Principal Report

REPORTING

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is looking forward to another one this week, with Friday being a curriculum day. This time allows our teachers to focus on collating and drafting student reports.

Reporting is a valuable and reflective process at IPS. We take great pride in looking back on each student’s learning journey — identifying what has worked well and considering areas for future growth. It’s a chance for our staff to deeply engage with student progress and share those insights with families through thoughtfully written reports.

This semester, you may notice a change in how Mathematics is reported, due to the introduction of the new Mathematics 2.0 curriculum. Students now receive a single score that encompasses all areas of mathematical learning. As a result, it may appear that your child has taken a step backwards in their progress. Please be assured this is not the case — it simply reflects the revised curriculum and the increased expectations that come with it.

We encourage all families to read their child’s report carefully, celebrate their achievements, and consider ways to support their continued learning at home. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s report in more detail, please don’t hesitate to book a time to speak with their teacher.

At IPS, we value open communication — nothing in the report should come as a surprise. If it does, it’s important that we talk it through together.

SOMERS CAMP

We were fortunate to have four of our Year 5/6 students attend the Somers School Camp this term — a unique and highly regarded opportunity offered to government schools across Victoria.

Somers Camp provides students with the chance to spend nine nights away from home in a supportive and well-supervised environment. Over the course of the camp, students participate in a variety of rich learning experiences designed to build independence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Activities range from outdoor adventures, environmental education, and physical challenges, to creative arts and group-based problem solving.

For many students, this is their first extended time away from home, and the personal growth that occurs is incredible to witness. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and form friendships with peers from other schools.

Our students are due back today, and we can’t wait to welcome them home and hear all about their experiences. We’re so proud of the way they represented IPS and took on this exciting challenge with enthusiasm and courage.

OOSCH- Holiday Program

Our After School Care Holiday Program will be running again during the Term Two holidays. We’ve attached a flyer outlining the activities scheduled for each day.

While the program provides a valuable option for working families, it is open to all families — even if you’re just looking to give your child a fun and engaging day out during the school break. Whether it’s for one day or the entire program, all students are welcome to attend.

The service will also be available this Friday for our curriculum day, should you require care.

If you would like to book your child in, or if you have any questions, please contact Sara directly. Spots can fill quickly, so we encourage families to get in early.

PRINCIPAL CONFERENCE

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the annual Victorian Principals' Conference in Melbourne, alongside over 3,000 principals and assistant principals from across the state. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with other school leaders, engage in high-quality professional learning, and gain valuable insights that I am excited to bring back to IPS.

The conference focused on key themes such as educational leadership, student wellbeing, and innovation in teaching and learning. It was inspiring to hear from national and international speakers who are leading change in education and to explore new ideas that can enhance the work we do here at our school.

It was also a chance to showcase the amazing work happening at IPS — particularly in the area of student wellbeing. I was proud to share the initiatives we’ve implemented this year and those we are planning for the future. These include strategies to support emotional regulation, build strong student–staff relationships, and strengthen our inclusive practices.

Being part of a professional network like this not only reinforces the importance of the work we do, but also ensures we continue to grow as a school and as leaders. I look forward to using what I’ve learned to further strengthen the IPS community and improve outcomes for all our students.

THANK YOU P&F

I would like to once again extend my sincere thanks to our wonderful Parents and Friends group for their ongoing support and dedication to our school community.

This term alone, they have organised and run two successful BBQs, raising around $800 to support school initiatives. In addition, they’ve continued to provide our students with delicious hot lunches every fortnight — something our students look forward to and thoroughly enjoy.

Beyond these events, their behind-the-scenes contributions are countless, and their willingness to give their time and energy is both humbling and deeply appreciated. The involvement of our parent community plays a vital role in enriching the experiences of our students, and the opportunities they help create are truly invaluable.

Thank you for all that you do — your support makes a real difference.

LIBRARY FOR LITTLES

It was an exciting Library for Littles (L4L) session this week, filled with creativity, laughter, and plenty of cuddly fun! Our youngest community members had the wonderful opportunity to create and decorate their very own teddy bears — and the joy on their faces was absolutely priceless.

Using a variety of craft materials, the children brought their bears to life with unique decorations, colours, and personalities. This hands-on activity supported creativity, fine motor skill development, and imaginative play, while also encouraging social interaction and shared storytelling.

These sessions continue to be a highlight for our early learners and families, offering a warm and welcoming space to build early literacy skills and foster a love of learning. We’re so proud of what our little learners achieved this week and can’t wait to see what’s in store for our next session!