🌟 Celebrating Our Growth and Strength at Glen Iris Primary School 🌟

We are delighted to share our Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Survey results and the growth Glen Iris Primary School has achieved over the past year. The data reflects a passionate, united school community, dedicated staff, and students who feel valued, confident, and inspired to learn.

📈 Exceptional Growth from 2024 to 2025

Across key wellbeing and engagement measures, GIPS shows strong year-on-year improvement:

These results show our continued focus on school improvement.

⭐ Outperforming Similar Schools

Our 2025 results sit above Similar Schools and Network schools in

- School ethos and environment

- Safety

- Student cognitive engagement

- Student development

These results reinforce the heart of Glen Iris Primary School:

✨ Skilled and dedicated staff
✨ Engaged, enthusiastic learners
✨ Strong partnerships with families
✨ A safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment

A heartfelt thank you to every student, staff member, and family member for helping shape such an exceptional community. We are excited to continue building on this success into the year ahead.

Glen Iris Primary School — growth through belonging; a community where every child thrives.

⭐ Continued Improvement

Using our survey and learning data together, we are developing a focused plan for continued school improvement in 2026. Under the priority of Parent Partnership, we will continue to strengthen communication between teachers and families. Our strategic target was to achieve a 70% positive response rate for teacher communication—and we exceeded this in 2025, with 78% of parents responding positively to questions in this area.

In 2026, we will continue to enhance communication through regular newsletter features, including conversation prompts you can use at home to discuss your child’s learning. We will also increase opportunities for parents to volunteer as in-class helpers, further strengthening the connection between school and home.

In our classrooms

Planting Fun in Prep

Albert’s mum, Lyndal, joined our Preps in the vegetable garden recently. Students worked in small groups to plant new seedlings in the garden beds. They even threw sunflower seeds into the soil for a bit of extra excitement. The children are eagerly watching the progress of our little plants, and with all the recent rain, we’re expecting some wonderful growth soon!

Fractional Thinking in Grade 1

This week, Grade 1 students explored their fraction knowledge of halves and quarters through a fun picnic-style maths lesson. They discussed which foods needed to be cut into halves or quarters to make sure everyone received an equal share. The activity helped students see fractions in a real-life context while practising important maths vocabulary like whole, half and quarters!

In Grade 2

The Grade Twos have been very busy this year! We have learnt so much and are now feeling confident and excited for Grade Three. We have loved working together as a whole year level during special activities such as Camp Day and the APSMO Problem Solving sessions.

Throughout the year, special dress-up days have made our learning extra fun. We loved getting spooky for the Halloween Disco and dressing as our favourite book characters for Book Week, just to name a few. We are especially excited to bounce our way into the end of the year as we celebrate our Happy Me, Healthy Me topic.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you – the parents, for your wonderful support throughout the year. It has been a pleasure working with you and teaching your children. We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a joyful New Year!

Wellbeing Day in Grade 3

Grade 3 students participated in Wellbeing Day last week. We participated in aerobics sessions, origami, mindful meditation and nature sketching. We even made fruit skewers as a tasty treat! The activities taught us strategies to help us have a healthy mind and a healthy body. We had such a great day and have some strategies to use in the future!

In Grade 4

As part of our Inquiry unit “Holiday Here This Year,” students enjoyed an exciting excursion into the city. We began our journey at the NGV before exploring the vibrant sights of Federation Square and ACMI. From there, we walked along Birrarung Marr, taking in the views.

The highlight of the day was a 50-minute guided tour of the MCG, where students were able to step inside one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues. It was a fantastic day filled with learning, discovery, and lots of walking! The students represented our school beautifully and had a wonderful time exploring Melbourne’s attractions.

In Grade 5/6

Students had a great day closing out the year at the Adventure Park in Geelong.

Below students are working on developing their understanding of 3D shapes.

In Performing Arts

In Performing Arts, students have been exploring structure in story to tell cohesive and interesting drama performances. While the senior students have been planning more detailed drama performances with clear beginnings, middles and endings, the grade 1 & 2 students have been identifying when and how to finish their performances, making sure to bow with their co-performers.

