Leadership @ MPS
Positive Classroom Management Strategies 👏🎯
One of our major areas of school improvement at MPS during the second half of this year is the implementation of Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS). PCMS is a suite of evidence-informed practices designed to create safe, purposeful and productive learning environments by explicitly teaching, reinforcing and supporting positive student behaviours.
While our students continue to demonstrate many positive behaviours each day, staff have identified an increase in low-level but persistent behaviours that can impact learning and classroom culture. Research suggests these behaviours can be some of the most challenging to address because they occur frequently and gradually disrupt learning over time.
As part of this work, each teaching team has identified a specific focus area that they are explicitly teaching and reinforcing with students. Some families may already be aware of these through recent classroom communications relating to routines, transitions, organisation or other classroom expectations.
We encourage parents and carers to ask their child what their class is currently focusing on and continue these conversations at home. When students receive consistent messages from both school and home, positive habits are more likely to become established and sustained.
This work will remain a significant focus for the remainder of 2026 and beyond as we continue striving to provide the best possible learning environment for every student.
Hair Expectations Reminder 💇♀️🪮
A reminder that our Student Dress Code Policy, attached below, requires students with shoulder-length or longer hair to have it tied back while at school.
We've had an increased number of head lice notifications sent to families recently and would appreciate everyone's support in helping reduce the spread. Please ensure long hair is tied back each day and take the time to regularly check your child's hair at home.
A little prevention goes a long way and helps minimise the impact on other students and families across our school community.
Garden Revival 🌱🌻
A huge shout out to our garden guru, Claire, and the Senior School students who have been hard at work during Garden classes revitalising the garden area at the far end of the school, enclosed by the senior portables. Through plenty of hard work, replanting and care, what was once looking a little tired has been brought back to life, with students taking great ownership of the project and developing their gardening skills along the way.
If you're visiting the school, be sure to take a walk past and check out the amazing progress that has been made. Well done to everyone involved!
Congratulations, Rach! 🎉👶
We are delighted to share the exciting news that Rachel Wong, who commenced her maternity leave at the beginning of this term, has recently welcomed a beautiful baby daughter, Amelia.
Both mum and bub are doing well and settling into life together as a family of four. We know the MPS community will join us in congratulating Rach and her family on this wonderful new arrival.
Principals' Day 🎉💙
As Ms Ady doesn't work on Fridays, MPS celebrated Principals' Day on Thursday and what a special day it was.
We would like to sincerely thank all of the staff and students who made us feel incredibly appreciated. From the surprise gratitude displays in our offices to the special assembly held in our honour, we were genuinely overwhelmed by the thought, effort and kindness shown throughout the day.
More broadly, we would like to thank our wonderful MPS community. We feel incredibly privileged to lead such a supportive, caring and dedicated group of students, staff and families. It is a role we never take for granted, and we are grateful every day to be part of such a special school community.
Paul Wickham, Principal paul.wickham@education.vic.gov.au
Ady Wall, Assistant Principal & Disability Inclusion adrienne.wall@education.vic.gov.au
Matt Lewis, Curriculum matthew.lewis@education.vic.gov.au
Margarita Strateas, Wellbeing & Engagement margarita.strateas@education.vic.gov.au