We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of the land Mickleham Primary School is on, and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and to any Koorie people joining us today.
We would like to acknowledge the children of the past, present and future who have grown up, learnt and played with friends on this land.
We would like to acknowledge our country and nature, including: trees, grasses, flowers, birds and insects. Our Bluestone building represents our community’s past and we are the future.
Acknowledgement of Diversity
We acknowledge and respect the differences between us. We understand we all come from different cultures, and we have different opinions and needs. We are all equals and cooperate as we play a role in our school community.
The above statements were written by our children and staff through our Koorie Action Group and Diversity Leaders.
Welcome to the first edition of the revamped Mickleham Primary School newsletter. For many years the school’s newsletter was called ‘Mickleham Matters’, a very clever play on words and we have decided to relaunch using the same name. Recently we have communicated through Compass posts but will only use them for quick or last-minute messages, consent, and Canteen etc. We expect to publish each ‘Mickleham Matters’ approximately three to four times a term and will include information about important events and news; updates from our School Council and sub-committees; information about what we are doing to support student wellbeing and engagement; celebrations of student achievement and attendance awards; information and photos about classroom learning and community notices.
Please let us know what you think about our Newsletter and Website or suggestions for information we could include, through our school email: Mickleham.ps@education.vic.gov.au
OPENING TOUR & ASSEMBLY:
Last Wednesday 26th of March 2025, we celebrated the conclusion of our major construction project. We are so excited and grateful for the three beautiful buildings, the remodelling of our bluestone building, the attractive and challenging playgrounds and the absolutely amazing sports field. Our children deserve nothing less! I strongly believe that all these features have led to the calm and engaging learning environment that is evident every day. As a community we have endured so much over the past five years, now it is time to enjoy our outstanding school.
Our School Captain team hosted our invited guests who included: Ros Spence, member for Kalkallo; Jonathan Lowe & Tony Privitelli – representing the Education Department; Sue Crispe – past Principal; Denise & Miss Jess representing the Cocking family – long-term contributors to MPS; Kim Milton – current School Council President; Sandy Law – Law Architects and representatives from SJHiggins – builders.
The Captains conducted a tour for our guests, showing them our classrooms and learning spaces; playgrounds and sports field. They were then joined by other student leaders to conduct a formal assembly. The assembly included a brief history or our school and a whole school singing and signing of ‘I Am Australian’. It was a very stirring rendition of the song. The student leaders did a spectacular job. Well done everyone!
I would like to thank our teachers for ensuring the children learned the song and Auslan signs. Also thanks to Ms. Budin for guiding our student leaders. Thanks to Daniel for making sure our school was presented perfectly. Finally, thanks to all children who shared their learning with the guests and were amazing throughout the assembly.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
EASTER BONNET PARADE
As Easter is at the end of the coming school holidays, we have decided to conduct the Easter Parade on the first day of Term 2. This way it is closer to the timing of Easter AND the children have the two weeks of the holidays to work on their Easter Bonnets.
Weather permitting, we will hold our Easter Bonnet Parade shortly after 9:00am on Tuesday 22nd April.
The Captains will decide the prize categories and select the winners.
GLASSES FOR KIDS
Grade Prep to 3 children have brought home an information brochure and consent form for them to participate in the Glasses for Kids program. If you complete the consent form, your child’s eyes will be tested on Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th of May. You will receive a report of the findings of the eye test. If your child needs glasses, they will be supplied FREE of cost to you.
It is critical that we have the consent forms returned before we go on holiday as we need to enter the details on a portal by the end of Week 2 next term.
CAMPS & EXCURSIONS:
Our teachers plan learning experiences to engage your children in their learning. We do our very best to keep the costs down and in fact have rejected some experiences due to prohibitive costs.
Our camp/outdoor education program is carefully planned to build your child’s independence. It is as follows:
Grade Prep – Lullabies – on-site, evening event
Grade 1 – Breakfast at school
Grade 2 – Sleepover at school
Grade 3/4 – odd year – Sovereign Hill / even year – Healesville
Grade 5/6 – odd year – Phillip Island / even year – Snow camp
Please be sure to call the Office to check if you qualify to receive money through this grant. CSEF money can be used for camps & excursions.
To use the School Savings Bonus for events being organised by school, please log in to the School Savings bonus online system to allocate funds from the ‘School activities link’.
