Welcome to IPS.

Our school review has finally commenced with Day One having been Tuesday of this week. Every four years Victorian schools are reviewed against various curriculum and other standards.

A significant part of the work is for an external panel to review the goals and accountabilities we set four years ago. These goals relate to teaching and learning, student achievement and student wellbeing.

Our panel consists of Peter Fotheringham (Chief Reviewer from National Curriculum Services), Karen Money (director tutor initiative for Victoria) Josie Millard (Principal Kew HS) Janet Ringrose (Principal Heidelberg PS) Kelly Toghill (IPS School Council VP), Pam Wright (IPS AP) and Mark Kent (IPS Principal).

Day One saw the panel visit various classrooms to see teaching and learning in action, followed by a meeting with a focus group of students to listen to their views on what we do well and how we can improve.

Days 3 & 4 are referred to as fieldwork days, where members of the panel will meet with a group of parents, a group of school councillors, teachers and other students to gather more information to inform the next strategic plan and where to next in terms of school improvement.

Staff breakfast

Last year teaching and working in education tested all of us. Even with the technology and the community support, most of us had moments of doubt in our capacity to do the work partly because we had never been in a position before where we felt alone in a profession that thrives on collegiality.

When the Education Department surveyed staff on how we fared over this period the results not surprisingly showed periods of elation and excitement, juxtaposed with poorer mental health and occasional despair.

We are on our way back and excited to be working with a community that supports IPS. The students certainly are pleased to be back at school and we are over the moon to be once again onsite and doing great things.

Next Tuesday morning, before school, we are putting on breakfast for our staff to show that we care. It is a token but it serves as recognition from all of us that without a great staff IPS is just another state school.

Second hand uniform shop

At the top of the stairs near reception is what we fondly refer to as the swap shop and it is full of near new 100 percent cleaned school clothing including schoolbags. If you need a larger top or other items please come to reception and then you can take a look. Prices are very friendly so save yourself some money and check out these terrific items.

School bags $5

Polar Fleece jumpers $5

Library bags $3

Hats $3

Uniform (frocks, t-shirts, shorts) $3

Drink bottles $1

Digital Learning Technologies

After last week's request for the Digital Learning Co-Contribution I am excited to inform you that we have purchased the following equipment.

The school has just ordered two 65 inch mobile interactive touch screens which will be installed in the Beehive when they arrive in two weeks time. One will be for Year 5 and 6 teacher curriculum planning and development and the other for the new tutor and support programs which will benefit students from Foundation to Year 6. Both touch screens will make a significant difference to student outcomes. Thank you to Arthur's (Year 1) dad Mark for working with us to find the most competitive price. Ultimately his assistance was the difference between purchasing one or two of these amazing devices.

I look forward to keeping you up to date with further additional resources.

Please read the 2021 Digital Learning technologies page of this issue of Inside Ivanhoe to see who you can help.

Reminders

The Fair is our biggest fundraiser and social event for the year and there is a Fair Committee meeting in the staffroom (Waterdale rd. entrance) on Wednesday 17th March at 7pm. All welcome. Come and see where you can help.

Don't forget to bring your forms back to the office for Barefoot Bowls! Only $10 per family! Sunday 28th March, 3pm-8pm at the Ivanhoe Bowls Club (John St, Ivanhoe). More information on the Community News page.

National Ride 2 School Day is March 19th.

A reminder that masks are not required to be worn on school grounds when outside so long as individuals socially distance themselves. Visits of longer than 15 minutes will require logging your visit through the QR system on the gate or at the office. Gates will be open from 8.50am and be closed at 9.05am.

School Photographs - PHOTO DAY IS 24/03/2021

Ivanhoe Primary School PHOTO DAY IS 24/03/2021. You will need to open the pdf below the picture for the live links to find the ordering information you will need.

Staying Safe - A child's world of traffic.

Transcript https://bit.ly/2OEXIt9

Apparently some people using the school crossing outside the front of the school have not been paying attention to the crossing supervisor who is there to protect everyone. Please understand she is there to do just that. Children learn more about traffic safety from the important adults in their lives than from anyone else. Let's all be good role models and listen to her instruction.

Finally

This term I have noticed that there have been a number of students wearing incorrect footwear to school. Sandals are not appropriate because they do not protect toes. This is mainly prevalent with the junior students and often on swimming days. I understand the reasoning but I would be sad to have someone break a toe. It hurts!

Unless there is a reason, eg jumpers are in the wash there should be no reason for not wearing the school uniform. Similar to a sporting club or association the unform should be worn as a symbol of pride and respect.

I am expecting all students to be wearing their school uniform.

Mark Kent

Principal

National Ride to School Day

Friday 19th March.