Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 4 - 29 October 2025

Dear Parents/Carers,

Grandparents & Special Persons Day – A Celebration of Connection

Last Friday, 24th October, we welcomed our wonderful Grandparents and Special Persons to IEPS. What we did not anticipate was just how strong the grandparent community truly is — this was the largest attended assembly we have ever had on record!

The joy in the room was unmistakable. Our students were beaming as they had the opportunity to showcase their school, their learning, and most importantly, the people who play such a significant role in their lives. Classrooms were buzzing with conversation, storytelling, shared activities, and lots of smiles. It was a reminder of how deeply our students value the support, wisdom and love of the adults who walk alongside them.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. So many visitors shared how welcomed they felt, how impressed they were with the learning at IEPS, and how meaningful it was to be invited into the school day. Events like these are more than just visits, they are moments that strengthen the connection between home and school, a core value we are proud of here at IEPS.

We know that when children feel a strong sense of belonging to their school, their family, and their wider community they thrive. Last Friday was a beautiful example of this in action. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all staff for preparing such warm and inclusive learning experiences, and to our families for your ongoing support in building such a connected and engaged school community.

A Tribute of Love and Memory

One of our Year 5 students, Katia Stathopoulos, has written a moving and thoughtful poem honouring loved ones who are no longer with us. Her words are a reminder of the importance of remembering, cherishing, and holding close those who shape who we are.

We are very proud to share Katia’s poem below.

Upcoming Events this week

Tomorrow, Thursday 30 October - Dyslexia Awareness Day: Students wear RED

Friday, 31 October - The Great Book Swap: Donate books or funds via this Donate link.

A reminder we have a Pupil Free Day on this Monday 3 November, followed by a Public Holiday on Tuesday 4 November.

Theircare is open on Monday 3 November for families that would like their children to attend.

Thank you.

Tom Boyle,
Principal

Our IEPS community was treated to an amazing afternoon last Thursday by our talented instrumental students. The concert featured performances on piano, violin, trombone, trumpet, voice, and electric guitar. It was wonderful to see the growth in confidence and musicianship among our performers. Research also strongly shows that learning an instrument supports student wellbeing and enhances academic achievement.

Congratulations to all our Soiree performers. A big thankyou also to our families and community for attending.

This FREE online session is perfect for families that have students in grade 5/6 that are moving onto high school.

Topics discussed will include

• Mental health & wellbeing
• Organisation
• Goal setting
• Friendships
• Safe social media use
• Conflict management

WHEN: Monday 24 November

WHERE: ONLINE via zoom (link to be sent after registration)

TIME: 7pm-8.15pm plus question time

COST: FREE

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: Follow the link below
CONTACT: Jess Sayers jessica.sayers@banyule.vic.gov.au 0468 753 812

*Please note this session will be recorded and available to watch for 2 weeks after the scheduled date. You must register to receive the recording link.

The Department of Transport and Planning is partnering with councils to survey traffic and pedestrian movements at various locations across Victoria to identify any road safety issues. Banyule City Council has installed a camera opposite the IEPS Gate 2 entrance; this is for the Pedestrian and Traffic Survey.

Survey Cameras will be activated to cover the morning and afternoon school times. Similarly to Google Maps, there will be no facial or number plate recognition and cameras will not be placed on any school grounds. This camera technology detects movement without capturing the identity of pedestrians and vehicles. It replaces the pneumatic rubber tubes and onsite observations previously used for such surveys. 

Participating councils will also have their engineers go on location to undertake site surveys.

The program will run for the duration of Term 4 2025.

As the year draws to a close, we’re excited to celebrate our amazing Year 6 students and their seven wonderful years at Ivanhoe East Primary School!

Graduation Ceremony – Wednesday 17 December
Families of Year 6 students are invited to join us in the Gym from 1:00pm–3:00pm for our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony — a special afternoon reflecting on our students’ achievements and memories.

Graduation Disco – Wednesday 17 December (evening)
That evening, students will return for their Graduation Disco, a fun celebration to mark the end of their primary school years!

Excursion – Thursday 18 December
Our Year 5 and 6 students will head off to their end-of-year excursion — always a highlight and a fantastic way to finish the year together.

Lap of Honour – Friday 19 December
On the last day of school, our Year 6 students will take part in a Lap of Honour, running through the farewell banner on the oval. Everyone is welcome to come along and cheer them on as they say goodbye to IEPS and prepare for high school.

Please join us in congratulating our Graduating Class of 2025 on their achievements, friendships, and contributions to our school community.

Assembly & Fortnightly Bulletin Update

In 2025, we will continue to alternate between onsite and online assemblies, however given the amount of work that is required to create a YouTube episode, these will only be showcased twice per term in weeks 4 and 8. 

Each year level will host at least one onsite assembly, share their learning and present the Student of the Fortnight and green card awards and announce house points. 

Assemblies will be held onsite in the school gym at 9am on alternate Friday mornings.

Please refer to the schedule below: 

Our School Email was incorrectly printed in our last newsletter on 15/10/25 and is corrected below: ivanhoe.east.ps@education.vic.gov.au

A reminder for all interested in volunteering requirements as we begin Term 4.

• Provide a valid Working With Children Check, OR provide your renewed VIT and Photo ID,
• Update your WWCC "organisation" details to include us as an organisation you are volunteering at: Working with children check - Update details:

Ivanhoe East Primary School, 35 Warncliffe Road, Ivanhoe East, VIC, 3079

Forward confirmation screenshot of the updated listing to the school: ivanhoe.east.ps@education.vic.gov.au as reference, while we wait for your official organisation listing letter to arrive. 

• Sign in at the office to get your Visitor Lanyard
• Carry your WWCC card while volunteering

If you only provide us with a WWC card this is not enough to meet requirements, and you will not be able to volunteer your services at the school.

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