Dear Glen Iris Primary School Community,

It’s been another exciting week at GIPS, full of learning, connection, and creativity. I’m delighted to share some of the highlights from around the school as we approach the mid-point of the term.

Inclusive Playground – Almost Ready!
We’re thrilled to announce that our new inclusive playground is in its final stages of completion! The last touches are being added this week, and we’re eagerly awaiting the moment the fences come down. This space has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that students can play, interact and thrive together. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality — we can’t wait to see our students enjoying this vibrant new area.

Mother’s Day Magic
Our Mother’s Day celebration was a joyful occasion filled with laughter, gratitude and a bit of raffle excitement — made even more special by drawing the winning tickets from our very own teapot! Events like these remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a warm and engaged school community. A huge thank you goes to Georgie Logie-Smith, Charlotte Grigg, Carly Whitelaw and Eliza Lewis for organising such a memorable event. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the incredible parents and carers who support our students every day.

Student Leadership in Action
Our Grade 6 student leaders have been working diligently on their leadership portfolios, showcasing their commitment to meaningful contributions within the school. It’s inspiring to see them developing their voice and agency, with a strong focus on school improvement. We are excited to watch their ideas take shape over the coming months and see how their leadership helps enhance our school environment for everyone.

I also want to take this moment to remind our community that as we enter cold and flu season to please not send your child to school if they are unwell. We are also spending time reminding students about healthy habits like washing hands and coughing into our elbows. This will keep our staff and community healthy for learning.

We also want to remind our community about parking. Please do not park in the Kinder's parking lot during drop off and pickup. Kinder staff are having a hard time parking in their designated bays when they need to come to work.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Glen Iris Primary is a place where every child is encouraged to grow, lead, and belong — and that’s thanks to the collective spirit of our community.

Warm regards,
Maddie Witter
Principal
Glen Iris Primary School

In our classrooms

In Prep

In Prep, we have begun exploring addition through number bonds. We used addition stories to help us understand how to combine numbers.

In grade one

In Grade One, we have been learning all about place value. We are really good at counting by tens and ones.

In grade two

On Wednesday the GIPS kids took part in National Simultaneous Storytime. Here are 2GJ sharing "The Truck Cat" thoughtfully written and read by Deborah Frenkell. We all enjoyed a guided drawing with Danny Snell who beautifully illustrated the story.

In grade three

Students discussed what our school vision means to them and what is our part in the community. We have created a poster for our classroom with pictures from each class member showing growth, belonging and community.

In grade four

Cultural Diversity in Grade 4

The Grade 4 students are currently studying Cultural diversity through our integrated unit CELEBRATING YOU, ME, EVERYONE.

Our students enjoyed a taste of Bollywood Dancing on Friday 16^th May. They learnt some traditional dance moves and traditions. Our students enjoyed and embraced the opportunity to try something fun and new. This was a great chance for everyone to show off their new dance skills.

In grades 5 and 6

Grade 5/6 have started working on angles. Students sorted angles into different groups according to their properties.

District Cross Country

Students in grades 3-6 who finished in the top ten of their cross country events represented GIPS at district cross country. We were proud of our students who showed excellent teamwork and a friendly, competitive spirit. Congratulations to Charlotte, Lachie and Alice who are moving on to the next stage.

In Performing Arts

Lately in Performing Arts, the grade 5/6’s have been flexing their improvisation abilities with their classmates. We’re all having a tremendous time exploring improv in Drama. The Prep classes have been singing loud and proud as they prepare for the grandparents' visit next week. They’re so excited to share their performance with everyone.

News from the art room

Last term, Year 1 students were inspired by the colour, pattern and imaginative shapes of Yayoi Kusama’s flower sculptures as seen in the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) exhibition. Students used watercolour paints and markers to colour and pattern their detailed artworks. The results were so impressive, and the children worked with such focus to create their patterns. Stunning work!

In Spanish Class

Our Year 5/6 students have been hard at work preparing presentations for Spanish Day! On the 29th, they will proudly showcase their research on various Spanish-speaking countries to the school community. This project has been a wonderful opportunity for students to explore diverse cultures while developing their collaboration and presentation skills. We can’t wait to see their amazing work!

In our library

On Wednesday 21 May, our students took part in the annual National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS).

Over 2 million readers across Australia and New Zealand shared The Truck Cat, by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.

Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats. But Tinka is a truck cat. Tinka lives everywhere.

