Welcome!

A huge welcome back to all families for the 2026 school year, and a special welcome to our new MEPS families. We hope everyone enjoyed a safe and restful holiday break and had time to relax and recharge.

It has been wonderful to see our students return with such positive energy and enthusiasm. We look forward to a great year of learning, growth and connection together.

Pattie

The passing of Pattie has been a very difficult time for our school and wider community. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the kindness and support shown during this challenging period - kindness that so beautifully reflects the compassion Pattie showed in every part of her life.

We are planning an annual day to remember and celebrate Pattie, ensuring her legacy continues within our community. She is deeply missed, but we are all so much better for knowing her. It has been lovely to see the floral tributes families have left near the 'Pattie's Garden' sign in the new play area.

Grade 4 Camp

We wish our Grade 4 students all the very best for their camp from Monday 9th February to Wednesday 11th February. This promises to be an amazing experience, full of adventure, fun, and memories to last a lifetime down at Phillip Island. Have an incredible time!

Timetable

As previously mentioned, we have commenced our new 2026 timetable and, while there will be a period of adjustment, overall the changes are working well. These changes were made to optimise learning through uninterrupted teaching blocks, aligning with our instructional model and VTLM 2.0. Brainfood breaks, movement breaks and opportunities to eat are included in the new timetable and teachers are able to adjust aspects of the timetable to suit their individual class. The amount of time students are given to eat lunch has not changed and neither has the amount of time spent outside in the playground. The shortened afternoon block supports fluctuating concentration levels for students. Our Learning Specialists will be sending out more information about our structured teaching blocks in the next few weeks, providing greater insight into how the school day looks for your child. Stay tuned for more information.

Alyx

Today we farewell Mrs. Alyx Morgan as she begins her family leave from tomorrow. We thank Alyx for the care, dedication and positivity she brings to our school each day. We wish her all the very best as she starts this exciting new chapter with her family. We cant wait to meet the little one!

Toilet Upgrade

We’re excited to share that the toilet upgrade is ready to begin! Our contractors have been selected and works will commence in just over 2 weeks! Below is a sneak peek of what the new toilets will look like on the inside.

The build is expected to take approximately six months. During this time, students will use alternative toilet facilities across the school:

Prep - Year 3 students will use the junior toilets in the junior building
Years 4 - 6 students will use the toilets in the senior building
During break times, all students will use the junior toilets

This is a very exciting milestone for our school after many years of applications for upgrades. We will continue to keep you updated as the project progresses!

Annual Privacy Reminder for Our School Community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the School's privacy policy and the School's privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy (https://meps.vic.edu.au/our-profile/school-policies) describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recording of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Classroom safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child's information. If, after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Classroom, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to the school's privacy policy: information for parents.

Matt Tyndall, Antoinette DiLudovico, Brant Kennedy

Leadership

MEPS Newsletter

Kindness, Respect, Resilience, Growth

Term 1 - Week 1 · 29 Jan 2026

In this issue