Principal's Message

Congratulations Tom and the Year 6 Wellbeing Team

Tom M has been working studiously in the background to review our Recharge Boxes. This has involved Tom in writing letters to MPRPS Leadership, School Council and to our local MP, Nick McGown. Tom is aiming to hold a fundraiser at the end of the term to include new tools, for students to use to self-regulate, in our class recharge boxes.

Tom has been very successfully in putting forward his case and persuading all of the stakeholders to endorse his initiative. Well done Tom.

3/4W 'Argue Assembly'

At assembly this week, 3/4W shared about what makes our brains unique after reading an engaging book called ‘The Brain Forest’. The students also showed bravery as they took to the stage to share their line debates.

Term 2 Principal's Conference

On Tuesday, Erin and I attended the Term 2 Inner East Principal Forum at the Manningham Civic Centre. Dr David Howes, Deputy Secretary for Schools and Regional Services, provided a statewide Government Schools update around strategy and budgeting. Schools from across the network presented their instructional models, which describe lesson structure and provide a framework for how teachers teach and students learn. 

Jeremy Beard presented on the Victorian Lesson Plans initiative which is being rolled out to support schools in delivering the revised Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Our two Learning Specialists, Kate Molloy and Emily Glen, have been invited to contribute lessons towards this statewide initiative, which is an indicator of the excellent planning and teaching happening at our school. Congratulations, Em and Kate! 

Annual Report 2023

The Annual Report provides an opportunity to share the school’s achievements and progress with the school community. The preparation and publication of an Annual Report is a legislative and regulatory requirement for all schools under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)

The Annual Report is prepared in 2 parts:

• the performance summary, which details the school’s performance from the past year and trends over time. 
• the ‘About our school’ commentary, which outlines the achievements of the school in the previous year.

The Annual Report must be endorsed at a meeting of school council and is published on our website. It is also presented again at our School Council Annual Reporting meeting to be held Thursday 20th June, 6.30pm. This meeting is open to our community and if you are unable to make it and have questions regarding the Annual Report please send them through to the school email to be addressed.

2024 OH&S Audit

Every week we have a lot of learning and teaching happening at MPRPS&K from excursions, to Specialist subjects from Mathematics to Health and Wellbeing! Yesterday the Department audited our entire school for Occupational Health and Safety this includes making sure

• our evacuation procedures are meeting the requirements 
• the wellbeing of students and staff has clear systems in place to support everyone
• the contractors we employ have met their Child Safe obligations 
• the products we use across the school are consistent and have the necessary risk management documentation in place
• we have all the necessary First Aid training and that our First Aid room has clear documentation and all staff who trained can competently access and use the First Aid room.

We had very positive feedback from the auditor and assessor with one corrective action around documentation of a checklist to record contractors having signed of on all the necessary documentation.

To receive such positive feedback is down to all of the work from staff who conduct quarterly inspections and are very responsive to new changes in legislation and directions from DE and in particular 

• to Jane for all of her work in auditing our Frist Aid processes
• Amanda Martin who is our Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and coordinates our Safety Committee and has made sure not only that we meet our obligations but have best practice in place
• Rahima for work around our contractors and everything administration

ICAS 2024

This year again, Mount Pleasant Road Primary School will not be hosting ICAS competitions at school. If you wish for your child to participate, please register via the ICAS website. Parents will be responsible for their child’s participation, as students will need to go to complete the tests at an external testing centre. Please see Important Information for further information.

Ros Walker

Leading Teacher (Enrichment & Engagement)

High-Ability Practise Leader

Melbourne Museum

There were some very excited students as they boarded the bus for the Melbourne Museum last Wednesday. We were also treated to some very special Autumn weather too!

The day consisted of walking around and viewing the many displays which included the Dinosaur Walk, the Mini Mega Model Museum, the Forest Gallery as well as Bug’s Alive which kept everyone engaged for quite a while. Another highlight was the ‘My Grandmother’s Toybox’ presentation where students learnt about objects from the past or ‘olden days’ as well as the history of Melbourne. We thank all of the teachers for their organisation of the excursion to make it such a success. A particular thank you must go to our parents who volunteered their time to support the students throughout the day.

3/4 Scienceworks Excursion

On Tuesday this week, the 3/4 students went on an excursion to Scienceworks. They explored the Think Ahead, Sports Works and Beyond Perception Exhibits and watched the Blast Off: Mission to Mars live show. Some highlights included designing their own eco-friendly car, testing their running speed when racing Kathy Freeman and creating their own light projections. The students gathered creative ideas on how artefacts are presented in a museum and have returned to school full of inspiration for their work in their ‘Creative Curators’ Guided Inquiry unit as they plan for the Independence Centre Museum showcase at the end of the term.

National Reconciliation Week 2024

Monday 27th May – Monday 3rd June

‘Now More Than Ever’ 

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Find out more by heading to: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

Some small steps you can take at home, towards reconciliation.

As a family

• Head to your local library to borrow and celebrate some beautiful books written and illustrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators. 
• Investigate some local events on Wurundjeri Country where you can show up as an ally. 

As an adult:

• Watch, listen and learn. Head to NITV for recommendations on TV shows highlighting First Nations cultures and histories. 
• Check out ‘The Last Daughter’ on Netflix – a documentary emphasising the experience of those who identify as part of the ‘Stolen Generations’ (Please note, this is not suggested for child viewing).

As a child:

• Watch, listen and learn. Head to NITV for recommendations on TV shows and podcases highlighting First Nations cultures and histories. A favourite for students at school is ‘Little J and Big Cuz’ or ‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies’.

Brooke Henwood

Marrung Lead Teacher