Welcome to IPS

There is a buzz of excitement at school as activities begin to return to normal. IPS has adhered to advice as we cautiously resume sports activities. Foundation to Year 2 Sports Days are next week and the students have been training for their events. The Department of Education is keen to promote 'Happy, Health and Active Kids' and IPS is doing its bit.

We will be celebrating the students' athletic achievements by holding an Athletics Carnival for each of the junior grade levels next week. Between 9am and 11.30am on each of the following days: Grade 1 on Monday the 23rd, Grade 2 on Tuesday 24th and Foundation on Thursday 26th.

Unfortunately, Due to COVID restrictions, parents will not be allowed to attend the event. However, the class teachers will be recording or photographing some of the events. These will be posted onto the Teams ‘P.E tile’ by the end of the week.

If possible, teachers will post 1 or 2 pictures to class DOJO as well. We are mindful of those families for whom we do not have permission to publish images and will do our best in this regard.

Please check the Physical Education page of "Inside Ivanhoe" for critical information about what you child needs to wear and bring on their day.

The children will spend the morning rotating through eight fantastic athletics events including long jump, high jump, foam javelins, target throw, distance running, sprinting, egg and spoon/sack races and the Christmas tree relay. They will earn House points for both effort and achievement and the winning House will be announced by the end of the day.

Bike Education has recommenced and the students are learning the rules of the road, safe cycling and bicycle management. Skills critical for all riders but especially important for our students who live and ride in this busy part of Melbourne.

Remember the weather is getting warmer so check the new weather widget on the home page of the IPS website for a quick update on temperature and UV and prepare accordingly.

Teddy Sleep over is on in Foundation and if it is anything like previous years these toys get into trouble once we all go home. Stay tuned for photos in the next newsletter catching these teddy's participating in significant mischief.

Strings is back! Last week, Year 1 students were treated to a performance and instrument demonstration by some of our talented Year 6 musicians. It was a thrill for the Year 6’s to have the opportunity to play together again and enjoyable for them to answer the many questions the curious Year 1’s clamoured to ask them. Many thanks and congratulations to Elanor C, Bobby C, Ryan Z,Marcus V, Poppy P and Ivanka Z who presented a program of solos, duets and an ensemble piece at very short notice.

Canteen

The canteen continues to function with a limited menu which continues to meet the needs of many families (and myself) but counter service has not resumed. We are hopeful that next week icy pole sales may resume on very hot days. There will be a COMPASS announcement if this goes ahead.

Cleaning

We at IPS have been following all of the COVID safe guidelines including having additional cleaning staff during the day to wipe down high touch points but please continue to encourage your child to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet, to bring a water bottle rather than drink from the bubblers and generally practice good hygiene. It is a credit to the entire community that we continue to stay safe but let's not become complacent in our approach.

New Play Equipment and a Cricket net is coming

Part of the scope of works for our capital works project is the replacement of some of our worn out play equipment. Shortly the play equipment near the new building site will be removed but rest assured it is being replaced will new and more exciting structures.

Also on the horizon is a brand new shade sail that will be installed near the OSHC program and a new Cricket net will go in along the edge of the oval.

Lowe Street River Red Gum arborist report

We take a great deal of pride in our flora at IPS and in recent times groups of students, staff and teachers have taken it upon themselves to help manage the health and development of our grounds. Our garden beds have been the subject of teaching and learning in science and biology, even winning an educational award last year.

Sadly the large River Red Gum is in poor health and while it is deemed safe the recommendation from the arborist is that it be removed withing the next three months.

This tree has been weight reduced in the past and has multiple synthetic cables supporting the poor structure of the tree which is situated in a small garden bed. The canopy spreads over the asphalt play space frequently used by students and therefore presents a risk that cannot be effectively managed in the long term.

As this will require a crane and significant time the removal will occur during the school break. In its place will either be a more easily managable mature tree or the stump may be turned into outdoor seating or a table for community use. A factor under consideration is the sewerage system that runs below that garden bed.

Capital Works Update

While our new building is coming along COVID-19 has put our schedule out. We were hoping to move our Year 5 and Year 6s in to the eight new classrooms in December to try them out, but this will not be possible. Significant landscaping works including concrete pathways will doubtlessly continue on in to the holiday. We will manage the move in 2021 with the usual IPS care and precision. In the meantime enjoy this gallery of construction photos taken this week.

Foundation Transition Orientation Dates

Our amazing Foundation teachers have been liaising with Kinders and programs regarding transition and we are hopeful that small groups of new students will be able to visit soon. There are still strict guidelines around this and we are working through the logistics. If this is of relevance to you, you will be contacted soon or you are welcome to contact the school office nex tweek for more details.

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

*The 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.)

2021 Planning is nearing completion

Leaving?

ARE YOU TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL IN 2021?

Planning for the 2021 school year is fully underway. To assist our planning, parents of current students who will be transferring to another primary school in 2021 are asked to either email or telephone the school office as soon as possible.

Email: ivanhoe.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Telephone: 9499 1880

Enrolling?

HAVE YOU ENROLLED? DON'T LOSE YOUR PLACE.

The 2021 enrolment information can be downloaded from the school’s website.

Our Transition Program is well underway and if you are yet to enrol a younger sibling we need you to do so now.

http://www.ivanhoeps.vic.edu.au/community/join-ips

2021 Parent Payment Arrangement & Booklist Information

Please be on the lookout for a hardcopy notice that has been sent home with each eldest student in the family. It contains important information regarding Parent Payment arrangements and the ordering of your child's 2021 booklists.Please ensure that you complete your booklist order by 30th November to avoid a late fee.

The link for the 2021 booklist is: www.ambaofficenational.com.au

Click on BOOKLIST, you will be taken to the ordering site.

Access code – IVASCH

PICKING UP YOUR BOOKLIST

School Booklist Pick Up Day will be at the Ivanhoe Primary School Hall

Saturday January 23rd 2021 - 9am - 4pm

Sunday January 24th 2021 - 9am - 2pm

CHANGES TO PICK UP DAY DUE TO COVID 19

We are requesting that for Pick-Up Days, children do not attend. This will reduce the chance of unnecessary mixing of potentially hundreds of children and parents at a time when we will still be required to socially distance and minimise contact. Running Pick-Up Days on the weekend should allow families to send 1 parent / representative only to pick up.

We thank you for your understanding & co-operation.

Finally

I’m not sure what the reason is, but since we returned to school last month there has been an extraordinary number of students being picked up early each day. I’m sure that there is an appropriate reason for some, but I’m not sure about all of them.

Please remember that, especially this year, every hour of learning is important and the teachers are very keen to see the students at school all day.

Stay safe, look after each other and thank you for supporting our great school.

Mark Kent

Principal

Sporting Opportunities Return