Welcoming New Faces to Our GIPS Community

Growth through belonging; a community where every child thrives

This term, we are delighted to welcome a new group of short-stay international students and families to Glen Iris Primary School. These students join us from around the world and will spend time learning alongside our classes during Term 3. Their presence enriches our school community, offering us all the opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and broaden our understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

We also extend a very warm welcome to the families who are newly joining GIPS more permanently. Whether you're here for a short stay or long-term, we are so pleased to have you as part of our school family. At GIPS, we are guided by our vision: “Growth through belonging; a community where every child thrives.” We know that when students feel safe, included, and valued, they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we aim to build strong connections and a sense of shared purpose, where every learner can aim high.

Today also marks the closing date (midnight tonight) for 2026 Prep enrolments. We are already looking ahead with excitement to welcoming our newest learners and their families next year. Starting school is such a significant milestone, and we feel privileged to be part of this important journey. We look forward to building strong relationships with our incoming families and supporting our youngest students to thrive from their very first day at GIPS.

This message of belonging and inclusion also aligns closely with our reflections during NAIDOC Week, where we honoured and celebrated the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s NAIDOC theme reminds us that understanding and respect for First Nations cultures is a vital part of creating a truly inclusive and thriving community. We will continue to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, traditions and cultures next week with our whole school incursion on Thursday. Our Reconciliation Action Plan working group is meeting this term. Please see below information if you would like to join.

To all our students and families—whether returning, new, or visiting—we are so glad you're here. Thank you for helping to make Glen Iris Primary School a place where everyone feels they belong.

Maddie Witter

Principal

In our classrooms

In prep this week

In Prep, we are learning about Mass! First, we looked at different objects and estimated which ones we thought were heavier or lighter. Then, we used a strategy called hefting. We held and compared the objects in our hands to check our predictions!

In grade one

As part of our Topic this term Grade 1 students are learning about Australian animals! Students will be researching and recording information about a range of unique creatures in their very own Australian Animal Passport. We'll be exploring their habitats, physical features, diet, and special characteristics. We’re so excited to watch our young explorers learn more about the amazing wildlife who call Australia home!

In grade two

Not even rain could stop the creativity and fun happening due to a wet day inside lunch.

In grade three

In Grade 3 we are beginning our exploration of Australia as a multicultural nation. We are starting off by learning about places in our country and where they are located.

In grade four

Grade 4 have engaged in a Shared reading “First Nation” text regarding the origins and symbols of the two indigenous flags of Australia. They later enjoyed creating a triangular based pyramid of all three flags of our nation.

In grade five

Grade 5s have started the term with a bang and a boom and a shake! We hosted a lovely afternoon with our kinder buddies and showed them the ropes of how to use GarageBand. The Kinder children composed some very new age songs with the help of the Grade 5s. We look forward to more fun with our kinder buddies this term.

Music Soiree

Our students across the school who take private instrumental music lessons performed to families, friends and staff. Thank you to all of our families who joined us on the day.

In Physical Education

Athletics Prep is Underway!

This term, Years 3–6 students have kicked off training for the upcoming House Athletics Carnival, practicing various skills and events such as long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, hurdles, and sprints in preparation for the big day.

Our Prep to Year 2 students are also getting active, developing their fundamental movement skills through fun athletics-based activities like running, jumping, and leaping over small objects.

It’s been fantastic to see all the students giving their best and enjoying the energy of athletics season!

In our art room

Students are working very hard on amazing artworks for the School Art exhibition to be held later this term. All students are creating a classroom canvas that will be available to purchase on the night as well as making individual artworks that will be on display. So, save the date in your calendars, Friday 12^th September, it will be a special night!

In our staffroom

Wellbeing: Rest, Recharging, and Reconnecting

Welcome back! We hope the school holidays gave everyone a chance to rest, play, and enjoy a change of pace.

