From the Principal’s Desk

Exciting Changes Ahead: Transition to Grade-Specific Classes and Continued Community Spirit

After much consideration of changes to the new Victorian Curriculum, student needs and parent feedback, we will be transitioning away from multi-aged class groupings for our mainstream classes in the junior school (Prep, Grade 1, Grade 2). Starting in 2025, we will have three Prep classes, three Grade 1 classes, and three Grade 2 classes. This shift to grade-specific classes is largely driven by the recent updates to the Victorian English Curriculum, which will be implemented in 2025. The revised curriculum introduces a structured and sequential progression of phonics skills, and straight grades in the early years will support the mastery of foundational skills before advancing to more complex concepts.

While we are excited about these changes and the benefits they will bring, we also want to emphasise that we remain committed to fostering the strong sense of community that multi-aged classes have cultivated. Our vertical house groupings, known as 'Mitcham Mates,' will continue to play a vital role in bringing together students from different year levels. These regular sessions will ensure that the spirit of community and camaraderie remains an integral part of our school culture, allowing students to build lasting friendships and support one another across grades.

School Saving Bonus

In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus.

The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks.

The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025.

Actions for parents and carers

Before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to:

- Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. For more information, read about Enrolling in School.

- Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us. You can check this information on Compass and if there are any changes do not change on Compass but rather send an email to the school office with the updates to mitcham.ps@education.vic.gov.au

We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:

- in October, to verify your email address

- in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus and access to an online system.

Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.

To learn more about the School Saving Bonus visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus. We will also provide additional information as it becomes available.

Wishing all our families a lovely weekend.

Erin

Year 1 - Melbourne Zoo