News From Mr Smith
Dear School Community Members,
Mano Step Up Day:
Our annual ‘Step Up’ day was an outstanding success on Tuesday. Our students engaged in an extended transition session with their 2026 teacher, 2026 classmates and in their 2026 classroom. Students participated in activities and tasks that support their transition into their next year level. Students received an introductory letter from their 2026 teacher, and families received an email outlining their children’s 2026 teacher and their child’s classlist. If you didn’t receive this email, please contact the office.
Gr. 6 Graduation – Thursday, 11th December:
This evening is our formal Graduation Ceremony for our Gr. 6 students. It is an opportunity to celebrate the successful end of our graduate’s primary schooling and reflect on their time at Mano. I, along with all staff, are immensely proud of our Grade 6 students, and although it is a time of celebration, it is also a time of sadness as we bid them farewell.
Student Reports:
Our Student Reports will be available through Compass from 4pm tomorrow (Friday 12th December). If you would like a ‘paper copy’, please contact the Office to make a request as soon as possible. If your child is exiting Mano at the end of the school year, you have until Friday, 19th December to access reports on Compass. After that your access to Compass will expire.
Staffing – 2026:
I am pleased to inform you that our staffing for 2026 is almost complete. We have further increased our profile in Learning Support (integration aides) and Instructional Leadership. This aims to maximise the learning outcomes for each of our students.
Farewell:
The following staff we will be farewelling at the end of the year:
Mrs Jeannette Orford (retirement)
Miss Maddy Stapleton (transfer to Fyans Park PS for 12 months)
Miss Deanna Dellis
Miss Meg Daniels
Mrs Claire Horton
I would like to acknowledge and thank Jeannette, Maddy, Deanna, Meg and Claire for their contribution to Manifold Heights Primary School in their respective roles in 2025. I wish these staff members well in their new roles and new endeavours.
Welcome:
The following staff are new to our school for 2026:
Mr Sam Hunt (Teacher - Prep)
Mr Jamie Law (Teacher – Gr 3)
Mrs Laura Fox (Teacher – Grade 6)
Mrs Aleisha Godfrey (Teacher)
We look forward to welcoming Mr Hunt, Mr Law, Mrs Fox and Mrs Godfrey to our wonderful community.
Christmas Concert – Thursday, 18th December:
Next Thursday will be our Christmas Concert and End of Year Celebration at 9:15am. Each year level will perform a Christmas Carol or item, culminating with the Year 6 students performing their Graduation Song. We will also announce our 2026 School Captains and House Captains, along with our Unleashing Potential awards. Students will come to school dressed in their clothing for their item. Further information regarding this event is in this addition of our newsletter. Please feel free to come and join us in our celebrations.
Key Dates in December
- Thursday, 11th December Grade 6 Graduation ceremony
- Thursday, 18th December Christmas Concert and End of Year Celebration – 9:15am
- Friday, 19th December Last day of school year – 1:30pm dismissal
Thank you for supporting our school and have a great week.
Christian Smith