Thursday 24th August

I would to acknowledge the efforts of our staff who are always working hard to provide many learning opportunities and experiences for our students. We also have our community relations subcommittee working hard for our whole school as well. Please check on Compass for any upcoming events to be aware of as we have a few things happening across all areas of the school between now and the end of term. This includes Father’s Day information.

Next week is Education Support appreciation week. Our ES work tirelessly to support all our staff and students and deserve a little recognition.

Wakakirri - congratulations

We have much to be proud of. Some of our Year 3-6 students were absolutely brilliant last week up on stage at the Frankston Arts Centre for Wakakirri. All the efforts, time, energy, edits, rehearsals, costume making, props and students came together beautifully. We were acknowledged for our efforts and performance which really was wonderful. Congratulations Kylie Morgan and thank you for providing this opportunity. Thanks also to Bec Burley, Dee Stray, Sue Howard and Anne Matheson for their massive support. Thanks also to our families for their support, it was a long way to go but it was definitely worthwhile.

Menzies Creek Primary School official feedback……

Understanding Homelessness

"A nice production with a strong message!", Wakakirri Ambassador - Chris Politis

Show Awards

Storytelling Award for Strong use of the Festival Motif

Ensemble Award for Acting Performance

Production award for Original Soundtrack

Creative production award for Lighting Design

Creative production award for Creative Reuse of Materials with Sets and Props

Best Public Speaking Award

Ambassador feedback

Wakakirri Ambassador Chris Politis said "The concept and storytelling was really strong. Loved the symbolism of the umbrellas. That was really powerful. All the song choices were great and helped support the lyrics. I enjoyed the opening scene sequence. It was well put together!"

Book Week

This year the theme is Read Grow Inspire. Staff and students came dressed as a favourite character or book or author. It was great to see so many students embrace the spirit of the day and share their love of books. Head to the website Children’s Book Council of Australia more information on shortlisted books that you might to share at home.

Swimming

Information is on Compass and needs to be actioned by the end of the month so we can plan accordingly. Lessons will take place on Thursday between 10:30 - 12:30, at Aquatic Achievers in Ferntree Gully. If you are not wanting your child to participate in this event, please decline the event online as soon as possible. This helps us with planning groups and staff supervision.

Please complete the survey for each child participating in the swimming program.

Survey Link

School Values

This year we have been working as a school to revisiting our values this year to complement our guidelines of do your best, help others succeed and respect our environment. Staff, students and school council have decided upon the following:

At Menzies Creek we strive to maintain a strong sense of community through the following values:

• Respect – to understand, consider and have regard for the rights of others

• Persistence – in working hard to overcome challenges

• Kindness – by showing understanding and care to others

• Gratitude – by being thankful for what we have and get to experience

We will be making these a focus in Care Groups as part of our social and emotional relational learning. When awarding student of the week awards we will be having a highlighted focus – this fortnight is on gratitude.

Do you like to garden?

We have some parents in our community who are wanting to do some weeding before the end of the school day when the weather improves. If this sounds like something you would like to do please contact the office. It will provide a chance to catch up with other parents and help the school! We are working with Bunnings in Fountain Gate to have a native planting day in September too for the students which should be good for our gardens and the environment.

Take care,

Dale McInerney

Plot to Pot