The Truck Cat is a beautiful story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found.

In Wellbeing: Fostering Gratitude and Building Resilience at School

At our school, we know that wellbeing and academic achievement are absolutely intertwined. One of the most powerful tools to support wellbeing is also one of the simplest: gratitude. Research shows that regularly practising gratitude helps children feel happier, reduces stress, and builds resilience—key qualities that support both learning and life beyond the classroom.

To help nurture this, we are introducing a new daily practice across the school called "What Went Well." Each afternoon, classes come together in a short circle discussion where students are invited to share the best parts of their day, talk about who helped them or made them smile, and think about what they’re looking forward to tomorrow. This shared reflection encourages students to notice and appreciate the good in their day, while also strengthening connections with their peers and teachers.

Although this is a new initiative, we’re hopeful that, over time, it will support our students in developing a more positive mindset and greater emotional awareness. Families are encouraged to continue these conversations at home—taking a moment to reflect together on what went well can be a meaningful way to end the day. - Shaye Bradbury, Acting Assistant Principal

In our garden

This past week, Prep K has been busy in the garden, planting seedlings and learning all about how plants grow. A big thank you to the wonderful Lyndal and Sarah R (our parent garden helpers!) who came along to lend a helping hand. Our other planter boxes are looking very lush and are now ready for harvesting! The students have loved seeing their hard work paying off. We’re also excited to have two beautiful new garden arches, adding a special touch to our growing space. Well done, Prep K and the Garden Club. – our little gardeners in action!- Miss Wellington, The Garden Club and Parent Garden Helpers.

In our community

Navigating Your Child’s Curiosity

I love encouraging learners—both adults and children—to ask Curious Questions, which can have a profound influence on us as lifelong learners. This flips the script on terminology some of us may have heard growing up, such as being told not to ask a "dumb question"—a phrase that may have discouraged the natural impulse to inquire at all.

Facing the Tough Questions

Children are naturally curious, often surprising adults with questions that seem to come out of nowhere—and sometimes leave parents stumbling for answers. From “Where do babies come from?” to “Why do people die?” or “What does God look like?” kids have a knack for zeroing in on big, complex topics.

I recall a particular moment in time where my youngest child posed such a question from the back seat while I was driving, her older sibling listened on with immense interest!

Take a Breath—You're Not Alone

Kids aren’t trying to put you on the spot. They’re trying to make sense of the world, and they trust you to help them do it. These questions are actually invitations—chances to build trust, offer clarity, and show your child that it’s safe to wonder out loud.

You may feel pressure to respond perfectly or worry that giving the “wrong” answer could have lasting effects. The truth is, it’s not about having all the answers—it's about being present, honest, and age-appropriate.

Why These Questions Matter

When a child asks a difficult question, they’re not trying to catch you off guard. They’re reaching out to understand the world, and you are their most trusted guide. These questions often come up unexpectedly—during a car ride, at bedtime, or after a movie.

Your response helps shape their understanding, but even more importantly, it reinforces that it’s safe to come to you with their thoughts. It’s an opportunity for them to learn not just from what you say, but also from your body language, your willingness to listen, and the family values that support your answers.

Common Difficult Topics

Some of the most common hard-to-answer questions fall under these categories:

• Sex and reproduction
• Death and grief
• Religion and spirituality
• Violence or global events
• Fairness, justice, and inequality

The key is to respond in a way that is honest yet tailored to your child’s age and maturity. Younger children may need simple, concrete explanations, while older kids may benefit from more nuanced discussions that invite their own thoughts and questions.

Strategies for Tackling Tough Questions

1. Pause before answering. It’s okay to take a moment—or even say, “That’s a really good question. Let me think about how to explain it.”
2. Ask what they already know. This gives you a sense of what they’re really asking and helps you avoid giving too much or too little information.
3. Be honest, but age-appropriate. It’s fine to say “I don’t know” or “That’s something we can learn about together.”
4. Use simple, clear language. Avoid over-explaining or using euphemisms that might confuse them more.
5. Encourage ongoing conversation. Let them know they can always come back to you with more questions later.

Finding Support and Reliable Resources

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. These trusted books and additional websites can help you feel more confident and informed.

