From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

Dear IPS community,

This week I wrote to one of our families stranded in India to ask if I might show a short video made of their daughter Shravani (3U) in a music lesson with Mrs Morrow to you all.

It demonstrates that you can stay connected with your school regardless of whether you live a block away or you are in another country.

Raja’s (Shravani’s father), biggest concern with Shravani being in India was how she was going to manage her remote studies. However, Raja says “Shravani has really stepped up and taken this challenge head-on. She has been resilient and has shown a lot of enthusiasm in these challenging times to focus on her daily lessons. A lot of the credit would definitely need to go to her mother as well, who has put in a lot of dedication to ensure Shravani’s education is uninterrupted, in spite of juggling her time with a 10 month old baby.”

Raja closes with “All of this would not be possible if not for the careful planning and support from the teachers Ms. Ugrai and Ms. Morrow. The lessons have been clear and challenging for the kids to ensure their learning is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. A big thanks to them as well!”

This is one of many wonderful success stories across the school demonstrating that when we work together and focus on outcomes for children the community wins.

Another success story is that 207 competitors participated in the inaugural 2020 Inter-house Virtual Cross Country Championship. Check out the page in this edition of "Inside Ivanhoe" for the results.

Our 2021 Foundation enrolments are now open / School tours will open when we are all back onsite.

Our 2021 Foundation enrolments are now open.

If you have a Foundation student starting with us next year please  submit your enrolment forms by email or post at this time. Feel free to drop off into the school letterbox located on Waterdale Road too.

Our current families do not need to concern themselves with enrolment cut off dates. Younger siblings of our current students will be offered a place in 2021 and if you would prefer to hand your enrolment forms in at a later date once we are all back on site then this is fine too.

If you have any queries please email the school admin team on 

ivanhoe.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au and they will be able to help you.

IPS stay connected challenge

Feel like a story?

Listen to Diviya read "Guess how much I love You?".

This week I received some inspiring writings from Year 5 as well as some marvelous photos and videos.  Please show your children and inspire them to send me something for next week's newsletter. Email your contributions to ivanhoeprimaryvic@gmail.com 

Our new senior school building.

Three months of construction in one minute movie.

Finally

Michael Carr-Gregg  says that the single most useful thing our young people can do in any kind of crisis is to focus on what they can control.

Those without children could be excused for thinking that being in lock-down  might provide ample moments of quiet and clarity but in reality  it’s easy to go a full day without hearing your inner voice.  Finding a space for mindfulness helps in challenging times to tune into moments of joy and is vitally important for our own mental health.  

I came across the following everyday mantras for mindfulness that might be applicable.  Reading them slowly and reflecting on a few at a time certainly helps me get through some interesting days. 

• Today I plant the seeds for the life I long to live.
• I am open and willing to flow with life’s changes.
• I build a space of calm and clarity all around me.
• My creativity is precious and unique.
• One activity at a time; there is no need to rush.
• No one can distract me from this moment but me.
• I am supported in my work and goals.
• Today, I will see the world with enthusiasm and curiosity.
• My breath is an entryway to a place of inner calm.
• Each person I meet is a friend and fellow traveler.
• I am capable of small positive changes.
• Balance in all things brings peace and contentment.
• Today, I will create something new.
• My mind longs for new information and growth.
• Acts of kindness ripple through the world.
• My compassion does not go unnoticed.
• Time is never wasted when I am fully present.
• Today, I will step outside my comfort zone.
• Setting goals for the future gives me direction in the present.
• I am a constant work in progress, and that is okay.

Some of them might resonate with you.

Don’t forget to check out this week’s learning from home pages in this edition of "Inside Ivanhoe"  to see examples of community and engagement even when we are social distancing.

Thank you for your continued support.

Remember to send your newsletter contributions to ivanhoeprimaryvic@gmail.com 

Stay safe and stay connected.

Regards

Mark Kent

Principal