Newsletter - Term 2 - Week 8 - 11 June 2025

Leadership Update – Assistant Principals Return from Leave
I would like to extend my appreciation and thank Alex Silvestro and Jo King for their outstanding leadership and dedication while stepping into the roles of Acting Assistant Principals over the past few weeks. During the period of Ben Phillips and Amanda Dwyer’s Long Service Leave, Alex and Jo provided unwavering support across all areas of the school. Their collaborative leadership ensured continuity in our daily operations, supported staff and students, and upheld the culture of excellence we value at IEPS.

We now warmly welcome Ben and Amanda back to their roles as Assistant Principals. Their return follows a well-deserved break, and we are excited to have them back, re-energised and ready to continue their important work in leading our school improvement agenda. Alex and Jo will now return to their substantive Learning Specialist positions, where their expertise will continue to have a significant impact on teaching and learning and wellbeing as part of their current learning specialist portfolios.

2026 Enrolments – Submit Now
A reminder to our current families that the enrolment window for 2026 is now open. If you have a sibling due to commence at IEPS next year, we kindly ask that you complete an enrolment form via our online platform, Enquiry Tracker: Enrol Here

Please submit enrolments by July 25th, as this will greatly assist our school with staffing and planning for the year ahead. We strongly encourage all local families to act promptly to secure their place.

State Principals' Conference – Excellence in Every Classroom
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the State wide Principals' Forum held on June 3^rd and 4th, which brought together school leaders from across Victoria under the theme “Excellence in Every Classroom.”

The conference focused on the importance of collaboration within and across school networks to support improvement in five key areas:

• Teaching and Learning (including the launch of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0)
• Wellbeing and Engagement
• Cultural Inclusion
• Network Collaboration
• Leadership and Community Engagement

We heard from inspiring speakers, including Minister for Education Ben Carroll, Dr. Sonja Hood (President of North Melbourne Football Club), and Deputy Secretary Dr. David Howes, alongside experts from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) and the Grattan Institute, two key organisations informing Victoria’s education reform. It was particularly affirming to see that many of the Department’s new initiatives are already being implemented at IEPS, including a structured approach to phonics and early planning around the Teaching & Learning Model 2.0. These are already being embedded into our Professional Learning Communities and curriculum planning, reinforcing our commitment to providing every student with a learning experience tailored to their needs.

Our goal remains steadfast: to lead for impact, ensuring each child is supported to reach their full potential through high-quality teaching practices that support both academic growth and wellbeing. The forum reinforced the importance of continuous improvement, collective efficacy, and learning from each other, which are integral aspects of our strategic planning here at IEPS.

The Term 3 Principals' Forum will focus on Student Wellbeing

We are seeking feedback to determine the most suitable day and time to ensure maximum participation from our parent community. This forum will take place in Week 5 of Term 3 (August 19th - 22nd). Please enter the day and time you of the week you are most likely to attend using the options below. 

This survey will close by 5pm on Wednesday 25th June. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdANk_hWYHpovykr9os8ky15wAEuNgN_eRQXZTnpQ2fLAOY1A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118011567895061301887

Whole School Science Expo

Get ready for the 2025 IEPS Science Expo! On Thursday 26th June from 2:45pm - 3:15pm the school will be open to the community to check out our awesome student workshops and projects.

From 3:30pm onwards there will be a community BBQ where you can purchase a sausage in bread (credit card payment accepted). We are looking for around 12 volunteers to help us with the community BBQ, please click this link or scan the QR code below if you’re interested: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyAR3PlMef_-RQdbo6VSCMjQexdzZhdhjdjBzIxdxSjRj_lw/viewform 

Please note: If we do not receive enough volunteers for the BBQ it will not go ahead.

Thank you.

Tom Boyle,
Principal

We are excited to announce that we have now partnered with an independent Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) provider called TheirCare. TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children.

During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity through play-based programs.