In our Art Room

We are getting festive in the Art room looking at all things sparkly, glittering and made to bring joy! There is such a buzz of happy, creative energy as the students work on something special. All their creations are being made with care and laughter, that they are excited to bring home and display. It is a fun time to be in the Art room!

What an exciting year it has been in Spanish!

From our vibrant Spanish Day celebration to students in Years 3 to 5/6 reading their first small chapter books, 2025 has been a year full of language learning, culture, and creativity.

Our Prep to Year 3 students have continued their adventures through the Languages Journey passport, and the photos included show our Year 2 students proudly working on their booklets and passports. Across all year levels, students have explored new Spanish vocabulary and themes, building confidence and making meaningful connections each week.

Lead the Way Dog Program

Well that’s a Rap for 2025- Lead the Way Dog Therapy Program

Lead the Way Dog Therapy Program has provided many students this year with a range of social, emotional and educational benefits.

Students have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with both Winnie and Zeba and learning about emotional regulation, resilience, and caring for others. We look forward to continuing this valuable program in Term 1 and seeing the positive impact it has on our students.

In STEM

In STEM, the grade 5/6’s are having the Grand Final of their egg drop this week. Winners chosen from each grade last week will launch their eggs from the upstairs 5/6M window onto a tarpaulin on the concrete. Which team will survive the drop? The senior school will finish the term with designing and making a clothing accessory from recycled goods. They have to use weaving, tying and folding to complete their item.

The junior school are discovering the fun of magnets. Children have been investigating how magnets can attract and repel. The session this week culminated in a car race that was powered by magnets. Students had to be creative with the way they used their magnets to propel their car forward in a race across the classroom.

GIPS House Swimming Carnival – A Day of Team Spirit and Making a Splash!

What an incredible day we had at the annual GIPS House Swimming Carnival! Our students showed fantastic courage, sportsmanship and enthusiasm as they dove into a full day of swimming events, cheering on their teammates and celebrating the true spirit of our house system.

From freestyle sprints to backstroke, novelty relays and cheering competitions, the energy poolside was electric. It was wonderful to see students encouraging each other, trying their best, and stepping out of their comfort zones. Whether racing for points or supporting from the sidelines, every student played an important role in the success of the day.

A huge thank you to our staff for their organisation and supervision, our parent volunteers for their valuable help throughout the carnival, and to everyone who supported our swimmers with such positivity. We also extend our appreciation to our House Captains, whose dedication and encouragement ensured the day ran smoothly and students stayed motivated.

Congratulations to all our swimmers for representing their houses with pride!

We are so proud of the effort, resilience and teamwork displayed by every student. The GIPS House Swimming Carnival continues to be a highlight of our school year, and we can’t wait to dive back in again next time!

In our staffroom

Farewell

As we approach the end of the school year, we take a moment to farewell and thank several valued members of our team who are heading off on new adventures. Their contributions to our school community have been significant, and they will be greatly missed.

David Patmore
David has been a highly committed member of our school. Throughout his time as an integration aide, business manager, and key partner with our administration and principal team, David has been a steady source of support, professionalism, and care. He now embarks on a well-deserved retirement filled with world travel and exciting new experiences. Thank you, David, for everything you have given to our school.

Adriana Bisognano
Adriana will be setting off to explore the world next year with her partner. We are incredibly grateful for the energy, dedication, and warmth she has poured into her years of service at our school. We wish her countless beautiful moments and safe travels on the open road. Miss B as she is affectionately known has been a committed team member, teacher, and wearer of many hats in our senior years. We hope you enjoy this well-deserved break!

Issy Jack
Issy has been successfully appointed to a school closer to her newly purchased home. We congratulate her on this exciting new chapter and thank her sincerely for the thoughtful care and support she has provided our Grade One students. She leaves a lasting impact on many young learners. Thank you to Issy for her dedication to learning and wellbeing for our learners here at GIPS.

