Principal's Message

Newsletter Name Change

As we mark National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June, we pay our respects and acknowledge the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impact of historic government policies that caused profound harm to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people – including historical education policies, where students were systematically excluded. It’s a time for reflection, recognition and compassion as we commit to healing and building a more genuine relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As part of this healing process, the name of the school’s newsletter has been changed from Marella Muse to Bayalagulang Ngurra. "Marella" refers to the Marella Mission Farm in Kellyville, a site directly associated with the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impact of the removal of children from their families.

"Bayalagulang Ngurra" is a Dharug phrase meaning "Learning Place" or "Place of Learning". This title is culturally respectful, acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, and positively reflects the school's core value of "Learning". It promotes an inclusive and forward-looking image, aligning with educational goals rather than a distressing past.

Our values and expectations

As we look to the future and continue making school improvements, I am pleased to report that we have received excellent feedback from the parent, student and staff surveys in relation to the school’s core values based on the three guiding pillars of Learning, Excellence and Integrity. In response to this feedback, a few adjustments were made to the initial draft, including a focus on personal best and encouraging students to do their best work to meet their potential. There is now also an added focus on respect and individual growth.

As we finalise this very important piece of work, the next step is to determine how these values and expectations will be explicitly taught to our students and how they will be integrated into every day teaching and learning and the school’s reward and recognition scheme.

School starting time consultation

I am pleased to report that Transport for NSW has given the school the green light to go ahead with planning for an 8:50 am start from the beginning of 2026. Changes to bus routes take time, and it is anticipated that the new school bus schedules will be updated in time for the 2026 school year. In the meantime, school buses and the school starting time will remain as they currently stand until the end of the current school year.

I will keep you informed and provide additional detail as the planning for the 2026 school year progresses. At this stage, you can anticipate an 8:50 am start and a 2:55 pm finish to the school day in 2026.

School uniform

As colder weather sets in, I would like to emphasise to parents the importance of school uniform, and the contribution school uniform makes to our community. School uniform promotes a sense of unity and belonging among students, cultivating a shared identity and school spirit. Uniform also enhances student safety by making it easier to identify intruders and ensure students are easily recognisable. In addition, uniforms promote discipline and professionalism, preparing students for future environments where dress codes are common. Ultimately, school uniforms contribute to a more focused, inclusive, and disciplined learning environment. I would like to remind all parents that students are expected to wear full school uniform at all times. On rare occasions when this may not be possible (e.g. uniform item not drying after heavy rain), a note should be provided so a uniform pass can be issued in the morning, or an appropriate replacement uniform item, such as a jacket, can be loaned to your child for the day. I also encourage parents to approach me should they need support in providing school uniform for their child.

Applying for leave - Travel

I would again like to remind parents that children under the age of 17 must be at school every day, unless they are unwell. On occasion, students may go on family holidays or attend religious or cultural events, for example, during a school term. In the event that you are planning to travel during the school term, you must apply for Extended Leave – Travel for your child. This application ensures that all legal requirements are met and that I can, if travel is approved, issue your child with an official certificate. I would also like to emphasise that all applications for extended leave – travel, should be made at least 3 weeks prior to the intended date of travel. If an application is made late, it may not be approved. The Extended Leave – Travel form can be found by following this link: https://kellyville-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies.html