Principal's Page

My End of Term Absence

As you read this, I am actually on Long Service Leave in Europe for the last two weeks of term and most of the school holidays. As a family, we are having a 're-do' of a trip that was planned for mid-2020... and we all know what happened back then!

In my absence, Assistant Principal Grant Rounsley will be in the role of Officer-in-Charge, Acting Principal for the last two weeks of term. 

Should you have any queries or concerns in my absence, please contact the school office and they will direct you to the most appropriate person to help you.

Thank you for a fabulous first six months of 2025 here at Valkstone Primary. I hope you have a restful term break and I look forward to seeing you all on the first day back next term.

Interactions with School Staff

Unfortunately here at school, there have recently been some interactions with our school staff that have included concerning behaviours such as raised voices and disrespectful conduct. While I understand that passion for your child's education can run high, these behaviours negatively impact not only the staff involved, but also any other staff, adults or students who witness them. I believe it's important to address these issues directly so we can work together to maintain the respectful, supportive atmosphere that helps all our students succeed.

When parents, carers and school staff work together as one team, our students thrive. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents and carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.

Parents, carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of your child. When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn better and feel like they belong in the school.

You may begin to notice new posters displayed in our school that depict some unacceptable behaviours that can negatively impact our school community. These posters are a visual reminder about the behaviour that does not help us create a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults. I trust that you will continue to keep respect at the core of all interactions with school staff. 

The Department of Education’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.

There are also resources to support safe and respectful relationships in our school community, including information about getting involved in the school, advice on how to raise a concern or complaint, and parenting support resources. Please get in contact with the school office should you want any further information on these.