From the Principal

OUR FIRST PRODUCTION

Lights, camera, action!  

What a spectacular show the Aladdin Junior Production was last Friday night and from the numerous positive comments, the show clearly surpassed expectations. 

From the moment the first act took to the stage, to the senior students taking their final bows, the audience was enthralled. 

The joy on students’ faces as they performed on stage with such gusto and confidence was an absolute highlight. 

The audience saw the progression of skill from the preps becoming aware of their role as a performer in their space on the stage, through to each grade showing an increasing level of movement as the arts were brought together: drama, music, dance and even the visual arts, through the use of costume and props.  

An artistic highlight was when Jasmine and Aladdin rode the magic carpet through the sky of stars (students wearing black and draped in lights). Very creative. 

With a continuous improvement focus, there will always be more we can reflect on and develop, but when our work culminates in activities such as the production of Aladdin, we know we are on the right track. 

The production gave students genuine purpose and sparked an interest in many of them as they discovered the joy of either performing or the creation of artworks (props).  

Miss Nugent and Miss Marquis, who both clearly have a passion for the Arts, have ensured the Performing and Visual Arts program becomes an integral component of the PYP (Primary Years Program). Skills and processes have been introduced in a logical way, while promoting opportunities for students to inquire into the creative process. Students in both performing and visual arts have drawn on a wide range of inspiration, including the work of professional artists and performers, contemporary and historical literature, music, visual artwork, dance, drama, and literature and these elements are explored where there are natural connections within each year level’s current ‘Unit of Inquiry.’

The production of Aladdin showed students how the Arts intertwine and what is possible, and what they, our students, are clearly capable of. This morning in the yard, students were talking about what they’d like to do for next year’s production and many students were expressing an interest in greater participation.  

I’d like to give a huge acknowledgement of thanks and appreciation to the Arts Team, Miss Nugent and Miss Marquis. Miss Nugent for her hours of commitment to inspiring both staff and students to make her vision come to fruition. The collection of songs, the script, the costumes, the choreography and the tying it all together was extraordinary. Thank you also to Miss Marquis for working with the staff and students to make the stage come alive through the props and artworks we enjoyed on the night. 

I’d also like to make special mention of Miss Kantor who was often found at lunch time or after school in the Arts rooms, helping students with their scripts, making props and so many other ‘behind the scenes’ activities that were required . 

Finally, I want to give a warm thank you to our wonderful staff for ensuring the students were so well rehearsed which ultimately gave them such confidence on the night; our students for their enthusiasm and dedication; and our parent community for supporting us throughout the process and with your attendance. 

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES- Wednesday 14 September (1:30 – 4:45pm) 

Part of our mission states that ‘…our students learn in partnership with the school to develop self belief and ownership of their learning.’ 

Student led conferences provide the opportunity for students to share what they have achieved as a result of the learning journey. The process of learning requires thinking about the learning, while the product presents a final version of the task. 

The students will enjoy sharing with you some of their final products while discussing the process they went through to achieve it. In many cases, you may see work that isn’t yet complete, but reflects a snapshot of the learning process. Students will discuss how their learning goal was evidenced in that piece of work. 

OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN NAPLAN

The Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN results have now been released and we are proud to report that Murrumbeena Primary School has once again achieved outstanding results. 

Not only do we look at how our school compares to the state average, we also compare our school results to similar schools with a similar demographic profile across our geographical network. Our school is proud to belong to a collegiate network of schools who share best practice and work together to support student academic and social growth and improvement.

CONGRATULATIONS to our incredible students for their continuous efforts and positive engagement in their learning. Congratulations also to our parents for valuing education and working with us to ensure that each child is nurtured and encouraged. 

STUDENTS LEAVING OR INTENDING TO ENROL

It’s that time of the year when families and schools are planning for the next year. If your child will not be at MPS next year, can you please email the school which will help guide our workforce planning. 

Likewise, if you have or know of a child who intends to enrol in our school, can you please enrol as soon as possible. 

PARENT OPINION SURVEY

Every year, DET requests schools to randomly select parents to complete the ‘Parent Opinion Survey.’ This year, all families have the opportunity to provide their feedback or opinion. The link and school code was posted on Compass and is specific to our school. 

So far, we have only had a 14% response rate and we need this to get to at least 30%. 

The survey doesn’t take very long, so if you have time over a cuppa, can you please  complete the survey prior to 16 September. 

Chellee Plumb