From the Principals
Information from Mrs Mann, Mrs Cook and Mrs Strachan
2026 Classes & Team
We are pleased to be able to share with our community the class structure and teacher placements for 2026. Teachers have been working hard on student placements as we prepare for our end of year transition activities.
For 2026, we will have 29 classes, and 5 Specialist areas. Below is a list of which teachers will be in which level.
| Role | Teachers |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Sarah Battle, Nic Walsh, Zara Abrahams, Astrid May |
| Year 1 | Nikki Lewis, Nerida Forster, Vivian Nguyen, Eli Dahlenburg |
| Year 2 | Katia Lumley, Charlotte Caldarelli, George Samothrakitis, Lauren Pring (3 days)/Julie Reid (2 days) |
| Year 3 | Hsien Tran, Bronwyn Moore, Maddi Fletcher, Michelle Guye (4 days)/Brierly Parker (1 day) |
| Year 4 | Chris Bird, Lisa Shoebridge, John Hoskin (3 days)/Al Straughan (2 days), TBC (currently recruiting) |
| Year 5 | Kate Yates, Damon Webb, Sally Dyett, Kerryn McConachy |
| Year 6 | Paul Souter, Gill Prentice, Phil Allison, Kayla Nealy, James Sadler |
| PE | Clinton Walsh & Alisha Tarenidis |
| Art | Meredith Simpson & Courtney Williams |
| Music | Ryan Condron & Al Straughan |
| Digitech / STEM | Mic Lowne & Travis Fraser |
| LOTE | Cyara Pittas & Travis Fraser |
| Literacy Support & Intervention | Fiona Van Zuylen |
| Wellbeing | Louise Jarvis |
| EAL | Dianna Fuller |
| Classroom Support & Tutoring | Kath Jones, Brierly Parker, Alicia Pritchard, Fiona Hedstrom |
| Disability Inclusion | Renata Hannink |
| Teaching & Learning Coach | Andrew Wastie |
| Assistant Principals | Joy Cook, Jacci Strachan |
| Principal | Jess Mann |
We are excited to welcome back Courtney Williams and Travis Fraser to VPS. Both Travis and Courtney have had some time away from full time teaching and are looking forward to returning to the Vermont family in 2026.
We would also like to announce that Mrs Quinn will be heading off on Family Leave early Term 1 as she and her family prepare to welcome their second child. We wish Chantelle all the very best and cannot wait to hear the wonderful news of Baby Quinn's arrival!
We also are saying farewell to Miss Mealings who has accepted a position at Osborne Primary School in Mount Martha. Bec has been a teacher at VPS for 9 years, and has been an integral part of our school fabric, teaching mainly in the junior years. Bec has exceptional qualities as a teacher, and has been the driving force behind many students successes. We are sad to see Bec leave VPS, but know she will be much loved at Osborne PS, and will no doubt enjoy being much closer to home!
First Lego League
A massive congratulations to our First Lego League participants who yesterday competed at Swinburne University. Vermont PS had three teams entered, and we are so proud of each and every student who were involved. We had two teams, Free Range Chickens and Flamingo Rhapsody who have progressed to the National competition level, as well as being awarded prizes for Core Values and Innovation. The Rising Tides participated with enthusiasm and skill and although they are not progressing to the next level, should be incredibly proud of themselves and their achievements. A HUGE thank you to Mic Lowne who led the teams back at school as well as playing a major role in the coordination of the competition.
Absences, Late Arrivals & Early Departures
Please see below a reminder message from the Office:
Whole Day Absences:
If your child has missed any days this year please log on to Compass to approve their unexplained absence, if you have not already done so.
Late Arrivals and Early Departures:
If your child is going to be late to school or collected early, please do not enter this on Compass in advance. Parents or carers must sign their student in or out at the Compass Kiosk at the office, this will mark their arrival or departure at the actual time.
As a courtesy to the teacher, an email in advance (where possible) to advise of an early departure is appreciated. This will enable the student to be be packed up and ready to go when you arrive at the school office.
Enrolments for 2026
With most enrolments for 2026 now finalised, we would like to remind families that if you will not be returning to VPS next year (other than Year 6s) please let the office know so we can make necessary arrangements to transfer information to your child's new school.
Vermont Views School Magazine
The Vermont Views magazine is now available for purchase for $15. This is a great keepsake of 'the year that was' and a fun way to track your child's journey through their school years. The magazine has every 2025 class included, special items from the specialist subjects, and a reflection from the student leaders and the Principals.
Orders can now be placed through the Compass Parent Portal, under the Shop Menu. To access the Shop Menu from the app, click the ‘More’ button at bottom right of screen. Then click on the 'Shop' tile.
If you would like to purchase a copy, you will need to order before midday on Friday 5th December 2025. Magazines will be sent home with your student in the final week of term.
Grandparents and Special Friends Morning Tea
On Tuesday 25th November the staff and the members of the Community Network would like to invite grandparents or special friends to school to visit classrooms and to enjoy a lovely morning tea.
Plan for the day:
9:30am in the classrooms
10:15am in the stadium for morning tea.
So please keep the date free, as we look forward to seeing you all.
Hi-Lites Netball Club
Some boys and girls spoke to Mrs Strachan during the week to show their interest in playing netball next season. A reminder that it begins in Term 1.
If you are interested, please email:
- Mrs Strachan at: jacqueline.strachan@education.vic.gov.au or directly to
- Hi-lites Netball Club at: hilitesnetball@gmail.com
Registrations are open now and closing next week, so get in quick!