Term 3 - Week 2 - Friday 21st July

Recapping the Exciting Start of Term 3 at Mitcham Primary School

Dear Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the start of Term 3 at Mitcham Primary School! The past two weeks have been filled with excitement, growth, and new opportunities for both our students and staff. I am delighted to share some highlights with you.

Poetry Incursion

Our Grade 3-6 students had an unforgettable experience on our first Monday back during the visit of 'Poetry in Action,' a renowned touring theatre company. Through captivating performances and interpretations of poetry, ranging from classic works to contemporary pieces, students gained a deeper appreciation for literature and poetic techniques. The visit sparked an enthusiasm for poetry as a form of self-expression. Witnessing the power of words brought to life on stage left a lasting impression on our students, inspiring them to explore their own creativity and embrace the beauty of poetry. It was an enriching opportunity that continues to resonate with our students.

A Visit from Fire Rescue Victoria

Fire Rescue Victoria paid a memorable visit to Mitcham Primary School, educating Prep students on fire safety. Excitement filled the air as children had the incredible opportunity to hold and operate the fire hose. They learned valuable skills while having fun, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for our brave firefighters.

Professional Learning for our Staff

This Semester we are very lucky to have been able to partner with author, teacher, education consultant and coach Lisa Keskinen. In our first week back this term, Lisa provided an exceptional professional learning experience to our staff. Focusing on writing, her expertise encompassed various areas, including pedagogical strategies, differentiated instruction, and fostering a positive classroom culture. We will continue to work with Lisa throughout the remainder of this year. She will visit us to run demonstration classes, workshops for staff and coaching discussions, supporting our teachers to continue to implement effective teaching techniques and tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs. What we love about Lisa’s approach and what we are working to emulate in our classrooms, is the importance of student engagement and inclusive learning environments. Lisa's guidance and insights are already revitalising our teaching practices.

Professional Learning and Work Experience: A Glimpse into the Regional Office

During these first two weeks of Term 3, I have had the pleasure of working as a Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL), based in the Regional Office. This unique opportunity has allowed me to engage with and connect with like-minded professionals from various schools, fostering relationships and exchanging ideas. These networking opportunities provided a platform for me to share Mitcham Primary School's successes and learn from the achievements of others.

I also had the chance to collaborate with a variety of school support staff, gain insights into system-wide initiatives, and bring back valuable knowledge to enhance teaching and learning practices at Mitcham Primary School. The Regional Office experience has not only provided an opportunity for me to contribute to the development of educational strategies, but also to broaden my perspective.

Next Week’s Events and Reminders

Crazy Hair Day: Wednesday 26th July. To raise money for Camp Quality Cancer Program, MPS will be hosting a Crazy Hair Day fundraiser. Students can come to school with their hair styled in a silly, wacky or creative way and bring a gold coin donation on the day.

Fairy Tale Performance: As part of our "Fairy Tale" literacy unit, the "Flying Bookworm Theatre Company" will be visiting MPS next Monday to perform an interactive show for all students in Prep. The show is called "The Magic Journey" and their show combines classic stories, fairy tales and fables and is a hands-on show with audience participation.

Bookings Open Now - MPF ‘Mitcham Fathering Project’ Rocket and Roll Night: STEM and the MPF are joining forces for a special night of science fun on Tuesday 15th August 6-7 pm. It's an event not to be missed! You can click on this Google form to book now.

We are excited about the term ahead and the opportunities it brings for our students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, let's make Term 3 a memorable and successful one!

Have a lovely weekend.

Warmly,

Mitchkids Playgroup