Mentone Park Primary School acknowledges the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn and play.

We value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures’ and recognise their connection to lands, waters and communities.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

As the term comes to an end, I would like to thank and acknowledge what a wonderful school community spirit that exists at Mentone Park Primary School (the best school ever).   

I am proud of our Leadership Team—Samantha Kennedy, Nick Wilton, and Maddie Oates, whose dedication and hard work have kept us on track this year. They continuously strive for improvement while staying true to our school values.  

Our amazing teachers and educational support staff form a cohesive team with a focus on what matters most: our students. They always show a commitment to creating a safe, happy and supportive school environment for our students. 

I also want to recognize the continued hard work of our School Council, who have managed uncertainty and ensured the effective running of the school. Thank you to Lisa (parent of Olive in grade 2), Cheryl (parent of Olivia in grade 1 and Aston in prep), Stacey (parent of Nia in grade 1 and Jonah in prep in 2025)  Phil (parent of James in grade 4) and Mandy (parent of Joshua in grade 3 and Caitlin in grade 1).  A special thank you to Trent Brickle (parent of River in grade 5) for his exceptional leadership as our School Council President this year. His dedication and commitment to making our school even better has been greatly appreciated.  

It has been wonderful to see so many different events and activities organized by our Parent Community and Parents' Association this year. From our Trivia Evening, Color Run, Sausage Sizzles and Lunch Fundraisers and the beautiful Mothers' and Fathers' Day/Special Persons events and so many more, your efforts have made a significant impact on our school community. 

Our final assembly is next Friday 20th December, it will begin at 1:00pm and students will be dismissed at 1:30pm. We will farewell our wonderful Grade 6 students and welcome all families to come along to our last assembly for the year. 

I hope all our MPPS families have an enjoyable Christmas and a safe holiday season, returning next year with renewed energy and excitement. I am already looking forward to the work and changes that will take place in 2025. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Leisa Higgins 

Important Dates

• Monday 16th of December - Meet The Teacher - Up Day session
  
• Monday 16th of December - Deadline to place an order for special Fish & Chips lunch 
• Tuesday 17th of December - Bring a gender neutral present for our Kris Kringle
• Friday 20th of December - Last Day of School (1:30pm finish)

In the Spotlight / Overview

Can you believe our Foundation students are almost at the finishing line of their first year of school? What an incredible journey it has been for them … and for you as well! It’s truly a bittersweet moment watching them grow, thrive, and now prepare to take that exciting step up into Year One. We’re so proud of all they've achieved and are confident that each of them will continue to shine brightly in the next chapter of their learning journey. Term 3 was packed with so many ‘firsts’ for our Preps! We celebrated their 100 Days of School, experienced their first School Concert, and enjoyed their first Book Week and Footy Day. They also had their first opportunity to participate in swimming lessons, and, to top it all off, they went on their very first whole school excursion to the Ripponlea Estate, followed by the Melbourne Zoo! There is no doubt that it has been a busy and wonderful year for our Preps.

As this will be the final Newsletter for the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the achievements, growth, and incredible community spirit we’ve experienced together. This year has been a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students and families. It has been a joy to see our students thrive, not only academically but in all aspects of their personal development. 

We would like to thank all parents, carers and families for your ongoing support and for working alongside us, in partnership.  As we approach the Christmas and the summer break, We hope you take the time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time together. I hope the Christmas season offers a chance for reflection, relaxation, and connection with family and friends.

As we have nearly come to the end of our Foundation year we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy 2025. It has been an absolute pleasure to teach your beautiful children this year and to see how far they have all come. We wish them all the best for Year One and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive!

Heads Up!

2025 Booklists 

2025 school supply lists are now available on Compass! Please review and submit your orders by December 15th.

Kris Kringle

Our Foundation Kris Kringle will be held on the 19th December along with a class party where the opportunity to order lunch is provided. Please find the order form on QKR, for our special Fish & Chips lunch and ensure orders are placed before Monday 16th December. Don’t forget to bring a $5 gender neutral Kris Kringle present by next Tuesday 17th of December. 