Andrew Dong
A huge congratulations to Andrew, who has completed his teaching qualifications and secured a full-time classroom teaching position! We know he will continue to shine in his teaching career and inspire many students along the way. Well done, Andrew — we are so proud of you. We thank you Andrew for your kindness, compassion and support for our students as an integration aide here at GIPS.

Amanda Huang
Amanda has been a caring, patient and dedicated integration aide who has made a remarkable difference in the lives of many students. As her contract concludes, Amanda will be spending more time with her family as they enter the important VCE years. We sincerely thank her for all she has given and wish her and her family every happiness in this next chapter.

Welcome to our New Staff

Please also join me in welcoming our new staff to GIPS commencing in 2026.

Joanne Hayes

Joanne is joining us as business manager. Joanne brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from her current position as business manager of Auburn High School. Welcome to Joanne!

Farial Mahmud and Taylor McGrath

Farial and Taylor are joining us as classroom teachers. Please welcome Farial. She is currently serving children at Knox College. And welcome to Taylor. He currently teaches at Auburn Primary School.

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Kyle Hosking who is returning in 2026.

In our community

Honor Guard Friday 19 December 12:50 pm

Please join us for an honour guard to farewell our Grade 6 students during our last assembly of the year which starts at 12:50 pm. We are also inviting our entire community to join us in a legacy mural that our students and Ms Synman are creating commemorating our 160th Anniversary. If you are interested in leaving a lasting impression for our mural, please stop by the mural during the last assembly. Below Ms Synman is hard at work getting it ready.

Volunteer Morning Tea

Transition Up Session – Helping Students Prepare for 2026

On Friday, December 12th at 9:10am, all students from Prep to Grade 5 will take part in our ‘Transition Up Morning Circle’. During this session, students will move into their 2026 year level in their current grade groups, supported by the current teachers of each year level. Please note that this is not time spent with their 2026 class or teacher, but rather an opportunity to learn about what to expect next year.

Students will be able to ask questions, share any worries, and hear about the routines, learning, and experiences that come with their new year level. We understand that transitions can feel exciting for some and a little stressful for others, and sessions like this help reduce uncertainty and support student wellbeing as they prepare for a new stage in their schooling.

Students will officially meet their 2026 class and teacher on Tuesday, December 16th.

This carefully designed process is part of our larger Transition Up program which takes part in three stages:

Stage One: Students visit an empty classroom in the year above and look at what is similar and different

Stage Two: Students visit a classroom in the year above and do a morning circle with a teacher in that year level.

Stage Three: Students do a morning circle with their 2026 grade and teacher.

We look forward to supporting all students as they get ready for a positive start to the new school year.

Your School Council recently held our eight and final meeting of the year

Maddie updated us on early positive progress against the Strategic Plan (2025-2029) goals.

Annual student survey findings show real improvement since last year to already achieve targets on questions such as “My teacher asks me questions that challenge my thinking” 🧠, “My teacher understands how I learn” 💡and “I have a say in the things I learn” 🗣️. Great work, GIPS teachers! 👏

💰Our financial position is significantly better than this time last year, thanks in large part to most families making the full parent payment contributions and great fundraising events.

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to this! These funds are critical to creating a great learning environment for our kids to thrive. The school leadership team have been able to invest deliberately in: decodable readers and books for explicit teaching 📕; replacing 10-year-old iPads and subscriptions for student learning 💻; painting and carpeting classrooms; and resources for specialist subjects.

🎯Goals for next year include upgrading the guided reading books across the school, updating old classroom tables and chairs with good quality durable furniture, and re-painting the exterior of our buildings.

🤝You can help by diarising to make your parent payments as school returns in January. Remember you can speak to the office about flexible payment plans if that makes it more manageable for your family.

We have engaged new providers for after school activity options for our kids. Sign up for free trials this month so we can secure them for next year! 🤝Debating on Mon 8th, ⚽Soccer on Tue 9th, 🤸‍♀️Circus on Tue 9th, 🏀Basketball on Thu 11th. See flyers below.

