Wow! Week 5 of the term already, the year is rushing to an end and there is so much happening. We have had a busy two weeks with groups of students off on excursions, camps and sporting events. Check out the additional pages in this fortnight's newsletter for all the photos and action.

Of special note was the Grade 3/4 Camp to Mt Evelyn. As you drive into this campsite you immediately leave behind suburbia and enter the bush, a very tranquil place to spend three days. After organising for perfect camp weather, the team of staff, parents and students enjoyed three days of outdoor adventure. A special thank you to our parents, Jade, Max and Jodie, who came along and joined in the fun. To our staff, Nicole, Helen, Laura and Angela who gave up time with their families to provide an amazing opportunity for our Grade 3/4 students. We thank you all.

State Athletic Champion

After coming first in all her events at the Regional Athletics, Layla (Grade 5) competed yesterday in the State Championships at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. Layla came a very impressive 1st in long jump, 4th in 100m sprint and 7th in shot put. I know that Layla is very proud of her efforts, and we are also proud. Congratulations, Layla!

Festival of Hidden Treasures

Well the news from the front office is that the Festival of Hidden Treasures raised just over $14 000 (with expenses removed). An amazing effort by everyone, well done. We are on our way to realising our dream of a new playground.

Transition Tomorrow

Each year we plan and organise a range of transition activities for all students to undertake, preparing them for next year. On Friday afternoon this week, all students will step up a grade to the next year level. Here they will undertake activities with new peers and different teachers, supporting them to move seamlessly into the next year level, in 2023. At this time our 2023 Foundation students will join us for their first visits to Mullum Primary School. The final transition session will be on Tuesday 13 December, when students will meet their 2023 teacher and classmates and will visit their new classrooms. On this day we take a photograph of the new class and send this home so it can be looked at over the holidays.

Swimming

Just a reminder that next week is Swimming Week. All students will be attending Ringwood Aquatic Centre for their lessons each day next week. For our junior students, teaching staff will enter the dedicated school change facilities to ensure children hurry along and pack up all their belongings. Parents are welcome to attend the lesson if they wish, see the timetable below. Some classes are split and if you need to know which particular session your child is attending please email your child's teacher.

Lesson times each day:

9:30 - 10:10 - 5/6O, half 5/6H, half 5/6KY

10:10 - 10:50 - Half 5/6KY, half 5/6H, half 3/4B

10:50 - 11:30 - 3/4Y, half 3/4B, half 2R

11:30 - 12:10 - 2MT, half 2R, half 1E, 1G

12:10 - 12:50 - Half 1E, FD, FS

Preparing for the end of year

All teachers are busy preparing for the end of year activities and administrative duties, assessing student learning and writing reports. It is essential that students continue to attend school on all days (unless they are sick), to enable all assessments to be completed. Just because reports will be written in November, it does not mean that teaching and learning stops. We have a full program of learning ahead, with goals to be met and preparing students for the next year.