From the Principal

Monday 3rd November - Curriculum Day - No School for Students
Tuesday 4th November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - No School
Saturday 8th November - Working Bee
Saturday 22nd November 12-5pm - IPS Fair

Ivanhoe Primary School’s voluntary financial contributions for 2026

2026 Voluntary Financial Contributions

Ivanhoe Primary School is looking forward to another great year of teaching and learning in 2026. We would like to advise families that the voluntary financial contributions for 2026 will remain unchanged.

While these contributions are voluntary, the information included on the 2026 Voluntary Financial Contributionspage of this newsletter outlines how these funds are used to support our programs and facilities.

One key area we’d like to highlight is the Digital Learning Technology Contribution.

Although there is much discussion around screen time, technology remains an essential part of a modern, engaging classroom. Projectors, interactive whiteboards, laptops, and robotics equipment all play a vital role in supporting high-quality teaching and learning.

Ivanhoe Primary has deliberately chosen not to run a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Instead, the school maintains a well-managed fleet of leased equipment, ensuring all students have access to reliable and up-to-date technology. Purchasing this equipment outright would be impractical and unaffordable, which is why this contribution is so valuable.

The Digital Learning Technology Contribution helps to:

fund regular technical support to keep systems running smoothly,
provide professional learning for teachers so they can confidently use technology in the classroom,
ensure the school remains current with new technological developments, and
replace and upgrade projectors, smartboards, and other classroom technology as needed.

Since returning from Covid and long periods of lockdown we have seen a noticeable drop in the Digital Learning Technology Contribution and this has impacted our capacity to refresh aging equipment. Please consider supporting this valuable school program..

Your contribution directly supports our students to become confident, capable, and creative users of digital technologies.

Welcome to IPS

As we move toward the end of the school year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the strength and importance of our school community. A strong community is built on shared values, care for one another, and a commitment to helping every child do their best. When students, parents, and staff work together, we create the kind of environment where children feel supported, connected, and ready to learn.

At this time of year, routines can start to feel a little harder to maintain, and the excitement of holidays and celebrations can make it easy for focus to slip. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we remind our children to stay engaged, give their best effort, and finish the year strongly. The habits and attitudes they practise now will carry through into next year and beyond.

For our Year 6 students, the final term can feel like the end of an era — and it is! But it’s also a time when leadership, respect, and responsibility matter most. We ask parents to help guide their child’s focus and behaviour, ensuring they continue to model the positive attitudes that have helped shape our school culture. Finishing well is something to be proud of, and it sets a strong example for the younger students who look up to them.

Together, as a community, we can make the last term of the school year productive, positive, and memorable for every student.

Curriculum Day at OSHC

Curriculum Day is Monday 3rd November where teachers will be working on assessment and reporting. Students will not attend school that day. Our IPS OSHC will be operating for the day from 7.30am to 5.30pm. See the brochure below to find out more about the day, costs and booking information.

Volunteer 1 Hour of your Time at the Fair

The school fair is not only a major fundraiser for the school but a source of so much pleasure for our students, extended families and the wider community. To make it a success, we need everyone to volunteer just one hour of their time to help out on the day.

All families have now received a roster sign up link for their class stall / activity via their class WhatsApp group and an event on their Class Dojo. Thank you to the many parents who have signed up already.

To ensure our 2025 Fair is a success, we need your support by volunteering just one hour of your time to help out on just one of your children's stalls or activities.

JSC ideas and Fair Fundraising

Our upcoming School Fair on Friday 22nd of November has the potential to generate a significant amount of money to directly benefit our students. This year, the Junior School Council has played a leading role in identifying the types of equipment and items they believe would most enhance school life.

Their ideas have been shared with the Facilities Committee, who have carefully considered the potential cost and popularity of each suggestion. The refined list will be presented to School Council next Wednesday for review and approval, after which we look forward to sharing the final list of proposed purchases with our school community in the next newsletter.

The Fair Committee feels strongly that when our community knows exactly what the funds raised will be used for, people are often even more generous in their support. One of the most popular student suggestions this year is to purchase two additional colourful 12-seater outdoor settings, to be installed near the senior school building. If you haven’t yet seen the new seats that were added earlier this year, they are a wonderful addition to our school grounds — bright, welcoming, and extremely popular with students. It’s easy to see why adding more of them is high on the Junior School Council’s wish list!

Silent Auction needs your help

Our amazing Ivanhoe Primary School Fair is now only one month away, and excitement is building! One of the highlights of the event is our Silent Auction, which is always a fantastic fundraiser for the school.

We are currently seeking donations to help populate the auction tables — these could be anything from a nice bottle of wine, a weekend stay at a holiday home, a fun photo opportunity on Mr Kent’s motorcycle (LOL), or even unwanted but unopened gifts you may have at home.