🚴🛴🚸GIPS applied for, and is fortunate to have been selected for, the Boroondara Active and Safe Schools Program in 2026. This will be a great partnership with local Council to help all our kids get to school safely and actively every day.
📢We’re seeking a parent volunteer to help bring this partnership to fruition, along with the school office. Could this be you? Please let Deb know.

We approved the budget and plans for Evening on the Green 🧺- our wonderful community event early in Term 1. 📅Save the date for 20 February!

👩‍🌾Thank you to the Gardening Group for their amazing voluntary work this year. They have grown beautiful edible plants in the school garden 🥗, started plantings along our Glen Iris Rd boundary, investigated community connections and most importantly - encouraged the kids to be involved and part of nature by getting their hands dirty.🪴Thank you for helping the plants and our children grow!

Finally, several School Council members’ terms end this year, so we need 6 new members in 2026. Maddie will call for volunteers in Term 1. Please consider nominating yourself. No experience needed, training is provided. The commitment is minimal: 8 meetings per year for which papers are sent in advance to pre-read, so you feel prepared and the meeting runs efficiently. You also join one committee (e.g. Fundraising or Buildings & Grounds) and have 8 committee meetings per year, plus whatever actions you can volunteer for. Being on School Council is very insightful and very rewarding. Chat to any current member or to Maddie or Deb if you’d like to know more!

Jacqui Williamson, Council reporter

CAMCARE Donations

Dear Families,

As you may be aware, the SRC is supporting CamCare this term. Due to the donation requirements for Fun Fair, we have changed the date for all CamCare items to be brought to school. All donations will now be collected on 18th December. Please bring them to your child's classroom.

Students are welcome to wear free dress on this day.

Thank you for your support.

SRC

Team Kids School Holiday Program

Get ready for a summer packed with new adventures, hands-on activities, and memories your child will talk about long after the break - all with TeamKids at Glen Iris Primary School!

Here’s what you and your child can look forward to:

• Unique adventures every single day

• Value-packed programs

• Screen-free FUN

• Delicious and nutritious morning & afternoon snacks

• CCS-approved care

📌 See what’s happening at your school → https://downloads.teamkids.com.au/glen-iris-primary.pdf

🔗 Book NOW →Glen Iris Primary | TeamKids

Swimming Caps for School Swimming Program

We have been notified by the venue, Camberwell Grammar, that all swimmers will be required to wear a swimming cap. Our school has some swimming caps in house colours for sale for $5.00. Please enquire at the front office.

Important Child Safety Reminders

At Glen Iris Primary School, keeping our students safe is always our top priority. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for every child.

We kindly remind families of two important child safety guidelines which are also in our school’s policies:

1) Morning Supervision – No Drop-Offs Before 8:45am

A gentle reminder that students may not be dropped off at school before 8:45am unless a parent or guardian stays with them. Staff supervision begins at 8:45am, and students are not supervised prior to this time. For families who need support earlier in the morning, Team Kids offers a safe and supervised environment. Dropping students off unsupervised is a significant child safety risk, and we appreciate your partnership in keeping all children safe.

2) Dogs Are Not Permitted on School Grounds

We know how adorable our furry friends are, and many children love seeing them, but for safety reasons as we have children who are very frightened by dogs, dogs are not allowed on school grounds at any time outside of our structured therapy dog program. We appreciate your understanding in helping us maintain a safe and calm environment for all students.

Thank you for your cooperation with these guidelines. By working together, we ensure that all children at GIPS feel safe, supported, and ready for a great day of learning.

BIG DAY IN

On Tuesday 16th of December, our teaching team will be taking dedicated time to plan for the 2026 school year. To support this important work, students will be participating in a Big Day In at school, run by Educational Sports Carnivals, who will provide a fun, active and engaging program throughout the day. Students will take part in activities within their house groups, which helps promote teamwork and strong house spirit. We ask that all students wear their house colours on the day to help create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

Payment and consent is on Compass.

Paisley Park Early Learning Centres Announcement