstrated courage, initiative, and a willingness to contribute, qualities that are highly respected and appreciated. We encourage all participants to be proud of themselves, knowing they represented our school with dignity and heart. Leadership takes many forms, and we are confident each student will continue to shine in their own way throughout the year ahead.

The 2026 School Leadership positions will be announced at our Week 10 assembly on Thursday, 11th December 2025. All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend as we celebrate the efforts, commitment and dedication shown by our students throughout the leadership process.

Students who are successful in receiving a leadership role will be formally presented with their certificates and badges at an assembly early in Term 1, 2026.

PARENT VOICE SURVEY SUMMARY – HOUSE NAMES REVIEW

Below are the results from our parent’s survey about the Houses that we have at our school and the key takeaways were that the 27 parents who expressed:

Strong attachment to tradition: Many families want to keep current names but improve understanding of their origins.
Desire for inclusivity: Some parents believe new names should represent modern values and community diversity.
Consensus on engagement: Regardless of name changes, there is strong interest in revitalising House spirit through more activities and celebration.
Educational opportunity: Parents see potential to teach students about history, culture, and values through the House system.

Overall Summary

Parents are proud of Moorabbin Primary’s traditions but open to respectful discussion about ensuring the House names reflect both the school’s rich history and its modern, inclusive values. There is a strong shared wish to increase House engagement and pride through regular events, storytelling, and visible recognition of achievements

Participation- Total Responses: 27- Representation: Parents from across Foundation to Year 6

1. Attitudes Toward Existing House Names

Split of Opinion:

Keep Current Names (History Connection): ~45%
Open to Change / Unsure: ~30%
Change to Modern & Inclusive Names: ~25%

Key Themes:

Many parents value the connection to the school’s history and believe the current names help preserve tradition and identity.
Some respondents were unsure of the origins of the names and wanted to learn more about their meaning and historical context before forming an opinion.
A smaller but clear group felt that new names should better reflect modern values, diversity, and inclusion, including representation of Indigenous heritage and notable women.

Representative Comments:

“The house names connect students to the school’s story — they make Moorabbin Primary unique.”
“I’d like to know the history first before deciding.”
“We should reflect the land and the diverse community we live in — not just old colonial figures.”

2. Importance of House Names

Very or Extremely Important: ~80% of parents
Somewhat Important: ~15%
Not Important: ~5%

Parents generally felt that the House system is an important part of school identity and should promote community spirit, connection, and pride.

3. Suggestions for Enhancing House Spirit

Common ideas included:

More frequent House events and competitions: sports, arts, music, and academic challenges.
House Pride Days or Weeks celebrating each house’s history, symbols, and achievements.
Regular House meetings led by captains to build belonging and teamwork.
Improved visibility: displays, mascots, chants, songs, or banners.
Greater communication about House points and achievements at assemblies or newsletters.

Examples:

“Create a House Pride Week with history displays and mascots.”
“More house meetings and non-sport activities like art or social enterprise projects.”
“Spotlight students who show house values — House Hero of the Week.”

4. Ideas for New Names (If Changed)

If new names were adopted, parents suggested:

Indigenous themes: consult with Boonwurrung Elders and use local language, animals, or cultural concepts.
Local connections: names linked to Moorabbin landmarks, past principals, or natural environment.
Values-based or inclusive options: names reflecting empathy, belonging, respect, love, and light.

Examples of proposed name sets:

Mooro, Asha, Agapi, Ming (meaning Belonging, Hope, Love, Light)
Flora/Fauna or local features (e.g. Karkarook, Nepean, Bay)
First Nations leader names in collaboration with Boonwurrung community

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.

I end this week’s edition with some adorable pictures and interactions that our students had this week with the Myuna petting farm incursion organised by Mrs Kelly. Our students were treated to a wonderful experience this week with the arrival of the petting farm incursion, bringing plenty of excitement, curiosity and gentle moments of connection. Children had the opportunity to interact with a variety of friendly animals, learning about their needs, behaviours and the responsibility that comes with caring for living creatures.

Experiences like this are not only educational but also highly beneficial for student wellbeing. Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress, support emotional regulation and promote feelings of calm and happiness. It has been a joyful week that highlighted the important role animals can play in supporting our mental health and overall sense of wellbeing. We apologise in advance for all the requests that parents may now be receiving from their children asking for a pet!

Noxia Angelides

Principal