Student Attitudes to School Survey - Grades 4 - 6

Dear Parent / Carer / Guardian

We are writing to inform you about the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey which will be administered to all government school students in Years 4 to 12.

Please see the attached information letter to inform you about the survey and what you need to do if you don’t want your child to participate.

Welcome to IPS

What glorious weather we’ve been enjoying this week.

Autumn at IPS is always so picturesque, with the leaves on our historic trees turning golden and gently falling to the ground. The beginning of Term 2 is a particularly special time—students are settled, happy, and ready for learning. There is a wonderful sense of energy across the school, with a positive and calm atmosphere that sets the tone for a great term ahead.

It has been wonderful to see how our younger students are able to delight in simple pleasures such as water play and autumn leaf pictures. This morning, I was joined by a group of Foundation students who were curious about Autumn. We had a little chat about what happens to the leaves when they began to make pictures with them. It was lovely to see them engaging in cooperative play and connecting to nature.

ANZAC DAY - Special Assembly

We held a special assembly on Monday morning to commemorate ANZAC Day. The senior strings groups opened the morning by expertly playing the National Anthem.

Our students were able to share what they had learnt over the past week about ANZAC Day and remembering those who gave their lives, their courage and bravery.

Many students proudly contributed to the remembrance wall with special reminders of relatives who had served during war time.

At the end of the assembly, the year six students were extremely lucky to be able to listen to a story about the ANZAC spirit as told by the grandfather of Angie (Year 5) and Izzy (Foundation). The students were enthralled by a powerful story of two soldiers (one being, Angie and Izzy's great grandfather) fighting on opposing sides who found themselves face to face on the battlefield, both badly injured. In that moment of shared human vulnerability, something remarkable happened. Instead of continuing the fight, each chose compassion over conflict. They helped one another reach safety and receive medical attention. It is a deeply moving reminder that even in the harshest circumstances, humanity can prevail—and that choosing kindness can create hope where it is least expected.

It was uplifting to finish the assembly on such a positive note, and it was wonderful to see students making meaningful connections between the actions of the soldiers and our own school values.

Earth Day

Last week students also celebrated Earth Day on the 22nd of April. They read books such as; The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Tiny Seed by Eric Carle and Dear Earth by Isabel Otter, all relating to sustainability and caring for the planet.

Students also engaged in a whole school activity where they created a pledge to care for the Earth. Students from 3J presented their knowledge and posters during Monday's assembly.

2025 Annual Report

We are pleased to share with you the IPS 2025 Annual Report. You can locate from the the About IPS menu and the Offical Documentation option.

Ivanhoe Primary School 2025 Annual Report

2026 Education Week 18th to 22nd of May

Education Week in Victoria 2026 will be held from Monday, May 18th to Friday, May 22nd, focusing on the theme "Showcase your school". The week celebrates public education, encouraging schools to highlight their unique achievements and student experiences.

Education Week Open Morning Wednesday 20th of May - 9.30am to 11.30am.

The morning will culminate with a brief address from the Principals and a performance from our Strings Ensemble and School Orchestra.

We look forward to seeing you on this day.

Mother's Day Stall Wednesday 6th May

Next Wednesday, the PFA will be running our annual Mother’s Day Stall. This is an opportunity for students to buy small gifts for their Mum, Grandmother, or other special person in their life.

The stall runs during the school day, with the assistance of parent volunteers who can help children with their purchases. Each class has an allocated time to visit.

The gifts range from $2 - $10. Items available include jewellery, photo frames, magnets, hand cream, mugs, keyrings, socks, bookmarks and MUCH MORE!

If you would like your child to have the opportunity to participate, please send along some money in a labelled envelope or wallet and a bag, to take their goodies home in. Coins and small notes are appreciated. Please do not bring large amounts of cash to school.

The stall will be open for a short time at the end of the school day to purchase any excess items.

We hope you enjoy a nice surprise on Mother’s Day!

The PFA still needs your help to run the Mother’s Day Stall, especially the 2:30pm to 4pm shift. Please reach out to Ebby if you can help.

Mother’s Day breakfast Thursday 7th May

All Mums and special friends of IPS are invited to join us for the annual Mother’s Day breakfast on Thursday 7th May from 7:30am to 8:30am in the school hall.

Please place your food and drink orders via the MySchoolConnect App (www.myschoolconnect.com.au) prior to 9am on 4th May.

An order confirmation slip will be sent home with your eldest child for you to use to collect your meals when you arrive at the hall on the morning of the breakfast.

There will also be a coffee van at School that morning for you to purchase coffee separately.

Canteen News

Mother’s Day is fast approaching if you would like to experience a wonderful morning and would like to purchase breakfast. Log into my school connect and select Mother’s Day breakfast Thursday 7th of May. Looking forward to seeing you all. - Annette and Rita

Somers Camp

We waved bon voyage to 18 of our students on Monday as they attended a nine day residential outdoor camp alongside a number of students from other local schools. The camp is run by the Department of Education and is something that parents are able to opt into for their children. Whilst there, students have opportunities to develop personal and social capabilities and build resilience through challenge and change through the lens of sustainability.

Finally

We look forward to seeing as many families as possible for the working bee on Saturday 9th May. Let's get outdoors and make the most of the perfect weather to get some vital jobs done around the school. Keep an eye on next week's newsletter for a list of jobs we need help with.

Thank you for your continued support.

Pam Wright

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.

Library News

Library News – Term 2 Week 2

Library News

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