Please see below the upcoming important dates and school events for the remainder of the year.

This morning, we held the official opening ceremony for our gymnasium, in recognition of the state government capital works program. The Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills, spoke to students, staff and special guests before unveiling a plaque along with Lauren Khabbaz, our Governing Coucil chairperson, Scott Greenshields and the Year 6 School Captains. It was a great opportunity to celebrate what the gym has come to mean for our school community over the past two years. Our architects from DAS Studio and the team from Sarah Constructions joined us for the ceremony and were so pleased to hear how we use the space and how much it is valued by all.

The Year 6 Canberra Trip took place in Week 2 of Term 4. This long-awaited trip will be the highlight for the graduating class of 2024, with many fabulous memories made. The Canberra Trip gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.   We took 66 students and 7 staff to Canberra, flying to Sydney then a bus to Canberra. The students managed this fantastically and should be proud of their resilience during the long journey to Canberra.

Our trip to Canberra included a visit to many of the well-known civic landmarks of our nation’s capital, such as the High Court, National Gallery and a highlight for many, the Australian War Memorial (AWM). We also had a bus tour down ANZAC Parade, around the Embassies that reside here and a visit to Mt Ainslie to get a view of Canberra from high above. Parliament House was another highlight. The students got to tour the building, looking in on the Senate and House of Representatives. Unfortunately, there were no members sitting or debating bills but the houses were impressive nonetheless. Everywhere we went, students were praised for their excellent behaviour throughout our visit. While at Parliament House, we also recreated a real-life House of Representatives bill submission, with the students taking on roles such as the ‘Speaker’, the ‘Prime Minister, and ‘Opposition Leader’, to name a few. Students debated and discussed the process of presenting a bill and the processes around working together for the people. We also visited Old Parliament House and looked at what democracy is at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD) and then to the National Electoral Education Centre where students discussed how and why we vote, participating in a scenario on how our system of voting (preferential voting) works. This was a fun and interactive session that was engaging for all. We visited the High Court, which is an imposing building with rich history and ties to everything that Australia represents. Students learnt about the Constitution, its formation and implementation and how it has shaped Australia. We then got to visit Court Room 1 and 2, discussing some of the cases that have been presented to each and the significance of the High Court and the Constitution. During our visit to the AWM, students were guided around the near complete refurbished museum. They interacted with various displays and discussed the exhibits and their importance in understanding and educating about commemoration and remembrance. The highlight for some was visiting the wall of remembrance. Many were awed by the vast size of so many names who have fought and lost their lives for our country. Some students were able to lay a poppy on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was very moving. 

Our evening activities included an activity night, featuring the old favourite: ‘first line, last line’. This is so much fun and had us all in stitches. We have some budding actors and the teachers were impressed by the creativity and humour students displayed.  The final night saw us go to the movies with popcorn and a drink to watch 'The Wild Robot'. A very funny and touching movie that had many of the attending staff tearing up at the end. Such a lovely movie!  Another feature of the recreational activities was Questacon Interactive Science Centre. This was by far another highlight, so much fun and all students enjoyed the interactive stations throughout. Students were also excited to go to the Australian Institute of Sport, including ‘Sportex’ the interactive arena.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. We acknowledge the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate contribution of $90 per student from the Australian Government which is included in our costing and paid directly to the school upon the completion of the trip.

Our students were great ambassadors for Mitcham Primary School, demonstrating an impressive knowledge about our government systems through their Civics and Citizenship learning. Throughout our trip we had staff of various sites and members of the public congratulate the students on their exceptional behaviour; some saying they are the best they have ever encountered. We also acknowledge the staff who attended this year’s trip and thank them for their time and commitment to enable this opportunity for our students.

Plans are already in place for next year’s trip. There will be information coming out shortly to current Year 5 families regarding the trip which is due to take place Term 3 next year.

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for helping to make the 2024 - MPS Quiz Night, sponsored by Work Coffee and Food, a huge success.

The Quiz Night sold out in record time this year!!! With your support, we have managed to raise an incredible $21,000 to add to our fundraising efforts from last year to purchase outdoor seating and additional play equipment.

This year our theme ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ allowed tables to come dressed as something that inspired them from these 3 letters. What a range of costumes – Jungle Gyms, Guns and Roses, Safari Animals and Jungle Warriors to name a few. The incredible effort put into all the costumes truly added to the fun of the evening.

