Inclusion

Getting the right support in place starts with understanding the child. What do they enjoy? What are their strengths? Which parts of the school day take more effort, and what helps them participate?

Last week we looked at Student Support Groups and how families and school staff work together. For some students, that work also includes a Disability Inclusion Profile, sometimes shortened to DIP.

The profile brings together the family, school staff and a facilitator to build a detailed picture of the student’s strengths and adjustments the school is making to allow the student participate as successfully as they are able.

The conversation looks across the school day. This might include getting started with learning, communicating with others, managing transitions or joining in with peers. It considers the support already in place, including the small adjustments that can make a big difference.

The profile helps guide planning and, for eligible students, can lead to additional funding for the school to provide the support they need.

Not every child who needs extra support will need a profile. Families and the school work together to decide whether the process is appropriate. Students can receive adjustments and support without having a DIP, and that support continues regardless of the profile outcome.

At GSPS, this connects back to where we started this series: fair doesn’t always mean everyone gets the same thing. Understanding what each child needs helps us give them the opportunity to learn, participate and feel they belong.

Footy Colours Day - Morning Assembly

Footy Colours Day on the last day of Term is a chance for your child to wear their team’s colours with pride. We’ll celebrate with a morning assembly and footy club parade, giving everyone a chance to show their support.

Naturally, brown and gold would be the standout choice, but in the spirit of inclusion, we’ll welcome supporters of all teams, even those who haven’t yet discovered the joy of following the Mighty Hawks.

Whatever their code or club, we’d love to see everyone join in the fun!

A reminder that it is a 2:30pm dismissal on this day.

Work at the Victorian state election

The Victorian state election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026.

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is looking for people to staff voting centres in paid roles.

Roles suit a range of skills, experience and availability. Some involve several weeks of work before or after election day. Others are just for election day.

Working at an election is a chance to:

earn extra income
gain valuable work experience
meet new people
support your community
play a role in Victoria's democracy.

The VEC provides training and support. Hear more about the experience from casual staff at youtube.com/electionsvic

Find out more and register at vec.vic.gov.au/electionwork

To help the VEC place you at a local voting centre, please take 2 extra steps when you apply:

write our school's name in the free-text section of your application
email workingatelections@vec.vic.gov.au with our school's name to confirm you've registered.

If you are a school staff member interested in this work, the department’s Other Employment policy and Conflict of Interest policy apply to you. This includes the requirement to declare and seek approval for employment outside the department, as well to declare and manage any conflict of interest that may be caused by this form of other employment.

For enquiries about state election employment opportunities, contact the VEC at workingatelections@vec.vic.gov.au

Closing this Friday- 2026 Parent/Carer Opinion Survey

We want our parents/carers to tell us what they think!

Our school is conducting the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and is seeking your feedback. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage and appreciate your participation.

Our school will use the survey results to assist in identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.

The Parent / Carer Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September 2026.

All families are invited to participate in the survey.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.

The online survey will be available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Resources are also available in additional languages to assist parents / carers who speak a language other than English at home. Please reach out to your child’s teacher, or the school directly for survey guides in your language.

Please speak to your child’s teacher if you would like more information.

Gr 2 Widdows SWPBS Class Rewards