From the Principal

Urgent Attention

We are currently determining our staffing for 2026 so it is imperative that we can accurately predict our enrolment at every year level. Please, if you know you are leaving IPS at the end of this year and are yet to inform the school it is imperative that you do so immediately. This information is vital to retaining our teaching staff, our support staff and effects class sizes. Thank you!

Welcome to IPS 

As we move toward the end of the school year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the strength and importance of our school community. A strong community is built on shared values, care for one another, and a commitment to helping every child do their best. When students, parents, and staff work together, we create the kind of environment where children feel supported, connected, and ready to learn.

At this time of year, routines can start to feel a little harder to maintain, and the excitement of holidays and celebrations can make it easy for focus to slip. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we remind our children to stay engaged, give their best effort, and finish the year strongly. The habits and attitudes they practise now will carry through into next year and beyond.

For our Year 6 students, the final term can feel like the end of an era — and it is! But it’s also a time when leadership, respect, and responsibility matter most. We ask parents to help guide their child’s focus and behaviour, ensuring they continue to model the positive attitudes that have helped shape our school culture. Finishing well is something to be proud of, and it sets a strong example for the younger students who look up to them.

Together, as a community, we can make the last term of the school year productive, positive, and memorable for every student.

JSC ideas and Fair Fundraising

Our upcoming School Fair on Friday 22nd of November has the potential to generate a significant amount of money to directly benefit our students. This year, the Junior School Council has played a leading role in identifying the types of equipment and items they believe would most enhance school life. 

Their ideas have been shared with the Facilities Committee, who have carefully considered the potential cost and popularity of each suggestion. The refined list will be presented to School Council next Wednesday for review and approval, after which we look forward to sharing the final list of proposed purchases with our school community in the next newsletter.

The Fair Committee feels strongly that when our community knows exactly what the funds raised will be used for, people are often even more generous in their support. One of the most popular student suggestions this year is to purchase two additional colourful 12-seater outdoor settings, to be installed near the senior school building. If you haven’t yet seen the new seats that were added earlier this year, they are a wonderful addition to our school grounds — bright, welcoming, and extremely popular with students. It’s easy to see why adding more of them is high on the Junior School Council’s wish list!

Silent Auction needs your help

Our amazing Ivanhoe Primary School Fair is now only one month away, and excitement is building! One of the highlights of the event is our Silent Auction, which is always a fantastic fundraiser for the school. 

We are currently seeking donations to help populate the auction tables — these could be anything from a nice bottle of wine, a weekend stay at a holiday home, a fun photo opportunity on Mr Kent’s motorcycle (LOL), or even unwanted but unopened gifts you may have at home. 

Items don’t need to be large or expensive — creativity and community spirit go a long way!

Other ideas might be tickets to sporting events,  travel packages, and unique memorabilia like autographed items. Creative options include themed gift baskets, high-end goods such as designer accessories or unique experiences. Mrs Wright and I are auctioning  "Principal for a Day" at a school. You get the idea! 

The bottom line is that every contribution helps raise valuable funds that directly benefit our students and school programs.

If you’re able to donate an item or have any questions, please contact our wonderful and energetic Silent Auction Coordinator, Elena, at e_zito@yahoo.com or Mr Kent through the school office.

Hats Off to Teachers on World Teachers' Day - Friday 31 October

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the amazing teachers across Australia who inspire, support, and empower young people every day. Their dedication, creativity, and care make an enormous difference in the lives of students and in our school communities. 

At Ivanhoe Primary School, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated teaching and support team who go above and beyond to make learning engaging, meaningful, and joyful for every student. 

Our teachers work tirelessly to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and support each child’s growth—both academically and personally. Whether through carefully planned lessons, encouragement in the playground, or the countless unseen acts of care each day, our teachers truly embody the values of our school community. They are supported by a talented team of education support and support staff.

Between now and October 31st is a perfect time to acknowledge their outstanding commitment and to say a heartfelt thank you for all that they do. 

Our Biennial School Fair – Building Community and Supporting Our School - Thanking Our Supporters.

The Ivanhoe Primary School Fair is just around the corner! Our Biennial Fair is always a highlight on the school calendar—a wonderful way for families, friends, and neighbours to come together, enjoy a fun day out, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our school community.

As well as being a fantastic community event, the Fair plays an important role in raising much-needed funds that directly support our students and school programs. Every stall, activity, and helping hand makes a real difference.

We encourage all parents, carers, and friends to get involved—whether by volunteering time, donating goods, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can make this year’s Fair another great success.

Remember, Our Fair can’t happen without the support of our amazing community.

More on the Fair Page click here

Transition Visit

On Thursday 23rd October, Ivanhoe Primary School welcomed Mr Pieter Oosterloo, the Transition Coordinator from Thornbury High School. Mr Oosterloo met with 14 of our Grade 6 students who will be attending Thornbury High in 2026.

During the session, students learned about what life at high school will look like — read the full article on the Student Voice page or download the attachment below.

Booklist Orders

Don't forget to get your booklist orders in by 9th November to ensure that your order is delivered on time to your child's classroom for next year.  

More information on the Booklists/Suppliers page

Free Footy Clinic at School

The West Ivanhoe Football Club look after our oval all year round, including fertilizer and  sprinkler maintenance.  So when they asked if we would be interested in a couple of free clinic for students of all ages, stages and genders we of course said yes. You can register using the email address in the post below.

Finally

Lost Property looking for a home!

This is the unfortunate state of our Lost Property boxes near the main building.

Without proper labeling we are not able to return items to their proper owner.

Please help your children to be across what they wear to school each day and encourage them take anything they remove back to their classroom deck area if it is playtime. 

This includes their lunch boxes and drink bottles.If anyone would like to volunteer to help us on a regular basis we'd be very grateful. Please reach out to the office staff if you can help.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mark Kent

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.