Principal's Message

And that’s a wrap…

Thank you to all the parents that stayed after Assemblies over the past few weeks for our Meet and Greets! I know the icypoles were a big hit but it's great to be able to chat to parents, to start our year. Thankyou to staff of the different Learning Centres for coming out and saying hello. Also thank you to Leonie, P&F and Jess, Community Support,  who made themselves available at each of them. Although not having access to the playground was challenging, it was great to be able to use the courtyard to chat to each other.

ICE and Junior Rotations

There is definitely a buzz around the school as we get prepared to launch the first semester of ICE and Junior Rotations. Students in the Senior School are making their preference lists. Although we didn’t get many parents helpers for ICE we have new parents helping with Wood Work. Thank you to Joe Millar (continuing) and Jo Jones for stepping into replace a past parent. My dad at 84, George will continue again this year. We also have some amazing Year 6 groups who have planned and been interviewed (Thanks Brooke Henwood for coordinating and reviewing all their proposals).

Senior Badge Presentation

On Monday we were fortunate enough to have Nick McGowan MP join us at our assembly to present our 2024 Leadership Teams with their senior badges. We are so proud of all our Year 6's and can't wait to see what they achieve in 2024. 

SRC Badge Presentation

On Monday our SRC representatives from each class will be presented with their badges. Hopefully we will see as many parents and carers there for the presentation. 

The role of SRC rep is highly valued at MPRPS and another way we can hear and advocate for student voice at our school

The MPRPS Student Representative Council (SRC) is made up of two Representatives from each class from Year F to 6. Members of the SRC meet every 2-3 weeks, often giving up their lunchtimes to attend meetings which are run by the students and SRC Presidents guided by teachers.

During these meetings, the SRC discusses issues relating to the school community. The SRC are often given the task of interviewing their class members about certain issues (for example, what books they would like to see in the Library and what lunchtime clubs they would like to see introduced at the school). The SRC shares this information with MPRPS staff to help them make decisions regarding the operations of the school.

Through the SRC, students are given a formal ‘voice’ within the school; an opportunity to have a say on how the school is run.  In addition, the SRC have initiated some of the school’s fundraising events including end-of-term dress up days, ANZAC and Poppy Appeals and the annual school disco.

SRC Members 2024

Notice of School Council Elections and Call For Nominations

As communicated by email to all families, on Monday we are calling for nominations for our School Council. We have four (4) parent member vacancies on Council and there is an additional community member vacancy to represent the Kindergarten that is filled by the co-option of a parent by School Council.

Thank you to the parents who have already nominated, we still have a couple of vacancies. Forms are in the office and nominations close on Monday. If you need more information please make contact Kim.

Where the number of nominations equals the number of vacancies in any one membership category, there will be no need to go to a ballot. If the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies, a ballot is required. The process must be completed on or before 31 March.

School council election process and timetable:

School Council Report

The current school council met for the last time this month before commencing with a new council in 2024! We thank our finishing members for their time and commitment to our school community. School Council is a great opportunity to see the ‘behind the scenes’ workings of the school and contribute your ideas. Please contact the office if you are interested in taking part! 

It was lovely to walk through the senior building and see all the internal works completed. This has created a more open and functional space, which is supportive of the flexible learning model in place. Whilst construction continues around the school, Kim has ensured all building work stops during eating and play times to allow safe play for our kids. 

Deep discussion, led by the Facilities Sub-Committee, raised concerns about the condition of the school grounds after public use, such as on weekends and during the holidays. Over the Christmas period there was a high level of rubbish around the school, e.g. coffee cups, doggy bags and treat wrappers.  The junior sandpit took some effort to return to suitable condition for the start of the year and we thank Stephan for all the maintenance and repairs throughout the kinder and school including deck staining, gate installation, door repairs, weeding, gardening and tree removal to name just a few! It is a privilege to have the school grounds open for the community and we discussed some ideas, such as signage and bins to help encourage the public to respect our grounds and keep our school clean!

Jen Teoh, Vice President.

SSG Meetings

Student Support Group (SSG) meetings will be held this week.  An SSG is a partnership between schools, parents/carers, the student and relevant agencies and/or support workers. The group works together to plan and support the educational, health, social, cultural and emotional wellbeing of students with diverse learning needs. This includes students supported by the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) or Disability Inclusion. An  SSG is responsible for developing and implementing an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which outlines clear educational goals for the student and encourages student voice to facilitate a student’s engagement in their own learning.