WHAM!
What's Happening At Milgate!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Milgate Primary School would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land of the Wurundjeri People and we would like to pay our respects to the elders both past and present. Staff, students and the school community understand that we thrive, learn and live on Wurundjeri Country and we stand with all cultures united as one.
YEAR 5 | Changemakers Convention
The Year 5 students had an inspiring experience at their Changemakers Convention on Wednesday afternoon. Over the last few weeks, they selected a significant figure who has, or is currently, making change and studied their impact on society. With enthusiasm, they presented their knowledge to the Year 4 and 6 students, as well as teachers and parents, showcasing their deep understanding of their Changemakers' contributions. It was a memorable ending event in our Where we are in place and time unit of inquiry that celebrated the power of positive change and encouraged students to think about their own potential as future changemakers.
YEAR 5 | Smoothie Incursion
The Year 5 students had an exciting full-day Smoothie Bar Incursion on Thursday, organised by Mini Boss Incursions as a provocation to their How we express ourselves unit of inquiry. They were challenged to form their own companies, complete a portfolio of persuasive marketing material and then pitch their ideas to their peers. Working in teams, the students also chose ingredients, created unique smoothie recipes, and sampled their tasty creations. This hands-on experience encouraged collaboration, creativity, and an understanding of business concepts. The day was both engaging and educational, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for their upcoming inquiry as well as Maker’s Market later in the year.
PLANNING WEEK
This week was Planning Week for teachers. Each year level spent half a day together, looking at the curriculum and learning program. While they planned, the specialist teachers provided the learning for the students. In addition to planning days, all teachers have collaborative planning after school each week so they can plan the weekly curriculum in more detail, review assessment data, discuss the student learning needs and cater for all levels of learning.
YEAR 2 | Eco Explorers
Next week the Year 2 students will be going to Cresco Scout Camp in Warrandyte as part of the Outdoor Education program. The day will be an opportunity for the students to use tools, learn how to light fires, cook damper over a fire and learn bush survival skills such as rope knots and how to put up a shelter. It will be a fantastic learning experience for the students and we know they will have a great time!
STORM DAMAGE
On Sunday night and Monday, heavy winds swept through Victoria, causing damage at the school. A large tree branch fell directly onto the perimeter fence adjoining OLOP. Fortunately, no one was present on the grounds during the incident. The Department of Education responded swiftly, sending arborists to remove the fallen branch. The school is now collaborating with the Department and OLOP to repair the damaged fence and has engaged an arborist to assess and remove other potentially hazardous branches around the premises. Each year, the school conducts a thorough tree assessment and receives an arborist report to ensure high-risk trees are removed, prioritising the safety of the entire school community.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
RU OK? Day & Online Safety: A Reminder to Check In and Stay Connected
Thursday, September 12 is the National Day of Action
RU OK? Day is a powerful reminder that a simple conversation can make a big difference in someone’s life. On this day, we are encouraged to check in on our friends, family, and students by asking a simple question: “Are you okay?” This year, let’s focus on creating a supportive environment for our students—both in the classroom and online.
At Milgate PS, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and connected. RU OK? Day is a perfect opportunity to remind students that it’s okay to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with something. Whether it's schoolwork, friendships, or personal challenges, having someone to talk to can be the first step toward finding help.
We encourage parents, teachers, and friends to have open conversations with our students. Sometimes, asking that simple question—RU OK?—can make a huge difference in their lives.
Online Safety: Protecting Our students in the Digital World
As we continue to navigate the digital world, it’s crucial to remind students about the importance of online safety. With increased screen time and social media use, students are more exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content.
Here are a few key tips for helping students stay safe online:
- Talk openly about online behaviour. Encourage students to share their experiences and help them recognise inappropriate content or interactions
- Set clear boundaries. Remind students not to share personal information (like addresses, phone numbers, or school details) with people they don’t know online
- Monitor screen time. Help students find a healthy balance between online and offline activities
- Report unsafe content. If a student encounters harmful material or inappropriate behaviour, make sure they know how to report it and who to talk to for support.
By combining the spirit of RU OK? Day with these important reminders about online safety, we can create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and connected—both in the real world and online.
Let’s all take a moment next week to ask someone: “RU OK?” and encourage our students to look out for themselves and each other.
https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/the-power-of-checking-in-r-u-ok-day-and-online-connections/