Principal's Report

Welcome to Term 2! 

I hope you have had an enjoyable and restful break with your child/ren.  It has been a delight to hear that many families found joy in camping over the break, especially making fun times camping through the weather elements.  One student laughed telling me her camping highlight was when it rained, and she got to jump through all the puddles!

We have certainly been blessed with nice weather this week as the students come back to school. They have enjoyed break times catching up with friends and exchanging their holiday stories.  For me it has been more pleasing to see and hear students in classes and engaged in their learning.  I have had a real sense that they were ready to come back to school and get back to learning and re-connect with their teachers and peers.  Adam Jarvis, (teacher in level 1/2) had the biggest grin on his face at the end of our first day back describing to me how well his students had remembered the daily class routines and were eager to listen and learn. 

Principal Update

Neil Butler has extended his leave for the remainder of term 2. I will continue in the acting principal role during this time of Neil’s absence.  

Over the past two school weeks, it has been such a pleasure to meet and work with many of you at the school gate, school council and discussing your child’s needs.  I have really enjoyed students coming up to me and introduce themselves, along with seeing them in the classroom and sharing their learning with me.  I look forward to continue to work with you, your child/ren and MPS staff for the rest of the term.

New Staff

This week we warmly welcomed three new staff to MPS.  Lisa Grdic is our Science and Tutor Learning Initiative teacher, Brianna Bradford and Agnes Ng are Education Support staff members supporting students in the level 1/2 area of the school.     

Pupil Free Day

There will be a pupil free day on Wednesday 8th June this year.  This is an additional pupil free day that has recently been requested by the Department of Education for all schools to take this term for teachers to have a Professional Practice Day (PPD). 

The Department of Education have asked schools to set a whole school pupil free day for all staff to have their PPD on the same day as determined by the school and school council. 

We are currently in negotiations for an OSCH care program to be provided at MPS on this day for those families who may need it.  We’ll try and finalise this as soon as possible and let you know.

School Review Update 

Term 2 at MPS is planned to be a busy and productive one.  To prepare for our school review in term 4, we will be working with all levels of the school community to conduct a Pre-Review Self Evaluation.  This process will involve looking at what has occurred over the past four years at MPS and identifying highlights, what is working well and areas for future growth.  In the coming weeks we will let you know about a parent/carer forum to seek your input.

Open Night

You may have noticed one of our fabulous billboards in the local area advertising our up and coming Open Night on 25th May, 5:30 to 7pm, thanks to the creative work of many of our school councillors.  Open Night is our main community and promotional event during Education Week.  We look forward to showcasing MPS to our current and potential new families to the school.  Further details on the night will come in our next newsletter.  Please note this date in your calendar to join in this exciting event. 

Fundraiser

Yesterday was a delight to have our Alopecia Awareness Day Fundraiser.  Thank you to Michael for organising and promoting the day at MPS.  A special thank you to Michael’s mum and sister for helping out on the day.  The sale of Hairdo badges and icy-poles were popular at lunchtime.  We look forward to hearing at assembly the money raised for this worthy cause.  A huge well done to Michael also for being so brave to have much of his long hair cut off for the event.  Your new hairdo looks wonderful!

NAPLAN Online

This year our school will be participating in NAPLAN Online for students in level 3 and 5, from 10-20 May. This will mean that students will complete the NAPLAN Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy tests on computers, excluding the Year 3 Writing test which will still be delivered using paper. To find out more information about NAPLAN Online, visit www.nap.edu.au.

NAPLAN assessments provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for and students are not expected to do so. At MPS, we prepare students by embedding the skills and knowledge required for NAPLAN in our teaching and learning. Students can see the types of questions and experience the types of skills both at school and home by visiting: www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site.  Students were involved in a NAPLAN practice test session late last term. 

Kind Regards,

Christine Pillot

Acting Principal 

Real Estate Boards

A big thank you to the School Council members and school families who have supported our recent publicity efforts. You may have noticed real estate boards at prominent locations in our local neighbourhood publicising our upcoming Open Night on 25th May. 

These boards wouldn’t be possible without the support of Roger Davis Real Estate, Methven Professionals Croydon, Noel Jones Maroondah, and Barry Plant Heathmont and Ringwood - we are very grateful for their support. 

Clare Arthurs

School Council President