Last Day of Term

The last day of school will be Friday 20th December, with a 1:30pm finish.

Literacy:

• We are learning to practise reading with fluency in pairs, focusing on expression and comprehension of the text. We are learning to write information reports about different ‘Farm Animals’, whilst determining which research information goes under different subheadings. In addition, we have been learning the art of letter writing, the purpose of them and even writing a special one, to a man with a big white beard!

Numeracy:

• We are learning to identify analog and digital time, specifically o’clock and half past. In addition to refining our understanding of 2D and 3D shapes, whilst identifying them in the environment.

Inquiry:

• We are learning to refine and complete our hibernation dens, to make them match our chosen animals’ environment. We are also preparing our speaking and listening skills, to present our hibernation dens to the class.

Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships (Wellbeing):

• We are learning to identify and practice ways to organise sharing of play space or equipment. Whilst understanding what effects it can have on others when others won’t let them join in the play space or equipment.

Recognizing TIER Role Models

• Maisie H - In recognition of being a positive role model to others and always being willing to help classmates. 

Important Dates

• Monday 16th December - Meet the 2025 Teacher  
• Thursday 19th December - Class celebration and Kris Kringle 
• Friday 20th December - Last day of school (1:30pm finish)

In the Spotlight / Overview 

This is our last newsletter for the year! What a fantastic year we have had! A huge thank you to all our wonderful parents for volunteering and supporting us all. We are very grateful for all the time you have given to our school in many different ways.  

The five of us (Nick, Kate, Monica, Janique and Emma) have thoroughly enjoyed this year. We have loved teaching your children and working alongside you. We wish you a happy and safe break and look forward to a fabulous 2025.   

Heads Up!

Literacy

research using an iPad or laptop to gather information to write an information booklet about an Australian animal.

Numeracy

identify and create additive and decreasing patterns. 

understand the 5 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Repair, and Recycle) and how to reduce our waste as Earth's temporary custodians to keep our planet healthy.

Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships (Wellbeing)

identify specific feelings and how we can link them to certain emotions. And compare our interests with others and recognise how knowing people's interests can improve how we work and play together.

Recognising TIER Role Models

Asher J.V.W - For consistently displaying the school values and acting with integrity throughout the term.

Important Dates

In the Spotlight / Overview:

Wishing you all a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year! Thank you for all your support this year!

Heads Up!


2025 Booklists 

2025 school supply lists are now available on Compass! Please review and submit your orders by December 15th.

Literacy: Be able to use reading strategies to help my comprehension of texts, and research and write about an author of my choice.

Numeracy: Revise our learning from throughout the year.

Inquiry: Research, create and present a slideshow on my chosen land formation or human development.

Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships (Wellbeing): Practise relaxation techniques and describe how our bodies feel after relaxing our muscles.

Recognising TIER Role Models

Henry B For displaying teamwork and showing initiative by always helping others inside and outside the classroom

Important Dates

In the Spotlight / Overview:

It’s a sprint to the end and we are desperately trying to pace ourselves as the events keep coming. It’s been a big week for both year levels with the Yr 5’s delivering exceptional speeches, putting themselves forward as 2025 Leader candidates and Yr 6’s attending their Yr 7 Orientations. If we don’t get the opportunity to see you before the end of the school year, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for a wonderful 2024!

Heads Up!

Leadership Positions

Congratulations to all the Yr 5’s who were well prepared, passionate and spoke so confidently about their aspirations. We are very proud! Students will be shortlisted for the roles of School Captain and Vice Captain and have a short interview with a panel of staff. The successful candidates will be announced at our final assembly for 2025, along with our 2025 House Captains. Due to the high number of students who applied for these limited roles, we want to stress the importance of not becoming too disheartened if not awarded a role next Friday. At the beginning of 2025 there will be opportunities for students to apply for additional roles. With or without a badge, everyone is a leader!

