The Moorabbin Primary School Community touch the land and think of the Bunurong People and surrounding Clans of the Kulin Nation who cared for the land before us.

We share our gratitude to their Elders past, present and emerging. As we touch this land, we promise to treasure it, taking care of all its people, animals, plants and waterways. We at Moorabbin Primary School appreciate this land. Thank you.

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is close to the end of Term 1 and the school holidays.

Thank you everyone for a successful Term 1 and start to the 2025 school year. The term finishes at the earlier time of 2.30 pm on Friday 4th April. Team Kids After School Care is available for those who cannot collect their children after school on time:

https://www.teamkids.com.au/venues/moorabbin-primary-oshc-5/

Term 2 starts on Tuesday 22 April. The first week back will be a short three-day week as Friday 25 April is the ANZAC Day Public Holiday. For those looking for activities for the family over the Easter break, there are many excellent holiday activities in Melbourne for children as described via the following web link:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/family-and-kids/school-holidays

Resources for Parents/Carers From time to time

Parents/carers ask the school for guidance on supporting their children—whether it’s advice on health, nutrition, learning at home, or encouraging positive behaviour. The Raising Children website is a valuable resource with expert information on a wide range of parenting topics, from pregnancy through to the teenage years and beyond. We encourage you to explore this site for practical tips and support.

See https://raisingchildren.net.au/

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL DATES:

· Friday 4 April is the end of Term 1 and school finishes at 2.30 pm

· Tuesday 22 April is the first day of Term 2

· Friday 25 April is the ANZAC Day Public Holiday, and the school is closed

· Monday 9 June is the King’s Birthday Public Holiday, and the school is closed

· Tuesday 10 June is a Staff Curriculum day/ Pupil Free Day and the school is closed (team kids will be operating https://www.teamkids.com.au/venues/moorabbin-primary-oshc-5/

· Friday 4 July is the end of Term 2 and school finishes at 2.30 pm

We will be also sending a more detailed term calendar out to at the commencement of the term so you are aware of all the upcoming events. look out for this link via Compass.

AROUND THE SCHOOL

We have had another very busy week with our Year 5 lifesaving beach swim program finishing up this week, interschool and intraschool sports programs, our Year 3 students went and visited the Shrine and the Botanical gardens, Our year 4 students had a visit from one of our parents who is a police offer sharing what its like to be in law enforcement and what the inside of a police vehicle looks and “sound like”.

The school held its second parent workshop led by Mrs Tsekouras with a mathematics focus, staff had a fantastic professional development session with Dr Paul Swan Tuesday evening.

We are all feeling a bit emotional and tired as we come close to the end of the term. Here are some pics for you to enjoy.

Message from our school council president Sean Abell

Congratulations 2025 School Council President - Sean Abell

Thank you, it is an honour to be nominated 2025 School Council President, collaborating with Vice-President Laura Bos, Noxia, Ian, and our enthusiastic team of teaching staff & volunteer parents who each bring their unique experience and perspectives to the group.

Speaking of experience, can you tell us briefly about yours?

My wife Natalie and I began our association with MPS when Flynn started Foundation in 2023, the same year I joined School Council firstly as P&F Liaison followed by Vice President. My professional experience includes leadership roles within Bunnings, Baby Bunting & Flight Centre, plus family-focused businesses Melbourne Zoo and even Disney! Currently, I coordinate Retail Operations for Nike Stores across ANZ.

What makes Moorabbin Primary School so special to you?

MPS staff have always been so supportive, and focus not just on building core academic foundations, but supporting children’s social & emotional well-being. The school’s commitment to developing life skills is evident through driving the TERRIFFC values plus the introduction of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a standalone subject. There is also our caring, passionate and diverse MPS community, so many of which kindly volunteer their time for P&F, sports, fundraising, working bees, classrooms, excursions.

What exactly does the School Council do?

School Council helps shape the broad strategic direction and vision for the school and provides oversight of the school’s financial performance. We meet at least twice per term to discuss and take action on items across safety & wellbeing, financial, strategic plans, community engagement, policies, buildings & maintenance. Decisions are always considered with all student’s best interests as the primary focus.

What are some of the School Council’s priorities for the year ahead?

MPS has gradually grown to now over 500 students, and whilst government grants have delivered incredible new classrooms and the upcoming gymnasium, there are many other items which fall on the school to fully fund. Council is actively pursuing several projects thanks to P&F fundraising efforts and voluntary financial contributions, including upgraded engaging & safe play areas for all year levels.

Communication is also on the agenda, from improving community engagement to updating the MPS website including a “one-stop” calendar, reducing and prioritising Compass notifications & emails, and simplifying the Flexischools/Compass app processes, which have at least already halved the apps required from last year! Council this year will also be involved in the review process for the school’s next four-year Strategic Plan. The last time the SSP (School Strategic Plan) was implemented was back in 2020, and our school, and of course the world around us, has certainly changed dramatically since then!

Where can I find out more?

I encourage all MPS family and friends to get involved in whatever capacity they can throughout your children’s journey at Moorabbin Primary School. In fact, we currently have a vacant School Council position available for a parent specifically with financial reporting experience. If you are interested in helping to shape your children’s primary school experience, please contact Noxia for further details. I am also available via email sean.abell@education.vic.gov.au and welcome any questions or feedback. As the school will enter its review process commencing in term 2 we will also be updating the Strategic plan and the Annual Implementation Plan. These documents will be sent out via email, the newsletter and on our school website.

Noxia Angelides

Principal

P & F NEWS