Welcome to IPS

As we come to the end of another fantastic year at our school, it’s a great chance to stop for a moment, look back, and celebrate everything we’ve shared. This year has been full of growth, resilience, and plenty of achievements, and it really reflects the strong, supportive community we have here.

Reflecting on Achievements

This year, our students have truly shone, demonstrating curiosity, creativity, and determination in their learning. From impressive academic progress to enthusiastic performances on stage and spirited participation in sports, the accomplishments of our students have been inspiring. Each achievement, big or small, represents hard work and a willingness to grow.

We will not forget highlights like Athletics Day, Book Week Parade, International Day, Night of Strings, Battle of the Bands, the Art Show, the Student Discos, Year Level Expos, Years 4, 5 and 6 camps, and excellent NAPLAN results. These remind us not just of what our students can achieve but also of the joy and pride that comes with working together toward shared goals.

Celebrating Community

The strength of our school lies in the partnerships that make it thrive. Parents, teachers, and staff all play vital roles in creating an environment where students feel supported and valued. Together, we have cultivated a community where everyone’s contributions are celebrated, whether it’s through volunteering, attending school events, or simply cheering on our students from the sidelines.

This year, we’ve seen our community come together in extraordinary ways; from the Welcome and end of year Picnics, Mothers' and Fathers' Day Breakfasts, Trivia Night, two Strings Concerts, an amazing FAIR, Year 6 Graduation, and Working Bees, to daily acts of kindness and collaboration. Thank you for your support, which has helped shape the vibrant, nurturing environment that allows our students to thrive.

Farewell to Leo

Today we said thank you and farewell to Leo.

Leo, our handyman, has been our fixer, our builder, our rescuer, our recycler, and at times, our miracle worker. Leo has been a part of the IPS Community for 20 years.

There isn’t a corner of this school that Leo hasn’t repaired, repurposed, painted, tightened, or reinvented. If something broke, we called Leo. If something might break, we still called Leo. No matter what the request was; urgent, unusual, or borderline impossible, he’d smile, grab his tools, and say, “Yes, I can have a go at that.”

The entire school formed a Guard of Honor that surprised Leo and brought a smile to everyones' faces - and maybe a few tears. Each Year level presented him with a farewell card and at the end of his walk - an engraved hammer.

*We will miss you my friend.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate everything we’ve achieved this year, we’re also looking ahead to what comes next. For our graduating students, this is an exciting step into new opportunities and new challenges. We’re confident that the skills, values, and friendships you’ve built at IPS will stay with you as you move into the next stage of your journey.

To everyone continuing their primary school adventure—we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next year.

House Lunch

This afternoon, our whole school came together in the hall to celebrate the approaching end of the school year with a House Lunch where we announced our House Captains for next year. Thank you Mr Pearce for MC-ing this traditional event.

We would like to thank this year’s student leaders for the valuable contribution they have made to our school, and we look forward to working closely with the 2026 student leadership team. Hear some final thoughts from our outgoing student leaders.

McCubbin

Sutherland

Ibbott

Condor

The 2026 House Captains and Vice Captains will receive their badges at an assembly early next year.

Christmas celebrations and sharing food

For reasons relating to food allergies, health and safety, as well as the significant financial impost, families are respectfully requested that under NO circumstances are you to supply birthday cakes, cupcakes, sweets, gifts etc. on school grounds – this includes the OSHC program.

I apologise if this seems harsh, but the wellbeing of every student must be our primary concern. Consider celebrating birthdays and other events at a local park or in your own home. Be mindful that many of our students are anaphylactic and food allergens pose a very real threat. Thank you for your support.

2026 School Council Election

Elections for School Council are held in February each year with the School Council of this school comprised of 10 members elected by parents of the school and 4 members of staff. Principal is a member by right of office.

We have been fortunate over the years to have maintained a strong and engaged School Council. Every year, half the School Council is renewed creating room for new community members to join.

Likewise, Sub Committees of School Council open their doors to new members. Our Sub Committees of School Council in 2026 include: Finance, Education, Facilities and Out of School Hours Care.

Please consider joining School Council in 2026. Nomination forms will be available online and through the school office on January 27th. The first meeting of School Council is on February 25th.

2026 School Council Meeting Dates

Venue: Collaboration Space / 6.30 pm correspondence tabled / Meeting Time: 7pm.

Term 1

25th February

25th March

Term 2

29th April - single agenda item Annual Report

13th May

17th June

Term 3

12th August

9th September

Term 4

21st October

25th November

9th December SC Dinner

(Single agenda item *draft budget presentation)

* 6.30 pm correspondence tabled for 7pm meeting start.

I would like to thank all our school councillors who are coming to the end of their term in office for their dedication, effort, and good humour. On behalf of the school community, we extend sincere appreciation to all School Councillors for professionally carrying out their governance role at IPS.

Note: The following School Councillors’ membership expires in February 2026.

Hamish Wood

Paul Morland

Adrian Biasi

Dan McLaughlan

Joanne O’Hara

Michelle Tieman

Fair funds

A water supply will be installed near the Year 1 Cubby and the "Oasis" garden that originated in JSC discussions and funded by some of the Fair profits will be built during the school break.

The additional seating also targeted by the JSC for the area near the Beehive will be ordered early in Term One.

School Improvement and Planned Maintenance

Over the Christmas break the arborist will be in to trim our trees and keep them healthy.
There will be a fire panel upgrade to the Beehive building.
Currently being scoped is a significant renovation project to make our school more accessible to everyone. These works will most likely include ramps to many of our learning spaces, a lift in the Waterdale Rd building, widening of doors and upgrades to the disabled toilets. This is in the planning stages and works are intended to commence in March 2026.

Finally

To our students who are leaving Ivanhoe Primary School: it is the end of an era for you.

It is has been wonderful to see you mature and grow.

2026 will see the start of a new chapter for you, our Year 6s that will be filled with hope, challenges and enjoyment. The entire staff wish you all the very best for your future schooling.

To our students: thank you for your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. You are the heart of our school, watching you grow into wonderful human beings is a privilege.

To our parents: your partnership and trust are invaluable. Thank you for being our collaborators in your child(rens) education.

To our teachers and staff: your dedication, creativity, and care inspire our students every day. Thank you for giving your all to make our school a special place.

To our departing staff: thank you for your wonderful contribution to Ivanhoe Primary School. You will be missed by your students and colleagues alike, and we wish you every success in your new positions.

As we close out this year, let’s all carry the memories, lessons, and connections we’ve built together into the future.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday season and a bright start to the new year ahead!

Thank you for your continued support.

Mark Kent and Pam Wright

Principal Co-Principal

http://www.ivanhoeps.vic.edu.au/

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.

IPS voluntary financial contributions for 2026

Please complete Page 4 of the attachment and return to the school by the 19th December 2025.