Dear Children and Families,

Welcome back to our place of learning for term two.  It has been lovely to reconnect with children and families over the last few days and hear of adventures during the holidays.  We appreciate your support with our the student free day on Monday.  This day provided important time for all staff to come together for some professional learning that is aligned with our School Plan.  Our first session was led by one of our parents, Steve Dwyer.  Steve worked with us to progress our Reconciliation Action Plan, answering questions from staff about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and sharing his culture with us.  We also continued working with Professor Deborah Pino-Pasternak from the University of Canberra on our approach to social and emotional learning.  Thank you to both Steve and Deb for gifting us with your time, knowledge and expertise and to Michele Foley who coordinated our professional learning sessions.  Over the coming weeks, we look forward to hearing your ideas that will help to inform our Reconciliation Action Plan as well as our approach to social and emotional learning.

Where can I access the Literacy and Numeracy Inquiry Final Report?

The Final Report from the ACT Government’s independent inquiry into literacy and numeracy performance in ACT public schools is now available.   The report contains 8 future-focused recommendations to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all ACT public school students.

The ACT public school system is strong, and this report provides the ACT Government with practical recommendations to build on its current successes. All ACT public schools are committed to ensuring every student is provided with a great education and the foundations for a good life.

To read the Full Report visit the ACT Education website.

Who has been elected to the IPECS School Board?

Thank you to those that had the chance to vote in the recent School Board elections.  Congratulations to Carla Hochguertel and Imogen Hughes who have been elected as parent/carer representatives and to John Bernardi who has been appointed as the P&C Board Member.   The first meeting of the school Board will be held on Thursday 16 May where we will be seeking to elect a Board Chair and Deputy Board Chair.

What will Semester One Reports look like?

In the coming weeks, our teaching staff will begin preparing children's Semester One reports.  Our preschool report is based on the Early Years Learning Framework and our K-2 reports provide information on children's learning progressions using the Australian Curriculum achievement standards. ACT public schools are expected to provide a formal written report to parents and carers of students from Preschool to Year 12, twice a year. These formal reports form part of the suite of relevant and purposeful opportunities schools use to communicate student learning to families throughout the year. 

In addition, our school shares student learning and progress throughout the year through informal processes including, getting to know you yarns, SeeSaw, Learning Yarns and regular conversations with families. The inclusion of written comments in semester reports is a school-based decision and is not compulsory. IPECS reports do not include written comments. The preschool report will provide an overview of children’s learning and development against the five outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework and our Kindergarten to Year 2 report will provide detailed information against Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards. In weeks 9 and 10, of this term, all families will be sent an invitation to book an appointment with your child’s teacher for a Learning Yarn. During the yarn, teachers will provide an overview of your child’s learning strengths, areas for development and strategies to support/extend learning. Student reports will be sent home at the beginning of week 9 this term. Preschool children will receive a hardcopy of the report and Kindergarten to Year 2 reports will be sent electronically. 

What are the updates to the Suspension, Transfer or Exclusion of a Student in ACT Public Schools Policy?

The Education Directorate has released its updated Suspension, Transfer or Exclusion of a Student in ACT Public Schools Policy.

ACT public schools work hard to support every student to achieve their best and meet their individual learning needs.

Schools use a range of prevention and early support approaches to manage student behaviours when they may impact on a student’s ability to be positively engaged at school or impacts other students.

We recognise the importance of every child’s right to a quality education. Suspension, transfer or exclusion from school is not a punitive measure and will only be used for the purpose of providing the time necessary to ensure a safe and effective learning environment at school.

When this need arises, our schools work closely with students and their families to support them through this process and to support the continuity of learning for the student.

You can read the full policy on the Education website.  

What grant did IPECS win?

Early last term, IPECS applied for a grant as part of the Federal Government School Upgrade Fund initiative.  The grant focused on upgrades to outdoor play spaces as part of our Master Plan.  This week, we were thrilled to learn that our grant application was successful and we will be receiving a little over $300k to install a hardcourt surface for a variety of cooperative sports and games, a “Fairy Garden” and the installation of shade structures over Olive playground and bike track areas.  This is wonderful news for our school and will enhance our outdoor play spaces for children.  

I hope to see you at our Special Person's Breakfast: Mother's Day edition next Thursday 9 May beginning at 8.15am in the hall.

Take care,

Simon Barker
Principal 

The GEMS would like to Thank Everyone who came to our School Disco Last Term and Special Thanks to all those who volunteered, we couldn't have done it without you!

We are sorry to announce that the GEMS won't be opening the Mothers or Fathers Day Stalls this year. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

We are having another GEMS meeting on Thursday the 16t May at 5:30pm, if you're wanting to be more involved please come! 

The GEMS will be discussing a possible movie night towards the end of this term! We will update you all when we know more. 

Thank you! 💎

Courtney Harradine

GEMS P&C President

Do you know someone that would be a suitable addition to our school board or another school board in the ACT?

The Education Directorate is seeking expressions of interest from people to fill the position of “Appointed Member” on ACT public school boards. Expressions of interest will be used to fill vacant positions in schools across the ACT.

All ACT public schools have a school board. The school board is responsible for the school’s strategic direction, its budget, policy implementation and related issues. Generally, school boards consist of:

· the school’s principal;

· three parents and citizens members;

· two staff members;

· two student members (at high schools and colleges);

· one Appointed Member; and

· up to two Board Appointed Members (if any).

The appointed member is usually someone from outside the immediate school community, who is interested in and committed to public education. They bring an independent voice to board decisions. Appointments extend for periods up to two years and an appointed member may also be re-appointed after the conclusion of their term.

People interested in becoming an appointed member on a school board, should complete the expression of interest form and return it to: Governance Branch, Education Directorate Email: EDUSchoolBoards@act.gov.au

Expressions of interest for this year will be open until COB Friday 10 May 2024.