Power Outage

Thank all for your support last week as we experienced a power outage for most of the day, as a result of a planned electricity upgrades in the area. The Department of Education have non-negotiable protocols around events such as these, so navigating the day without the usual amenities provided by electricity was unavoidable. While the situation was undoubtedly inconvenient, staff and students were adaptable, and the day proceeded smoothly. We were very grateful that the weather was kind to us! Well done to all.

Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week starts next week (27th May - 3rd June).

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

National Reconciliation Week – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue.

Please click on the link for the Reconciliation Week Website here

Banyule Council hosted a Sorry Day ceremony on Thursday at Malahung Park in West Heidelberg. Some of our school leaders attended the cleansing ceremony to respectfully acknowledge the resilience of the First Nations community who were impacted by the removal of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Children.

National Simultaneous Storytime

This week Mr Lewis put together a video of Monty staff reading a beautiful picture story book for 'National Simultaneous Storytime' which is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

Our students then participated in a fabulous scavenger hunt based on the book "Bowerbird Blues" by Aura Parker - see below!

You can also access the story time video here.

Sibling Enrolments 2025

Please bring your enrolment forms to the office. Planning is well and truly underway for our 2025 Foundation students.

Puberty Information Evening

A reminder about our upcoming puberty information session. It is being offered to our families within our years 3 - 6 cohort and is being run by Kate Wilde from The Workshop.

This session will be much more than just going over what to expect from your child as they approach and enter puberty. Kate will also speak about the challenges of being part of the 'online' world and how this relates to their understanding of sexuality and relationships. Please see below for details, including where to book your spot.

What: Puberty Information Evening

When: Wednesday, 5th of June at 6pm (90-minute session)

Where: The Discovery Centre

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CRTRV

Cost: $8 per person (adults only)

Reset Rooms

We are excited to announce they are near completion. These spaces are aimed at fostering inclusivity within our school community. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a supportive environment for all students, we are in the final stages of setting up Reset Rooms, which will serve as quiet and safe spaces for our students.

Reset Rooms are designated areas within the school where students can retreat to during times of overwhelming emotions or sensory overload. These rooms are designed to provide a calming and supportive environment, allowing students to regulate their emotions and recharge before returning to the classroom.

We understand that every student is unique and may have varying needs when it comes to managing their emotions and sensory experiences. Reset Rooms offer a solution by providing a space where students can find comfort and support tailored to their individual needs.

In line with our commitment to inclusivity, Reset Rooms will be available to all students, regardless of their background or abilities. Whether a student is experiencing heightened emotions, feeling overwhelmed, or simply in need of a quiet space to decompress, they will be welcome to utilise these spaces. Pictures of these rooms will be coming soon!

Comedy Night

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR TICKETS? HAVE YOU BOOKED A BABYSITTER?

We have had some wonderful parents who have contacted businesses and kindly asked for donations. Some of these donations are very impressive! Therefore, we will be able to hold a silent auction on the night. Our students are busily working on some whole class artwork that will also be auctioned.

If you encounter a business willing to contribute something of value (for either the silent auction or hamper) please accept the donation on the school’s behalf. We are committed to recognising these contributions, whether through our newsletter or via a shout out on the night. If you would like a copy of the official fundraising letter to take to businesses, please see Ali at the office.

Business/Corporate Donations:

Furthermore, we are seeking support from local businesses for corporate donations. If you are aware of any organisations willing to sponsor part of the comedians’ costs for the evening, please let us know. Depending on the level of contribution, sponsors can benefit from signage at the front entrance, mentions in our newsletter, shoutouts from the comedians themselves and even exposure on our social media channels.

$100 donation – signage at front entrance and in newsletter

$300 donation – signage, newsletter and shout out from comedians on the evening

$500 + - signage, newsletter, shout out from comedians and uploaded on socials

Hampers:

One of the highlights of the night will be drawing the raffle tickets for the hampers. To ensure that our hampers are diverse and appealing, we are seeking donations from our MPS families. Anything from a gourmet food item, a gift voucher, pamper products, wine, books, toys or anything else you think would make a fantastic addition, we welcome your contributions.

Thank you on advance for your support in making this event a resounding success!

Date: Friday, 14 June

Time: Happy Hour 6 - 7pm, comedy begins at 7:30pm

Venue: Petrie Park Community Hall

Tickets: $50 per ticket (tables of 10 or purchase single tickets)

Drinks at bar prices. BYO food only.

For ticket purchases, please click here or see the flyer below.

National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, MFNA & VACCA