Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to our final Whitehorse Whisperer for the 2025 school year.

As we come to the close of another successful year at Whitehorse Primary School, I would like to begin by acknowledging our wonderful students, dedicated staff and supportive families for the role each of you has played throughout 2025. Together, we have continued to build a school community grounded in respect, kindness, high expectations and a shared commitment to learning. I am deeply grateful for the many positive interactions I have had with our community this year and for the strong sense of pride that makes Whitehorse such a special place to belong. Thank you to the students and families who have gone to the effort to write a Christmas card. I have really enjoyed reading about your reflections and experiences throughout the year.

2025 has been a year filled with meaningful learning, memorable experiences and outstanding achievements. Our students have embraced challenges with confidence, curiosity and perseverance, demonstrating our school values in classrooms, on the sporting field, through the arts and in their everyday interactions with others. Across the curriculum, students have achieved strong learning outcomes and have been recognised for their talents and contributions both within our school and across the wider community.

I would like to congratulate every student on their efforts and growth throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of the way our students strive to do their best, support one another and represent Whitehorse Primary School with pride.

Farewell to the Class of 2025

Our Grade 6 students are now in their final week of primary school, marking an important milestone that was celebrated at our Graduation Ceremony last Thursday evening. This transition is both exciting and significant as our students prepare to move from the familiarity of primary school into the new opportunities and responsibilities of secondary education.

The Class of 2025 has been a positive and inspiring presence within our school. They have led with respect, passion and pride, setting a strong example for our younger students. I have been especially impressed by the leadership demonstrated by all of our Grade 6 students, particularly our 2025 School Captains, Dhruv and Evie, and Vice Captains, Aidan and Ava. Their commitment, integrity and willingness to serve others reflect the very best of our Whitehorse values.

We are confident that our Grade 6 students leave Whitehorse well prepared for the next stage of their learning journey. I look forward to hearing about their future successes and the positive impact they will continue to have in their new school communities and beyond. To the Class of 2025, remember that you will always be a valued part of the Whitehorse Primary School family, and we warmly encourage you to return and visit us in the years ahead as many students seem to do towards the end of each year!

Thank you also to our local politicians Nick McGowan and Matt Gregg who came to present awards at our Graduation and acknowledge the considerable impact students have on our school.

Finally I would also like to acknowledge our staff for their role in supporting the students throughout the final year and putting together a fantastic ceremony to celebrate our students.

2026 Staffing

Teacher allocations and classroom structures for 2026 have been completed, and all students have met their 2026 teacher as part of our recent “2026 Day". A significant amount of preparation, professional judgement, and thoughtful consideration goes into both student placement and our staff workforce planning each year. Our aim is to always create balanced, supportive and successful learning environments for each and every child. We appreciate the trust and support our families place in this process and the collaborative work of our staff to ensure the best possible start to the new school year.

Teams	Staff
Administration and Leadership	Andrew Den Elzen (Principal) Megan Goldenberg (Assistant Principal) Cheryl Woodford (Business Manager) Michelle Arandall (Admin) Daphne Chan (Admin)
Education Support	Deb Kilpatrick (Kitchen and classroom support) Ashley Glover (Garden and classroom support) Zahabiya Ali (classroom support) Cathie Lewis (classroom support) Carole Norton (classroom support)
Specialist Team	Catherine Kelly (STEM/PLC Leader) Emma Ranson (Performing Arts) Megan Cousins (Visual Arts) Leanne Deng (Chinese) Ellie Avery (PE)
Prep	Lisa Hume (PLC leader) Beth Van Holsteyn
Grade 1/2	Sara Hudson (PLC Leader) Joy Terrenzani (Learning Specialist) Kate Wright / Catherine Kelly
Grade 3/4	Marce Cotroneo(PLC Leader) Alex Cahill Sophie Ogilvie Monica Liberatore / Leanne Deng
Grade 5/6	Viv Tia (PLC Leader) Effie Adams Elyse Henderson
School Based Support	Paul Merriweather

Staff farewells

Whilst the majority of our staff are returning in 2026, I would like to acknowledge that Jennifer Tesselaar will be departing our school. Jennifer has been a great support to our Grade 3/4 team and our choir and her passion and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. I would also like to acknowledge some farewells in our Kindergartens with Cassidy Wright, Sarah Hubbard and Tania Adams departing our services. Cassidy, Sarah and Tania have had a strong impact on our Warekila and Seedlings programs and we wish them all the best for the future.

Student attendance

This week, we acknowledged the students who have not missed a day of school the entire year. At Whitehorse PS we know that every day at school matters. Regular attendance supports learning, friendships, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging. Well done to the students below for their effort in 2025.

2026 Student Leaders

This Friday, we will formally announce our 2026 Student Leaders at our final assembly. Congratulations to all students who have been selected. Being a school leader is both an honour and a responsibility, and we look forward to seeing our new leaders uphold our school values, use their voice with confidence and represent the Whitehorse community with pride in the year ahead.

As we approach the summer break, I would like to wish all members of the Whitehorse Primary School community a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday period.

To all families, students and staff, Merry Christmas. Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

Kind regards,

Andrew Den Elzen

Principal

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