Why School Camp Matters: Building Resilience, Relationships and Connections

Dear GIPS Community,

We've just returned from Grade 3/4 Camp at Camp Manyung, which officially starts our camp season. School camp is more than just a few days away from the classroom — it’s a powerful experience that helps children grow in ways that are difficult to replicate within the regular school day.

One of the most important benefits of camp is the development of resilience. Stepping outside of their comfort zones — whether it’s trying a new activity, sleeping away from home, not communicating with mum or dad for a few days, or navigating the ups and downs of group living — helps students learn to adapt, problem-solve, and bounce back from challenges. These small moments of courage and independence build confidence that students carry with them long after they return home.

Camp also strengthens relationships. Living, learning, and playing alongside classmates in a new environment fosters teamwork, cooperation, and empathy. Students often form new friendships, or deepen existing ones, as they share in the excitement, nerves, and laughter of the camp experience. For teachers and students alike, camp offers a chance to connect in a different way and build mutual respect and trust.

Finally, camp builds a deep sense of connection — to each other, to the natural world, and to the school community. Without screens or the usual routines that we find ourselves in within the week, students are more present and open to the world around them. They gain an appreciation for nature, for community, and for the unique role they each play in contributing to a positive group culture.

At its heart, school camp is about learning the kinds of lessons that aren’t written on a whiteboard — lessons about self-belief, compassion, cooperation and belonging. We’re so proud to offer this opportunity to our students and grateful to our staff and volunteers who make it possible. I want to take this opportunity to thank our parent volunteers on school camp, and I also want to thank our teachers who have been planning camp all term despite the busyness of a reporting term. I am grateful for the volunteers' and teachers' support and involvement.

Kindly,

Maddie Witter

Glen Iris Primary School Principal

In prep classrooms

In Prep, we took part in a language experience all about ‘Bounce Balloons’ to support our Soundwaves chant and focus on the letter b. We had fun bouncing balloons, practised belly breathing and then wrote a recount to describe what we did.

In grade one classrooms

Delicious Division!

This week our Grade 1 students have been exploring the concept of division through equal sharing, using a range of hands-on materials. With the help of counters, fruit and even Fruit Loops! Students practised sharing items into equal groups to build a strong understanding of division and enjoyed a yummy treat to celebrate their fantastic work. Great job, Grade 1 mathematicians.

In grade two classrooms

This term, the Grade 2 students have immersed themselves in the life cycles of different animals. We have studied everything from frogs and chickens to butterflies and bees. As part of our unit, the children had to produce a poster and give a talk on an animal of their choice. This was the first big project which was a poster and the feedback was that the children loved the challenge. The talks and posters have been very impressive and the children should be extremely proud of their work! We have all loved listening to the life cycles of different animals and finding out new information. These are just a few of our posters.

In grade three

Today the Year Threes set off to Scienceworks for an action packed day as part of our studies on Solids, Liquids and Gases. They attended a special liquid nitrogen show that included demonstrations to illustrate the properties of solids, liquids and gases. In small groups, our students spent time wondering through the interactive exhibitions in the general viewing. An engaging and fun day for all.

In grade three and four classrooms

Our Year 3 and 4 students have recently returned from an exciting three-day adventure camp at the beautiful Camp Manyung in Mt. Eliza. The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students, staff, and our dedicated parent volunteers to connect, learn, and grow together in a stunning natural setting.

Throughout the camp, students participated in a wide range of outdoor activities including bike skills, the exhilarating giant swing, and much more! Each activity was designed to foster personal growth, build confidence, and strengthen teamwork skills.

Beyond the adventure and fun, students were encouraged to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and build a sense of community. It was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories.

In five/six classrooms

Grade 5/6 students have been learning measurement conversions as well as area and perimeter. We have been working independently and in groups on a range of tasks.

Our 5s used their voice and agency to start an ongoing 'buddies' session with the Glen Iris Kinder during Leadership sessions. We had 30 kinder children join us for a story time in the library. Thank you to our Librarian, Krista for your enthusiastic story reading! Well done Grade 5s for showing kindness, care and leadership when interacting with the kinder children. We look forward to our next session!

In our art room

Prep students were inspired by the colourful collage paintings of Australian artist Pete Cromer whilst exploring colour and shapes. Students learnt the primary colours and how to make secondary colours using acrylic paints. They used their painted pieces to cut shapes to decorate their very imaginative bugs. These colourful artworks will be on display in the upcoming Art Exhibition next term. Pop the date in your diaries, Friday 12^th September, with more information coming soon.

