Welcome to IPS

End of term 3 reminders

The last week of term 3 has arrived in a flash, and in true Melbourne style we are enjoying some variable spring weather. The up and down of the temperature gauge makes dressing for a day at school a challenge for us all; a clear indicator of this can be seen throughout the school grounds, learning spaces and lost property bins! Please take the time to help your child locate any missing items prior to the end of term.

Please note that students will be dimissed at 2.30pm on Friday 18th September.

Term 4 commences on Monday 5th of October and, in line with our sun smart policy, students are required to wear their hat when outside.

Grade 5 camp - Sovereign Hill

Grade 5 students spent Monday to Wednesday this week on camp at Sovereign Hill. They have been learning about Australian history (1788-1901) this term, focussing on:

How and why the Australian Colonies developed over time,
The factors that influenced settlement patterns in the Australian Colonies?,
What life was like in the Australian Colonies,
What life was like for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Australian colonies and
The significant events shaped the Australian Colonies.

Sovereign Hill camp tied in perfectly with their History unit! They visited for three days and were able to participate in many activities to help students understand what life in the colonies was like. Activities included: the Eureka Stockade story, visiting two gold mines, Chinese people on the goldfields, panning for gold and we were also able to enjoy the Aura sound and light show. Everyone had an amazing learning experience and a thoroughly enjoyable time!

Week 10 assembly

One of my own children attended our assembly this week and it was interesting to hear his perspective as an eight year old who attends a government primary school. Aside from the extended critique of my own performance the thing that stood out was, 'whoa dad, that went on for ages, so many things happen at your school'. This was a great insight and helped me to appreciate what an active and involved community we have here at IPS, and indeed how fortunate we are to be involved in our various guises in such a positive place of learning.

Lego Club

Another wonderful term of Wednesday Lunchtime LEGO Club has provided IPS students with the opportunity to use their creative flair to design and build some amazing constructions. The club continues to be a popular lunchtime activity, welcoming both our frequent LEGO enthusiasts and students who occasionally drop in to join the fun.

LEGO Club would not be possible without the generous donations from our IPS community. These contributions have helped build an impressive collection of LEGO and given students countless opportunities to create, problem-solve and collaborate with others.

By popular demand, we look forward to another term of creativity and collaboration in Term 4!

Thank you to Mr Pearce for your supervision and enthusiasm.

House Lunch & Footy Colours Day

Footy Colours Day is Fight Cancer Foundation’s national community fundraising event which asks participants to host an event at their workplace, school, club or home and wear their favourite footy colours for kids with cancer.

This year at IPS we will be combining this great event with our end of term house lunch. Students are encouraged to wear their team colours be it footy, netball, soccer, cricket, basketball or otherwise.

The house lunch will be open to all community members; it’s happening on the last day of term 3 from 1.30pm, you can either bring a cash donation to school or donate directly via the QR code that is on the posters that you will see around school.

Mr Pearce will once again be our master of ceremonies and our grade 6 sports captains will be running some competitions on the day.

PFA Upcoming Events

Trivia Night and Bingo Nights have been organised by the PFA. Not just any old Trivia or Bingo Night, extra special, re-invented and revamped events that are guaranteed to be fun along with a Silent Auction!

Trivia Night: Friday 23rd October at Ivanhoe East Bowls Club.

Bingo Night: Saturday 21st November at West Ivanhoe Football Club.

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

Spring Holiday Program at IPS

We are pleased to confirm that TheirCare will be running a spring program for students over the next holiday period (September 21st to October 2nd). Find out more by clicking flyer below or theircare.com.au

Finally

School holidays arrive with a mix of excitement, pressure, noise, and… time!

As parents, we often imagine long, relaxed days, happy children, and slow mornings. In reality, holidays can quickly become a juggling act of boredom, big emotions, shifting routines, and siblings who suddenly forget how to coexist peacefully alongside the eternal balance of annual leave allowances and care arrangements.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The holiday period can be wonderful, but it also brings unique challenges for childrens' brains, their emotional regulation, and the entire family system.

So what do we do?

Lower the Bar

Parents often feel pressure to create magical holidays. But while the occasional special day matters, what children truly need is:

predictable rhythms
emotional warmth
time to rest
opportunities to play

Create a Loose Structure

Children thrive with routine. You don’t need to schedule every minute, but a loose daily rhythm helps reduce meltdowns, boredom, and constant “What are we doing now?” questions. It is also key to supporting transition at the end of the school holidays.

Try dividing the day into broad blocks:

Morning: an outing or activity
Midday: lunch + quiet time
Afternoon: free play or screens
Evening: family games or movie night, wind-down routine

Predictable patterns create psychological safety.

Build a “Boredom Plan”

Holiday boredom is normal and even healthy. But kids often need help starting something when they feel bored.

Create a Boredom List together and put the list somewhere visible. When complaints arise, point them back to the list. This builds independence and problem solving skills.

Expect More Big Feelings

Holidays disrupt routines, which can stir up:

irritability
restlessness
more sibling conflict
emotional spillover from the school term

A good mantra: “Their behaviour is communication.”

When children act out, try interpreting what’s underneath: hunger, sensory overload, tiredness, boredom, or needing connection. Naming the feeling: “It seems like you’re really frustrated right now” helps the brain regulate.

Use Screens Mindfully, Not Fearfully

Screens are part of modern life. You don’t need a “no screens” holiday to be a good parent. Aim for:

clear limits
transitions with warnings
screen breaks that don’t feel like punishment
content that matches your child’s tolerance
Balance with physical activity, outdoor time and movement breaks

Screens can give overstimulated brains a predictable break especially for children who struggle with self-regulation.

Keep Your Own Cup Filled (or at Least Not Empty)

The holidays are demanding for parents. Your wellbeing matters too.

Small habits that protect your mental health:

one non-negotiable break each day
Tag teaming with a partner/friend where possible
meals that are easy, not impressive
lowering expectations of how much you’ll “get done”
letting go of guilt around rest

A calmer parent = a calmer home.

Good Enough Is More Than Enough

School holidays can be fun, chaotic, exhausting, and messy, and that’s normal. Children don’t remember perfectly planned itineraries. They remember feeling safe, laughing together, freedom to play and adults who were present, not perfect.

Go gently. Create structure. Expect chaos. And remember, you’re doing better than you think. Good luck!

Thank you for your continued support.

Nick King

Assistant 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.

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