New Uniform and SunSmart Policies

Our strong focus on consistent uniform expectations this term has been part of preparing for the release of our newly updated policies. School Council has recently ratified our updated Student Dress Code and SunSmart policies, which will guide our practices over the next four years. These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to student safety, wellbeing and consistency across the school.

A key focus of the review was strengthening our SunSmart approach. As part of this, families will notice a clearer emphasis on sun-safe uniform choices. One significant change is that all uniform items worn on the bottom half of the body must now extend to the mid-thigh or lower, for all students.

We recognise that many students are not currently meeting this expectation with the shorter exercise, bike or sports shorts often worn. While we understand there may be a period of adjustment as families work towards meeting the mid-thigh guideline, this requirement will be non-negotiable from the beginning of the 2026 school year.

Below are some of the main changes and points of emphasis in the updated policies:

👉 All shorts, skirts and skorts worn at school must extend to mid-thigh or lower

👉 We ask that students wear no make-up to school

👉No decorative jewellery is to be worn; only watches, stud earrings or sleepers in the ears are permitted

👉A continued focus on all students wearing correct MPS school uniform each day

👉Students must wear an appropriate SunSmart hat during Terms 1 and 4, and/or when the UV level is 3 or above

👉Clearer guidance on selecting clothing and accessories that align with SunSmart recommendations.

We appreciate your support as we implement these updated policies. Links to both the MPS Student Dress Code Policy and MPS SunSmart Policy can be accessed below and are also available on our school website.

SunSmart Hats at School

Alongside our updated policies and the strong focus the school has placed on students wearing correct school uniform every day, it is essential that all students have an MPS SunSmart hat at school every day. We are still seeing students without a hat or wearing casual alternatives that do not comply with our uniform expectations, and are not SunSmart.

Many children currently assume they can visit the office to borrow a spare hat when heading outside, this will no longer be an option. Ensuring your child has their own labelled hat at school each day means they can participate fully in all outdoor activities, such as recess breaks and PE, without interruption.

MPS SunSmart hats can be purchased at the school office, as well as through Spartan.

Pedestrian/Community Safety

A reminder to all families about pedestrian safety here at MPS and in our surrounding community. Over the past few weeks, we have noticed an increase in students and adults using the staff car park as a pedestrian shortcut during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. While it may save a minute or two, it poses a significant safety risk.

As Principal, it genuinely concerns me (especially when it’s not necessary) because the wellbeing and safety of our entire community must always come first. The car park is not a shared zone, and we ask that everyone avoids using it as a walkway at all times.

We also love seeing so many students riding their bikes to school, big credit to Mrs Costa and the Bike Ed program for building confidence, skills and enthusiasm! The vast majority of our students ride safely, respectfully and with great awareness of others, and it’s been wonderful to see. However, a small number of students have been observed riding unsafely in the streets around the school, particularly along the alleyway between Were and Wellington Streets. Some have also been using the small park space between Bakers Delight and The Were St Food Store as a makeshift skate park, jumping off the stage area and riding quickly (and unsafely) down the stairs. A number of community members have raised this with me, and I’ve also witnessed it myself.

We want all students to continue enjoying the independence and fun of riding to school, and we ask families to help reinforce safe, respectful behaviour when travelling through the local community.

Solar Update

The preliminary work has continued for our long awaited solar upgrade which is due to be intalled in early 2026. This will see many solar panels installed on roofs across the school and once operational, the school will be able to run off this solar power for long stretches throughout the school year.

This upgrade is a win for everyone- reducing our environmental footprint, lowering energy costs and helping to support the school’s financial sustainability. It’s an exciting step forward in making Montmorency Primary a more sustainable and future-focused learning environment.

All of the fundraising that the school has completed over the last year has gone directly towards offsetting the cost of the upgrade. While this has contributed to project, the installation still represents a substantial investment from the school, reflecting our ongoing commitment to providing sustainable, high-quality facilities for our students.

Raffle - New Major Prize!

We are thrilled to announce the new major prize for this year’s Montmorency Primary School Christmas Raffle! One incredibly generous MPS family has donated a 2-night stay at their Airbnb, valued at $1,200. The property can be viewed here.

Winners will need to liaise directly with the family to organise the booking. While there may be some flexibility for peak or busy periods depending on prior bookings, it’s important to plan ahead and coordinate with the hosts to secure your stay.

This is an amazing opportunity and a huge thank you to the family for supporting our school community in such a fantastic way. Make sure you get your tickets here, you've got to be in it to win it!

2025 David Mackenzie Award

Each year Vicki Ward presents The David McKenzie Award, which recognises students who show kindness, care deeply about social justice and demonstrate leadership by consistently looking out for others. Named in honour of former Mayor and Member of Parliament David McKenzie, the award celebrates young people who make a genuine, positive impact on their school and the wider community.

This year, we are incredibly proud to share that the MPS award was presented to Asher Marganis. Vicki attended our assembly on Friday to personally present the award, making the moment even more special.

Asher is a shining example of what this award represents – thoughtful, compassionate, inclusive and consistently mindful of the wellbeing of others. We could not be prouder of the way he carries himself each and every day and we are thrilled to see him recognised in this way.

Janene Worsam, Principal (Wed - Fri)	janene.worsam@education.vic.gov.au
Paul Wickham, Principal (Mon, Tues) and Assistant Principal (Wed - Fri)	paul.wickham@education.vic.gov.au
Matt Lewis, Learning Specialist (Curriculum)	matthew.lewis@education.vic.gov.au
Ady Wall, Disability Inclusion & Wellbeing	adrienne.wall@education.vic.gov.au
Margarita Strateas, Wellbeing & Engagement	margarita.strateas@education.vic.gov.au

SAKG