As we begin to farewell another year, and before we let loose on the excitement of what 2018 might bring, do take some time to reflect on and absorb the many great occasions, achievements, developments and friendships that have filled 2017. Personally, I will be looking back over the four and a half decades of my career.

Yes, I write this final newsletter with a great amount of emotion, coloured with many amazing faces, personalities, stories, occasions, successes, challenges, tears but with much laughter, fulfilment and satisfaction. Having worked in eight schools under 12 Principals, held a variety of leadership roles, I now sit in wonder as to where 45 years went. Forty-five years of educating. Forty-five years of planning, reporting, writing articles, changing curriculums, managing the rollercoaster of numerous programs to introduce and master, meeting new students, families and classes and creating communities while focusing on being the best I could be for those whom I serve and are in my care. Forty-five years of making connections and bonding with students and communities. Forty-five years of greeting and farewelling and it all comes to this final farewell, thanks and best wishes.

The journey through ‘my brilliant career’ has seen so many changes, achievements, challenges and friendships formed. So many wonderful children, families and colleagues have journeyed with me through my career in education, allowing me the enormous honour of teaching, guiding and leading, always with the intention of best outcomes for all concerned and, in particular, the children who are the deserving beneficiaries of a great education. Forty-five years forming many great relationships and knowing so many hundreds of wonderful children, is now ending.

Like all years, 2017 has been another year to observe the growth in every aspect of our students’ lives, celebrating their successes, guiding their learning, rejoicing in their friendships and developing their love for living and their place in the world.

Children, parents and staff all contribute to the culture of a School, and here in Eblana it resonates of a jubilant community. For any student, time in Eblana provides them not only excellent learning opportunities, but it equips them with the many values and skills necessary to involve themselves in and deal with whatever they experience in the future.

I sincerely thank my staff who have bestowed upon Eblana’s students great opportunities to learn and grow, achieve and discover, laugh and love themselves. They not only brought learning, but joy to the Campus. They have greatly earned their applause for the positive impact and learning opportunities they exposed their students to throughout 2017. I take opportunity to single out three key staff; Eblana’s PA Mrs Brigid Hicks whose connection with the Eblana Community and whose finger on the pulse is so valuable. To have Brigid’s knowledge, skills, personable traits and sheer ‘knowhow’ has been a great support to the Campus and to myself

WHAT’S ONTHURSDAY 7 DECEMBERYear 4 Graduation Assembly

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBEREblana Christmas Pageant P&F Luncheon

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBERService of Lessons and Carols St Paul’s Cathedral End of Term 4

TERM 1 2018THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARYELC & Years 1-4 Commence

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARYFoundation Classes commence

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARYYears K-4 P/T Homeroom Information Evening

SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARYScholarship Testing & School Tours

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY Founders’ Day Assembly

MONDAY 12 MARCHLabour Day Holiday

WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH Years F-4 School photos Eblana F-4 PSTIs – 4 - 8pm

THURSDAY 15 MARCH Student- free day F- Year 4 Eblana Years F – Year 4 PSTIs – 1-8pm

TUESDAY 20 MARCHTwilight Tours

THURSDAY 22 MARCHEaster Service

WEDNESDAY 28 MARCHEblana Family Photos

THURSDAY 29 MARCH End Term 1

ISSUE NO 31 - TERM 4

FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2017

personally; Mrs Jessica Richards, Eblana’s Curriculum Coordinator whose knowledge and guidance in the curriculum is progressive and again, so appreciated. Jessica’s ability to step into any role as educator, leader and administrator has been outstanding and on numerous occasions my true ‘right arm’; and Mrs Libby Chislett, Director of our Mary Jones Early Learning Centre, whose passion is early childhood education, whose knowledge is prolific and whose dedication is tireless. These three wonderful, dedicated staff have greatly assisted me in leading students, staff and parents along the pathways of enriching education as we managed the Eblana Campus. Their leadership characterises Eblana’s undeniable professional, friendly, happy, compassionate and caring environment in which I have had the pleasure to lead.

I sincerely thank those parents, grandparents and extended family members who throughout my time at Mentone Grammar have contributed cheerfully with interest, and in a positive and supportive manner to our programs and events over the years. You are valued, talented and delightful to have had alongside me and very much needed. You have enriched Eblana through your support, praise, hard work and positivity and your energies, interests and knowledge given so cheerfully, deserve applause and I thank you for journeying with me these past 14 years. Together we have grown toward a common vision to develop resilient young people with the wide range of skills, interests and attributes necessary to take their place in a changing world, challenged and motivated towards ongoing learning opportunities.

