From the School Council President.
IPS School Council met on 10 September. Despite being only four weeks since our previous meeting, there was good discussion with our engaged council members.
Two of our junior student councillor's Satvik and Celine provided a very professional update via a pre-recorded video which was well received. Their video is on the Student Voice Page Click here to watch.
The submission summarised the activity of the JSC's recent meeting and demonstrated a very mature awareness of issues around the school and a real ownership and pride in the space our students learn in. In addition, the JSC didn't just raise issues, they actively demonstrated that they had thought about potential solutions.
Some of the noteworthy topics included a plea for parents to switch off cars at drop-off and pick-up times, consideration of incorporating more science learning opportunities into the curriculum, feedback in relation to the canteen menu and a wishlist of facilities changes which the Facilities Committee and School leadership are working through.
The JSC is a valuable asset to our school and their voice is constructively incorporated into the everyday decision we make. In Term 4 the JSC will be responsible for collating a proposal in relation to the use of proceeds from the upcoming fair within the school.
Four other quick headlines from the meeting included:
In a pleasing evolution in 2026, IPS will receive funding for a part-time resource under the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative. The initiative provides funding to employ a mental health and wellbeing leader in every government school and three days a week is a strong commitment to this area and supporting the wellbeing of our students. The Leadership team will commence recruitment for this role in Term 4.
School Council agreed to extend the existing outsourced canteen arrangements for a further three years. The relationship with Annette and her team is working well and is deeply integrated into our community.
Our Education Committee continues to evolve the School's policy suite to ensure it aligns with best practice. The Council is continuing to refine the uniform policy to align with community expectations and an Anti-Racism policy will be developed in Term 4.
School Council reviewed the preliminary staff survey results which presented a positive view of the teaching environment and presented some opportunities for leadership to consider further. Survey results provide valuable input to decision making so if you have received an invitation to participate in the parent survey, we'd love to hear your views.
As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me
hamish.wood@education.vic.gov.au