Principal's Report

Jells Park Primary School

Principal:                        Kevin Oakey

                                          Kevin.Oakey@education.vic.gov.au

Principal &

Assistant Principal:    Kellie Stewart

                                         Kellie.Stewart@education.vic.gov.au

Assistant Principal:     Scott Zachariassen

                                          Scott.Zachariassen@education.vic.gov.au

Welcome

Welcome back to the new year - it has been an incredibly smooth start. The new Foundation students are finding their feet and getting used to the long learning days. Welcome also to all the new families - I am sure you will enjoy being part of the Jells Park community.

Once again, we look forward to another busy year with lots happening. Look out for the Education Week / Art Show,  Swimming Programs and sport, camps, State School Spectacular (choir & dance) and another JP Racing event.

Welcome New & Returning Staff

  We extend a warm welcome to the following staff especially:

   * Amelia Van Steel (Level 3 Teacher)

   * Jessie Wu - LOTE (Mandarin)

   * Tahlia Holsinger (returning Level 2 Teacher)

   * Claire Bartlett (Business Manager)

Principal Days

Just a reminder to the school community that I have taken advantage of the department offered 'Flexible Work for School Leaders'. I will be working a 4 day week, Monday-Thursday. We are very fortunate that Kellie Stewart has been appointed as co-Principal, with her allocated days as Principal being Thursday & Friday. The overlap day allows for me to provide mentoring to Kellie and for us to maintain continuity in the school.

Thanks Supporters.....

Jells Park PS has many supporters of our events and activities. I wanted to make special mention of the Mulgrave Country Club. They have been a long time supporter of the JP Racing program and have previously supported the D-Paws program. Now they have also agreed to financially support the Danceaerobics Team in 2026, allowing us to purchase new outfits for the participating students.

If you happen to be visiting the Mulgrave Country Club for lunch or dinner, be sure to thank them for their support of our school.

Important Reminders / notes:

Communications Strategy: This important document has been revised for 2026. I encourage parents to have a read Reports, Policies & Guidelines — Jells Park Primary School  Please take particular note of the changes to the Parent-Teacher Interview times.

Child Safety & School Security: We have provided a page of standards and expectations around 'Child Safety & Security at School'. We ask that all parents have a read. 

Please note particularly the requirements for parents to leave the school by 9.15am and not arrive at school before 3.15pm, and that we will be locking some gates to prevent unauthorised access during the day.

TeamKids: We have a newTeam Leader in TeamKids - welcome Imandi. Please see the TeamKids page for a profile.

Kevin Oakey

Principal

Gate security

To help maintain a secure school environment, all gates must remain closed during the day. Closed gates prevent unauthorised access and ensure students stay safely within school grounds.

If you enter or leave during school hours, please make sure the gate closes firmly behind you. 

You may notice we are now locking the sliding gate on Petronella Ave during school hours. If you need to come onto school premises please use one, of the two other pedestrian gates which have child safe mechanisms. Your cooperation makes a difference. By working together, we create a safer, calmer environment where students can focus on learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our school community safe.

Annual Privacy Reminder 

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kellie Stewart

Assistant Principal / Acting Principal