To the many families who have appreciated, supported and been involved in Eblana to make it the very best place of education for your children I say thank you. To those who have worked with me, and been part of significant and inspiring developments towards great achievements in learning, I say thank you. We achieved through having visions and dreams, through thinking, trying and doing because we want the best for our children. Every career path has its challenges and responsibilities, but perhaps none more so than teaching. I thank all who have provided me with their positive encouragement, constructive questioning, warm friendship and heartfelt appreciation.

I look forward to the challenges and excitement of retirement and what awaits me beyond Mentone Grammar and my career in education. As the inaugural Head of Eblana, I have along with my wonderful staff led our youngest students along pathways filled with adventure, discovery, inspiration, learning, strength of friendship and belonging, while all the time providing laughter, value and self-belief. I will miss the cacophony of different sounds you hear in a busy classroom or playground. The sounds of conversations, laughter, debate, announcements on loudspeakers, music, the social chatter of people, the ping of computers, the shuffle of pages, the scratching of pencils, voices reading aloud, the kick of a ball, performing arts, assemblies, chapel services, a tumbling block tower, the shriek of delight, the cheer of achievement, the silence of puzzles, the joy of laughter, the melody of singing, the creaking of doors, the clapping of hands and the stamping of feet, the sound of the School bell - all at the same time and without any harmony; the synchronisation of a lively, busy, productive and happy education in action. However, I will treasure the memories.

Education of our youngest children is something I am deeply passionate about, what I believe I can be among the best in the world at and what drives my engine, resulting not only in having always moved toward greatness in my profession, but also my life. My career has been meaningful and successful and that has much to do with my life being great. From this I have gained that rare satisfaction and tranquillity that comes from knowing that I have had a hand in creating something of intrinsic excellence that makes a contribution. Indeed, I have gained that deepest of satisfactions: knowing that my short time of 14 years here at Mentone Grammar and the 45 years as an educator has been well spent, inspiring and mattered. Yes, I thank all the adults who have journeyed with me, supported, understood and encouraged me, but mostly I thank the children who took me by the hand and gave me the honour of teaching them and being part of such an honourable profession:

“Teacher, come on outside! I’ll race you to the seesaw! No, you won’t fall off! I’ll show you how! Don’t be afraid teacher. Grab my hand and follow me. You can learn all over again!” (Albert Cullum)

I wish you all the blessings for a peaceful, happy, safe and Holy Christmas and holiday period. May it be a time rich in family adventures, friendship and laughter!

I also wish you all the very best of happiness, laughter and meaningful fulfilment in your life’s journeys and an ongoing abundance of amazing adventures and discoveries.

Goodbye, thank you and best wishes for all that lies ahead.

John

WONDERLAND EBLANA ART EXTRAVAGANZA

Congratulations to all Eblana’s young artists whose magnificent artistic works were on display at our WONDERLAND exhibition throughout Eblana. The hundreds of visitors who attended Tuesday evening’s open night thoroughly appreciated the showcase of creatively presented, truly amazing artworks in such an array of art forms using a variety of media. This exhibition most certainly showcased what a fantastic Visual Arts program we have from Kinder to Year 4.

Our students have been inspired by Mrs Jillian Watkins and the ELC staff during their Visual Arts lessons and should be proud of and delighted in their creative work! We thank Mrs Watkins and indeed all staff who promote the Visual Arts program in Eblana.

We also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to parent Mrs Robina Shearer and Maintenance staff for their creative assistance is setting up the exhibition displays, which is an art in itself.

This has been another sensational and well attended Eblana occasion. The Eblana staff and students would like to thank all those in our community who supported this occasion through their attendance and who shared their thoughts through words of praise, appreciation and thanks.

Hip! Hip! Hooray! to Eblana

EBLANA CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AND AWARDS PRESENTATIONOnly two weeks until Eblana’s Christmas Pageants and Foundation-Year 4 Awards Ceremony on the morning of Friday 8 December. The venue will be the Thorlod Theatre.

The morning will begin with our Foundation to Year 4 Pageant at 9am sharp and we ask that all family members attending be seated by 8.45am at the latest.