In performing arts

In Performing Arts, our Prep students have been demonstrating their performance prowess with the Boomwhackers. Working together, each class has performed Itsy Bitsy Spider, and even written their own Boomwhacker song. They’re not the only songwriters at GIPS; the grade 5/6’s have just finished writing their own songs in GarageBand.

In STEM

Across the school, students are using recycled materials to build eco homes including animal sanctuaries. We are impressed by the students' creative and critical thinking throughout the design process.

Student Voice and Agency

Students of SALT Promotions are eager to shine a spotlight on the many exciting achievements and positive moments that have taken place during Term 2. From academic successes and creative classroom projects to sporting victories and community events, there’s a strong sense of pride among students about the growth and accomplishments seen across the school. They’re keen to share these highlights in the form of a video, to celebrate the hard work of their peers and teachers, and to inspire the whole school community by showing just how much can be achieved through teamwork, dedication, and school spirit.

In our staffroom

Why We Love Learning Nursery Rhymes

The Preps have been spending lots of time sharing and learning nursery rhymes – and there’s a great reason for it!

Nursery rhymes play an important role in our classroom learning. The rhythm and repetition make it easier for children to hear the different sounds in words (a skill known as phonemic awareness). Nursery rhymes also introduce new vocabulary, build memory skills and help us explore syllables. Many rhymes even support early maths concepts through counting, sequencing and pattern recognition.

While singing, chanting and reciting familiar rhymes help students build confidence in speaking and performing in front of others, they also lay the groundwork for understanding poetry in the later years of primary school.

Last Friday, our Preps enjoyed a special Nursery Rhyme Day. The children arrived dressed as their favourite nursery rhyme characters, joined in the Nursery Rhyme Olympics and worked together to solve rhyming clues during a scavenger hunt. It was the perfect way to bring our learning to life!

“Aim High” - What Our School Values Look Like in Action

At our school, values are not just words in a policy or on a pretty wall display - they are the guiding principles we live by every day. Our school community is built on empathy, honesty, resilience, gratitude, and respect, and we see these values shine through in the actions, choices and character of our students across every year level.

"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

These values are deeply connected to our school motto, “Aim High.” For all GIPS learners, aiming high means striving to be our best - not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. It isn’t always easy. It takes courage to learn from mistakes, vulnerability to build meaningful connections, and resilience to keep going when things don’t go as planned. Just as we teach academic skills like problem solving in Maths or writing in English, we also explicitly teach, explore, and reflect on emotional intelligence. We know that these skills develop at different rates for every child, and our goal is to nurture each learner’s growth with the same care and purpose we bring to every other part of their education.

"When we educate the hearts of our children as well as their minds, we shape a better future." — Dr. Tim Hawkes, Australian educator

GIPS Values in Action;

Empathy: Seeing the World Through Someone Else’s Eyes

Empathy is alive in the moments when a Prep student notices a classmate feeling left out and invites them to join a game. It’s in the Year 4 classroom where students write kindness notes during Harmony Week or listen without interrupting when a friend is speaking. We see empathy when the Year 5/6 student seeks help on behalf of a classmate or as students gradually learn to prioritise their own needs while considering the needs of those around them. We teach students that empathy is more than just a feeling, it’s something we show through care, curiosity, and compassion.

Honesty: Choosing What’s Right, Even When It’s Hard

Honesty is evident in moments both big and small—like when a Year 2 student takes responsibility for a mistake, or when Year 6 students lead with integrity by choosing fairness in group work and during play. We celebrate students who are truthful, not because they are perfect, but because they show the courage to own their actions and the willingness to learn from them. Being honest isn’t always easy, it can feel risky -especially when there’s something at stake. That’s why building a foundation of trust is critical, students need to know they are safe and supported when they choose honesty. This kind of integrity helps us all Aim High—not just in what we achieve, but in the kind of people we are becoming.

Resilience: Bouncing Back and Moving Forward

Resilience shines in the student who keeps trying, even when their first attempt doesn’t go to plan. Whether it’s learning a new maths strategy, working through a tricky friendship, or participating in Cross Country even when it feels tough, our learners work to show remarkable persistence. We give students opportunities to challenge themselves - their thinking, their learning, and their choices - and we support this with strategies for self-reflection as a powerful way to maximise learning. We help them understand that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process, and that resilience is what gives us the courage to face challenges and bounce back stronger. Helping children understand that this is a lifelong goal (and just as challenging for adults) can stretch all of us when modelling our mistake making and resilience in action.

