Welcome to IPS

Welcome back to all our IPS students, families and staff. I hope everyone enjoyed a well-deserved break and returned to school feeling refreshed, energised and ready for the final term of what has been another wonderful year at IPS.

As we begin Term 4, it is timely to reflect on what makes our school such a special place. At the heart of our school community are our school values –

Confidence, Independence, Persistence, Resilience and Respect.

These values are not simply words displayed around our school; they are reflected in the way we learn, the way we treat one another and the way we contribute to our community each and every day.

Term 4 provides many opportunities for our students to put these values into action. We encourage them to have the confidence to try new things, the independence to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour, the persistence to keep going when things are challenging, and the resilience to bounce back when things don't go according to plan. Most importantly, we encourage everyone to show respect, kindness and care for those around them.

We want every student at IPS to feel safe, valued, included and supported. Creating this environment is something we all have a role in. By considering the feelings and perspectives of others, celebrating our differences, caring for our environment and looking out for one another, we continue to build the strong sense of community that makes IPS such a wonderful place to be.

The final term of the school year is always a special one. There is plenty of learning still to be done, along with celebrations, exciting events, opportunities to reflect on how far we have come and, of course, lots of wonderful memories to be made.

Let's continue to challenge ourselves, support each other, celebrate our achievements and finish the year with the same enthusiasm and positivity with which we began.

Walk-a-thon Fundraiser

Students will be coming home tomorrow with exciting information about our biennial Walk-a-thon fundraising event. Of course, this will include information about the event, how to participate and most importantly (as it is a school fundraiser), information on how to sponsor a student!

The Walk-a-thon is the major school fundraiser for the year. Students have a say in how the money raised is spent to improve the school for everyone. Past Walk-a-thon events have funded two sets of brightly coloured (student choice) playground equipment and other play area improvements. Let's get behind our students and give them encouragement to not only get fit but to raise funds to keep the school looking great and provide a safe and happy place for students to enjoy.

Student Expos

This term families are invited to two expos, one in year 5 and one in year 3.

Students in year 5 have been learning about Colonial Australian history (1788-1901) and in culmination of their hard work, they are hosting a History Expo on Tuesday 13th October.

Grade 5 parents/guardians/grandparents are welcome to come and explore the students’ projects from 9:00am – 9:45am in our classrooms in the Beehive Building.

Students in year 3 have been learning about community: what makes an effective community and the community where they live. They are hosting a Community Expo, presenting solutions to issues they have identified in the local community on Friday 16th October for parents/guardians/grandparents from 2.45 - 3.30pm.

Age Appropriate sexual health Conversations

Not sure how to start conversations about puberty, body safety, consent and respectful relationships? Don't feel confident to have "the chat" about sex, puberty, and body safety? You're not alone.

If you missed the IPS Talking the Talk parent/carer information session in July, Banyule Youth Services are offering one that you can attend (online) later this month (27/10).

Join award-winning educator and registered nurse Vanessa Hamilton for an engaging parent information session designed to give you the knowledge, confidence and practical language to have age-appropriate conversations with your child. Aimed at parents of 5 - 17-year-olds, Topics include:-

Body and protective safety
Puberty and reproduction
Online safety and exposure to sexual content
Consent and respectful relationships
Inclusion and diversity-Gender-based violence prevention

DATE: Tuesday 27 October TIME: 8pm-9.30pm WHERE: FREE - online (you must register - details below) (a recording will be made available for those registered)Bookings Essential: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/talking-the-talk-how-to-have-age-appropriate-conversations-tickets-2002677810241?aff=oddtdtcreator

More information: Jess Sayers 0468 753 812 jessica.sayers@banyule.vic.gov.au

PFA Upcoming Events

TRIVIA NIGHT

Tickets to TRIVIA NIGHT are ON SALE NOW!

https://www.trybooking.com/1653016

Teams of 8 to 10.

Purchase a whole table, or individual tickets ($30pp).

Tables are numbered, so feel free to let other parents know to purchase tickets on the same table as you!

Drinks available at bar prices.

BYO food / dinner / nibbles.

Adults only event.

Trivia questions on a variety of general topics, followed by music and dancing.

Join us for a very fun night! Tickets are selling fast, don't miss out!

SILENT AUCTION

Our 2026 IPS Silent Auction is now LIVE: https://www.32auctions.com/IPS26

Please visit and bid generously!

With over 100 items there’s something for everyone. From early Christmas shopping, to summer holiday plans, to health and fitness, to nights out with friends, and MUCH MORE... let’s support the businesses who have supported us while raising money for our wonderful school.

Together with Trivia Night, this is our major fundraiser for the year. Funds raised this year will help support an extensive outdoor play space upgrade to be located near the Grade 2 classrooms. This project will include the creation of retaining walls, landscaping and play equipment. Your generous support will help us create a welcoming environment where children can play, explore and connect for years to come.

Please share our Auction site within the school community and beyond.

Also, it’s not too late to donate! If you would like to donate an item, voucher or experience to be included in our Auction, please email silentauctionips@gmail.com

Thank you everyone for your support.

HAPPY BIDDING!

Check out more of the PFA's exciting upcoming events on the PFA page.

Italian Day

Giornata Italiana a IPS!

We are gearing up for our Giornata Italiana 2026 (Italian Day) on 5th November.

This year all students will participate in our parade wearing their favourite Italian character or in the Italian colours.

This will be followed by a workshop in the gym, with a Southern Italian traditional dance group.

We look forward to seeing having a fun experience on 5th November.

Grazie Maestra Isabella

Finally

Our 6 students and teachers along with Mr King have been enjoying this week in Canberra in what's proving to be a fantastic experience for the year 6 cohort.

Highlights have been numerous:

future leaders have experienced life in office at parliament both new and old,
financiers got their hands on some currency at the Australian Mint,
future ambassadors were immersed in Thai culture at the the Thai Embassy,
scientists and engineers revelled in the hands-on activities at Questacon and
future olympians are looking forward today's visit to the AIS.

Families have followed the camp through posts and pictures on Dojo, but here are just a few photos for the community to see what the year 6 camp is all about...

Campers have reported that so far, it has been an exhausting and exhaustive visit to our nation's captial and would not have been possible without the supreme efforts and enthusiasm of year 6 teaching team and parent helpers.

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 4 Week 1

Library News – Term 4 Week 1