The ELC Pageant will begin at 10.45am and we ask those attending that session to allow the theatre to empty of the earlier audience before making your way to your seats. Car parking will be available on the Frogmore Oval until 12 noon and the Thorold Theatre will be open from 8.30am, so once you have delivered your child/ren to their classrooms you can make your way directly to this venue. Please bring your tickets with you to avoid any confusion as to where you are to be seated. Morning Tea will be at 10.30am in the Eblana Multipurpose Room and Learning Garden for parents and other visiting family members wishing to partake.

We look forward to seeing many parents in attendance enjoying this colourful celebration of the great year it has been in Eblana!

Eblana Christmas Pageant and Awards Presentation

JINGLE BELL ROCKTHOROLD THEATRE

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 2017 - 9AM

DON’T FORGET YOUR DONATIONS THE GIFT OF GIVING – EBLANA’S CHRISTMAS APPEALThis year we are supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and ask that all families donate money which will be given to the ILF so that they can purchase quality and appropriate books to enrich the learning and reading skills of our Indigenous children.

All students and their families received a letter with a brochure and envelope attached. In it you will read about the work undertaken by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the significant gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Help us close the gap by giving generously to this appeal, remembering that to purchase a quality children’s book you really need upwards of $20. Your donations can be by cash, cheque or credit card (fill in the tear-off slip attached to the brochure). Place your donation in the envelope provided and we will ensure these are delivered to Peter Fitzgibbon, the Events & Fundraising Coordinator of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Our Eblana Students will post their donation envelopes in our large Letterbox to Santa as they enter the Christmas Pageant on Friday 8 December.

Alternatively return it to your child’s classroom teacher immediately and we can lock your donation away safely until the day of our Christmas Pageants, when it will be returned to your child for mailing.

We look forward to the Eblana Community’s ever generous support for those children in Indigenous Communities in great need of assistance from the best teaching resources - quality literature so they too becoming successful readers.

EBLANA’S ACHIEVERS OF THE YEARThroughout the year all children in Eblana have accomplished numerous successes and fulfilled a variety of personal goals and ambitions. Many of these have been small achievements and many have been enormous. At Awards Presentation this year, the following students will be presented with prizes for their outstanding achievements in Citizenship, Academia, Sportsmanship, Music Excellence, Speech & Drama and Visual Arts.

2017 AWARDS

ACADEMIC

Foundation H - Hudson ChanFoundation S - George (Zhenling) ShenYear 1L – Patrick ReynoldsYear 1R - Kallis Bernasconi

Year 2AW - Rhys BasinYear 2SS - Sophie ShingYear 3E - Alice FletcherYear 3W - Kate Pregnalato

Year 4H - Jaxon StephensYear 4L - Sarah Chun

CITIZENSHIP

Foundation H - Summer LettieriFoundation S - Ella WloszczakYear 1L – Chloe BritterYear 1R - Zoe Dwyer

Year 2AW - Benjamin NishYear 2SS - Emily MurrayYear 3E - Lucas WagnerYear 3W - James Evans

Year 4H - Siobhan PhillipsYear 4L - Aaron Britter

SPORTSMANSHIP

Foundation H - Hunter DaemenFoundation S - Luke PhillipsYear 1L – Lachlan SmithYear 1R - Sonny McKinnon

Year 2AW - Sullivan O’DonnellYear 2SS - Baxter ChanYear 3E - Campbell BrownYear 3W - Christopher Coates

Year 4L - Jake Frankland

VISUAL ARTS

Year 4 - Cooper Gallant

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

Year 4 - Anika Cherney

SPEECH & DRAMA

Year 4 - Poppy Samild

CASHION BROTHERS WRITING AWARD

Year 4 - Indy Mannix

We congratulate these worthy recipients and indeed all our Eblana students for the magnificent efforts they have put into their learning this year and for the positive contributions they have made to the happy culture in Eblana. In using the lines from our School Anthem, I wish all our students the inspirations ‘to seek and to discover-to strive to be the best they can.’

