Dear School Community Members,

It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway mark of the 2026 school year! This provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the achievements our students have accomplished this semester, as well as ensure they are well placed to achieve their learning goals for Term 3. I encourage each family to utilise the student report and Parent-Teacher Discussions to formally celebrate the achievements, and opportunities for improvement with your child/ren.

Thank you to all students, staff and families for your contribution to Term 2 being so productive and focussed on our core business of maximising learning outcomes and the wellbeing for each student. All of our students have had the opportunity to engage in a host of educational, cultural, social and sporting activities to enjoy over the last 11 weeks. It is a privilege to experience and enjoy each student’s successes in a range of diverse activities.

Parent Teacher Discussions:

Thank you to our families who have ‘booked’ a Parent Teacher Discussion for today. We have almost 90% of our family’s ‘book’ and this highlights the healthy ‘Home-School Partnership’ embedded here at Mano. These discussions compliment the Student Report Cards that were distributed last Friday.

Unleashing Potential Awards – Term 2:

Congratulations to the following students on receiving the Term 2 Unleashing Potential Award:

Prep: Aya Shad - PH

Grade 1: TBA

Grade 2: Alyra Abraham - 2G

Grade 3: Annie Kichakov - 3L

Grade 4: Chloe Cameron - 4M

Grade 5: Isla Popovski - 5H

Grade 6: Milla Cameron - 56W

End of Term Arrangements:

Tomorrow is the last day of Term 2. Please note, students will be dismissed from school at 2.30pm. After School Care will begin at 2:30pm. Term 3 will commence on Monday, 13th July.

Have a great holiday and we look forward to an exciting Term 3!

Farewell Jill Brown

As you are aware, Jill Brown is retiring from the teaching service. Jill has been a wonderful member of the Manifold Community. This week, there was a lovely article printed in the Geelong Advertiser that I encourage families to read. I have attached a part of this article.

At our Assembly on Monday 20th July, we will have a whole school farewell for Jill. Please find a message below from Jill.

Thank You, Manifold Heights Primary School

As I finish my final week at Manifold Heights Primary School, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the wonderful community that has been such an important part of my life for so many years.

My connection with Manifold Heights began in 1978 and then continued from 1994 until this week in 2026. Together, those years represent nearly five decades of connection with this remarkable school and over 30 years of continuous teaching here.

Over that time, I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of children, and I now find myself teaching the children of former students. In some cases, I have even had the pleasure of teaching colleagues who once sat in my classroom as students themselves.

I have been fortunate to teach every grade level and specialist area. Each role has brought its own rewards and memorable experiences. One of the greatest joys of my career has been discovering the unique talents, interests and strengths of children, helping them develop new skills, nurturing their creativity, and watching their confidence grow.

The highlights have been countless: creating artwork and cartoons, dressing up for special occasions, performing together, concerts, graduations, event planning, school productions, and the many wonderful celebrations that bring a school community together. Above all, the greatest pleasure has come from laughing and learning alongside children every day.

I have been blessed to work with dedicated staff, supportive families and generations of remarkable students who have enriched my life far more than they will ever know. It has been an extraordinary privilege and one of the greatest honours of my life to have maintained this strong connection with Mano.

Thank you for the friendships, kindness, support and memories that I will carry with me into retirement.

Manifold Heights Primary School will always hold a very special place in my heart.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,

Jill Brown

A Splash of Green & Gold

Students are encouraged to wear a splash of Green & Gold on Friday to support our mighty Socceroos who play Paraguay. Students must wear school full uniform but can add a splash of Green and Gold socks, ribbons, beanies, scarf, wrist bands or face paint. GO SOCCEROOS!

Have a great break!

Narelle Geary

Dear Teachers: An Open Letter From Our Students