Welcome to IPS

We are nearing the end of term 3 and this period of remote learning. We look forward to being able to see our students back at school for term 4. We must hang in there though and keep following the stay at home rules. There really isn't much longer to go until September 13th when we hope to hear more about lifting of stage 4 restrictions. It is less than 3 weeks away and I'm sure if we all do the right thing, the sooner we can throw open the school gates and classrooms again. Don't forget though, during this time our students haven't missed out on learning, they've just done it in a different way. The high standard of work displayed each week in our newsletter is a testament to that.

2021 foundation enrolments are now open.

We currently have just over 50 enrolments for Foundation next year and to assist us with planning and staffing the school, I urge all families to enrol as soon as you can. If there are any families who haven't yet enrolled a sibling for next year, please do so as soon as possible!

Look what fun our Foundation students have .... This week they had Crazy Hair Day. Enrol and join the fun!

Whilst the current restrictions prevent us from conducting school tours we are attempting to run virtual tours.

Contact us for an enrolment pack or to book a virtual tour.

Tel: 9499 1880

Email: ivanhoeps@education.vic.gov.au

Kinder to Foundation Transition

We plan to conduct our usual transition program in term 4 but will need to be guided by the Chief Health Officer for Victoria and the Department of Education and Training. We are currently planning a virtual transition program as a back up!

New Building Progress

In spite of the enforced reduction in construction workers on site, our new building is really taking shape. Here's a few snaps of how it is coming along...

Support for Families

Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families

Due to the popularity of the original webinar the Department of Education and Training is presenting again on 15th September, the FREE WEBINAR for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during coronavirus (COVID-19). You can find out information about Dr Carr-Gregg at his website https://michaelcarrgregg.com/.

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children feel safe through uncertain times. Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era.

In this webinar, Dr Carr-Gregg provides tools and strategies for parents and carers to help manage the lockdown and remote learning. Topics include:

your supportive role
setting the emotional tone
focusing on what you can control
how to deal with disappointment
further resources and where to get help.

Dr Carr-Gregg’s presentation will run for 45 minutes. This will be followed by a 15-minute question and-answer session in which parents and carers can ask Dr Carr-Gregg questions.

Webinar details and how to register will follow soon.

More advice, tips and resources for parents to support your child’s continuity of learning from home.

The Department of Education has put together some resources you may find helpful which I have organised under the following headings.

About learning from home

Supporting your child with additional needs

Support your child's learning

Screentime, health and wellbeing

Resources and tips

Advice in your language

Story Box Library

Story time with Hamish

Whilst we are on the subject of books and reading, this week Hamish was lucky enough to come to school, relax in the sunshine in the front garden and be treated to a story read by Lisa.

Letters of Gratitude from Grade 3

You can read more of our grade 3 students' letters of gratitude to our health workers. This week's letters are from Lily and Panagiota.

Look out for more each week....

Stop Press...

I have just taken a phone call from Geri McDonald, the Director of Prevention and Wellbeing at Peter Mac Wellbeing Centre in Melbourne. Geri rang to tell me that the staff at Peter Mac have been overwhelmed with emotion when reading these letters. They truly appreciate the kind, supportive messages and really want a chance to reply to our students. We are currently making arrangements for that to happen and to build a partnership between our school and the hospital. Watch this space for exciting news!

Random Act of Kindness

Aura G from 2B created this beautifully positive poster for her teacher and classmates.

A Message from our Junior School Leaders

House Points

House Captains Message

Hi Parents, Teachers and Students,

This is the Condor captains reporting to all houses about what you can do to help your team. All the house captains have been amazed about how well all of you have gone this term. Remember to remind your teacher to put in house points and you could be the champions for the month of August!

To show your house spirit, show off your house colours by dressing up a teddy bear or decorating a tree out the front of your house.

Currently Condor are just 600 points behind 1st place. If we work our hardest, we can still win this month! Last day for August house points is in week 7, Monday 31st August. We’ll look forward to reporting on the result in next week’s newsletter.

Go Condor!

iSpy a bear...

Someone has spotted an IPS house-colour bear on a walk this week. If you spy one , take a photo and send it to the IPS gmail account we can publish it in the newsletter. I wonder which house will win?

This week, iSpy a CONDOR bear!

Finally...

I want to take this opportunity to thank the IPS community for their continued support.

Stay safe and look after each other.

Pam Wright

Acting Principal

Science Week

Grade 4 Science Projects