Murrumbeena P.S. Newsletter

From the Principal

What a beautiful summer we have been having and hopefully families made the most of the long weekend to get out and about in the city or countryside. 

 

PARENT - TEACHER DISCUSSIONS

Parent–Teacher discussions will be held on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 March 

The parent teacher discussion offers parents and teachers an opportunity to share information pertinent to the student’s educational and social-emotional progress. Interviews are strictly 10 minutes long, so we encourage parents to think about the information they would like to share with the teacher beforehand. Parents can book interview times on Compass, which is now open. Please email your child’s teacher if you would prefer to have the interview online so a Webex link can be sent. 

 

Harmony Week 2025: "Harmony – We All Have a Role to Play"

At our International Baccalaureate school, we embrace cultural diversity as a fundamental part of our identity—not just within our school, but in our broader community, our city, and the world.

To celebrate Harmony Week, our dedicated team of teachers has planned a series of engaging activities designed to deepen students' awareness of international-mindedness and respect for cultural diversity. These activities will culminate in a special Harmony Day celebration on Friday March 21.

Harmony Day is a time to celebrate inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for all Australians, united by shared values. On this day, students are encouraged to wear traditional cultural attire or the colour orange as they take part in a multicultural dance party and a special assembly highlighting global citizenship.

We look forward to a week of learning, connection, and celebration as we honour the rich diversity that makes our school community so special.

 

EASTER BASKETS & RAFFLE

MPS Easter Raffle – A Beloved Tradition!

The Easter Raffle is a cherished tradition at MPS, and our students eagerly anticipate the special assembly on the last day of the term when the lucky winners are drawn!

Raffle ticket books have been sent home last week, and we kindly ask families to contribute Easter-themed goodies, which will be used to create raffle prizes. With over 100 prizes up for grabs, every donation helps make the event extra special!

Each class has a donation box for collecting Easter hamper items, so students can bring their contributions either to their classroom or drop them off at the office.

For families wishing to purchase additional tickets, extra raffle booklets are available at the office.

Please ensure sold tickets and money are returned to the office in an envelope, with names and phone numbers clearly printed on the ticket butts.  Please return any tickets and money by 3:30pm Tuesday April 1.

Thank you for your support in making this event a wonderful celebration for our students!

 

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

It’s fitting that the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (NDA) aligns with Harmony Week, as both focus on fostering respect, inclusion, and positive relationships. This year, we note the expanded title, reinforcing the importance of standing up against violence as well as bullying. After all, violence is never the answer—communication and understanding are far more effective in resolving frustrations.

Our school is once again participating in targeted activities to raise awareness about the impact of bullying. While students learn anti-bullying strategies throughout the year as part of our wellbeing programs, the NDA provides a focused opportunity to reflect on the ways we can work together to prevent anti-social behaviour. It also serves as an important reminder—both for students and parents—about the need to report cyberbullying and other unethical behaviour online.

While some social conflicts are a natural part of growing up, students still need guidance in understanding how their actions affect others. Our Restorative Practices approach helps students recognise the connection between behaviour and relationships, encouraging accountability and empathy.

In recent years, we’ve seen students become increasingly proactive in reporting negative behaviours, allowing us to address issues swiftly and restore relationships. For those needing longer-term support, we work with students to develop strategies, with teachers (and their parents) providing ongoing follow-up to ensure positive outcomes.

Together, we can continue to create a safe, supportive, and respectful school environment for all.

 

2025 School Council & Annual General Meeting – Monday 17 March

This Monday, our newly elected 2025 School Council will hold its first meeting, beginning with an induction on Child Safety. This session will focus on raising awareness of the school’s policies, practices, and the expectations of council members and parents to ensure that student safety remains our top priority.

At 7:30 PM, we invite the broader school community to join us for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This is an opportunity to celebrate the school’s achievements and progress toward the goals set in our Four-Year School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan. Following the meeting, the Annual Report will be submitted to the Education Department and made available on the school website.

After the AGM, School Council members will hear reports from the convenors of our five subcommittees, reflecting on 2024 achievements and recommendations for 2025. Council members will then nominate the subcommittee they wish to contribute to. The five subcommittees are:

  • Finance
  • Education
  • Social & Fundraising
  • Buildings & Grounds (Facilities)
  • Canteen & Uniform

Our School Council plays a vital role in shaping our school’s future, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of parents working alongside us. We look forward to another year of collaboration and success!

 

Chellee Plumb