RELAY FOR LIFE

Thank you to Mrs Paola and her husband, and also staff, students, parents and all of the supporters of the MPS entry in the Relay for Life, as the 'Beena Believers'. This year the event raised over $5000.

We are really grateful of everyone’s efforts and the time they spent in sometimes challenging conditions. Throughout this event, some of our students displayed exceptional levels of perseverance, resilience and determination to reach their targets, and I know both the school and their families are extremely proud of their performance.

MPS NEW WEBSITE!

A lot of work has been put into our new website, which is now up and running. As you can appreciate, there are still additions to be made, but we hope you like the new look.

CONGRATULATIONS

Well done to Angus, Gryffin and Charlotte for their positive results in the Southern Metropolitan Regional Sport finals. Fantastic effort and dedication has enabled them to get this far and we wish Gryffin and Charlotte all the best for the State Track and Field finals next Monday at Lakeside.

CURRICULUM DAY

Just a reminder that Monday 5 November is a pupil free day. Teachers will be participating in professional development involving reviewing student wellbeing programs and restorative practices.

TRIVIA NIGHT

This Friday is our major school fundraiser for the year and the last ticket sales are online today.

We would love a full house in our hall and we have a great staff table organised and ready for action.

Please remember the silent auction site is open to all families and you can still support our school by bidding for items even if you are unable to come on the night. There are some amazing hampers and prizes that have been donated and like all raffles and auctions, you need to be in it to win it!

PREP TRANSITION PROGRAM

Today we had our first transition session for our 2019 preps and their next orientation session will be on Wednesday November 7. We are really excited to welcome our new students and families to our community and I am sure everyone will make them welcome.

If there are any families that you know of who have still not enrolled, please ask them to call the school office ASAP.

If there are any families who are moving house or schools, can you please put this in writing for the office, as we are beginning the process of making grade lists for 2019.

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Whilst we understand not all families get time off work in school holidays and costs to travel are cheaper outside of these dates, we do not encourage school absences.

Any families who are leaving early for the Christmas break need to put that request in writing to have the absence approved. Please make a time to see me if you have any issues or concerns.

Teachers are unable to provide work at a few days’ notice and we encourage all families to read the following information from the Department of Education and Training:

SCHOOL IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE HERE

DO I HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL?

Yes, in Victoria everyone aged from 6 – 17 has to go to school.

Missing one day a fortnight is the same as missing 4 whole weeks of school a year.

From Foundation to Year 12 that adds up to 1.5 years of school!

School is better when you attend. Your friends and your teachers notice that you are away and wonder if you are OK.

WHY IS IMPORTANT THAT I GO TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY?

Right now, being at school is the most important thing you need to do for your future. School helps you build good habits for later on in life. You might think school is just about Maths and English but you’re also learning about how to work with other people and how to solve problems.

Being at school every day also means you are becoming more independent as a learner and interacting with your friends and teachers. If you are at school you can get help from your teachers and friends and won’t have to try to learn things in your own time.

Being an adult probably seems far away but we know that young people who attend school more frequently have better outcomes after school too. This means they earn more money, have better job opportunities and are generally healthier. So being at school really does make a difference!

DO MY PARENTS NEED TO LET THE SCHOOL KNOW IF I’M GOING TO BE AWAY?

Yes. Your parents need to notify the school of your absence. If they know you are going to be away, they should try to tell the school before the day or days you are away.

If you’re away from school too much and don’t have a reasonable excuse like a serious illness, your parents might get a letter from the principal asking about why you’re away.

ARE THERE ANY GOOD REASONS TO BE AWAY FROM SCHOOL?

No. Unless you are so sick you can’t get out of bed or there is an event like a funeral, you should be at school. Every day you are away is a day of classes and social connection you miss out on. Taking a day off for your birthday or go shopping isn’t a good reason to miss school.

Even medical and health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays. This includes family holidays. Your parents are encouraged not to plan holidays during the term but to organise these during the school holidays.

If you do have to be away for some reason, your parents need to contact the school and let them know what’s going on. Depending on the situation, the school might provide schoolwork for you to complete.

IF I’M NOT AT SCHOOL WHAT DO I MISS OUT ON?

You miss out on all the big stuff – class discussions and all the interaction that happens in a classroom, the chance to get help from teachers and the opportunity to practice skills and gain knowledge.

Being away means you might miss out on a lot of learning or that you need to catch up in your time.

If all of that isn’t enough to convince you to be at school every day, being away also means you also miss out on playing with your friends. Being away from school a lot can be lonely. It has a big impact on relationships and social connections.

Believe it or not, everyone wants you at school and it really is better when you attend.

Lynne Foster

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