Curriculum Day Feedback:

Last week, our teaching staff made the most of the Curriculum Day that was held. As part of our commitment to best quality teaching, all staff were involved in workshops around building the capacity of our students in the area of Mathematics. I have so much pride, trust and confidence in our teachers at MPS who endeavour to lift student outcomes at every level. Our teachers are also currently working through the student reporting cycle and therefore were very deserved of the public holiday earlier this week!

Problem Solving Strategies:

There has been much discussion in our grades in regards to playground etiquette and in particular, looking at the rules of 'Downball/4 Square/8 Square'. The Year 5/6 students designed a list of appropriate school rules that go hand in hand with our school values of Respect, Friendship, Safety and Learning. We must also reinforce that when there are disagreements in the yard, we allow our children to have a go at sorting them out and if there is still no resolution, seek help. I have attached a 'Problem Solving Wheel' that that is used to assist our students work through situations that they may encounter from time to time.

Buildings & Grounds Update:

Our Buildings and Grounds committee have been working very hard to finalise the plans for our additional playgrounds. We have continued working with Elliot from Polygon Landscapes and it looks like we are getting closer to starting on Stage 1.

All our fundraising effort this year and next year, will go towards updating our playground spaces. As you can appreciate, any outdoor work is costly. We are fortunate to have some parents who are very skilled in building, planting and the like.

If you are able to offer some practical assistance in the first week of the school holidays, please contact David Koolstra on 0427 783 566 or dave@fensterandpanel.com.au

The first area to be completed these holidays will be south of the "big" playground. A stage will be built which can be used for assemblies, performances and outdoor fun! When Elliot work-shopped with many of our students last year, there was overwhelming enthusiasm for an outdoor stage. And Mrs Kechayas was not even involved!

I have included the draft plans for all 3 areas.

Area 1: Stage built South of the current "big" playground (July school holidays)

Area 2: Pathways, natural rocks, planting - Rattray Rd side of the current "big" playground

Area 3: Vacant space near the staff car park (below current "little" playground)

Last Friday evening, Michael Smith (B&G committee member) and I met with local council members and sporting groups, to work on the concept of a partnership with local community groups in order to upgrade our oval. It was a very successful evening with certainly some good conversations around improving our oval facilities. I will now be pushing for those conversations to turn into actions! Stay tuned....

Parking Reminder:

There have been a couple of parents that have received a fine from Banyule Council for "dropping" off their child near the staff car park entry. This is considered by Council as a "No Stopping" zone, confirmed by Vic Roads. Please be aware of parking limitations around the school.

Buon Appetito by Luisa:

Just a friendly reminder that as of Term 3, lunch orders will be provided on a Thursday! Please refer to previous Compass feed for more information.

July School Holiday Program:

Camp Australia are running a holiday program here at Monty! Call Call 1300 105 343 or www.campaustralia.com.au/holidayclubs for a list of program activities.

Trivia Night - WE NEED YOU!

We need people to help set up Petrie Hall from 4 – 5pm on the afternoon of the Trivia Night. If you can help, please sign up via https://docs.google.com/document/d/1krL4hrI8QCJQ7I2ncDTBUgE6p81FBCpVbRg2LWd-kM4/edit?usp=sharing or at the Office. As a token of our appreciation you will receive one free entry into the Raffle (2 night accommodation valued at $900), drawn at the end of the night.

Have a great week - see you at the Trivia Night!

Janene and Kristie

Gardening

Hello Monty Community!