From the Principal

Welcome to IPS Picnic.

Last Friday evening we held our Welcome to IPS Picnic. It was wonderful to see so many families coming together and enjoying each others company.

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat informally with new members of our community and hear how their children have settled in to their new classes.

The Parent Band, coordinated by music specialist Marie Morrow, provided additional entertainment, and they rocked. Two students of IPS showed their talents on drums and sax and were very impressive. 

The band has put the call out for other musicians in the parent community who might like to join. Please contact Marie to find out more.

Thank you to our PFA for organising and managing our first event for 2021.

Communications

One of the things we came to terms with last year was using technology to stay in touch. As restrictions ease we continue to rely on these new found skills and technologies to become more efficient in our communication processes. Last week each year level and the specialist program followed up on information that had been sent home via class dojo and held their information evenings online. 

Feedback from the staff was that this method of getting together worked quite well and alleviated concerns regarding social distancing.

However, with the lift of restrictions allowing parents back on the school site we have been able to run the meet the teacher interviews in person. (Years 1 - years 6)

This hybrid approach has proved very effective and I am confident that we are on track for an outstanding 2021.

Masks

A reminder that masks are not required to be worn on school grounds when outside so long as individuals socially distance themselves. Visits of longer than 15 minutes will require logging your visit through the QR system on the gate or at the office. Gates will be open from 8.50am and be closed at 9.05am. 

I am hopeful that restrictions will continue to ease and parents will be able to help in classrooms and resume normal operations next term. 

School Review Update

Our school review that was scheduled for 2020 begins next Tuesday. Our panel members include myself,  Kelly Toghill our previous school council president and current vice president. Janet Ringrose, principal of Heidelberg PS, Josie Millard, principal of Kew HS, Pam Wright IPS assistant principal. Karen Money, Director of the Tutor learning Initiative for DET. 

The Panel is led by Peter Fotheringham who has an extensive background in Victorian education. He manages the National Curriculum Services School Review and Improvement Program for DET. 

The panel convenes over four days and considers all the data collected as a part of the pre review process in 2020.  All government schools are reviewed every three years as a part of the school improvement cycle. The review assists the school to set future directions and I look forward to sharing the outcomes with you all.

Working Bee Report

Thank you to the parents, students and teachers who came along last Sunday morning and volunteered their time and energy to school maintenance. It was a small group but one that achieved a great deal.

We only hold one Working Bee a term so please put May 23rd in you diary and come along to the next one. The Working Bees are coordinated by Mr. Bull (Year 5) and Mr. McKay (PE). The timetable of Working Bees for the year is below and worth diarising or sticking on your fridge.

Swimming

Congratulations to our swimmers for representing IPS at the Divisional Swimming Sports. Fantastic results. Andrew S came 2nd in the 50 metre breaststroke and Hana H came 2nd in the 50 metre butterfly.  Hana says Butterfly is her favourite stroke.

School Photographs - PHOTO DAY IS 24/03/2021

Ivanhoe Primary School PHOTO DAY IS 24/03/2021. You will need to open the pdf below the picture for the live links to find the ordering information you will need.

Sub Committees of School Council need you!

There are lots of ways in which to support the school and one of those is serving on a sub committee of school council. The sub committees generally meet before a school council meeting.  On the Community News page is a timetable of proposed meeting dates.

Staying Safe at Pick Up and Drop Off

Great to see our local council is getting on board with the safety message.

Finally

Here's a photo of the community enjoying getting back together at school. Thanks PFA.

We have a fabulous school. Hopefully there will be a lot more opportunities to get together this year. Stay safe and look after each other.

Mark Kent

Principal