Principal's Report
Dear families and friends of MPW,
Last week, we were announced as the winners of the Best School Project between $5-15millon category in the Victorian School Design Awards. This is amazing recognition and feedback for us and our architects, as we are extremely proud of the results of our updated learning and play spaces. Students have really enjoyed these spaces this year.The judging panel had the following highlights to share about our project:- impressive relationship between the modern design and the heritage spaces- beautiful, functional and clever use of the spaces- fit-out is exceptional - the interior is a model for how modernising a heritage building can be done really well- 'If I was back in primary school, I'd want to be here.'
I have also been informed that we are finalists in the Learning Environments Victoria/Tasmania Chapter Awards. The event for this will be held on November 13th, stay tuned.
This is again a great celebration of the planning and work that occurred to improve our learning spaces for our students.
Foundation Transition
We have had another successful Foundation Transition program, with our future Foundation students coming in over the last two weeks to familiarise themselves with the school. Parents were invited to two information sessions, which we have received some positive feedback about.
The next transition session will involve our future preps attending one more session to see the specialist classes, and then the final session is coming back to meet the teacher and class for 2026 on our whole school Orientation Day on Tuesday 9th December.
Pupil free days next week
A reminder that Monday is our final curriculum day for the year. Teachers will be working on their assessment and reporting obligations for the end of the year. Camp Australia will be operating onsite on the day, should you require their services.
And Tuesday is the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday.
We hope you have an enjoyable long, long weekend and look forward to students returning on Wednesday 5th November.
Term Dates for 2026
In 2026, Victorian school term dates are as follows:
Term 1- 27th January to April 2nd
Term 2- April 20th to June 26th
Term 3- July 13th to September 18th
Term 4- October 6th to December 19th
MPW start of school dates 2026
We have confirmed and endorsed at School Council our start of year dates for next year.
Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th January will be our usual Curriculum Days to begin the year, these are student free days.
Thursday 29th January– Students in Years 1 to 6 commence school
Tuesday 3rd February- Foundation students commence full time.
Foundation students will attend individual assessment appointments between 29th January and 2nd February.
We will be finalising our other Curriculum Day dates for 2026 in the coming weeks.
2026 School Structure
After consideration of enrolment numbers, student needs and our projected staffing profile for next year, the school structure in 2026 will remain very similar to this year.
Three Foundation classes, Four Year 1/2 classes, Three Year 3/4 classes, Three Year 5/6 classes.
Our specialist offerings will remain the same, with Japanese, Physical Education and Creative Arts 1 hour per week, with an additional hour of Japanese for 6 months and Creative Arts for the other 6 months.
Remembrance Day
Tuesday 11th November is Remembrance Day. We will be acknowledging this at our assembly on Monday with members of JSC sharing information to support understanding and learning about the legacy of those who served. We will also be holding one minute silence for reflection at 11am on Tuesday 11th. JSC will be discussing awareness and support through the Poppy appeal at the next JSC meeting. JSC students will promote and sell items prior to the day.
World Teacher’s Day this Friday
Finally, this Friday 31st is World Teacher’s Day, a day to celebrate and acknowledge teachers across Australia. I would like to personally thank all our teachers and educators at MPW who support, teach, inspire and encourage our students every single day at school. Teaching occurs all the time in the classroom, outside of the classroom, on camps and on excursions. Our staff work hard to plan, prepare and work with our students to support the best academic and wellbeing outcomes of all.
The theme is ‘hats off to teachers’, and JSC has discussed some opportunities to acknowledge their teachers, this will be sent home in an email to families.
Students are encouraged to wear a ‘fun hat’ on Friday to show their thanks and acknowledgment to their teachers.
Regards,
Jarrod
Principal