From the Principal 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff,

I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to our new and existing Gilgai community members, to the start of the 2025 school year. I am excited to embark on another year of learning, growth, and adventure at Gilgai Plains Primary School. We are especially excited to welcome our brand new Foundation students and families, who have their first full day this Thursday.

Our beautiful school is a place where students are nurtured, friendships are formed, and every child is supported to reach their fullest potential. Whether you are returning for another year or joining us for the first time, I am confident that together we will make this a year filled with excitement and success for our children.

To our students, I encourage you to embrace every challenge and celebrate every accomplishment, big or small. Remember, learning is a journey, and it’s the effort you put in that counts the most.

To our parents, thank you for your continued support and partnership in helping our students succeed. Your involvement makes a world of difference in creating a thriving and positive school environment.

To our dedicated teachers and staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to providing an inspiring and supportive space for all students. Your passion for teaching and your care for each child make our school community truly special.

I would like to introduce/reintroduce our Gilgai Plains Assistant Principal team. These wonderful educators are the backbone of our school and I feel very blessed to work with such an incredible leadership team.

Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Operations - Lisa Stafford

A very warm welcome back to all our returning families, and a special welcome to those new to the Gilgai Plains community. It is a privilege to serve as one of the Assistant Principals here at Gilgai Plains Primary School, and I am excited for the year ahead.Our students have settled in wonderfully and are already making the most of the new year, diving into their learning with enthusiasm and positivity. It’s been a joy to see them embrace the opportunities the year brings.

I am proud to lead our Wellbeing team, which includes our Wellbeing Leader, Natasha Caruso, our Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader, Stacey Crosthwaite and our Disability and Inclusion teacher, Tracy Loebert.  Together, we are dedicated to prioritising the wellbeing of all our students, and work hard to support staff to implement programs and processes that support student’s emotional, social, and physical health. In addition to wellbeing, I also manage the daily operations of the school, ensuring we maintain effective processes, up-to-date policies, and adherence to Child Safe Standards, all of which help to create a safe and supportive environment for our students.

I am looking forward to another fantastic year of growth, learning, and community at Gilgai Plains. Here’s to a wonderful 2025.

Assistant Principal Student Empowerment & Achievement - Scott Woolcock

Hello and welcome to another exciting year at Gilgai Plains. I hope the start of the school year has been smooth and that your children are already feeling settled and engaged in the school community. It is an absolute privilege to be part of such a welcoming and supportive environment, where I get to work with outstanding leaders, passionate teachers, and families who are always there to lend a helping hand.

I’m deeply passionate about my role and the opportunities it brings. One of the highlights for me is working with our student leaders to create a space where every student feels they have a voice and can influence the decisions that shape their experience at school. From leading student clubs and developing leadership skills to running assemblies and driving initiatives like fundraising for our new playgrounds, there are so many ways our students can contribute and make a difference.

In addition, I’m focused on supporting our amazing staff to build their skills around data literacy and foster a culture where we’re always learning and growing. By continuously improving our teaching practices, we ensure that every student has the support they need to achieve their best, both academically and personally.

I’m looking forward to another year of collaboration, growth, and achievement with all of you. Together, we’ll make this a fantastic year for our students and our community!

Assistant Principal Curriculum & Pedagogy - Emily Hyde 

(currently on maternity leave, returning Term 2)

I feel incredibly privileged to be the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Pedagogy at Gilgai Plains Primary School. It’s been an exciting and fulfilling journey so far, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.

My role is all about leading and shaping the teaching and learning experiences at GPPS. This involves guiding our amazing teachers in implementing programs and evidence-based practices. A big focus of mine is supporting teachers to deliver the Victorian Curriculum in the most effective way, using the ‘I Do, We Do, You Do’ model to ensure every student has the chance to succeed. By collaborating with team leaders and teachers, we work hard to build a consistent and evidence-based approach to learning.

One of the parts of my job I’m most passionate about is professional learning. I’m always excited to dive into new research and attend professional development opportunities to expand my knowledge of how students learn best. Every week, our staff comes together for collaborative learning sessions, where we share insights and build our collective expertise. This helps ensure that our students not only grasp new ideas but are able to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, growing into individuals who will positively influence the world around them.

I’m looking forward to another year of learning, growth, and collaboration with our exceptional team and inspiring students!

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum & Pedagogy - Aleisha Scott

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to our school community at the start of another exciting year. This term I will continue in the role of Acting Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Pedagogy. I feel so very lucky to be able to work alongside our dedicated educators, engaged students, and supportive families to foster a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

At our school, we are committed to providing a rich and dynamic curriculum that challenges and inspires our students. Through evidence-based practices, collaboration, and a strong focus on student success, we aim to create an engaging learning environment that creates a love for lifelong learning.

I’m looking forward to working closely with staff to enhance teaching practices, support student achievement, and ensure that our curriculum remains responsive to the needs of all learners. Together, we will continue to build a school culture that values academic excellence, creativity, and inclusivity.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to a successful and enriching year for all.

New Buildings

You will have noticed that we have a brand new double storey portable in place, housing our Year 3 cohort. Each double room has 4 air conditioners which are proving to be very appreciated by staff and students alike! We have a smaller portable on its way which will be our specialist Science room.

The Scout Hall build has finally begun along the Toyon Road side of our school, next to the kindergarten. I’m looking forward to this work being completed by the end of this year.

Community Picnic

Our annual Community Picnic is coming up on Friday 21st February. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new and old friends in a very relaxed setting. This year we will have a live band which will hopefully encourage lots of dancing and fun, as well as food trucks, market stalls and activities. If you are a registered business and interested in having a market stall, please contact Pina LaFace on 8779 0000.

Assembly

Our first 2025 official assembly will be on Friday 14th February at 2.15pm. All parents and carers are most welcome and encouraged to attend if that’s possible for you.

Stay safe, keep cool and don’t hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or the school if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

Anthea Jamieson

Principal