YEARS 3 & 4 SHOREHAM CAMPS Last week, the children in Years 3 and 4 spent time at Shoreham, with the majority of time spent in comfortable weather conditions on this magnificent piece of Victoria’s coastline. All campers appeared to have had a great time, celebrating and extending friendships as they developed their personal and social skills under the guidance of so many dedicated staff. I extend thanks to Mrs Kate Wright, Mr Greg Evans, Mrs Justine Hamilton, Mrs Sonja Latimer, Mr Tim Duivenvoorden and Mr Dave Bunyan for their time and efforts in planning and executing so many enjoyable activities for the children in their care. I also extend our thanks to these members of staff for giving their time away from their own families and to Shoreham’s caterer Mr Greg Holledge for his tasty, enjoyable menu. I am sure the children will have many a story to relate and memories to cherish for years to come.

ISIC AMBASSADORS On Thursday, our ISIC Ambassadors Edward Hall, Abigail Barrett, Grace Sibbald and Morgan Shearer ventured to Western Port Bay for a day of exploration of the foreshore vegetation, mangrove and sea grass locations. Our ISIC Ambassadors joined with students from other schools to learn about caring for this unique area, where the protection of a particular section is guided by such listings as RAMSAR (wetlands of international significance), UNESCO biosphere and Marine National Parks.

Our venture to Jack’s Beach also had our Ambassadors involved in activities that included ‘Animals in the Park’ with Environmental Educationalists, ‘Native Frogs’, ‘Coastal Weeding’ and an enthralling presentation by an Indigenous Australian. Our busy and involved day ended with a sausage sizzle lunch to conclude our year with the Dolphin Research Institute’s ISIC Program.

I would like to thank Eblana’s ISIC Ambassadors Edward Hall, Abigail Barrett, Grace Sibbald and Morgan Shearer for their keen involvement throughout 2017.

PARENT LOUNGEOur Parent Portal, Parent Lounge, is a password protected area which is available on our website, allowing you access to:

• Update your personal details

• View class lists

• Access communications and notices for all Campuses

• View your child’s timetable, class list, Mentor and House groups

• Contact your child’s teacher/s by email

• Book parent/teacher interviews

• Complete online payments

Note: To ensure our records are accurate, it is imperative that all parents access Parent Lounge prior to Reports being mailed out this year, updating details as necessary. CareMonkey also needs to be updated separately.

EBLANA’S FOUNDATION-YEAR 4 BOOKLISTSIn 2018 we are again bulk ordering the appropriate quantity and type of stationery and other paraphernalia required for each student at each year level in Eblana.

These in-house supplies should again alleviate stress for parents when School orders are placed on back-order with stockists and not delivered within the required time.

We believe it makes good sense to make these bulk purchases directly and have the items delivered directly to the School. In doing so we also believe we can provide each student’s requirements at the same, or even less, cost than it would be for families to purchase these items individually.

The cost for these year level booklist requirements will be added to each family’s School account and thus payable when School fees invoices are forwarded to you.

The Eblana staff believes that families find this way of purchasing booklist requirements not only easier, but most cost effective.

On Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 December, our current Year 4 students will be involved in Bayview Year 5 Transition activities. During this time our current Year 4 teachers will be covering some of our Foundation classes as our 2018 Foundation teachers complete assessments of the 2018 Foundation students. We will also take the opportunity on Monday 11 December to introduce Eblana’s 2018 Years 1-4 students to their homeroom teachers and classrooms. Please spend some time over the coming holidays ensuring that your children are fully equipped ‘to seek and to discover-to strive to be the best they can” with an enthusiastic and positive approach and with challenging personal goals set in place.

START OF THE 2018 SCHOOL YEAROn Thursday 1 February all Years 1-4 students assemble at 8.30am. There will be no Before School Care on the first day. No students should enter the building until after the Assembly and parents are requested to ensure this is the case. Following the Welcome Assembly, students will proceed to their classrooms with their teachers to begin their day.

Our ELC students also begin on Thursday 1 February, but at 9am and should be taken directly to their classrooms by their parents, where they will be welcomed by their teachers.

Our Foundation students do not begin classes until Friday 2 February and should assemble in Eblana’s Multipurpose Room at 9am to be greeted by their teachers.

UNIFORMIt is great to see how proud families are to be a part of Mentone Grammar. Part of being a proud School, is to present students in clean and well pressed uniforms, polished shoes and neat hair. I remind all families to note Mentone Grammar’s policy on children’s hair (page 120 of the School diary), which includes boys’ hair sitting on the ears but not covering the ears and girls’ hair which is collar length or longer to be tied back with navy or white ties only.

