From the Principal

Welcome to IPS

They are the first in an age to have experienced lock downs, lock ins and restricted movement since war time. We don't want to take for granted what they are feeling, what they are concerned about - and how we, as adults, might step up to the plate and advocate and seize this opportunity to improve our education system and support every child. I've peppered todays newsletter with some of their contributions. IPS office staff typed them up as we are waiting for the Cybersafety agreements to be returned.  

 I've been with the education dept. for over 30 years and I'm amazed by what I received.

"What I love about Ivanhoe Primary  is that everyone works hard to make the school better for everyone. I like how lots of people care about each other. Kindness is important to the curriculum and that’s what makes the school special."

Noah - 6H

"I think IPS is a great place to learn and a fun place to feel safe."

Sasha – 5T

 Almost at the end of Week One and it is fabulous to have our students back at school. While it is inconvenient to abide by our gate protocols and rules around mask wearing it has been a joy to open those gates in the mornings and afternoons and say hello to you all. I think we can all appreciate that each and every one of us is doing the right thing. The IPS family is culturally diverse, respectful and committed to working together to make IPS the BEST school it can be. If you're struggling or stressed while we work together to get on top of this please reach out to your child's teacher, the office staff or myself. Thank you!

"Whether it’s cheering for your team in P.E, or counting to venti in Italian, or even playing the Muroombas in music, Ivanhoe Primary School has brought great joy to myself and others. I’ve made friends at Ivanhoe, friends that will stick by me at any cost. I’ve learnt valuable lessons at IPS. I’ve learnt about the teachers and their stories. If Ivanhoe Primary School has taught me anything, it’s respect. Respect for the students, respect for the staff and the teachers. Respect for the whole of IPS.

I’m now in Grade 5. That’s my sixth year here at Ivanhoe. Six whole years! And I’m overjoyed to tell you that they have been some of the best years of my life. I know you’re thinking, Oh, yeah… she’s just saying that. No, I’m honestly not. Ivanhoe isn’t perfect, but who is? My time here has taught me so, so much. And I’m proud that I’m a student here. Ivanhoe Primary School is one work – Respectful."

Charlie C – 5M

Staff are working hard to rebuild our connections with the community and relaxing restrictions where and when we can. Being able to come onto the grounds even for 15 minutes is a huge step forward. Strings parents are able to deliver instruments. Support personnel can resume their services and some community groups can use our facilities. The PFA have planned our traditional and wonderful welcome to IPS picnic on the oval. (Social distancing rules apply) BYO but, they'll also be a some food trucks there for convenience and our wonderful canteen will be open to sell icy poles. (Please put your rubbish in the bins or take it home because kids play here on Monday morning).

I also heard a rumour the parent band might be playing. 

"My experience at Ivanhoe Primary School has been great. Every single day teacher’s put as much effort as possible to help us learn whilst having fun at the same time. So far all the teachers that I’ve had have been outstanding in all ways. At Ivanhoe Primary I’ve learnt heaps from writing all the way to science. I’d recommend this school to any kid in Ivanhoe, even if they have a disability. The First Aid and office staff are marvellous. They will care for you in any way, shape or form. Our specialist teachers are next level, they will help and teach you anything that you need to improve on kindly. My experience has been amazing."

Connor – 5M

Of course all within a controlled environment to keep everyone safe there will be up to 90 new families represented so please come along and say "g'day, womindjeka, ciao, nín hǎo, see tahay, marhabaan, shalom, chào, namaste, tashi delek, hola, yassas, marhaba, salām, bonjour, hallo, Yā, Yō, annyeonghaseyo, privet, halløj, cześć, selamat siang, Szia! or god dag. If I have missed your dialect please let me know and I'll showcase your language in next weeks newsletter. 

"I think IPS is an amazing school with many friendly teachers, staff and students. It’s a great place to learn."

Tiffany – 5T

For our staff the first two curriculum days were action packed.  Focusing on our whole school approach to the teaching of literacy and numeracy as well as coming to grips with the latest health intervention and management of anaphylaxis. Did you know it was the first time in almost a year we were able to work together face to face? IPS has an incredible staff who are dedicated to providing the very best education to our children.

"I like how in school everybody can express their feelings if their feeling down."

Kiera F – 5T

For reasons relating to food allergies, health and safety, as well as the significant financial impost, families are respectfully requested that under NO circumstances are you to supply birthday cakes, cupcakes, sweets, gifts and toys etc. on school grounds – including at the OSHC program. 

"I think IPS is great and fun. All the teachers are great and fun. The school is great."

Will – 5T

I do apologise in advance if this seems harsh, but the well-being of every student must be our primary concern. Consider celebrating birthdays and other events at a local park or in your own home. Be mindful that many of our students are anaphylactic and food allergens pose a very real threat.  

"My favourite day of the week is Friday because it’s the last day of school. After a long and tiring week. Another reason why, is because I have Futsal after school (indoor soccer). And it’s really fun beating other teams (no offence). Another reason is that I have P.E! (third session 10.40) and everyone likes P.E … I think my final reason is that when you finish Friday it feels great to say two days of No School! (sorry Miss Miller you’re still a great teacher.) Anon

I think that Ivanhoe Primary School is great in many ways for example the school has so many great teachers that support you in every step of the way. Another reason why is that their big on P.E for example we’ll do basketball or invasion games for 2 weeks, then we’ll do a striking and fielding sport (or game) like softball or kickball e.g. for another two weeks.

Secondly, the work that we do is meant to challenge us to make us think and do it hard in so many subjects like writing, reading, math, English, science, art, P.E, music and Italian. Also don’t forget about the buddy’s that you have in I think Year 4. So that’s why I think that of all I talked about it equals up to a good school."

