Welcome Back to Term 4!

It’s been wonderful to welcome our students and families back to Glen Iris Primary School for the start of Term 4. The school has been buzzing with energy, and it’s been lovely to see our students return refreshed, smiling, and ready to learn after the holiday break.

As we begin this final term of the year, we’d like to take a moment to highlight the importance of regular attendance. Being at school every day plays a crucial role not only in students’ academic progress, but also in their wellbeing and sense of belonging. When children attend school consistently, they build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, feel more connected to their learning community, and develop the routines and confidence that support success both inside and outside the classroom.

We know that sometimes absences can’t be avoided, but every day of learning counts. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child arrive on time and ready for the day ahead—it truly makes a difference.

We’re looking forward to a positive and productive Term 4 together!

Warm regards,
Maddie Witter
Principal

In our prep classrooms

Our Prep students have recently started using dotted thirds lines in their writing books. These special lines help the children learn where each letter should sit, making it easier to form letters the right size and shape. Using dotted thirds also helps with neatness and consistency in their handwriting. The Prep teachers are so proud of how well the children are using the lines and have been very impressed with their growing confidence and care in writing!

In grade one

Grade One have made a great start to a busy Term 4! This week, students shared what they did during the holidays and used their ideas to draft, write and illustrate a recount. It’s been a positive start as they’ve settled back into routines!

In grade two

Grade 2 are excited for Term 3 with lots of activities coming up. We took time in writing this week to reflect on our holidays and present this in a newspaper format. The children are very proud of their work, and their work shows the progress that they have made this year.

In grade three

Year Three students have been working hard on their presentations about a country of their choice. During these presentations, students shared interesting facts about their chosen countries, including traditional foods, famous landmarks, and cultural celebrations. We’ve all learned something new thanks to everyone’s efforts and creativity. Well done, Year Three students!

In grade four

As part of our morning routine, Year 4 students have been engaging in positive primers during our morning circle time. These short, uplifting activities are designed to start the day on a positive note, helping students build focus, resilience, and a growth mindset. This year, we’ve been trialling different positive primers to see which resonate best with our students and support their wellbeing and readiness to learn.

In grade five/six

In Year 5/6, students have been consolidating their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages by designing their own zoo on a hundreds grid. Each design needed to meet specific criteria, requiring students to apply their mathematical knowledge creatively. Some students were further challenged to complete the same task using a 15x15 grid, extending their thinking even further.

My Best Self

This week our Year 5 and 6 students began the My Best Self dance program with their first lesson, learning the steps of the Salsa. Over the term, they will continue to explore different partner dance styles and take part in discussions about wellbeing.

The My Best Self program is designed not only to teach dance but also to help students build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships through movement and reflection. Mrs Witter even stopped by and joined in the fun during the first session.

Parents will be invited to attend the final session later in the term, where students will share and showcase what they have learned.

In our art room

For the Art Exhibition last term, Year 2 students were introduced to the colourful artwork of American artist Kimmy Cantrall. Students were inspired to sculpt a fish from clay and segment it to be later joined by wire. We painted and decorated our fish before crafting an ocean background to display our clay piece. These amazing fish were displayed as a pond in the exhibition. They are now hanging in the main office building along with other artwork from the exhibition. If you missed out on seeing the show, pop in and admire these beautiful works.

In our STEM Room

Our STEM room has been alive with excitement, curiosity and scientific reasoning this week as students have been doing hands-on experiments.

In our staffroom

Every Day at School Makes a Difference

Research shows that attendance is an important factor in student achievement. Coming to school every day and arriving on time makes a big difference for your child. The first part of the day is when important instructions, routines, and learning begin, and being late can leave students feeling unsettled or behind. Regular attendance also helps children feel connected with their classmates and confident in their learning. By making sure your child is at school on time each morning, and attending school, you’re giving them the best chance to do well and enjoy their school day. Please refer to the below list of relevant articles:

If you are experiencing difficulties getting your child to school on time each day, or school refusal, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. We are here to work together and support families in making school attendance a positive and consistent part of every child’s routine.

At our school, we believe that growth happens through belonging when children feel connected, supported, and part of a strong, caring community. Regular school attendance plays a vital role in making sure every child thrives, not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.

Belonging Builds Confidence
When children come to school each day, they strengthen their sense of belonging. They build friendships, form trusting relationships with teachers, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. This daily connection boosts their confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Learning is a Journey, Not a Catch-Up Game
Each day at school builds on the last. Whether it's learning a new concept in maths, taking part in group discussions, or creating something in art, being present ensures children are part of the journey. When they miss school, even for short periods, it can be hard to catch up and even harder to feel connected to the learning that’s happening.

Community and Routine Matter
A consistent routine helps children feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Being at school every day helps develop resilience, responsibility, and a strong work ethic; important life skills that grow within a supportive community.

Holidays During Term Time
We know family time is precious. But when holidays happen during the school term, children miss out on more than just lessons; they miss out on shared experiences, friendships, and moments that help them feel they truly belong. Wherever possible, we encourage families to plan holidays during school breaks, so children can stay connected and continue to thrive with their peers.

