Principal's Message

Masks 

It was a relief to hear how well Victoria is doing with our COVID 19 response. Just a reminder that when adults are unable to socially distance the wearing of a mask is still needed, even outside. Examples of when a mask would still be required would be when congregating and waiting for pick up at the end of the school day or at Kinder drop off and pick up. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Step Up Week

Monday 14th December to Wednesday 16th December is our Step Up week where all students will spend three days with their new class and teacher and in their room for 2021. We hope these three days will support all students to know what to expect in 2021 (given all the unexpectedness of 2020). At the same time our Year 6 students will participate in a High School program. To help with this week and the organisation we will go back to our normal start and finish times for the week- 8.50am start for all students and 3:30pm finish for all students but with the same entry and exit points that each class has used for this term.   Of course students finish at 1:30 on Friday 18th December.

Uber Assembly 

This week was the first visit to the Senior School and  I was warmly received in 3/4G where I got to look over amazing writing and mathematics work. 

Then on visiting 3/4R and 3/4M I heard all about their persuasive speeches and was able to witness Elise deliver her powerful speech about 'If she ruled the world...' I will be off to 3/4K and 3/4 D this week.

Wet Day Timetable in the Independence Centre

BYO iPad Update

Edunet have advised that the 4th of December is the Term 1 order delivery cut-off date. They have received notifications from suppliers that some  models have a lead-time of 3-4 months to arrive if they need to order more stock. With delays on stock orders with manufacturing they are  encouraging parents to order as early as possible to avoid late deliveries.

Portal Details

URL: https://mpr.technologyportal.com.au

Access Code: MPRPS2021

Parent Payments 2021

Every year the Essential Items, and Optional Items of Parent Payments for the following year are approved by School Council and then communicated to the community. Our Parent Payment Policy and Parent Payments schedule is available on the school website under our Publications and Policies Tab. More details n the Important Information section of this newsletter.

Kinder Parent Q & A

This Wednesday night at 7.00pm we have our Kinder Information Night over zoom. I am looking forward to meeting up with all of our Kinder families for 2021. Make sure to join all the Kinder teachers and use this zoom link: Zoom Link:          https://zoom.us/j/99223688229?pwd=UHU5MlVMemV2TUNuUE84U2l6NzRhdz09 

School Photos 

We have school photos this Friday. I know lots of families like to make a special effort around uniform on these days. We also have Mr Dix taking class photos for the Junior School so they can use these in their End of Year mementos. 

Unwell Students

Just a reminder, particularly as we follow through with the DET guidelines and our school COVID-19 safety plan that unwell students must stay at home.

1. If a child is unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms, they must stay at home 

If a child becomes unwell during the day, they must be collected from school/early childhood education and care (ECEC) as soon as possible.

2. If a child has any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) outlined below, however mild, they should get tested and they must remain at home until they receive their results:

• fever

• chills or sweats

• cough

• sore throat

• shortness of breath

• runny nose

• loss of sense of smell or taste.

We appreciate all families support and understanding.

School Council Report

School Council met last Thursday night for the last time in 2020. School Council discussed matters including the end of Term Four Step Up week, Grade 6 Graduation and the 2021 Tutor Learning Program to support students in catching up with any learning missed due to COVID-19 disruption. 

Due to other commitments, Luke Watters has announced he will complete his term as School Councillor at the end of 2020. Luke has been a consistent, reliable presence around the school over recent years, from serving sausages at barbeques to managing and carrying out significant maintenance works. Luke has been a member of the Parents and Friends Committee, was a key part of the Bazaar Committee in 2019 and organised the P&F contribution to Twilight Sports. He also enthusiastically engaged with Members of Parliament to promote the school’s interests. Luke brought his understanding of all of these aspects of school life to School Council, informing our discussions and ensuring that parent volunteers were acknowledged and well represented on School Council.

School Council also thanked all of the MPRPS staff for the energy, passion and commitment they brought to an extremely challenging year. The smiling faces of classroom teachers every morning gave normality and routine to our children in a time in which it was very much needed! Under Kim’s leadership, MPRPS changed overnight to an entirely different way of educating students with minimal disruption. This was all done with grace and enthusiasm during a period in which all staff all undoubtedly faced the challenges of lockdown in their own lives. With only a few weeks to go now, the summer break has been well earned and we hope staff, students and families have an opportunity to refresh and reset for 2021.

Rebecca Smith 

School Council President

1/2 Bonanza Day

Huge thanks to all the Inquiry Centre staff for all the efforts they put into Bonanza Day. I know students enjoyed their day with the Year 2 students joining in an early morning breakfast.