Gratitude: Recognising the Good

Gratitude is visible in the way students thank their peers and teachers, or write thoughtful reflections about what went well in their day. It’s in the spontaneous words of appreciation after a Year 1 student shares their learning with the class, and the cheerful greetings students give staff at the gate. Being thankful for the opportunities available to collaborate in the classroom, or freely express an opinion that might not be shared (without the fear of retribution). We believe that grateful hearts create generous spirits, and it’s wonderful to see that culture growing in our school.

Respect: A Foundation for Belonging

Respect lives in our daily routines - from the way students line up calmly, to the way they care for shared spaces, listen to different perspectives, and take pride in their uniform. It’s the foundation for safe, inclusive classrooms where every student feels they belong. When students speak kindly, play fairly, and treat others with dignity, they’re showing us what respect truly means. Beyond the classroom, we all have a role to play when creating a respectful environment as children are watching – always. They notice when parents of their peers are respectful to them, and we hear so many examples of a village in action as we mingle among you, before and after school or at whole school events, and for this we thank you.

"Respect for ourselves and for others is the foundation of a strong and fair society."
— Nova Peris, Olympian

Our values are not one-off lessons but scaffolded and developing as each individual child develops. They are embedded in the everyday experiences of school and I am sure they are equally integral to life at home. When we see our students offering a helping hand, speaking the truth, trying again after a challenge, saying thank you, or listening with care, we are reminded that values in action are what help our children become not just great learners, but great people.

By placing our values at the heart of everything we do, we’re helping students not only aim high in their academic efforts, but also become confident, compassionate citizens ready to contribute positively to the world around them.

Warm regards,
Lisa Gough

In our community

Team Kids Newsletter

The School Savings Bonus Portal will close on 30 June 2025.

We recommend transferring any remaining funds to “School Activities” prior to this to ensure funds are available for you to use.

If you do not transfer prior to 30 June the Department of Education will send remaining balances to the school, but they will not be available to use until August.

Therefore, effective immediately Compass Events will only be marked as paid where transferred balances are available as “School Activities” on your child’s school family account.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Kind Regards,

The Front Office Team

Friends of PE Working Group

We are collecting expressions of interest to join the Friends of PE Working Group. This is a parent committee that will formally meet four times per year. The purposes of the group include

- discussing ways to support GIPS parents with Sporting School Victoria

- discussing ways to engage parent volunteers prior to big sporting events (i.e. cross country, athletics, etc.) to coordinate opportunities for students to further practice and prepare

If you are interested in joining this working group, please email the front office at glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au attention Friends of PE Working Group

Curriculum Day (Professional Practice) 23 July

This is just a reminder that our next Curriculum Day is 23rd July not 23rd June. If you scroll to the bottom of the newsletter, you can find all upcoming dates for your calendars.

Silent Auction Items Needed

Our Term 3 Silent Auction is one of the school’s biggest fundraisers—and we need your help to make it a success!

We’re looking for donations, big or small, to auction off and raise vital funds that directly support our children’s education.

Do you - or someone you know - have something to contribute? We're especially looking for:

• Stays at holiday homes
• Sporting or other memorabilia
• High-value vouchers
• Artwork or photography
• Services, products, or unique experiences

All donations are welcome and truly appreciated. Every item helps us reach our fundraising goal!

To donate or learn more, please speak with Lou O’Donnell or Cass Golten in person, or email us at gipsparentsassoc@gmail.com.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Warm regards,

Cass and Lou

Illnesses in School

As we enter the cold and flu season, we are writing with some friendly reminders.

It is recommended that students or visitors who have symptoms of cold, influenza or COVID-19 do not attend school, or go home as soon as possible after becoming unwell at school. Parents of sick students will be asked to collect their child from school and keep them home until they are no longer sick. Please do not send your child to school if they are not well.

The Department of Health recommends that students who test positive for COVID-19 isolate for a minimum of 5 days and do not attend school until their symptoms resolve.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe.

Fostering Positive Peer Relationships in Primary School

Building good friendships and positive peer relationships is an important part of your child’s social and emotional development. Children who feel connected to their classmates tend to be happier, more confident, and better able to cope with challenges.

You can support your child by encouraging kindness, sharing, and respectful communication. Talking about feelings and how to solve conflicts calmly helps kids develop important social skills. Role-playing different situations at home or reading stories about friendship can also prepare children to navigate peer relationships at school.

Remember, every child learns social skills at their own pace. With your guidance and support, your child will build friendships that boost their wellbeing and make school a more enjoyable place. - Shaye Bradbury, Leading Teacher Wellbeing and Inclusion

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