From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

As Education Week draws to a close, it has once again provided us with the opportunity to celebrate the many wonderful things that happen each and every day at Ivanhoe Primary School. 

Our students continue to thrive because of the collective efforts of an incredibly dedicated community. I would like to sincerely acknowledge our teaching staff, education support staff and volunteers who give so generously of their time, care and expertise to ensure every child feels known, supported and inspired to do their best.

At times, life can feel challenging for all of us. For students, families and staff alike. 

Yet, even through the busy and sometimes difficult moments, it is important to remember that we are all working towards the same goal: wanting the very best for your children. 

Education Week Wrap Up

This week, as part of the Department of Education’s Education Week celebrations, we proudly opened our doors to current and prospective families for our Open Morning. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich learning experiences, strong sense of community and high-quality teaching and learning that make Ivanhoe Primary School such a special place.

Ivanhoe Primary School has long been recognised as a leader in primary education. This is reflected not only in our student learning outcomes, but also in the positive feedback we consistently receive from families and visitors to our school. Wednesday morning provided an opportunity for our community to see this in action, as classrooms came alive with creativity, curiosity and deep thinking.

Visitors explored a wide range of engaging learning experiences, including marble runs (GraviTrax), nature art, poetry readings, student-run shops and board game creations. Throughout the morning, families observed students making meaningful connections across the curriculum, linking areas such as history, science and literacy through thoughtful inquiry and collaborative learning.

The morning concluded with a spectacular Strings and Orchestra performance, which was warmly appreciated by all who were present. The performance was a wonderful celebration of the talent, confidence and enthusiasm of our students and provided a fitting finale to a highly successful Open Morning.

There are more photos and videos on our IPS Education Week Open Morning page.

JSC student tour guides

Thank you to our JSC student tour guides, who did a marvellous job showcasing what it means to be an IPS student. Families spoke with Mrs Wright and me throughout the morning, sharing how impressed they were by the maturity, demeanour and knowledge displayed by our students. 

Several families even took the time to phone the school later that afternoon to express their appreciation and praise for the guides. Our students are undoubtedly the very best ambassadors for our wonderful school and all that makes IPS such a special place.

Cross Country

Last Friday, more than 50 IPS students proudly represented our school at the Ivanhoe District School Sports Association Cross Country event held at Chelsworth Park.

It was a fabulous day, with our students demonstrating our IPS values through their outstanding sportsmanship, encouragement of one another and respect towards fellow competitors. Their positive attitude, determination and team spirit were evident throughout the day, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented Ivanhoe Primary School.

Results:

Age 9-10 year old girls placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Age 9-10 year old boys placed 4th and 5th.

Age 11 year old boys placed 6th

Age 12 year old girls placed 7th, 4th and 2nd.

Age 12 year old boys placed 10th, 7th and 2nd.

IPS Girls won the overall Ivanhoe District Cross Country event for the third year in a row!

Congratulations to all who took part.

Celebration of Education Support Staff  

We celebrated the care, compassion and dedication of our Education Support (ES) staff on Friday the 15th of May - the International Education Support Staff Day.  We hosted a morning tea, where all the IPS staff came to thank our ES staff for the care, patience and energy they bring each day. The ES team do a marvellous job of supporting our students, helping them feel safe, included and ready to learn. 

Our ES team are always there when it counts, whether it’s in the classroom, in the office, first aid, or in the library, the wellbeing room or in the yard, or just taking the time to connect with a child who needs it.   

IPS Education Support Staff - thank you for everything you do—today and every day.

School Tour Dates - new enrolments

Mr Kent, Mrs Wright and Mr King are conducting two tours most weeks for new families. 

All tour times are from 12pm to 12.45pm. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning the office on 9499 1880.

If you have a child of a current student beginning next year, please don't wait to enrol as early accurate figures allow us to plan classes and staff them appropriately.

2026 Year 6 Camp - please get on board!

I'm happy to give up my day for your children! 

Will you join me at FAIRFIELD BUNNINGS?

Dear year 6 families,

 

We are reaching out for your support as we work together to make our Year 6 Canberra Camp as affordable as possible for all 75 families in our cohort. As you know, camp is a milestone experience that builds independence, connection, and lifelong memories. 

To help reduce costs for every family, we will be running a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser on Sunday June 28th, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and we need your help to make it a success.

To run the day safely and smoothly, we must fill every volunteer slot across the full eight hours. Even one hour of your time will make a meaningful difference. Every dollar raised directly reduces the cost of camp for your child and their peers. Your contribution genuinely benefits the whole community.

We are also seeking one parent to take on the role of BBQ Captain. This is a key leadership role on the day, and we would be incredibly grateful to anyone willing to step forward. 

Responsibilities include:

• Registering to use Bunnings’ free Mobile Payments (if our group chooses to use it)
• Being on site for the full duration of the BBQ
• Checking in with volunteers and ensuring everyone is feeling well
• Ensuring volunteers report any concerns immediately
• Overseeing and completing the required BBQ clean three times throughout the day
• Completing the end‑of‑day reporting of expenses and total funds raised

If you can help, please sign up by clicking the link below and adding your name to a time slot:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nqMs9W88tgTINiBBk1td9gDR4LVuAtUmzpwJjgdHazc/edit?usp=sharing

Your generosity, time, and community spirit will directly support our students and help ensure that every child can participate in this unforgettable learning experience. 

Thank you in advance for anything you can offer, big or small. Together, we can make this fundraiser a success and lighten the financial load for all families.

Sincerely,

The Year 6 Team

Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day, taking place on Friday, May 22nd, is a national event that encourages students and families to walk, ride, or scoot to school, highlighting the benefits of active travel. 

It’s a great way to promote road safety, physical activity, and a cleaner environment. We encourage all students to take part.

Finally

When schools and families work together with trust, understanding and shared purpose, children thrive. Thank you for continuing to work alongside us to create a community where children are encouraged to be happy, resilient and successful learners.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mark Kent

Principal

http://www.ivanhoeps.vic.edu.au/ 

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.