Items don’t need to be large or expensive — creativity and community spirit go a long way!

Other ideas might be tickets to sporting events, travel packages, and unique memorabilia like autographed items. Creative options include themed gift baskets, high-end goods such as designer accessories or unique experiences. Mrs Wright and I are auctioning "Principal for a Day" at a school. You get the idea!

The bottom line is that every contribution helps raise valuable funds that directly benefit our students and school programs.

If you’re able to donate an item or have any questions, please contact our wonderful and energetic Silent Auction Coordinator, Elena, at e_zito@yahoo.com or Mr Kent through the school office.

Hats Off to Teachers on World Teachers' Day - Friday 31 October

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the amazing teachers across Australia who inspire, support, and empower young people every day. Their dedication, creativity, and care make an enormous difference in the lives of students and in our school communities.

At Ivanhoe Primary School, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated teaching and support team who go above and beyond to make learning engaging, meaningful, and joyful for every student.

Our teachers work tirelessly to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and support each child’s growth—both academically and personally. Whether through carefully planned lessons, encouragement in the playground, or the countless unseen acts of care each day, our teachers truly embody the values of our school community. They are supported by a talented team of education support and support staff.

Between now and October 31st is a perfect time to acknowledge their outstanding commitment and to say a heartfelt thank you for all that they do.

Our Biennial School Fair – Building Community and Supporting Our School - Thanking Our Supporters.

The Ivanhoe Primary School Fair is just around the corner! Our Biennial Fair is always a highlight on the school calendar—a wonderful way for families, friends, and neighbours to come together, enjoy a fun day out, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our school community.

As well as being a fantastic community event, the Fair plays an important role in raising much-needed funds that directly support our students and school programs. Every stall, activity, and helping hand makes a real difference.

We encourage all parents, carers, and friends to get involved—whether by volunteering time, donating goods, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can make this year’s Fair another great success.

Remember, Our Fair can’t happen without the support of our amazing community.

Year 7 Transition Visit

On Thursday 30th October, Ivanhoe Primary School welcomed Ms Shae Warren, Deputy Head of Year 7 and Transition Coordinator from Ivanhoe Grammar School.

Twelve of our Grade 6 students took part in an engaging session about what life at high school will look like — including subjects, timetables, uniforms, expectations, and school rules. They also had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and gain a clearer understanding of their upcoming transition.

The visit was a valuable experience that helped our students feel more confident and well-prepared for their exciting move to high school next year.

IGS Transition visit.pdf

Booklist Orders

Don't forget to get your booklist orders in by 9th November to ensure that your order is delivered on time to your child's classroom for next year.

More information on the Booklists/Suppliers page

Premiers Reading Challenge

The Premiers’ Reading Challenge has come to a close, and our certificates have finally arrived.

The following students will receive certificates and lapel pins on our Monday 10th November assembly.

Foundation: George W (FD)

Grade 1: Koray O (1G)

Grade 2: Jack W (2N)

Grade 3: Amelia M (3O)

Grade 4: Chloe L (4K)

Grade 5: Evelyn D (5B)

Grade 6: Sophie M (6R)

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Challenge.

Happy Reading!

International Day

International Day is just round the corner! On Thursday 4th December, IPS will be holding International Day. There will be lots of fun events that celebrate the diverse IPS community such as a Dragon Dance, an Indonesian puppet show, special international cuisine at the canteen and the students' favourite - the parade! Students and staff usually wear clothes that represent their own country or culture but it is open for students to choose any traditional dress.

Driving Safely Around Our School

Over the past few weeks, a number of parents have shared their concerns about cars wating in traffic to turn right into Aisla Grove. When traffic is backed-up, they have witnessed cars driving onto the wrong side of Waterdale Road to avoid waiting to turn.

I implore you to remember that children are trying their best to cross roads safely around the school. They might not be looking for a car coming the wrong way before they cross. Other drivers, who may also have children in the car, might not be able to avoid a collision with a car crossing onto the wrong side of the road.

Please obey the road rules and drive safely for the good of our community.

Finally

We welcomed our future Foundation students to school this morning for their first offical transition session. Most children have already visited IPS earlier in the year for a variety of play dates as part of our extended transition process which aims to ensure children have a positive start by supporting their social, emotional, and academic readiness for a new learning environment. This process helps children develop a sense of belonging, build relationships, and adapt to new routines and it has proved to bolster their confidence and school readiness.

Whilst children had the chance to play, make friends, familiarise themselves with the Foundation classrooms and meet teachers, their parents were able to mingle and chat over a cuppa and biscuit in the collaboration space until it was time to leave.