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
2025 Parent Contributions:
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.
See you around the school,
Julie Le Guen
Principal
