Hello everyone and welcome back to term 3! I hope you and your family enjoyed the recent school holidays and managed to stay warm during the shift in weather conditions. I also hope that your children are well rested and excited for the term ahead.

We are also very excited about the term ahead with many fantastic learning programs, events and activities planned.

It has been great to see the students re-connecting with their friends, teachers and the learning program across the week. We’ve heard lots of stories about the great activities enjoyed over the holidays, the energy levels are high in the classrooms and playground.

Year 3/4 Hoop time

Well done to all the year 3/4 students whom participated in the Hoop Time basketball tournament today. We were very proud of all the effort and most importantly the school values on display by meeting the challenge with respect for our teammates and opposition.

A BIG thank you to the parents who helped out on the day:

Katie, Chelsy, Caroline, Luke, Richard, Dom, John, Sophie, Chloe, Mel, Jacqui, Kyle, Brett, Gary and Theo!

We really appreciate the support.

Industrial Action

The negotiations between the Department of Education and the Union continue with a day of Stop Work planned for Thursday 23rd July. Early next week I will be in a position to confirm the impacts for MEPS and our ability to provide a program for that day. However, at this stage, please plan for some significant disruption as I am aware that many staff at MEPS are union members and will likely take action.

Parent teacher interviews

A reminder of our upcoming Parent Teacher interviews that are being conducted on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July from 3.30-6pm. Thank-you for your participation in these interviews as they form an integral part of our reporting processes and continues the positive relationship between home and school as we endeavour to provide a holistic learning experience for all students. Together We Grow, in action.

Thank-you to the staff team for their commitment to these interviews. With the current union actions, staff have been encouraged to reduce their mandated out of hours meeting commitments of which, all staff have ignored in the best interests to maintain our connections with families and continuing our shared work in providing the best outcomes for all students.

Upcoming fun across MEPS next week

Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July the year 1/2 classes will enjoy a free incursion from Computer Explorers. This age appropriate, interactive incursion, will teach some digital content and skills whilst exploring the creative elements of digital design.

Within this, our ongoing messaging of Cyber Safety and having a balanced approach to managing screen time, remains constant.

Tuesday 21 July some year 1/2 Junior School Council members will support the installation of a new Buddy Bench. This has seen the culmination of a relationship with the Mt. Martha Men’s Shed group whom have used artworks from our students to design and develop the bench that promotes our school value of connectedness across the school.

Friday 24 July our school MEET representatives will participate in some tree planting and garden rejuvenation across MEPS. A great environmental focus that promotes sustainable practices but also a green lens of school beautification.

Term 3 Dates

Please be aware of some notable dates for the term 3 calendar.

July 23 - Education Union Stop Work Day

August 3 - Whole School Curriculum Day

September 2 – September 3: Year 3 Camp @ Golden Valleys Lodge, Flinders

September 7 – September 9: Year 6 Camp @ Bayview Grantville

September 18 - Final Day of term 3

Community Links

Please be aware of some key dates for semester 2 and some offerings from the Community Links team.

17-21 August – Book Week Swap

4 September - Father’s Day Afternoon Tea

11 September – MEPS Golf Day

10 October – Trivia Night

27 November – Colour Run

Working Bee TBC

National Emergency mobile phone test

We’ve been advised that a national test of AusAlert will happen across Australia on Monday 27 July at 2 pm.

AusAlert is a new, national emergency warning system. It sends warning messages to compatible mobile devices during emergencies, to keep people informed so they can act quickly. The Australian Government plans to launch AusAlert in October 2026.

On Monday 27 July at 2 pm, all compatible mobile devices will receive a Critical Alert. Compatible mobile devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, safety watches and some vehicle devices. These will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if they are on silent or do not disturb. The message will clearly state that it is a test. No action is required from the test.

Whilst this national test will occur during our lunch time break we will endeavour to minimise disruption with staff encouraged to have their phones on aeroplane mode to ensure the alerts are not compounded across the school.

You may also wish to let your child know that if they see or hear the alert, school staff will support them. You can learn more at AusAlert: children and teens.

Safe phones

AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.

If you or someone you know has a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during the test is to:

turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.

Silent mode and do not disturb will not stop the alert.

For more information, please refer to the Staying safe with AusAlert page.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, Connectedness and Challenge

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