ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Milgate Primary School would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land of the Wurundjeri People, and we would like to pay our respects to the elders both past and present. Staff, students and the school community understand that we thrive, learn and live on Wurundjeri Country and we stand with all cultures united as one.

LEADERSHIP BADGE PRESENTATION

On Monday, we proudly presented our Student Leaders with their leadership badges for 2026. Each School Leader shared a little of what being a leader means to them. We were honoured to have Nicole Werner MP, the State Member for Warrandyte, join us to present the badges. Nicole delivered an inspiring message, reminding students that you don’t have to be an expert to inspire others — just be willing to help people be better and do better. Following the presentation, our leaders enjoyed the annual Student Leader Celebration in the staff room, feasting on snacks and celebrating their achievements with families and friends. We look forward to seeing our Student Leaders thrive and make a meaningful impact across the school community.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU - PARENT INFORMATION SHARING SESSIONS

It has been wonderful to see so many parents at the Parent Information Sharing Sessions this week. The sessions provide an opportunity for parents to meet with their child’s teacher and tell them relevant information about their child that will assist them in the planning of the teaching and learning programs. The teachers found it very valuable to learn more about the students and to meet the parents. This leads to positive relationships and partnerships between home and school, as we all work together for the education of our students. If you haven’t made a booking, please email your child’s classroom teacher to organise a time.

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN - OUR WORKING GROUP

At the end of 2025 Milgate Primary School completed our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Creating and maintaining a RAP is an ongoing process involving reflection and collaboration with staff, students, parents, the wider community and First Nations organisations.

Thank you to the parents who have been involved in this journey so far - your commitment, involvement and interest is invaluable.

If you are interested in joining the RAP working group, please email Kirsty Krumples on kirsten.krumples@education.vic.gov.au. The working group includes Milgate staff, Milgate community members and other community members.

A RAP “is a formal commitment to reconciliation. It documents how your school or early learning service will strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school/service and with the community.” - from Narragunanwali (please see them or Reconciliation Australia for more information)

YEAR 3 TAI CHI PROGRAM

Last week, our Year 3 students began their Tai Chi lessons with Master Han Jin Song, chief instructor and founder of Tai Chi Australia.

As an enhancement to our Languages program, students are exploring Chinese language and culture in an authentic, hands-on way. Throughout the sessions, they are using Mandarin vocabulary and instructions while learning traditional Tai Chi movement practices. This multidisciplinary program supports learning across a range of curriculum areas, including:

LOTE (Mandarin): using language in meaningful, real-world contexts
Intercultural Capability: developing understanding and respect for Chinese culture and traditions
Personal and Social Capability: building focus, self-regulation, confidence and wellbeing
Physical Education: improving balance, coordination, body awareness and mindful movement

Tai Chi is a calm, inclusive practice that supports student wellbeing, engagement and concentration, while also strengthening cultural understanding and connection. Students of all abilities can participate and experience success. At the conclusion of the program, families will be invited to attend a celebratory performance where students will share their learning. Parents and carers will also have the opportunity to join in and experience Tai Chi alongside their children. This celebration is a wonderful way to build community connection and recognise students’ learning and growth.

Across the year, all students in Years 3–6 will participate in an 8-week Tai Chi program as part of this enriching cultural experience.

Important Dates

Term 1 Dates

9-19 February: Get to Know You Parent-Teacher Interviews (book via Compass from 2 February)

25 February: Whole School Assembly: Chinese New Year Celebration (9:00am)

26 February: Community Picnic & Games Night (3:45-5:00pm)

9 March: Labour Day (Public Holiday)

11 - 1 March: NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5)

18 & 23 March: School Photos

2 April: Last Day Term 1 (2:30pm dismissal)

2026 Curriculum & Student Free Days

Friday 20 February

Monday 24 August

Monday 2 November

Additional dates TBC

2026 Whole School & Year Level Assemblies

This year, fortnightly Whole School Assemblies will be held on Monday afternoons at 2:50pm. These assemblies will be focused on whole school celebration events (i.e. Student Leader Presentations, Chinese New Year, etc). As in previous years, our Year 6 leaders will be involved in hosting these assemblies. Dates for our Whole School Assemblies will be published in the newsletter.

Year Level Assemblies will be held 3-4 times per term and will be focused on celebration student achievements (including presentation of Milgate Achiever Awards), year level events and learning priorities. Our hope is that a Year Level assembly will allow more time to acknowledge our students and their wonderful achievements. The dates and times of these assemblies will be sent to families via Compass and published in the newsletter.

PARENT AND FRIENDS MEETING DATES

Extra-Curricular Activities

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES