Dear School Community Members,

It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of Term 3! Our focus during Term 3 has been to support the wellbeing and learning of our students, whilst also further developing the teaching and learning initiatives and key improvement strategies outlined in our School Improvement Plan. This includes launching the Mano Health and Wellbeing model (see attached), implementing the Mano Teaching and Learning Model (see attached), further developing the collaborative planning practices for our teachers and finalising our evidenced based writing approaches. Ultimately, we are committed to providing high quality instruction and the necessary wellbeing supports for every student.

Thank you to all students, staff and families for your contribution to Term 3 being so productive and focussed on our core business of maximising outcomes in learning and wellbeing for each student. All of our students have had the opportunity to engage in a host of educational, cultural, social and sporting activities to enjoy over the last 10 weeks. It is a privilege to experience and enjoy each student’s successes in a range of diverse activities.

Senior Learning Community Learning Expo:Thank you to the many families who attended the Senior Learning Community Expo on Monday afternoon. The Expo highlighted the high standard of achievement and growth of our Senior students this term. Each student presented their learning and highlighted their research skills and creativity. Congratulations to our Senior students and teachers on sharing their learning with us.

R U OK? Day: Today is R U OK? Day. R U OK? Day is a time that we focus on connecting with the people around us and start a conversation with those in our world who may be struggling. The R U OK? website has a wealth of wonderful information that is worth exploring as a family. The website:

raises awareness of the support and help available for people who may be struggling
provides strategies to reach out to someone struggling
help students begin a conversation to connect with someone who may be struggling

https://www.ruok.org.au/

I encourage families to teach their children the following ‘R U OK?’ conversation:

Step 1: Ask R U OK?

Step 2: Listen attentively (without interjecting)

Step 3: Encourage action (“is there something I can help you with?”)

Step 4: Check in (follow up with the person)

Victorian State School Spectacular: I was thrilled to attend the Victorian State School Spectacular (VSSS) last Saturday and observe our team perform. This was my second experience of the VSSS and I again was blown away with the magnitude of the event. We are extremely proud of the performance of our team. Congratulations to our 16 students for their incredible performance. I also extend a huge thank you to Mrs Orford and Ms Stapleton for their dedication and passion in supporting our students and coordinating all that goes with such a huge event.

Term 3 Social Service Activity:Tomorrow is our Term 3 Social Service activity coordinated by our Junior School Council.

Date: Friday, 15th September

Charity: Camp Quality

Donation: Gold coin

Students and staff are invited to come to school dressed in their Footy Colours! Once again, congratulations to our Junior School Council for their leadership across our school.

Pupil Free Days – Term 4: Please note the Pupil Free days and Public Holiday for Term 4:

Wednesday 25th October: Geelong Cup Public Holiday (no school)
Friday 24th November: Curriculum Day: focus on Assessment and Reporting (Pupil Free Day)
Monday 27th November: Curriculum Day: focus on Curriculum Planning (Pupil Free Day)

VillageOSHC will provide care options and should be contacted directly for bookings on Pupil Free Days.

2024 Planning: To assist with our planning for 2024, if your child will not be attending Mano in 2024, please advise the office ASAP.

End of Term Arrangements: Tomorrow is the last day of Term 3. Please note, students will be dismissed from school at 2:30pm next Friday. After School Care will begin at 2:30pm. Term 4 will commence on Monday 2nd October.

Term 4 promises to be another fulfilling and rewarding time at Manifold Heights Primary School. Swimming programs, transition sessions, Grade 6 Graduation ceremony, Bike Ed for our Gr 4 and Grade 5 students, and many excursions and incursions are among some of the extra-curricula activities that will complement the formal curriculum.

On behalf of all staff, I wish all students and families a wonderful and safe break.

Thank you for supporting our school and have a great week.

Christian Smith

Principal

VSSS News