Acting Principal Update
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope all of our families enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed for the term ahead. We are looking forward to another exciting and productive term at Menzies Creek Primary School, with many opportunities for students to learn, connect and celebrate together.
Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy and engaging one. Highlights include our First Steps to Prep sessions, Parent Teacher Conferences, Science Week, Book Week and 100 Days of Prep celebrations, as well as a range of sporting events such as Tee Ball Division Finals and EDEC Basketball. We are also looking forward to special community events including our Father’s Day celebrations, our whole school production, and the Celebration of Learning Art Expo. Toward the end of term, students will also enjoy Market Day and a visit from our partner school from the Northern Territory.
We are excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to working together to make this a positive and successful term for all students.
Stop Work Action and Parent Teacher Conferences
The industrial stop work action scheduled for Thursday 23rd July will be proceeding as planned. Menzies Creek Primary School will remain open, with a normal school day in operation and all classes, including specialist programs, running as usual.
As a result, Parent-Teacher Conferences have been rescheduled to Thursday 6th August (Week 4). All existing bookings have been automatically transferred to the new date. The booking system will reopen from 8:00am on Wednesday 22nd July for families who wish to make a new booking or adjust an existing one. Further support can be found via the Compass Parent Guide.
https://www.compass.education/guide/#Parent-Teacher-Conferences
We appreciate the ongoing support of our families and community.
100 Days of Prep Celebrations - Wednesday 29th July
Our school is looking forward to celebrating the exciting milestone of 100 days of Prep! This special occasion recognises the incredible learning, growth and friendships that have developed over the first 100 days of school. On Wednesday 29th July our junior classroom will engage in fun-filled day of activities centred around the theme of '100', and we can’t wait to share in this joyful celebration with our youngest learners.
Book Week
We are excited to celebrate Children’s Book Week at Menzies Creek Primary School with our much-loved Book Week Dress Up Day on Thursday 27th August.
This year’s theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’, celebrates the joy, creativity and imagination that comes from sharing stories. The theme has been beautifully brought to life by award-winning author and illustrator Briony Stewart, whose vibrant artwork captures the magic of books and the wonderful worlds they can take us to.
Students are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character on Thursday 27th August as we celebrate our love of reading together. We will also be inviting our First Steps to Prep participants to join in the fun and be part of our Book Week celebrations.
We can’t wait to see the incredible creativity and imagination on display as our school community comes together to celebrate the stories, characters and books that inspire us all.
Wellbeing Programs
We are continuing to strengthen our whole-school approach to student wellbeing across Terms 3 and 4. Supporting our students to feel safe, connected and confident is a key priority, and we are proud to be implementing a range of evidence-informed programs to support this work.
Our wellbeing approach includes Friendology, which supports students to build positive friendships, develop social skills and navigate peer relationships with confidence. Through this program, students learn practical strategies for communication, inclusion and resolving challenges in a respectful way.
We also continue to embed the Berry Street Education Model, which underpins our classroom practices and supports students’ emotional regulation, engagement and readiness to learn. This approach helps create calm, predictable and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
In addition, selected students are participating in Seasons for Growth, a small group program designed to support children who may be experiencing change, loss or significant life events. This program provides a safe space for students to build resilience, develop coping strategies and understand their emotions.
Together, these programs ensure that wellbeing is not a standalone focus, but an integrated part of everyday school life. We look forward to continuing this important work and supporting all students to feel connected, capable and ready to learn.
Be sure to check out the Wellbeing section in our newsletter this week for more specific details about how these programs are embedding into our learning.
Continuous Reporting
Continuous Reporting will be our main method of providing feedback to you on your child’s progress across Terms 3 and 4. You should have already received an overview of the term from you child’s classroom teacher and next week you will receive your first Continuous Report which will provide you with a reflection on how your child has settled into Term 3.
Hot Chocolate Mondays
We are continuing to offer hot chocolates every Monday at lunchtime in BER. You can order via QKR and funds raised will go towards the school.
2026 School Production
School production rehearsals are in full swing, and we can’t wait for you to see our performance of ‘We Speak for the Trees’. A reminder that our school production will be held at Emerald Secondary College in the EPAC on Thursday 10th September. We will also be holding a rehearsal in the EPAC during the school day on Thursday 10th September. Keep an eye out in our newsletter for ticket information.
Important Dates
A reminder to keep checking the School Calendar in the newsletter, as there are key dates listed for Term 3 and 4.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Our Term 3 Parent Teacher Conferences are being held on Thursday 4th August, which is the revised date due to the AEU stop work action. The conferences are an opportunity for families to discuss their child’s progress with their teachers and ask any questions about their child’s End-of-Semester Report. Please book your Parent Teacher Conference via Compass. For support on how to book, please refer to the guide via the following link:
https://www.compass.education/guide/#Parent-Teacher-Conferences
First Steps to Prep Program
Following the wonderful success of our First Steps to Prep program in Term 2, we are delighted to be continuing the program into Term 3.
It has been fantastic to see our future students engaging with the school environment, building confidence, and forming early connections with both staff and peers. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from families have been greatly appreciated and have reinforced the value of this important transition program.
Session Dates:
Thursday 30th July – Physical Education
Thursday 13th August – Kitchen Garden & Art
Thursday 27th August – Book Week
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
2027 Foundation Enrolments
For 2027 Foundation (Prep) enrolments our school is using an online system, called VicStudents.
To get started:
Visit https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/s/
create an account and complete the online application form by Friday 31 July 2026. Be sure to select Menzies Creek Primary School as your first preference.
If you would prefer to submit a paper application form, please contact the school.
School Tours
As we continue to promote our wonderful school, I encourage you to share that we are running School Tours on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:15am. Bookings can be made by calling the school, 9754 3695 or via the school’s email address menzies.creek.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Feminine Hygiene Products
A reminder to our families that we have free feminine hygiene products available for student use. They are located in the toilets in the Administration Building, and the students do not need permission to access them.
Curriculum Days for 2026
To assist with your planning, we have set aside the following dates for Curriculum Days in 2026:
- Monday 2nd November– Curriculum Implementation
Brooke Kogelman
Acting Principal