PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Milgate Primary School would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land of the Wurundjeri People and we would like to pay our respects to the elders both past and present. Staff, students and the school community understand that we thrive, learn and live on Wurundjeri Country and we stand with all cultures united as one.
MAV MATHS GAMES DAY - YEAR 5
On Thursday the 10th of August, four Milgate students headed off to St Patrick’s Catholic Parish Primary School in Mentone for a day filled with maths and fun! Daniel C, Mishti C, Pearl D and Ashleigh Y competed on behalf of Milgate Primary School in the Maths Association of Victoria Maths Games Day, where they solved problems, played competitive games and explored maths concepts on the grounds of the school. It was a fantastic day of interacting with students from other schools and collaborating in order to solve challenging problems!
Out of the 22 teams that competed, the Milgate team finished 5th which was a wonderful achievement! We look forward to our Year 6 students competing in the same event later this term.
YEAR 3 | CRANBOURNE GARDENS EXCURSION
As part of our inquiry into, Sharing the Planet, the Year 3’s visited Cranbourne Gardens to explore various Australian environments. Along the Trig Point track, students investigated Australian bushlands and how bushfires were managed. Students were also able to link their understanding of cultural burning to identify how plants adapt to fires. We were also lucky enough to go to the lookout and see how the local environment has changed over time, for both people and animals. A highlight of the day was the visit to the Wetlands environment, as we were able to cast a fishing net to explore the inhabitants of the environment. We managed to find lots of different creatures, including shrimp! Lastly, we explored the Desert Camp to understand how various plants adapt to surviving in a dry environment. Back in our classrooms, we are now further investigating adaptations, with a particular focus on human adaptations.
Thank you for the parent volunteers who came on our excursion.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DAY
On Monday 7th August all Milgate staff participated in a whole day of professional learning. During the day we had a focus on differentiating student learning in Mathematics, we reflected on what we have achieved so far with our school goals and a group of teachers and office staff participated in a CPR refresher course. It was great to have the time to spend together as a staff and continue to build our knowledge and skills.
FLAGPOLES
This week, the three new flagpoles were installed at the front of the school, with the Australian and Torres Strait Islander flags on display and the Aboriginal Flag to be delivered shortly. Our Milgate PS flag will be moved to the blue basketball courts, with a new pole to be installed in the next week.
In our diverse and inclusive school community, displaying the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags holds profound importance. These flags symbolise the unity and rich tapestry of our nation's heritage. By prominently showcasing these flags, we acknowledge and honour the history, culture, and contributions of all Australians.
The Australian flag represents our nation's identity and unity, while the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander flags celebrate the unique and ancient cultures that have shaped our land for tens of thousands of years. Displaying these flags provides a powerful visual reminder of the importance of respect, understanding, and reconciliation. It serves as a conversation starter, encouraging students and staff to engage in meaningful discussions about the significance of these cultures in shaping the Australia we know today.
Moreover, displaying these flags fosters a sense of belonging and pride among Indigenous students, helping to strengthen their cultural identity and connection to their roots. For non-Indigenous students, it offers an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the richness of the world's oldest living cultures. By embracing the presence of these flags, our school embodies the spirit of inclusivity and paves the way for a brighter, more harmonious future for all Australians.
NEW TABLE INSTALLED WITH P&F FUNDS
Earlier this year, our Junior School Council raised the issue of not enough tables near the Year 5 and 6 playground equipment. The school Leadership team spoke to the Parents and Friends Committe, and they were more than happy to support the JSC to use funds raised to purchase a new picnic table. It has now been installed near the water tank and Year 5 and 6 equipment for students to use.