From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

Belonging at IPS: Building a Connected Community

In early childhood, a strong sense of belonging is vital for children’s overall development. Feeling connected to people and places, understanding where they belong, and recognising their relationships with others strengthens their well-being, learning, and social-emotional growth. Trusting relationships and positive, affirming experiences play a key role in nurturing this important sense of belonging.

As children grow, belonging and connectedness to their school community become just as important. Children need to feel accepted, respected, and included to truly thrive.

At IPS, we focus on several key elements to foster a strong sense of belonging:

• Positive Relationships: We prioritise building supportive relationships among peers and regularly reinforce positive behaviour expectations. Our Peer Leaders and Buddies programs play an important role in nurturing these connections.
• A Strong School Culture: Our culture emphasises smooth transitions, wellbeing, high educational aspirations, and a commitment to continual improvement.
• Engaging Learning Experiences: We offer a relevant and engaging curriculum that celebrates each child’s unique strengths and interests.
• Student Voice and Agency: Students take an active role in their learning. They set their own learning goals and participate in leadership opportunities such as the Junior School Council, providing feedback directly to School Council and our year 6 students' latest initiative of lunchtime, peer tutoring.
• Family Partnerships: We value strong partnerships with families and foster open, two-way communication to support each student's growth and development.

Why is Belonging So Important?

• Well-being: Children feel happier, more confident, and experience reduced anxiety.
• Learning: Belonging increases motivation, engagement, and curiosity.
• Social-Emotional Development: It builds resilience, strong relationships, and a positive sense of self.
• Academic Success: Research shows that a strong sense of belonging is closely linked to improved academic outcomes.

At IPS we focus on positive behaviours and good citizenship. We understand that everyone has the right to feel safe at school. Our School Values are Confidence, Independence, Persistence, Resilience, and Respect.

The school orchestra performed for the first time this term at assembly on Monday and demonstrated everyone of our school values to perfection!   A section accompanied the the whole school's singing of the National Anthem, followed by the orchestra perfoming two pieces, one was Don Quixote and the other, Mamba Samba.  Listening to such a wonderful student performance and having so many parents join us, makes us proud to be part of the IPS Community!

At IPS, we are committed to creating a community where every child feels valued, supported, and connected—laying the foundation for lifelong success.  

Education Week  12th to 16th of May

Education Week Theme : "Celebration of Cultures".

This year's theme, ‘Celebration of Cultures’, highlights the diversity of our communities and the importance of every child feeling safe and welcome at school.

Education Week Open Morning Wednesday 14th of May - 9.30am to 11.30am.

You may have noticed our display of student work in the main building, celebrating the diverse mix of cultures that make up the IPS community.  Some years ago, students were involved in a project that was designed to inform and educate their peers about cultural diversity and inclusion.  Students created a large scale mosaic representing flags of the countries of origin of their families.  

As you enter the school foyer, you can also browse more detailed and individual tiles.  These depict cultural celebrations, school life, family and beliefs of families who are part of the IPS community.  Here's a snapshot of some of those tiles...

Did you know that it is now Waring Season?

Waring is the Kulin Nation (and Wurundjeri) Indigenous seasonal calendar term for Wombat Season, which occurs from April to July. This season is characterized by cool, rainy days, misty mornings, and longer nights. Wombats become more active during this time, emerging from their burrows to bask in the sunshine. 

Some of our year 3 students are learning more about Wurunderji seasons. The Wurundjeri people of the area also identify other seasons, including: 

• Biderap (Dry Season): January-February
• Iuk (Eel Season): March
• Guling (Orchid Season): August
• Poorneet (Tadpole Season): September-October
• Buarth Gurru (Grass Flowering Season): November
• Garrawang (Kangaroo-Apple Season): December

Our Year 4 students have been learning more about the world in the woi wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.

FUNDRAISING FOR YEAR 6 CAMP

HELP IS DESPERATELY NEEDED

On Saturday 3rd May – Election Day, IPS will be having a cake stall and a BBQ to raise funds for the Year 6 annual camp to Canberra. We need your support to help on the cake stall and the BBQ.

Please see the links below to sign up to help out.

BBQ 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CAEAF2EA6FBC61-55860835-election#/

Cake stall 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CAEAF2EA6FBC61-55860651-election#/

Thanking you,

Year 6 teachers

On Saturday 3rd May – Election Day, IPS will be having a cake stall and a BBQ to raise funds for the Year 6 annual camp to Canberra. We would greatly appreciate your support and you can contribute by making your favourite treats, such as cakes, slices, biscuits, scones, muffins, sauces, and jam. Thank you for your generosity!

Mother's Day Stall Volunteers

The PFA would love your help with selling items at the Mother's Day Stall which is held on Wednesday, 7th May. 

There are 3 available shifts throughout the day. 9am - 11.30am, 12pm - 1:40pm or 2:30pm-4pm. 

Please email Gabrielle to gabs_elliott@hotmail.com if you can help.

Annual PFA Trivia Night 31st May

Tickets are on sale via TryBooking now! https://www.trybooking.com/1374314

IPS Trivia Night is always a really popular and fun night. Don't be put off by not having a team. Just contact our PFA and they can help you to join a team.  

Any profits from the IPS Trivia Night will go toward the purchase of a new portable stage for music events, graduations and celebrations. This was considered to be a number one priority by our Junior School Council.

Year 1 Crayon Collection

Staying Safe Around School

National Walk Safely to School Day

National Walk safely to school day on Friday 16th May.  Our Ride2School leaders will be hosting an exciting morning to celebrate those who walk, ride or scoot to school safely. Each Wednesday, leaders collect Ride2School data and there will be prizes for the most active classes.  Keep active!

Finally

Please remember to turn off your car engines, particularly when waiting to collect children at the end of the school day.  Breathing in car exhaust fumes can be damaging to our children's health.

Thank you for your continued support.

Pam Wright

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.