Principal's Report
Acting Principal’s Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
What a wonderful few weeks we have had apart from the weather turning really cold. There was a fantastic turnout for Open Streets, with delicious coffee and hot choccies to warm us up!
There have been many exciting excursions and learning happening throughout the school;
-Preps visited the Traffic School in Moonee Ponds last week on Friday, learning lots about road safety, riding around on bikes and playing on the giant slide
-5/6’s visited the Old Melbourne Jail, observed architecture in the city and learnt lots about Ned Kelly
-3/4’s went to the Immigration museum and enjoyed listening and learning about people’s journeys over time
-The 1/2's community are exploring toys and engineering, creating marble runs and other fun toys, experimenting with design
-5/6’s have been working on their 3rd mini project about Goldrush and Bushrangers, they shared their pieces with the 3/4 community yesterday
The turnout for Prep tours has been great, with parents really enjoying and appreciating how wonderful our school is. It is lovely to be able to share all the wonderful things that happen at Merri-bek and what a lovely community it is to be part of.
Across the school we are always focusing on Wellbeing; beginning our week with the Resilience Project; learning that gratitude, empathy and mindfulness support resilience. P-2 communities have a weekly social/emotional goal to support their students – keep a look out in your community.
Things to keep an eye out for on Compass:
*Keep up to date with our new posts called “Weekly wrap up and what’s coming up”
*The Book Fair is on later this term – Helen will be sending out information
*A special mention in this newsletter from our School Council
*Reporting Information for the new Numeracy curriculum has been sent out
*Dates for the Curriculum Day next term (Term 3)
*Reports will come out in the last week of term or just before
*Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held on the last Tuesday of the Term (July 1st)
Teachers have been working hard to prepare for your child’s report, engaging in moderation sessions, and beginning to plan for next Term’s learning.
I really appreciate all the parents and families that have spoken to me and been so supportive, it’s always wonderful to chat to you all. We wish Maria all the best and look forward to seeing her back at the start of Term 3.
Kind regards and have a wonderful long weekend
Bianca Hudson
Acting Principal
What I’m reading at the moment …..
Meet Our School Council Members
Name: Sean
Kids: Eleni in grade 2 and Sasha in 3 yo kinder!
Hi everyone! Already half way through the year, and half way through my first year as School Council President, I am really enjoying it, and it makes it a lot of fun having a great community around us!
I also sit on the Buildings and Grounds committee, and encourage anyone that is interested in improving, maintaining the school's physical spaces to come join us! Also, I'm often doing various drop offs and/or pick ups so please come say hi!
Name: Raoul
Kids: Archie (grade 6) Hamish (grade 3) Pippa (starts prep in 2028)
Council position: Vice President
Hi All, It’s been a busy start to the year and my first year of being vice president is flying by. I’ve been enjoying the role of Vice President and being on the school council highlights what a great community we have around us. My role within the council also sees me on the grants committee, anyone who has an interest in this area please feel free pass on any ideas.
Come and say hi anytime, either on the phone or in person at pick up/drop off or school events, I’m really looking forward to meeting as many people as possible.
Name: Sophie Henry
Kids: Joey (grade 4) Alex (2027prep)
Occupation: high school German teacher
Wintery greetings Merri-bek! I am really enjoying being on School Council this year. I am usually near the Blair St gate on Wednesday mornings and afternoons and am always happy to chat. Hope to meet you there sometime.
Name: Andrew Barker
Kid: Torben, Grade 4
Hi everyone ! I joined the Council last year with the aim of doing what I could to help our amazing school continue to be an inclusive, positive and healthy learning environment where our students thrive.
This year I've taken on the Treasurer role to help ensure that we're in a good financial position and investing in the school where we can. I'm always up for a chat on any thoughts you have on how we could make our great school even better.
Name: Tori Heaton
Kids: Owen (grade 1), Violet (4 yo kinder), Lucy (1.5 years)
Hello everyone! You've likely seen me around wrangling one of my three energetic kids! Its my second year on school council and I'm part of the Parents & Carers association too. I joined because I genuinely believe in making our fantastic school even better. I'm passionate about contributing to an already thriving environment and working together to support all students. My goal is to help enhance our school experience in any way I can. Feel free to grab me for a chat; I'm usually around every second week and always happy to hear your ideas!
Hi, I’m Claire – I’m Mum to Stevie (Grade 5) and Frida (Grade 1). I’m fresh to the Council this year and excited to work with the wonderful team of parents and school management to support our school to be fair, safe and support great learning for our kids. I’m excited to foster ongoing strong, transparent and supportive relationships between the school, the Council and the parent community and to make good on Frida’s election commitment for a petting zoo in the grade 1 / 2 courtyard. Look forward to seeing you all around!
Name: James Warr
Kids: Sienna (grade 6), Ella (grade 4), Jack (3 years old, but 30 in devil years)
Hello team! First year on the school council but played a very minor role on the B&G Committee in 2024 and attempted to run a meditation lunchtime club for prep to grade 3s, which turned into a zoo/dance club. I'm looking forward to working with the other council members, finding out how best I can add value to the school and driving meaningful change.
Hi, I'm Alan - dad to Bea (Grade 2) and Otto (who will start Prep next year).
I'm new to the Council this year and already enjoying the stimulating conversations with my wonderful fellow council members and the school's fantastically committed exec team.