As we come to the end of Term 3, it is hard to believe how quickly the term has passed. This is our final Mitchat newsletter for the term, and I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been another wonderful and very busy term at Mitcham Primary School.

There have been so many highlights across our school this term. Our students have embraced learning opportunities both in and beyond the classroom, including our Prep - 4 Swimming Program, Grade 3/4 camp, Science Week celebrations, our Prep Transition program, sporting opportunities, excursions and incursions, and the many wonderful learning experiences that take place every day in our classrooms. It has also been wonderful to see our students demonstrating our school values through their kindness, curiosity, resilience and willingness to have a go.

One of the things that makes me particularly proud of Mitcham Primary School is our commitment to continual professional learning and development. We know that when our teachers continue to learn, reflect and refine their practice, the benefits flow directly to our students and contribute to ongoing school improvement.

Each year, we are fortunate to have several members of our teaching team participate in the highly valued Teaching Excellence Program through the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. The program is delivered across 10 days throughout the year and provides teachers with opportunities to engage with the latest evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning, collaborate with colleagues from other schools and undertake their own professional inquiry and investigation.

This year, we have been incredibly proud to have Mandy Boulton, Bharti Sood-Anand and Caitlin Kolokathis participate in the Teaching Excellence Program. Throughout the year, they have engaged in Discipline Days and Teaching Excellence Learning Community days, completed collaborative teacher inquiry and are undertaking individual inquiries designed to further strengthen their teaching practice.

We greatly value the learning that Mandy, Bharti and Caitlin bring back to Mitcham Primary School. Their participation does not only benefit their own professional growth; the knowledge, research, strategies and ideas they share contribute to the professional learning of their colleagues and, most importantly, to improved teaching and learning experiences for our students.

I am particularly proud that, over the past three years, 12 Mitcham Primary School staff members have completed the Teaching Excellence Program. This is a wonderful reflection of the professional culture we continue to build at Mitcham Primary School, one where we value curiosity, collaboration, evidence-informed practice and a commitment to getting the very best outcomes for every student.

I would like to congratulate Mandy, Bharti and Caitlin on their commitment to their professional learning and thank them for the enthusiasm and expertise they continue to share with our staff. We look forward to seeing the impact of their continued learning throughout Term 4 and beyond.

As we head into the September holidays, I would also like to thank our students, staff and families for another wonderful term. Term 3 has certainly been full, but it has also been filled with many moments of learning, connection, achievement and celebration. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead such a wonderful school community.

I will be taking one week of Long Service Leave from Monday 14 September, extending my September holiday break. My husband and I are looking forward to taking a road trip along the NSW coast and enjoying some time to relax and recharge before the final term of the year.

I wish all of our Mitcham Primary School families a wonderful and restful September holiday break. I hope you all have the opportunity to spend quality time together, enjoy some sunshine and return refreshed and ready for another exciting term.

Take care and enjoy the holidays!

Warmly,

Erin

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