Arjun B – 5M

Please continue to support us in our efforts to make our school as open and accessible to our school community as possible by making your time on site as brief as you can and keep to the following rules. 

• Enter and exit the school grounds using your child’s allocated gate indicated on the map below.
• Masks must be worn by all adult visitors on school property except those with a written authority exempting them from this rule.
• Move off site as soon as practical. Remember after 15 minutes sign in is mandatory.
• Follow social distancing guidelines.
• Sadly it is not possible to allow parents into school buildings and classrooms for the moment, but we do hope and look forward to when this can change.
• Non-school aged siblings must stay off playground equipment at all times.

Keeping our school safe is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Entry and Exit Gates for Term 1.

I like I.P.S because of its loving and caring teachers that help you learn. I also enjoy that they have a balance with subjects and play time. I love P.E the most because of the physical activity to strengthen muscles and strengthen your mind and strategies. 

You will always be confident when you are in Foundation with our Year 4 buddy. Last year, I had a Foundation buddy always looking up to me and when I was in Foundation the same thing happened. So that’s why I love I.P.S.

Manny D – 5 M.

Ivanhoe Primary 2021 Welcome Picnic 12th Feb

As 2021 begins, we are super excited to be able to get together (safely) and celebrate the beginning of a bright new year. 

We have three great food trucks coming to feed your deliciousness. 

All three have a variety of options for any fussy eater!  From pulled jackfruit with chips, to tasty mushroom dumplings for the vegans and vegetarians.   Tasty pizzas to suit all types of tastes, including gluten free bases being available! Plenty of options for the carnivores too – including pulled pork burgers, brisket loaded fries, prawn dumplings, and much more!!   Bring your appetite!!

www.facebook.com/Dumanddumpling

www.facebook.com/trexbarbque

http://www.travelnpizza.com.au/

Annette, in the canteen, will be selling desserts and drinks!!

BYO picnic blanket, chairs, (and grown up drinks if you wish).

As an event adhering to COVIDSafe Public Events Framework, we will be having separate entry and exit points.  Entry will be via the gate below the treehouse on Ailsa Grove.   

Please adhere to current social distancing guidelines, and wear a mask unless you are unable to do so. Use the QR Code that will be on the gate to sign in.

See you there!

PS: If you are able to help set up, please meet us on the oval after school on the day. 

Sign in through the school office.

"I think I.P.S is absolutely ….. AMAZING

This school is incredible and is so underrated. You guys always put so much effort into finding great teachers also you guys put so much money into the playgrounds and the classroom. 

So THANK YOU!"

Jaiden C – 6H

Visitors to schools and school tours 

• Adults entering school premises must wear a mask.
• Adults can enter the school grounds for a maximum of 15 minutes to collect or drop off a child.
• Stays of longer than 15 minutes require an appointment.
• Stays of longer than 15 minutes require sign in  at the office and contact details recorded for COVID tracing purposes.

"Ivanhoe Primary School is a spectacular school because of the teachers and the learning environment. The teachers at Ivanhoe Primary School help you understand things and they help you reach your learning goal. Ivanhoe Primary School has a great learning environment for focusing and having fun. But, it’s not just their environment that makes the rooms happy it’s also the people in the room such as the teachers and your friends. Ivanhoe Primary also makes sure that you get the exercise you need for example when we have P.E and at lunch time! We also find new talents like in music, Italian and art. The people in the office are great because they help people when you need it!

Mr. Kent is an amazing principal because he sets good rules and he encourages everybody to try their best and be their best self! Their values at our school are Respect, Resilience, Independence, Persistence and confidence. That’s why Ivanhoe Primary School is a spectacular school!"

Amelia – 5M

Communications

You should receive a personal communication from your child's teacher this week and a term outline from the year level team next week. At IPS we pride ourselves on building positive relationships with parents and carers in the best interest of every student. The closer we work together the better the educational outcomes.

Parent Information Evenings

While we still struggle with social distancing and space we have developed a hybrid approach to the Information evening that occurs in Term 1. Before, or on Friday the 19th of February you will receive access to a video and information from your child's year level and access to a tool to record questions you may have. The following week you will receive a link to a year level video conference for a more personalised experience. The times for these Information evening link ups are as follows.

Meet the Teacher

At this stage Meet the Teacher will be held onsite over two days. Parents will be expected to wear masks. Specialists will also make themselves available. Each session will 10 minutes in duration and closer to the dates bookings will be opened up. 

Save the dates: 

Wednesday 3rd March – 1pm – 8pm and Thursday 4th March - 3:40pm-5pm. 

School Council Nominations

When the number of nominations is equal to the number of vacancies in the parent or school employee categories then it is appropriate to declare those nominees elected without going to ballot.

The following people have been duly elected to School Council. Congratulations.

Canteen

Over the counter sales of snacks resume next Monday.

Finally

Our new senior school building (affectionately known as the Beehive) is almost ready for occupancy.  Move in date is now the 15th of February. Year 5 and Year 6 students will soon move into the new learning space. There will bike racks down there and entry will be from Tate Street. This should ease congestion considerably for everyone and help make our school a safer place to be. I popped in yesterday and took a few new photos which are in the gallery below. 

We are constantly looking to improve our school and I am so pleased to be on this improvement journey with you all.

Ivanhoe Primary is a great school. There are very nice teachers. Most years you will get a go at going for a leadership role. We have very kind staff in the office and a good Principal. All the teachers make sure you feel safe and comfortable being in the classroom. All our specialist teachers are very kind and teach you a lot. We have 5 school values which are confidence, independence, persistence, resilience and respect. I love the value `Respect’ because it means people are aware of others and are kind to each other. So, I think Ivanhoe Primary is a really good school where you will feel safe and comfortable.

Phoebe K – 5M.

Stay safe, look after each other and thank you for supporting our great school.

Mark Kent

Principal