Hello and welcome back to our Mill Park Heights Community.

I hope you have all enjoyed the updated newsletter format ? Hopefully the transition to a page-by-page format is one you are able to adjust to quickly.

As we are now in the 2025 Workforce planning phase, it is imperative for us to be informed if you are enrolling a Foundation student or if you are moving to another location. Please let the office team know asap as these numbers impact our staffing projections and class sizes.

Congratulations to the 4 students who were successful in gaining the School Captain roles for 2025. This is a rigorous process and requires the students to submit an information video, a presentation to their peers and then attending in an interview with the Principal team. The outcomes from the interview along with the student and staff votes helps to form the outcome.

Learning

Our fabulous band Rocky Heights performed at the Lalor North Music Night on Thursday 17th. Huge thank you and acknowledgement of Garry Evans for his leadership. I also thank the amazing staff who also had guest parts in the band and as part of the MPHPS support team.
It was fabulous to have a range of students participating in the external ICAS tests. Certificates have now arrived and will be passed on to students. Congratulations to those of you who have participated.
A reminder to Year 2 families that the Lap Top program begins in Year 3 2025. If you have any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Danielle in the IT office.
We have some new furniture in the Year 3 and 4 galleries as well in the STEM space. These new colourful couches provide some great seating opportunities during collaborative discussions.

Wellbeing

Our Year 6 students have had a fantastic time at camp and returned on Friday with huge smiles. Camp is an amazing opportunity to bond with friends and teachers. It promotes a little extra independence and allows the students to make supported decisions. A huge thanks to all the amazing staff who gave their time to participate in Camp.
Well done to 4B who enjoyed their hot chip lunch after winning the school attendance award. Congratulations to everyone who was able to arrive and thrive on time !
I had a lovely time attending the swimming program this week and popped in to a few sessions as a surprise visit. It was fantastic to see so many students participating and having a wonderful time in the pool.
Breakfast club continues to be great fun every Wednesday morning. Don’t forget to come and enjoy some fruit, cereal and toast.
A reminder to scan your children’s hair a little more carefully now. We have had a run of headlice of late which is proving to be annoying to some families. I do remind you that the staff do not complete head checks, however they may point out a concern to you if it is noticeable. This is a family responsibility to resolve.
Our beautiful Guide Dog Paige has now gone back to Guide Dogs Victoria to have her puppies. She is now providing the new generation of guide dogs. Good luck Paige, we can’t wait to have you back.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone of the Respectful Behaviours in the School Community Policy. We have this policy on our website and I am also ensuring a copy is available via this weeks newsletter. Our core role is always to create a positive and harmonious environment at MPHPS. I ask people to remember that respectful communication- either in person or via email is imperative. Our staff work extremely hard to support students and to work with families in a professional and courteous manner. All staff deserve to be treated respectfully in their workplace. I thank you for your kind support and understanding.

I wish you all a fabulous fortnight

Chris

Attendance