Children should also only wear black leather shoes with their School uniform unless they are wearing the School sports uniform when the correct footwear is runners. Mixing the components of the various uniforms is not allowed and should you have any uncertainty please speak directly with your child’s teacher and/or read the appropriate pages in the School diary.

The broad brimmed School bush hat is also to be warn during any outdoor activity in Terms 1 and 4. I recommend that parents regularly check that the hat tie is secure so that it will assist the child in keeping the hat on their head.

Children in Eblana are to wear their sports uniform to School on the day they attend physical education lessons, and YES, the children in Years 3 and 4 are to wear their sports uniform to School on Friday when they attend sport. Should the weather be cool enough to require extra clothing, children must wear the official School tracksuit or rugby top, not the School jumper over their sports uniform.

Towels, Mentone Grammar School bathers and swim cap and goggles (if used) are the only requirements in your child’s swimming bag on swimming lesson day. Teaching your child to undress and dress in an organised fashion would be of great assistance for these occasions. Please ensure that swimming caps are dried after each lesson and have some talc powder sprinkled inside to assist your child using it the following week.

Please ensure that your children have each piece of their clothing, including shoes, socks and underwear clearly labelled with their name. This will assist staff in returning misplaced items to the owner.

Very little effort is required to have our students shining in appearance at all times and failure to comply to the expectations of the School will result in students being given timely warnings to correct any indiscretions before returning to School.

I again thank you for your cooperation in these matter.

WWCC WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKALL PARENTS IN OUR MARY JONES EARLY LEARNING CENTRE MUST HOLD A CURRENT ‘WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK’. WITHOUT SUCH, YOU CANNOT ASSIST IN ANY ASPECT OF THE SCHOOL’S PROGRAM, NOT EVEN IF YOUR WWCC APPLICATION HAS BEEN SENT, BEEN APPROVED AND IS PENDING. BEFORE ANY INVOLVEMENT WE MUST SIGHT YOUR ORIGINAL WWCC CARD AND TAKE A COPY OF YOUR ORIGINAL.

If you are a parent of a child in Foundation – 4 classes and may wish at any time to assist in our School programs you too must hold a current Working with Children Check.

Whether this is in the classroom, on excursions, on special events days, at sports, assisting in the Aquatic Centre change rooms etc you MUST HAVE a current WWCC.

You can apply for your FREE WWCC online.

Once you have your WWCC please provide Mrs Brigid Hicks in the Eblana Reception with a copy, along with allowing her to sight your original. A copy will be retained by the School.

Staff will then be informed that you have provided this and are available to assist in the various activities relating to our School programs.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

2018 EBLANA PARENT INFORMATION EVENINGALL PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT EBLANA STAFF WILL BE HOLDING INFORMATION SESSIONS ON FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY STARTING AT 4.45PM FOR BOTH F - 4 AND ELC CLASSES.

Further details will be made available early in 2018.

SEMESTER 2 REPORTSEBLANA’S F - 4 STUDENT REPORTS WILL BE MAILED HOME TO PARENTS ON FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER.

However, parents are welcome to collect and sign for their children’s Reports from Mrs Brigid Hicks at the Eblana Reception on Friday 8 December, between 1 - 3.30pm. Reports WILL NOT be handed to students and so please do not send requests for this to occur. Reports not collected by 3.30pm on Friday 8 December will be mailed home to families.

On the Green2017

Friday 8 December from 12 noon - 3pmWoodlands Golf Course, 109 White Street Mordialloc 3195

Earlybird $60 (book before 22 November - discount will be applied upon checkout)

Standard $68 (bookings from 23 November)

Tickets include a delicious 2 course meal and a beverage on arrival.

Further drinks can be purchased at bar prices.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/329471

Book a table of 10 (max) and nominate a table captain or nominate a year level to sit with.

For more information contact Jacquie on 0421 875 436 or pandf@mentonegrammar.net

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CHRISTMAS LUNCH

The Mentone Grammar Parents & Friends Association warmly invites you to join them for the 2017 Christmas Lunch.

Help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas.New toy donations gratefully accepted for children aged 0–14 years.

Drop off at Main Reception, Bayview, Greenways or Frogmore Campus Office before Friday 8 December.

Coordinated by the Mentone Grammar Community Service Team – proudly supporting our community.

Thank You.

CHRISTMAS TOY SHOP