From the Principal...
Hi Everyone,
I hope you’ve had a great week. Since the start of the term it’s been a busy time across and around MEPS. Our students have been doing amazing things in their learning programs and continuing to demonstrate our school values on a daily basis.
Curriculum Day
Please remember our upcoming Curriculum Day on Monday 11th May. Students are not required at school on this date. TeamKids will be offering their program for the day in support of families whom require this service.
School Photos
Tuesday 5th May is scheduled for our school photos. I’ll make sure my hair is in order for this day!
Medical Updates
Please be reminded that any students whom have Asthma or Anaphylaxis plans are required to keep these up to date. This requires the plans to be approved by a medical practitioner and provided to the school.
This term staff will be continuing to update their CPR and anaphylaxis training which will support the whole school staff in retaining their level 2 first aid qualifications.
Industrial Action
Please be aware that the AEU Industrial action is continuing and the next impactful date for MEPS is Tuesday 12th May. This date is proposed for a half day ‘stop work action’. At this stage I do not have any further details, but as soon as these are made available to me I will share them so that we can be as prepared as possible.
ANZAC Day
I hope you managed to take a moment to acknowledge and commemorate the recent ANZAC Day services. I was privileged to share in a couple of services on the day and in particular at Mt Eliza village for the 2pm service.
Two of our student leaders; Indiana Richards and Ethan Goldfinch, did an amazing job in reading ‘The Ode of Remembrance’ during the service.
It was great to see some of our MEPS students and families also there to acknowledge this special and important date on the calendar.
At our ANZAC assembly last week we were fortunate to welcome retired serviceman, Leith, whom shared some poignant words with the students and community.
Anzac Day is a time when we remember the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the armed forces. The word “ANZAC” stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and it first became part of our history during World War I, at Gallipoli in 1915.
But Anzac Day is about more than just one battle. It’s about remembering all those who have shown courage, sacrifice, and mateship in times of war and peacekeeping.
For me, this day is especially meaningful.
I served in the army for 17 years. During that time, I had the honour of serving in East Timor and Afghanistan. I worked alongside many incredible people, people who showed bravery, teamwork and resilience every single day.
What I remember most is not just the difficult moments, but the strong sense of mateship, looking out for each other, supporting one another and never giving up, even when things were tough.
These are the values we remember on Anzac Day:
- Courage
- Mateship
- Respect and
- Sacrifice
And the important thing is, these values are not just for soldiers. They are values we can all show in our everyday lives.
You show courage when you try something new or stand up for what is right. You show mateship when you include others and help your friends. You show respect when you listen, care and treat people kindly.
So today, as we remember those who have served, I encourage you to think about how you can carry these values into your own life, in your classroom, on the playground and in your community.
Anzac Day is also a time to pause and say thank you. Thank you to those who have served, and to those who continue to serve our country today.
We remember them not just for what they did, but for what they stood for.
Lest we forget.
Leith
Swimming
This week marked the end of the Year 1-3 Swimming Program fortnight. It has been wonderful to see the students engaging so positively in the program and having loads of fun. Thank-you to the many parents and grandparents whom either came along to help out at the program or to be there to encourage and support our young swimmers. Thank-you also to the staff and in particular Mrs Hille for her amazing work in co-ordinating the many logistics required for our swimming program.
Mother’s Day
Please be aware of our upcoming Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. This will be held from 3.15pm on Friday 8th May. Please find the attached information for more details regarding the afternoon tea and amazing raffle prizes on offer.
Thanks to Marshall White Real Estate, Team Kids and our canteen provider, Stir Crazy Kids, whom have all supported this upcoming event in some way.
Moving away from the usual Mother’s Day stall, this year, each student will come home will a small gift of acknowledgement that is provided by the school.
Concert
Our Year 3-6 students continue to enjoy their preparations for the concert in June. I remind parents to please provide the payment and permission as soon as you can, the due date is 12th May. The date of the concert is Wednesday, 17th June - more information will come in the next few weeks. It has been wonderful to see the students having so much fun with their performing arts skills. Thank-you to Mrs Congiusta who has been working with the lead cast as they learn and refine their acting skills.
NAPLAN
Please note that students in year 3 and 5 who participated in NAPLAN will receive their individual results early in term 3.
Team Newsletters
Next week you will receive a newsletter form your child’s year level. These newsletters will outline the Term 2 curriculum foci and also share any significant dates and events that are excitedly approaching in Term 2.
Have a great weekend,
Michael
Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, Connectedness and Challenge