Hello Everyone,

Lots has been happening around the school over the past couple of weeks, with plenty more exciting events to come!

Grade 4 Camp

Last week our Grade 4 students participated in their first school camp at MEPS, down at beautiful Phillip Island. After a quick stopover for a play at a recreation reserve in Koo Wee Rup, students moved on to watch the feeding of the pelicans on San Remo foreshore. The kids couldn’t believe how big the pelicans were and how much fish they can eat! We also saw a giant manta ray swim past for a free feed!

After arriving at camp, we completed two activity rotations before dinner before going to see the Penguin Parade, which is always a highlight. Our second day was full of more rotation activities such as giant swing, canoeing, low ropes course, raft building and archery. Students were able to challenge themselves and try new things that they may not have had the opportunity to do. That night our students showed off their talents in a Talent Quest and watched a movie, before bed. On our final day students packed up and then walked down to Smiths Beach for some fun in the sun and beach play. Overall it was a fantastic camp, with fantastic students – who were amazing! The camp staff acknowledged their wonderful behaviour, friendliness and respect for the camp staff and site. I’d like to thank all of the school staff who attended camp. It is always a pleasure for them to spend time with their students and to get to know them, but they also give their time away from their own families and this is greatly appreciated.

Whole School Information Evening

We had our first Whole School Information Evening on Tuesday night and we hope you found it enjoyable and helpful. The evening also gave parents a chance to meet their child’s teacher for this year.

Congratulations to our School, Vice and Specialist Captains

This Friday at assembly, surrounded by their peers, teachers and family, we will be presenting our much-deserved school, vice and specialist captains with their badges. These students went through a very vigorous nomination and selection process to be chosen to represent their school in these different leadership positions. We look forward to seeing what they do in their leadership roles as they work together and with staff to make MEPS an even better place to be and learn. Thank you to Bridget Vallence MP for her support of our school, by being present and encouraging our students in leadership and for providing our school with new flags for our flag poles.

We congratulate our student leaders:

School Captains: Olivia B and Zoe K

School Vice Captains: Lexi G and Henley D

DigiTech/Media Arts Captains: Caleb R, Jimmy D, Leo A and Quentin S

Physical Education Captains: Zane D, Zoe E, Ruby B, Mia-Rose S, Kade C, Zach S, Sohum K and Mitch M

Art Captains: Alarissa G, Kennedy K, Hirad Z and Haley L

Mandarin Captains: Abbey G, Indiana J, Lucas L and Tilly W

Music Captains: Chloe S, Emily M and Charlotte H

Sustainability Captains: Indigo J, Thomas C and Pax B

Term 1 Interviews

In the last week of term, teachers will be conducting parent-teacher interviews, just like we do in term three. This will be a chance to see how your child has settled in and to receive an indication of academic progress earlier in the year.

Term 1 interviews will be available on Thursday 3rd April between 2:45pm – 5:45pm and Friday 4th April between 8:45am – 12:45pm, in person and via Webex. Booking allocations will open on Monday 24th February and an email will be sent out to all families with the booking link.

Curriculum Day

Please note that Friday 4th April will be a Curriculum Day for students. Parent-teacher interviews will take place on this day.

School Council Elections

Thank you to everyone who nominated! We had three vacant positions and three nominations, so we did not need to go to a vote. We welcome back Kylee Mather and Bianca Grimshaw. We also welcome new to School Council, Jackie Boniface and look forward to getting her fresh ideas and working with her around all things to do with our wonderful school. Thank you, Jackie, for representing your school community.

Twilight Sports Next Week

We are very much looking forward to our annual Twilight Sports event on Wednesday 26th February with events starting at 5pm on the school oval and expected to conclude around 7pm. This is a great community event and a whole lot of fun! Families are welcome to bring along a picnic dinner, and we will have the BBQ running. We do need volunteer helpers on the BBQ from 4:15pm, so please keep an eye out for bookings. Children and their families can wear their house colour – please contact your child’s teacher if you are unsure which house they are in. Please note students are the responsibility of parents on the night, while staff are available to run activities. We always have our students vs staff vs parents final activity, so please come along and join in the fun!

Privacy and Use of Photography

Just a reminder to parents that MEPS has a privacy policy, regarding the use of personal data, which is in line with Department policy. It can be found on the school website https://meps.vic.edu.au/policies/privacy.pdf

Mooroolbark East Primary also has policies around the taking and use of photos and filming, which is also in line with Department policies and can be found on the school website https://meps.vic.edu.au/policies/photographing_filming_and_recording_students.pdf

Please reach out to leadership if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Deb Keating

Principal

SunSmart