Acting Principal Update

There is always something special about seeing our students throw themselves into school life, and the past couple of weeks have been no exception. Our classrooms have been full of curiosity and creativity, our Green Space has been busy with play and sport, and our students have enjoyed getting out and about for learning beyond the classroom. From getting up close with lizards, frogs, snakes and turtles at Lilydale High School’s Zoology Centre, meeting crocodiles Leo and Cleo and becoming science detectives at Lillydale Lake, to our Book Week Costume Parade, author visit and Pre-Loved Book Sale, and the success of our Student Voice Team’s Hot Potato fundraiser, our students have been busy learning, exploring, leading and celebrating together.

We have also had the pleasure of welcoming three new students to Menzies Creek Primary School, who have settled into our community beautifully and quickly become part of the Menzies Creek family. With our Father’s Day and Special Friend's celebrations still to come, along with our school production and other end-of-term events, there is plenty more to look forward to as we head towards the final weeks of Term 3.

Acting Principal - Term 4

I am very pleased to share that I will be continuing as Acting Principal at Menzies Creek Primary School in Term 4. I am thoroughly enjoying being in the role and feel very fortunate to be part of such a warm, connected and supportive school community. 

I will, however, be taking some long service leave during the first two weeks of Term 4 and have arranged for Nicole De Angelis to step into the Acting Principal role during this time.

Nicole and I had a thorough handover earlier this week, where she was able to meet our students and staff and learn about our school. She is really looking forward to being part of our wonderful Menzies Creek community, and I know she will be warmly welcomed by our students, staff and families.

I look forward to returning in Week 3 and continuing what promises to be another exciting term at Menzies Creek.

Science Week 

What a fantastic Science Week we had. Our students had the opportunity to explore science through hands-on experiences, exciting investigations and plenty of curiosity and wonder.

A major highlight was our whole school excursion to Lilydale High School’s Zoology Centre, home to the largest reptile house and collection of animals outside of a zoo in the Australia. Students rotated through a range of learning stations led by the school’s Junior Zoo Keepers, exploring reptiles, habitats and egg incubation. There were plenty of memorable moments, including the opportunity to touch lizards, frogs, snakes and turtles, and meet the Zoology Centre’s two crocodiles, Leo and Cleo!

Our science detectives then headed to Lillydale Lake, where students investigated the natural environment through fieldwork and explored the surrounds with a scientific eye. Back at school, students continued their learning about the reptiles they met and some lucky families took stick insect eggs home to watch the life cycle unfold.

Science Week was a wonderful opportunity for students across the school to ask questions, make observations, get hands-on and discover more about the world around them. It was fantastic to see their curiosity and enthusiasm in action throughout the week.

Book Week 

Books, characters and imagination took centre stage at Menzies Creek Primary School as we celebrated Book Week and this year’s theme, Symphony of Stories.

A highlight of the week was our whole school Book Week Dress Up Day and Costume Parade. It was wonderful to see the creativity and thought that went into the incredible range of costumes, with students parading together as a whole school while families watched on. Each student had the opportunity to take a turn in the parade and share who they had come dressed as.

Our Junior students also enjoyed a special visit from author and illustrator Elizia Gutowska, who shared her new book with the class and connected her visit to their learning in Kitchen Garden. Our First Steps to Prep children also joined in the Book Week fun with a special library session with Rosie, exploring stories and enjoying the wonderful world of books.

Our Student Voice Team also organised a Pre-Loved Book Sale, giving books a second life while raising funds for our school. We are delighted to share that the sale raised over $50, a fantastic achievement!

A big thank you to our families for supporting the week and helping bring so much colour, creativity and imagination to Menzies Creek!

Lockdown Drill

On Tuesday 25th August, we conducted a Lockdown Drill as part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and emergency preparedness. Our students responded maturely and calmly and should be commended for their excellent listening, cooperation and ability to follow instructions throughout the drill.

Father’s Day Stall

It’s time to find something special for Dad or another special person and shop at our Father’s Day Stall on Friday 4th September. We recommend a limit of $10 per child, with siblings shopping together to help ensure the gifts they choose are coordinated.

A huge thank you to our wonderful Fundraising Committee for the time, effort and care they put into organising this special event and making sure every student has something special to take home with them.

Father’s and Special Person's Celebration

Please see the invitiaton to our Father's and Special Person's Celebration in the next section of the newsletter.

Hot Potato Day – Take Two

Following the success of our first Baked Potato Fundraiser, our Student Voice Team are excited to run another Hot Potato Day on Monday 7th September. Students can order their hot potato via Qkr and enjoy a warm and delicious lunch together while supporting our school.

A big thank you to our Student Voice Team for continuing to come up with creative ideas that bring our school community together.

Northern Territory Partner School Visit

We are looking forward to welcoming our visitors from Ntaria School in the Northern Territory, on Tuesday 8th September (please note the change of date.)

Our visitors will arrive at midday, with our students joining them for a range of activities and opportunities to get to know one another. We will then share lunch together before continuing our activities throughout the afternoon. Our new friends will depart at approximately 3:00pm.

It will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect, share experiences and learn more about life in the Northern Territory. A big thank you to Alison for organising this special experience for us.

2026 School Production

The final details of how our School Production will run, including the dress rehearsal and performance, can be found on Compass and in the School Production section of the newsletter. A reminder that costumes are due on Friday 4th September, with each item to be clearly labelled and in a bag with your child’s name on it.

It’s not too late to get your tickets either. Tickets are available through Qkr. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the students’ hard work together!

Celebration of Learning Art Exhibition 

We warmly invite families to join us for our Celebration of Learning Art Exhibition on Friday 11th September from 3:00pm.

Please see the specific newsletter section for further details.

Term 4 Uniform

As we look ahead to Term 4 and warmer weather, a reminder that students need to bring and wear their school hat every day. Hats are an important part of our Sun Protection Policy and support students to stay protected while enjoying outdoor learning and play.

Please make sure your child has their school hat ready for the beginning of Term 4. If you need a new hat, please see Kate at Reception, as hats are available to purchase through our Uniform Shop.

2026 Year 3 to 6 Camp.

A reminder that our Grade 3–6 students will be heading to CYC Forest Edge in Neerim East for camp from Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th November. Information, including payment options and key camp details, have been shared with families via Compass. Please ensure permissions and payments are completed by the relevant due dates. Please come and chat to Kate or Sonya if you have any questions.

Hot Chocolate Mondays

We are continuing to offer hot chocolates every Monday at lunchtime in BER. You can order via QKR and funds raised will go towards the school.

Curriculum Days for 2026

To assist with your planning, we have set aside the following dates for Curriculum Days in 2026:

• Monday 2nd November– Curriculum Implementation

Brooke Kogelman

Acting Principal