Dear Families,

Today we celebrate our amazing staff at Albanvale Primary School on World Teachers' Day. We, as a community, are so incredibly lucky to have such committed teachers guiding our students through their learning journey at Albanvale PS. Not only do we know how amazing our teachers are, so do the students, with 100% of our students having high expectations for success. I talk about the Albanvale Advantage (what makes Albanvale PS a leader in education) and our staff are a key part of that equation.

Upcoming Student Free Days

After four weeks of hard work our students (and hopefully their families) are getting ready for an extended long weekend. On Monday 3 November we have a Curriculum Day, allowing staff to work on assessment and reporting. Tuesday 4 November is Melbourne Cup Day, a Melbourne Public Holiday. Team Kids is available if needed on Monday.

School Swimming

Next week (Wednesday 5 to Friday 7 November) the Preps and Grade 1/2 will take part in their intensive swimming program at Paul Sadler in Hillside. With a program based around swimming technique and water safety skills, the timing couldn't be better as we creep towards summer.

The following week (Monday 10 to Friday 14 November) the Grade 3/4 and Grade 5 students get their turn. The Grade 6s have a slightly different program, undertaking a day of surf lifesaving skills at Port Melbourne Beach on Friday 14 November. Thank you once again to all the families who have already provided consent for these events.

2026 Planning - it's happening now!

There are only seven weeks left of the school year! Planning is already underway to ensure the best experience for every student for 2026. We understand that some students will be leaving us at the end of the year, and if this is you please contact the office on 9367 2197 to confirm.

Right now, there are limited spaces available in some year levels for students wanting to join our school in 2026. If you know of someone wanting to join us next year, please encourage them to contact us right away.

Little Learners Academy

Many of you may be aware of our Head Start Program, where we prepare our Preps-To-Be with all the skills they need to get the most of school when they start Prep. In 2026 we are taking the next step, providing an enhancement to your child's existing Kindergarten program. Pre-school aged children can access to up to 30 hours of structured, play-based learning every week in a specially designed Pre-Prep Program. You can find out more about the program in the newsletter, or on our website. As with our Preps to Grade 6s, planning is well underway for the introduction of the Little Learners Academy, so if this is something you would be interested in for your child entering 4-year-old kinder I encourage you to submit your interest now.

Prep Transition Program

Our Grade 6s are well into their 'last' experiences (last first day of term in Primary School, last school swimming coming up) our newest school members are about to start experiencing their firsts! Although most of our 2026 Preps have been attending our Head Start Program for over half of the year, on Thursday 20 November they will begin their official transition program. Following three weeks of interacting with their classmates for next year, they will find out their teachers and classes for 2026, and their parents get to come to school for their orientation (which is almost as important as their children's). We can't wait to welcome you all for your 'first' experience as Albanvale students.

Thank you for helping us Achieve Excellence, Together.

Mr. Uzunovski

Principal

Visual Arts