Even though holidays can look different for every family—some filled with trips and adventures, others with quieter days while parents are working—what matters most is having moments to slow down, relax, and do things we enjoy. Whether it was building Lego, reading, riding bikes, or just having a little extra time to sleep in, these small things help our brains and bodies recharge.

Now that we’re back at school, it’s a great time to reconnect with friends and teachers. Sharing stories about what we got up to, seeing familiar faces, and getting back into routine can make us feel happy, safe, and ready to learn.

Let’s take care of ourselves and each other this term—and remember that even little breaks can make a big difference! Shaye Bradbury, Leading Teacher

In our community

Book an Adventure!

We’re so excited to be celebrating Children’s Book Week from 18–24 August 2025! This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, will spark imaginations and encourage a love of reading, with plenty of exciting activities planned.

We’ll be welcoming visiting authors to share their stories and inspire our students. Our amazing librarian, Krista, will be transforming the library into a book-themed extravaganza that’s not to be missed!

There will also be a dress-up day and parade on Tuesday 19 August, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about creative costume ideas based on favourite book characters.

Does your child need Book Week inspiration? Visit our school library, your local library, or rediscover your favourite books from home – it’s a great way to spark ideas and enjoy a great read.

Book Week 2025 is sure to be a week full of stories, creativity and fun!

Reminder: School Photography Policy

We’d like to remind all families that, in accordance with our school’s Photography and Filming Policy (available on our website), parents and carers must not take photos or videos of other people's children while on school grounds or at school events. This includes assemblies, athletics days, concerts, and other whole-school gatherings.

We also kindly ask that families do not post any images of students (other than their own child) on social media under any circumstances.

Unfortunately, we have recently been made aware of instances where photos of students have been shared online. We take student privacy and safety very seriously, and we thank you for your cooperation in respecting these important guidelines.

School Savings Bonus

If you have not yet transferred funds from the School Savings Bonus to the school—as outlined in previous newsletters and newsfeeds—we are unable to allocate those funds until we receive a report from the Department of Education confirming your child’s remaining balance. This report is expected sometime this term.

Until then, any untransferred funds cannot be used for school activities.

If any funds remain at the end of 2025, they can be used for school activities in 2026.

Join Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group

At Glen Iris Primary School, we are committed to deepening our understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions. One way we do this is through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A RAP is a formal commitment to reconciliation. It outlines practical actions the school can take to build respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We warmly invite interested parents and carers to join our RAP Working Group, which brings together our community to guide and implement this important work. Whether you're new to reconciliation or already passionate about it, your voice and perspective are valued.

Meeting Dates – 2025 Thursdays after school

Term 3: 7 August and 4 September

Term 4: 23 October and 20 November

If you’re interested in joining or would like to learn more, please email glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au attention Peter McClure. We would love to have you involved as we continue this journey together.

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

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

Traffic Safety

Last term, cases of illegal parking and dangerous driving on Glen Iris Road at drop-off and pick-up continued.

All our kids have a right to get to school safely every day, our neighbours need to be able to leave their driveways, and our lollipop crossing supervisors deserve to have a safe workplace. Please respect the rules.

Please watch this short explainer:

https://youtu.be/zh0g_EM5qe0?si=Tc0MFYerSXkhYG2N

and share it with other family or carers doing drop-off and pick-up.

Please remember

• The Kiss and Go car spots are two minutes. Cars cannot be left unattended during Kiss and Go times.
• Obey the no standing signs. Drop offs are not allowed in these areas.
• The staff carpark, directly off the Prep Playground, is not for parent parking. Please do not park in the staff carpark.
• Neighbours on Florence Street repeatedly are sharing complaints that parents are parking in driveways. Please do not do this.
• Do not park in disability parking unless you qualify for this parking. We have disabled children who need these spots for drop off and pick up.

Remember a great option for easier parking that builds healthy habits too: park a few streets away and walk the last bit.

Parking officers will patrol more often and issue fines if necessary. We don’t want you to get fined, and we do want all our kids to be safe!