We look forward to welcoming TheirCare to the Ivanhoe East Primary School community in 2025. 

Furthermore, you are invited to attend a TheirCare Parent Information Session which will be held via Webex on Tuesday 17th June at 6pm. Please register via the QR code shown below.

For further information, visit www.theircare.com.au or call our support office on 1300 072 410.

🇫🇷 French Day is Coming Up! 🇫🇷

We are so excited to be celebrating French Day at IEPS on Friday 4th July, the last day of Term 2!🎭 Students will enjoy a special Mime and Magic Show as part of the day’s celebrations.🥐 

👗 Students are encouraged to dress up in French-themed costumes, colours (blue, white and red), or outfits inspired by French culture (e.g., stripes, berets, or even mime costumes!).

📝 Please ensure payment and consent for the incursion are completed via Compass.

It’s going to be a fun and festive day as we celebrate French language and culture! Any questions, please contact Lauren Turner or Mia Gargano. Merci beaucoup!

(*Orders for croissants have now closed. Croissants will only be provided to those students who pre-ordered through Trybooking)

Kind regards, 
Mia Gargano 
French Specialist | Ivanhoe East Primary School

🍣 *Sushi Lunch – Order Now*

Skip the lunchbox, take a break, we’ve got sushi for goodness’ sake! 

Chicken, tuna, and veggie too, roll into school with something new! 

Special sushi lunch day on Monday 23rd June. 

Three varieties available - $4 per hand roll:🥒 Vegetarian 🐔 Chicken Teriyaki🐟 Tuna

Order now via the My School Connect app.

Orders close Friday 13 June.  
*Please note the canteen will be closed on this day.

SAVE THE DATE AND BUY YOUR PBOB TICKET!

The Parents Battle Of the Bands is ON!

It will be held at Thornbury's iconic Croxton Band room, with a total of 12 local primary schools participating, over TWO nights! Our School’s Parents Band, Lost Property will be performing on Thursday, 26th June, at 7pm.

All funds raised from ticket sales go straight back to supporting the performing arts and music programs at the participating schools. 

Proceeds are shared based on the number of tickets each school sells—so the more tickets our community buys, the more our school benefits!

The real winners? The schools that rally the biggest crowd!

It’s a legendary night of live music, laughs, and top-notch entertainment (just ask anyone who’s been before). Plus, it’s a great way to connect with families across different school communities.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @parents_battle_of_the_bands to catch the vibe—and don’t forget to grab your tickets. When booking, be sure to select the band you’re cheering for to make your support count! 

Tickets: 2025 Battle Tickets

Thank you!

The Heidelberg Artists Society Art Show is now open from Monday to Saturday, 10.30am - 4.30pm, until Saturday 9 August and is free to the public.

This exhibition showcases original artworks and handcrafted pieces created by members of the Heidelberg Artists Society. All works are available for purchase at affordable prices, making it a wonderful opportunity to support local creativity.

Where: Warringal Shopping Centre, Heidelberg.

When: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am - 4.30pm, until Saturday 9 August.

What's on offer: Original artworks, prints, greeting cards, jewellery, scarves & beanies. 

There's something for all ages and tastes!

- Art Show - Save the Date - Wednesday 30th July - 3.45 - 6pm.

- 2025 Victorian Snowsports Interschools - entries close soon so if you are interested or would like some more information, please contact Kristi Lewis on Kristi.j.lewis@gmail.com or 0414 259 346.
More information about the interschools - https://www.interschools.com.au/info-hub/about-interschools/

- Balance of SSB after June - Please refer to the previous bulletin on 14 May or the home page of the website where it is a 'featured article'.

- Smile Squad (Holstep Health ph.9450 2000) coming to IEPS for a few weeks starting from Tuesday 10th June to complete six-monthly fluoride varnish applications for those students who have already had consent provided.

- Thursday 26 June - Parents Battle of the bands - Book tickets below