Dear School Community Members,

Mano Step Up Day – Tuesday, 12th December:

The annual State-wide orientation day whereby students engage in an extended transition session with their 2024 teacher, 2024 classmates and in their 2024 classroom will take place on Tuesday, 12th December. On this day, students will participate in activities and tasks that support their transition into their next year level. Students will be provided with a ‘Class Placement’ letter that outlines their teacher for 2024.

Many of our Grade 6 students will visit their secondary school on this day.

Grade 6 Graduation – Thursday, 14th December:

Next Thursday is our formal Graduation Ceremony for our Gr. 6 students.

It is an opportunity to celebrate the successful end of our graduate’s primary schooling and reflect on their time at Mano. I, along with all staff, are immensely proud of our Grade 6 students, and although it is a time of celebration, it is also a time of sadness as we bid them farewell.

Student Reports:

Our Student Reports will be available through Compass from 4pm on Friday 15th December. A notice will go out on Compass to notify families when the reports are live. If you would like a ‘paper copy’, please contact the Office to make a request as soon as possible. If your child is exiting Mano at the end of the school year, you have until Wednesday, 20th December to access reports on Compass. After that your access to Compass will expire.

Mrs Julie Walker – Retiring:

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that we are farewelling one of our much loved and admired teachers – Mrs Julie Walker. Julie is retiring after an incredible career and her contribution to Manifold Heights Primary School has been significant. Julie’s infectious smile, care for her students and the incredible art work produced from our Art Room will be greatly missed. We wish Julie every success as she transitions into the next phase of her life. Thank you, Julie!

Staffing – 2024:

I am pleased to inform you that our staffing for 2024 is almost complete. We will provide a Staffing List later next week via Compass. We have further increased our profile in Learning Support and Instructional Leadership. This aims to maximise the learning outcomes for each of our students.

Farewell:

The following staff we will be farewelling at the end of the year:

Mr Jackson Davis (South Geelong PS) Miss Lauryn Cater (South Geelong PS)

Mrs Christy King (South Geelong PS) Miss Maggie Ryan (Torquay Coast PS)

Ms Jacquie Clancy (Chilwell PS) Mrs Lisa Benson (Leave for 2024)

Mrs Julie Walker (retirement)

Mrs Briony McLoughlan (Northern Bay College)

I would like to acknowledge and thank Jackson, Christy, Lauryn, Maggie, Jacquie, Julie and Lisa for their contribution to Manifold Heights Primary School in their respective roles in 2023. I wish these staff members well in their new roles and new endeavours.

Welcome:

The following staff will be returning to our staff or are new to our school for 2024:

Mrs Alicia Wakeman (returning from Family Leave)

Mrs Rachel McLeod (Teacher)

Mrs Jessica Davies (Business Manager/Operations)

Mrs Bree Joseph (Integration Aide)

Mrs Harriet Simpkin (Integration Aide)

Miss Jessica Smith (Integration Aide)

Mrs Mary Hansen ((Integration Aide)

Miss Meg Daniels (Integration Aide)

We look forward to welcoming Alicia back to Mano. We also look forward to welcoming our new staff to our wonderful community.

End of Year Celebration – Friday, 15th December:

Next Friday will be our End of Year Celebration at 9:30am. Each year level will perform a Christmas Carol or item, culminating with the Year 6 students performing their Graduation Song. Students will come to school dressed in their clothing for their item. A program will be available early next week. Please feel free to come and join us in our celebrations.

School Council:

On Monday night, our School Council met to celebrate our achievements of 2023 and to acknowledge our wonderful school community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all School Councillors for their commitment, efforts and passion for Mano. To Naomi Doody, Jacklyn Richardson, Terry Gillard, Sarah Francis, Emma Byers, Ragini Flower, Paul Wigglesworth, Madhu Sivanesan, Jono Connor, Jess Chapman, Aimee Forsyth, Tom Fleming, Narelle Geary and Bryanna Connell – THANK YOU for your amazing contribution to Mano in 2023!

Key Dates in December

Tuesday, 12th December Mano Transition Day – students meet 2024 teacher
Thursday, 14th December Grade 6 Graduation ceremony
Friday, 15th December End of Year Celebration – 9:30am
Wednesday, 20th December Last day of school year – 1:30pm dismissal

Thank you for supporting our school and have a great week.

Christian Smith

Acknowledgement of Country