Together, let’s support every child to grow through belonging and ensure that school is a place where all children feel seen, supported, and ready to flourish. - Deborah McDermott, Assistant Principal and Shaye Bradbury, Leading Teacher Wellbeing and Inclusion

Class Requests for 2026

Considerations for 2026 class placements are now open for exceptional circumstances.

In Term 4, students will nominate six learning partners, and we guarantee that at least one partner will be honoured.

Please note:

• Parents may not request specific teachers or specific learning partners for their child

If you have an exceptional circumstance that you would like us to consider when structuring 2026 class groupings, please email the front office at glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au:
Attn: Maddie Witter – Class Request

Whilst every request will be carefully considered, not all can be honoured. This is due to the complex nature of creating balanced classes that meet the academic, social, and wellbeing needs of all students.

Deadline: Friday 17 October

Student Voice and Agency

Congratulations to our student Health and PE Student Action Leadership Team who did a fantastic job developing, planning for, and leading the Junior Athletics Day today at our school. Thank you to all of the parent support for the event.

In our community

Congratulations to Lachie C

Lachie has qualified for the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships for the second year in a row. Lachie will compete in Canberra in the 11 and under age group in the 100m and 200m and the 4x100m relay team from 27 – 30 November.

Scholastic Book Club Catalogue Issue 7, 2025 is out now. This will be the last opportunity to order for 2025.

Due date for online orders - Friday 31st October (No cash sales)

Thank you for your ongoing support of Book Club. Every book club order earns points for our school which go directly into new resources for our library.

Calling for Book Covering Helpers!

Hundreds of wonderful new books have just arrived at school — including lots of exciting take home reading books for our Year 2 and 3 students. Before they can head home and be enjoyed by students, the books need to be covered to help keep them in great condition.

If you’re able to help by covering books at home, please see Meagan Cofield or contact the school via email at glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au attn: Meagan Cofield. Contacting books is a fiddly and time-consuming task, so any brave volunteers would be greatly appreciated!

GIPS Dads Night Out

GIPS Fun Fair

We need your help

To help make this event run smoothly, we are requesting donations from now up until the event.

We are seeking:

Soft drinks

Blocks of chocolate

Gently used toys (for used toy stall)

Used books- all ages (for used book stall)

Gently used stuffed animals (gifted as prizes for toddler booths)

Used or new nail polish (for nail polish booth)

Wine valued at $15 or higher (for wine lucky dip)

Donations (except for wine) can be made either in the classroom in the designated tub or in the closet near the front office. Please feel free to go straight into the closet to drop off. Please drop off wine at the front office. Thank you!

Students will earn 10 house points per donation. We are opening up donations early in case you see something on sale. Every donation helps.

Fun Fair Advertising Boards

To help promote our upcoming 160th Anniversary Fun Fair within the wider community, we’re looking for families whose homes face areas with high car or pedestrian traffic to display a GIPS Fun Fair advertising board.

You can see an example of the board outside our school.

If you’re interested in supporting us, please contact Karen in the front office on 9885 3624 or at glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au.

Child Safety Reminder – Bike Safety on Florence Street and Gladstone Street

At Glen Iris Primary School, the safety of our students is always our top priority. Recently, we’ve become aware of some concerning behaviour involving students riding their bikes unsafely behind the school on Florence Street and Gladstone Street during drop off and pick up. There have been several near collisions with moving vehicles, which could have resulted in serious injuries.

We ask all families with children in that area to please take a moment to speak with your children about the importance of road safety-particularly when riding to and from school. Remind them to:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Stay alert and watch for cars entering or exiting driveways.
• Remind students that both Florence Street and Gladstone Street have road traffic, and it’s dangerous to play on bikes in the road.

Your support in reinforcing these safety messages helps us keep everyone in our school community safe. Thank you for working with us to ensure our students travel to and from school safely and responsibly.

Planning for the 2026 school year

As we begin planning for the 2026 school year, it’s important for us to have an accurate picture of student numbers to support staffing and resources.

If your family is planning to move, or if your child will be enrolling at another school next year (other than those currently in Grade 6), we kindly ask that you contact the front office at glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au as soon as possible to let us know. Early notification helps us plan effectively and ensures a smooth transition for all students.

Thank you for your support as we prepare for another great year ahead.

Halloween Disco 31 October

We would like to inform you of the upcoming annual Halloween Disco on the 31st of October. Students will have the opportunity to wear and show their Halloween costumes. The costumes need to be school appropriate. We are encouraging students to have fun and dress up in their costumes to get in the Halloween spirit. Please do not wear costumes that cover up your eyes or face because then it will be hard to learn and play. Please do not wear costumes with fake weapons.

Not sure what is school appropriate? Our best advice is not to be too scary as that might upset our preppies. If you prefer not to wear a costume, you can come in your school uniform, dress up as yourself, or wear a fun accessory in your hair. We will be presenting examples of what you can wear or not wear at assembly on Friday. Have questions? Please reach out to your classroom teacher.

Session times:

Prep – 10:00 am-10:30 am

Grades 1 and 2 – 11:40 am-12:10 pm

Grades 3 and 4 – 12:10 pm - 12:40 pm

Grades 5 and 6 – 11:10 am- 11:40 am

The Halloween disco will be a fun event that students can attend during school time.

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