• Books for parents:
• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
• Questions Children Ask And How To Answer Them by Miriam Stoppard
• Websites:
• Raising Children: An Australian parenting website with a number of resources including this link to talking about tough topics with children.
• Developing Minds: From a team of psychologists based in Adelaide.
• Sex Education Australia: Linking to a number of topics for further elaboration with a plethora of further links
• Pediatricians, counselors, and teachers can also be great allies. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support if you're unsure how to approach a sensitive topic.

Keep the Door Open

The most important thing isn’t a perfect answer—it’s letting your child know they can come to you, again and again. You’re not just giving information—you’re building lifelong communication, trust and openness.

By approaching your child’s tough questions with curiosity, patience, and compassion, you teach them that it’s okay to wonder, to feel unsure, and to seek understanding. And that’s a lesson that will serve them for life.

You've got this. And when you don’t? There’s always time to say, “Let’s figure it out together.”

Warmest Regards,

Lisa Gough

GIPS Tip: Use Compass app to access links

We recommend you use the Compass app as your first port of call for school information.

If you Tap on ‘More’ in the menu at the bottom of the home screen, then taps ‘School Favourites’ you’ll see links to the school website, to the uniform shop, classroom cuisine, and activities at GIPS.

GIPS Open Morning

This week we welcomed groups of kinder children and their parents to our GIPS Open Morning where four-year-old children had a "day in the life of GIPS".

GIPS Information Evening- 10 June (rescheduled)

Designed to complement a school tour, on 10 June from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, join GIPS' prep teachers, Assistant Principals, Principal, parents and students in an information evening that goes in depth about our curriculum, wellbeing program, student voice, and much more for Prep 2026 enrolments. If you have questions that you couldn't get answered on the school tour, bring them to the information evening where our team is there to support your decision. Bookings are essential.

Enrolments for prep 2026 close near the end of July. Please see the Compass post for more information.

Story Time at GIPS

All kindergarten children are invited to join our Pre-School Storytime sessions in the school library.

Held by one of our Prep teachers, the children will listen to a story and then do an activity. You may attend as many of the sessions as you wish, to help the children begin to familiarise themselves with the school environment. We would love to see you at all of our storytimes.

Parents, please stay with their children for the duration. If your kindergarten would like to attend a Pre-School Storytime, please contact our main office. Bookings are essential.

CSEF closes 27 June

The Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps, and sporting activities. If you have a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent and you have not yet lodged an application at the school, you may be eligible. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. Means-tested concession cards must be valid on the first day of Term 1, 2025 (Tuesday 28 January 2025) or Term 2, 2025 (Tuesday 22 April 2025).

Eligible families will receive a payment of $154 per year for primary school students . The funds will be paid directly to the school to be used towards camps, sports, and excursion costs for the benefit of your child. If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact the front office on Glen.iris.ps@education.vic.gov.au and ask for an application form. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Business Manager David Patmore at the above email or contact the front office at (03) 9885 3624. Please return completed application forms to the front office no later than Friday 27th June 2025.

Lael Stone "How to be a connected parent"

This is an event you can't afford to miss!

Parenting can be challenging and exhausting.

We are thrilled to be hosting best-selling author and TEDx speaker, Lael Stone live at GIPS.

TOPIC: HOW TO BE A CONNECTED PARENT

Offering us tools and information to support
resilience, empathy and connection with our children.

- Supporting children through challenging situations
- Navigating big feelings
- Simple ways to create cooperation
- Navigating anxiety and worry
- Building resilience and authenticity

Wednesday 4 June 7-8:30pm, GIPS Library

$45 per ticket

This event will sell out. BOOK NOW: http://trybooking.com/DAHMS

Lael is a highly sought-after parenting educator. This event is open to the public so more families can benefit from Lael's insights.

Please invite your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to join us.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Your Event Organisers,

Maddie Witter (GIPS Principal), Jacqui Williamson (Grade 4 & 6 Parent) & Tyla Millerd (Grade 2, 4 & 6 Parent)

GIPS Container Scheme

GIPS now has a container deposit scheme donation code where you can donate your 10c container refunds to the school, this is a fantastic way to recycle while also raising funds for the school.

It is an easy 3 step process:

1. Collect eligible containers (can's, bottle and juice boxes) check for the 10c mark, often near the bar code HINT: you can keep lids on
2. Find your refund point HINT: CDS Vic Depot Oakleigh at 37-41 Oxford St Oakleigh is close by
3. Donate HINT: at the machine select "enter zone ID" and scan the GIPS barcode (the friendly depot staff can also help)

See attached poster for more information.

From

School Council