All set for new beginnings- Monbulk Primary School’s newest pupils Neave, Riley and Zali enjoy

MONBULK Primary School has plenty of new beginnings to celebrate this year.
As 2010 marks the start of another school year, principal Ray Yates said there were a lot of exciting times ahead.
Not only is the school welcoming its youngest pupils with 28 prep students but a number of other new comers including art teacher Dimi Dersillis have been welcomed into the fold.
Ms Dersillis, now in her fourth year of teaching, is excited about starting the year at Monbulk Primary School.
She will also be the first to test out the school’s new art centre.
“It’s exciting having a nice spacious art room and being able to have ownership of the room and set it up,” Ms Dersillis said.
“I am really looking forward to teaching the kids and getting on my hands on the art aspect.”
Mr Yates said this year would also mark the opening of the new Living and Learning Centre and music room which was part of the art complex development.
“Our new art and music centre has been designed like a grand piano,” he said.
Mr Yates said this year, teachers and students would be able to take advantage of the interactive whiteboards now in every class room.
“We have had a good increase in numbers with an extra 17 new pupils this year which is very significant,” he said. “We also have a very exciting group of preps.
“In the first few days we have already seen what an uplifting, spirited and engaging group of young preps we have.”
Mr Yates said as part of the learning centre upgrade, the school would be developing a music and art outreach program with the Dandenong Ranges Music Council.
“One of our major focuses this year will be to develop community music,” he said.
Mr Yates said the school upgrades had also included an updated state-of-the-art after school care program.
He said Monbulk Primary School would also be working with the Dandenong Ranges school cluster (EUDEC) to bring about changes in the classroom through developing an instructional teaching model.
The school is also starting to plan for its fair in November which is a major fundraiser for the school.