To the MPS parents & teachers who filled the 32 tables, it was wonderful to see you all answering quiz questions, dancing to some favourite songs and especially enjoying each other’s company. To those who were unable to attend on the night, we thank you for purchasing raffle tickets and bidding in our online Silent Auction.

To the Fundraising Committee - Sophie, Lauren, Caitlin, Jacqui, Diana, Tash, Claire, Arthur and Rachel – congratulations and a special thank you for helping to organise such a successful event.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our generous sponsors who donated prizes, vouchers, and wine for our event. Your contributions played a vital role in making the evening a success. We encourage everyone to support these local businesses that have shown such wonderful community spirit!

A great night was had by all and we look forward to your support of future fundraising events in 2025. 

Please see below a roster for the canteen. If you are free on a day when there is help needed, please contact the canteen, we would love to hear from you! New volunteers will need to complete a Volunteer Application along with a Working with Children Check (WWCC), Volunteers RRHAN-EC Fundamentals training and a Volunteer General Induction. Please contact the front office for futher details. Thank you to those who have already helped out this term, it is really appreciated. We are always happy to have new volunteers join the canteen.

A reminder that the canteen will be open for Sports Day as normal. Thank you to those families who regularly support the canteen. 

Anita, Ann and Kerry 

The Mitcham Primary school SSO and Library team are running a charity food drive in collaboration with Foodbank SA to help the community during the busy end of year season. Foodbank provides food and grocery relief to 2,844 front-line charities and 3,379 school breakfast programs Australia wide to help those in need.

Running from the start of week 4 (4th November) to the end of week 8 (6th December), there will be a giving tree located in the library where you can donate non-perishable food items and toiletries. Think canned goods, pasta, long life milk, nappies and dental products. A full list of most wanted items are below, although Foodbank will accept any non-perishable food/toiletries as long as they are within the expiry date. After the drive has finished, all donations will be dropped off at our local Foodbank in Edwardstown. Thank you in advance for all your generosity and helping those in need!

Many thanks - SSO and Library Team

During lunchtime this week, students gathered in the courtyard with vibrant chalk, eagerly transforming the pavement into stunning Rangoli art.

It was a delightful activity, serving as a beautiful tribute to Diwali that brought many students together!

Premier's Reading Challenge

This year has been a big one for the Premier's Reading Challenge at Mitcham Primary School, with a whopping 491 of our students completing the challenge! We would like to congratulate all students who completed the Challenge this year. Medals and certificates are on their way to us and will be handed out to students soon.

Overdue Books 

At the time of writing there are 293 overdue books! If your child has brought home an overdue notice or you have received an email about overdue books, please help them have a look for these books at home. 

If you cannot locate an overdue book please let their teacher know or email me directly at vasi.gelasakis474@schools.sa.edu.au. I would prefer if students can keep borrowing new books, rather than worrying about their overdue or lost books.

Borrowing in Term 4

The last day for borrowing this term is Friday 29th of November - Week 7. All books should be returned to the library by Friday 6th December - Week 8.

Yours in reading,

Vasi

We look forward to welcoming families to our school Sports Day on Friday 8th November. Please click on the appropriate link below to see a map and timetables for the day.

Sports Day Map and Timetable Junior Years

Sports Day Map and Timetable Middle Years

Sports Day Map and Timetable Upper Years

Mid-Year Materials & Services Payment Now Due

Materials & Services invoices were due to be paid by Friday 25^th October. 

Thank you to the families that have paid their Materials & Services invoices, applied for School Card or arranged Direct Debits/Payment Plans.

If you have not done so yet, please make payment, apply for school card or arrange a payment plan by emailing dl.0270.finance@schools.sa.edu.au, as soon as possible. Thank you. 

School Card

The School Card Scheme offers financial assistance with school fees (Materials & Services charges). To check your eligibility and to apply online go to the SA.GOV website via the link: www.sa.gov.au/education/schoolcard.

If you are eligible for the School Card Scheme and have not yet applied, please do so as soon as possible.

If you need help completing the form please contact the School Card section on 1800 672 758 (free call).

You will be notified by the School Card Section of the outcome of your application, please do not pay any money towards your Materials and Services charge until you know the outcome.