From the Principal

Welcome to  IPS

"While we can't hug" by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar.

How exciting is it to be back?

We employed our special Hygenik crew over and above the cleaning allocation from the Department of Education to get ready for the students return to Ivanhoe Primary School.

We have made improvements all over the school from skylights and exhaust fans in the children's toilets. Street Libraries are springing up around the school to fill that urge to read during break times. New plants are flourishing in the garden beds and wildlife has reclaimed the trees and grounds including tawny frogmouths, fledgling minor birds and ibis.

However, the fairy garden has overgrown and needs attention from children and their magic. Perhaps you have a little glitter or fairy dust to sprinkle in the garden bed.

"My third 1st day at school for 2020"

How lovely to be at the Year 2 gate to welcome Lola W and her friends back to school this week. I think we all feel a little like this. Also happens to be Lola's eigth birthday and we all wish you a very happy birthday.

Kinder to Foundation Transition Program

A very exciting Foundation Transition - Virtual Storytime happened on Wednesday. How fabulous to see so many of next year's students meeting our passionate teachers, listening to stories and participating in activities all online. 

Here is Rafa, one of next year's Foundation students enjoying today's event.

Rafa told his mum that "I'm going to like going to Ivanhoe PS next year."

Transition Orientation Dates:

Session 1- Wednesday 14th October – 9:10-10:00am - COMPLETED

Session 2- Thursday 12th November – 9:10-10:00am

Session 3- Tuesday 15th December – 9:10-10:30am

Keep an eye out for little vignettes of our current students showcasing our school.

Evening Foundation Information/School Readiness Session where you will meet your child’s teacher on Monday 14th December at 7:00pm. 

(Hopefully in person but we will have to see.)

We look forward to connecting with you again soon, as we prepare for the start of your child’s learning journey with us. 

Book Week - *A NEW VIDEO TAKE A LOOK

This year's theme is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds.  Our organising team are giving plenty of notice to get costumes prepared for week 3 of term 4.  They have some exciting activities planned.

See the Book Week page for details but watch this video to spy some "curious creatures".

2021 Foundation enrolments are now open. 

While COVID-19 restrictions keep families from visiting schools for the purpose of enrolment. Ivanhoe Primary School intends to publish several brief video introductions to the school. In this first instalment, Mark Kent, the Principal introduces the school. Subsequent videos will introduce students and teachers as well as provide insight into specific curriculum programs. 

If IPS is your local school, please feel free to contact us by phone  or email. You can contact us for an enrolment pack or to book a virtual tour through Tel: 9499 1880 or Email: ivanhoe.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Reminder, that 2021 enrolments are open.  To assist us with planning and staffing, please get your enrolments in as soon as possible for next year. Similarly if you are leaving the school can you please advise the school office as soon as you can.

Student Attitudes to School Survey

We value student voice as a means to improving student engagement, wellbeing and quality instruction  and the Department of Education and Training is conducting a survey to gain an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. 

Read more ... on the Student Attitudes to School Survey page and or the following attachment. Particulary the section titled Options for participation.

Parent Opinion Survey

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents think of our school. The Parent Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is conducted amongst all parents. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, student engagement and experiences of remote and flexible learning. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. 

Unlike previously, all parents are  invited to participate in this year’s survey. All responses to the survey are anonymous. This year, the Parent Opinion Survey will be conducted from Thursday 15th October to Friday 13th November.

In order to mantain security of the survey and password you should have recieved an email via COMPASS from myself today with your login details.

Read more on the Parent Opinion Survey page.

Today is White Cane Day (15th October)

Thursday 15th October is International White Cane Day (IWCD), a day to celebrate the achievements of people with blindness or low vision and highlight the white cane as a life-changing symbol and tool of independence. The mission of White Cane Day is to educate the world about blindness and how those with blindness and vision loss can live and work independently. 

Ex IPS student Lilly C and two others were invited by Guide Dogs Victoria and their team of orientation and mobility specialists  to introduce themselves and share how they use their white canes. Well done Lilly, you are also a great ambassador for IPS.

[Video description: The video cuts between Jude, Lilly and Stella speaking to the camera with their parents chiming in to ask them questions. A few photos and video of them occasionally appear on the screen.]

Finally - Safety First and Last

For everyone!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my staff for managing student movement in the mornings and afternoon. Families are doing their best to mantain social distancing at drop off and pick up and this is possible because far fewer drivers are using Ailsa Grove and Lowe Street during these times.  

While there are legitimate reasons for using Ailsa Grove disability and drop off - drivers SHOULD AVOID LOWE ST at these times as there is not a turning circle and reversing in the few driveways has seen a large number of near misses this week in terms of running people down. I have asked local council to monitor or block Lowe street at these times. Until that happens I am pleading with you on behalf of the community to walk or park at Coles or behind Bryant Reserve.

For children!

It is worth remembering that during months of lockdown children have may have forgotten the basics of road safety. Remind your child of those basics  - wearing seat belts in the car, looking both directions when crossing the road, getting out of the car curbside only, walk don't run, practicing safe bicycle riding habits etc.

It is fantastic to have everyone back at IPS. Stay safe and look after each other.

Mark Kent

Principal