Meet the Teacher

Yr 5 students will spend their afternoon in their 2025 classes. During this time and for a bit of nostalgia, the Yr 6’s will spend the afternoon with the Foundation teachers who have already met their classes.

Year 6 Big Day Out

In order to attend Big Day Out at Gumbuya World, the following needs to be completed: 

1. Consent on Compass  
2. Swimming Ability (Google Form - link in Compass event)         
3. Payment via Qkr. 

If your child's swimming ability has not been completed, they will not be able to go in the water on the day. 

Year 6 Big Day In

The school day runs as normal with the students attending specialist classes and wearing school uniform. A special lunch will be put on for the students to celebrate, spend time with one another and see the Graduation video.

Yr 6 Graduation

The ceremony begins promptly at 6pm and students are required to be in the atrium ready at 5:45pm. Dress is neat casual. The event will take place outside underneath our new sheltered court.

Final Assembly

A special assembly will be held at 12:45pm where the Yr 6’s will be escorted out by their Buddies and farewelled. It is also at this assembly that our current leaders will handover to our 2025 Leaders. Students will finish the 2024 school year at 1:30pm. 

2025 Booklists

2025 school supply lists are now available on Compass! Please review and submit your orders by December 15th.

Celebrate and appreciate our final weeks together!

Recognising TIER Role Models

Ashleigh M - persisting through her leadership speech when facing technical difficulties. She remained calm and composed!

What an incredible Sports Day! The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship displayed by all students were truly inspiring. From thrilling running races to impressive field events, every moment was filled with excitement and house pride. A huge congratulations to everyone who participated and cheered on their teams—you made the day unforgettable. Thank you to all of our amazing parent helpers who supported the day, from running events to cooking sausages and helping with equipment, we could not have done it without you! 

OVERALL RESULTS:
1st Place: Kings ?
2nd Place: Flynn ?
3rd Place: Hinkler ?
4th Place: Hawker 

This fortnight the Year 1/2 students were set the challenge of building the tallest shelf for an elf using only icy pole sticks and playdough. We discussed the need for trial and error, learnt from each other and discussed ways we can stop it from wobbling!

Meanwhile, the Year 5/6 Students were set the task of creating an emergency parachute for Santa, his sleigh (a cup) and the toys (an egg). Students were given a range of materials to create their parachute to ensure maximum air was caught creating maximum drag to protect the sleigh and its precious cargo.

The Mentone Park Primary School Council is delighted to announce that TheirCare will be our new Outside Hours School Care (OHSC) provider, commencing onsite from Wednesday, 29th January 2025.

Holiday Programs for January

For families requiring holiday care before the start of Term 1, please see the list of nearby schools offering programs in January:

• Our Lady of Assumption
• Cheltenham Primary School
• Kingston Heath Primary School
• St John Vianney’s Parkdale
• St Brigid’s Primary School, Mordialloc

To learn more about what each holiday program offers, visit TheirCare Holiday Programs.
Details on how to enrol and book can be found in the box below.

Enrolments for Mentone Park Primary School TheirCare Now Open!
Signing up is easy:

1. Visit www.theircare.com.au and click the "Book Now" button in the top right corner.
2. Alternatively, go directly to the enrolment page via this link.

Helpful guide videos are available on the enrolment page to assist you. Once enrolled, you can access the booking system to schedule your child's sessions and view details like fees, session times, and contact numbers.

Additional Holiday Program Options
The School Council has compiled a list of other programs offering a mix of half and full-day care:

Full & Half Day Programs:

• Springvale Indoor Sports: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (CCS applicable)
  Details here
• Acro Kids: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (extended care until 5:00 PM available)
  Details here
• Cheltenham Community Centre: 8:45 AM – 4:15 PM
  Details here
• Cheltenham Youth Club: Long-day options, Tuesday to Thursday
  Details here
• City of Kingston Programs: Held at Southmoor and Chelsea Primary Schools, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  Details here
• Fizz Kids: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Details here
• Kelly Sports Highett: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  Details here

Half-Day Programs:

• Edge Gymnastics: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  Details here