For log in details please contact SSB directly on 1800 338 663 or email school.saving.bonus@education.vic.gov.au
Due to the timing of our two school camps – Grade 3/4 & 5/6, we have established a timeline for fee payment that defers the due date until Friday 6th of June. We are mindful that our families are facing the challenge to make ends meet. As a school, we too need to budget very carefully. We depend on you making these payments and will work with you to establish a payment plan that works for you. Please contact Gail (Business Manager) or me, to prepare your plan.
We are slowly seeing the impact of people moving into the new homes being built in our neighbourhood. Early next term, we will commence accepting enrolments for Preps in 2026. Parents of Grade 6 children will receive forms at the same time relating to their secondary school selections.
School Councillors have a two-year term, that are staggered to ensure there are always new and experienced members.
Our 2025 MPS School Council is made up of the following people:
Kim Milton (Lylah & Oakley)
Vee Barwari (Ari & Aria)
Jarrod Key (Maddy)
Christine Prestileo (Tilly)
Amer Mushtaq (Rohaan & Zayaan)
Kacey Haynes (Zach)
Samantha (Ryder & Zaria)
Julie Le Guen, DE Rep.
Danielle Schroeders, DE Rep
Josh Cilia, DE Rep
Office bearers will be elected at the next meeting, on Wednesday 23rd April at school.
We would like to extend our thanks to the following parent members of School Council whose terms have just ended: Katie Mazzone, Jessica Stickel, Michelle Theodoridis and Tiffany Marshall.
The Mickleham Primary School Council has four sub-committees: Finance, FISO (Framework for Improved Student Outcomes), Community & Fundraising and School Environment. We ask all Councillors to attend at least one of these. Other parents are welcome to attend any open parts of School Council or FISO, Community & Fundraising or School Environment sub-committees.
Our School Council Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month, on-site during Terms 1 & 4 and on-line during Terms 2 & 3. Unless otherwise arranged, all sub-committee meetings are held on-line.
FISO SUB-COMMITTEE:
This team meets on-line and focusses on curriculum changes and development, school reports, policies related to learning aspects of school organisation.
COMMUNITY & FUNDRAISING:
This team meets on-line and focusses on organising activities and events designed to strengthen our school community, support the broader community, and plan and conduct fundraising activities.
SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT:
Once membership of this team has been confirmed, a meeting time will be scheduled. This team will assist us to maintain our buildings and grounds in perfect condition. This is an enormous task, we will seek skilled parents at various times to help with projects to enhance play spaces etc.
Our values driven, School Wide Positive Behaviour Support program. We will elaborate on ways this program is helping students to make positive choices in all areas – classroom, playgrounds and cyberspace.
MENTAL HEALTH in the PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Activities and programs implemented to support children to develop resilience and the social skills they need to help them interact with their peers.
DISABILITY INCLUSION:
This year, our school has entered the DI program. Our teachers have been identifying the adjustments they make to teaching programs to ensure all students can access their learning. It is a complex process that has involved many hours of professional development for staff and many, many hours of work for Mr. Highgate. We will keep you informed of our progress and achievements.
It is critical that all children are at school every day possible. If your child is sick, they should stay home. Parents are requested to book holidays and medical appointments during school breaks or after school hours. Children fall behind in their learning when they miss days at school.
STUDENT VOICE & AGENCY:
In last year’s Parent Opinion Survey, our parents identified student voice and agency as an area they would like to understand better. Through this section in our Newsletters, we will share what we are doing to give your children opportunities to exercise voice and agency – choice, in many aspects of their schooling.
We celebrated Harmony Day on the 21st of March. Students were encouraged to wear an outfit that celebrates their cultural identity or the colour orange.
MILO’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
The prep children celebrated Milo’s birthday party on the 28th of March to celebrate the completion of the Little Learners programs where the Preps learned about all the different letters and sounds. The children played some party games and had activities themed around Milo’s birthday party throughout the day.
Hume Youth Services is hosting a range of FREE activities to enjoy during the Autumn School Holidays from the 7th – 17th of April 2025!
Activities Include:
🕹 Arcade Games
🌳 Terrarium Making (10 – 14)
🖌 Art Programs
🎙 Podcast Workshop (15 – 20)
🔧 Car Maintenance Workshop
🍳 Cooking Programs
🕹 Mario Kart & Mini Games
🏉 NRL Storm Waka 3 -Day Program (12-14 & 15-18)
Bookings are essential for some activities. Click here for more information.
All programs have limited spaces, and some require online registrations.
If you require further information or support with an activity registration, contact Hume Youth Services via phone: 9205 2556 or email: youth@hume.vic.gov.au
