Primary Years

As we begin a new school year, it is a joy to welcome each student, staff member, and family back into the Good News Lutheran community. A new year always brings a sense of anticipation—new faces, new routines, and new opportunities for learning and growth. Yet amid these changes, the heart of our school remains constant.

The values that shape who we are and how we learn together continue to anchor our community. Grace, Respect, Integrity and Courage guide how our students grow, how they connect with others, and how we support one another each day. It reminds us of the kind of community we strive to be—one built on strong relationships, rich engagement in learning, a commitment to personal achievement, a Christ‑centred foundation, and a holistic approach to nurturing every child.

As we step into this new year, may these values continue to inspire us and shape the way we learn, live, and grow together. I look forward to partnering with you in the year ahead.

Colossians 3:12–14 (NIV)

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Maria Denholm

Head of Primary Years

First Point of Contact

Your child’s class teacher is always your first point of contact. The best way to do this is via email on Compass. You may also hear from the Assistant Heads who are as follows:

• Dean Taravillo – Assistant Head of Prep and Year 1
• Sharmeen Hussein – Assistant Head of Year 2, 3 & 4
• Rene Van Zyl – Assistant Head of Year 5 & 6

Uniform

Neat presentation and adherence to school uniform expectations is an expression of respect for our school community, and a reflection of our own self-discipline and dignity. Students and parents are reminded of key uniform expectations, which exist for the safety and wellbeing of students. Please endeavour to address these matters before school starts.

• Hats must be worn in Term 1 and 4 during recess, lunchtime when students are outside. Please have your hat ready to wear at the start of the year. 
• Uniform items need to be official Good News items from Dobsons. 
• Shoes need to be formal black school shoes, apart from days when students have PE lessons
• Hair must be natural looking. Hair that goes beyond the shoulders must be fully tied back. Extreme styles are not acceptable, these include but are not limited to rat tails, shaved, undercuts, mohawks, obvious patterning and dreadlocks are examples. Short overall haircuts are to be a minimum ‘number 2’ cut.
• Jewellery must not be worn (please refer to the uniform guidelines for exceptions). 
• Nail polish: not permitted. 

In Primary Years Smart Watches cannot be worn and students are not permitted to have mobile phones.

SchoolTV Resources

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for parents as well as their children. For parents needing support to navigate this period of transition, we encourage you to utilise these resources on the SchoolTV website: https://goodnews.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions