From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

This morning, we waved off the year 1 students to their excursion to Melbourne Museum. I heard that some students were so excited that that they were counting down the hours to the excursion from 6am this morning!

Just look at our curious learners ...

Bullying No Way

Next week we will be celebrating Bullying No Way Week from Monday 17 to Friday 21 August 2026.

This year’s theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, encourages students, staff, families and the wider community to show leadership, take small everyday actions to support others, and speak out against bullying. These simple moments of kindness and inclusion help build a safer, more connected school environment for everyone.

In preparation for the week, our Student Voice & Wellbeing Ambassadors have been creating a display that will be revealed at assembly on Monday. They will speak to the school about the importance of Bullying No Way Week and how small actions contribute to a positive, safe, inclusive and supportive culture at IPS.

Throughout the week, each class will unpack the theme and contribute to a whole‑school paper‑weaved mosaic. This collaborative artwork will represent unity, diversity and the strength of our community when everyone plays a part. We look forward to sharing photos of the finished piece in next week’s newsletter.

National Science Week

Next week we celebrate National Science Week, with the school theme of Seeds of Science: nurturing science for all.

This theme invites students across Australia to explore the power of curiosity, inquiry and shared learning in growing scientific understanding. Just as seeds need the right conditions to grow, knowledge flourishes when it is nurtured, shared and applied to real-world and authentic challenges across all the scientific disciplines.

The theme encourages schools to explore how ideas take root, develop and spread – from the first spark of a question to the sharing of discoveries that benefit the wider community. It’s a celebration of how knowledge grows when tended with care, creativity and collaboration.

Year 4 Science

As part of the year 4 Rock, Soil and Mineral Science unit, students are getting curious about the soil right here around our school! Today we started to investigate different soil types and properties, make observations, ask questions and develop predictions before testing our ideas through simple scientific investigations of soil solutions.

This practical experience will help students understand how scientists work—from curiosity and questioning through to collecting evidence, identifying patterns and drawing conclusions. Next week, we will continue to explore how soils can differ depending on their location and consider what these differences might tell us about our school environment.

It’s a great opportunity for students to see that science isn’t just something that happens in a laboratory—it’s happening all around us, every day!

Second Hand Uniform Shop

We have just received a large donation of freshly laundered uniform items.  All good quality and in great condition.  If you're in need of spare items, please visit the office and ask to view the range.  Items are only a few dollars each. 

R U OK? Day

On Thursday 10 September, Ivanhoe Primary School will be recognising R U OK? Day, Australia's national day of action that reminds us of the importance of checking in with the people around us. By simply asking, "Are you OK?", listening without judgement and encouraging support when needed, we can help others feel seen, valued and connected.

Throughout the day, students will participate in age-appropriate classroom activities and discussions that promote kindness, empathy and looking out for one another. These learning experiences help students develop positive relationships, build emotional awareness and understand that it's okay to ask for help when they need it. Together, we are continuing to foster a caring, inclusive and supportive school community where everyone feels they belong.

If you would like more information, please visit: www.ruok.org.au 

2026 Prime Minister's Spelling School Round 

All students from years 3-6 are eligible to enter this online spelling Bee.  If you would like your child to take part in this teacher supervised, online spelling bee, please see the Compass Event to give consent.

https://www.spelling-bee.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Spelling-Bee-flyer.pdf

Book Week

The excitement for book week is building particularly for the parade on 26th August.   

Teaser... this year all our staff have decided to follow a theme for their costumes.  I think you'll find a few surprises and a few belly laughs!

Finally

Thank you to those families who came to help out at our working bee on Saturday. Yellow stripes were painted on tripping hazards, playgrounds were mulched, sandpits topped up, long jump pit covered and even some windows were washed!    

Our sincere thanks for giving up your time to come and help keep our school looking great.  I'm pleased that most people seemed to appreciate my barbequed sausages even if they were a little well done!

Thank you for your continued support.

Pam Wright

Co 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.