Principal's Address

WEEK 4 | TERM 2

PRINCIPAL'S AWARD

Dear Deanside Community,

As we move further into what has already been an incredibly busy and productive term, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our staff, students and families for the ongoing support, positivity and commitment shown across our school community.

Schools are vibrant places, and every week at Deanside Primary School we continue to see students demonstrating resilience, kindness, curiosity and a willingness to challenge themselves in their learning. Whether in classrooms, specialist programs, sporting events, leadership opportunities or community activities, our students consistently make us proud. It was especially pleasing during Thursday’s school photo day to hear the photography staff continually comment on the orderly environment, the respect shown by students and the professionalism of staff. It is always wonderful to receive this type of feedback.

Attendance continues to be an important focus. Every day at school matters, and consistent attendance gives students the best opportunity to build confidence, maintain learning growth and remain connected to their peers and teachers. We appreciate families working with us to ensure students arrive at school ready to learn each day.  Thank you to those families who have identified they need to start their journey to school 5 minutes earlier to ensure the children are in the school gates by 9am.

School Events

Over the coming weeks, we look forward to a number of exciting events, learning opportunities and community celebrations. These moments are an important reminder that schools thrive when students, staff and families work together with a shared sense of purpose and pride.

I would also like to remind families that the school always does its best to keep everyone informed of upcoming events and activities. Wherever possible, we aim to provide up to six weeks’ notice, particularly where payment or consent is required.

As families would appreciate, schools work within a range of timelines and organisational requirements when planning events. As part of this process, there are necessary cut-off dates for payments and consent. Once these dates pass, the school begins finalising arrangements related to student safety, supervision, staffing, transport, OHS requirements and confirmed costings.

Families receive reminders through Compass notifications, newsletters, assembly announcements and regular classroom discussions to support communication around these timelines. While we always want every child to participate in school opportunities, unfortunately we are unable to make changes to bookings or final numbers after the closing date has passed.

We appreciate the understanding, support and organisation of our families in helping ensure students can participate in these valuable experiences.

Getting to school

Every morning I stand at the ‘Drop and Go’ section at the front of the school on Conservatory Drive to greet students and families as they arrive. I genuinely enjoy seeing the excitement on students’ faces as they walk towards school each day.

Unfortunately, another part of this duty is witnessing the daily driving behaviours of some motorists around the school. It is concerning to see double parking, speeding, U-turns and other unsafe driving practices that place our most valuable humans — our children/students — at risk.

While it has been pleasing to see many adults adjust their driving and parking habits when accessing the school, I continue to urge all families to show patience and follow the road rules. In what is already a highly congested traffic area, combined with significant nearby construction, I cannot stress enough the importance of slowing down and helping keep all community members safe.

To support our community in better understanding the parking, traffic and road rules surrounding the school, City of Melton has updated and provided the information below for distribution to families. We appreciate Council’s support in helping promote safer conditions around our school. Please take the time to read through and familiarise yourself with the content so that we can continue working together to improve safety for everyone.

Thank you again for your ongoing support of our school community.

Industrial Action Update

As previously communicated, staff who are members of the Australian Education Union (AEU) remain engaged in ongoing negotiations with the State Government and the Department of Education regarding improved pay and working conditions.

At this stage, the school is yet to receive formal confirmation as to whether further industrial action will proceed. However, families are advised that proposed rolling half-day stop works may impact schools in coming weeks, including Deanside Primary School.

We understand that any potential disruption can create challenges for families and we appreciate your patience and understanding while negotiations continue. We will provide families with confirmed information and any necessary operational updates as soon as they become available.

2027 Prep Enrolments

Prep enrolments are now open, and we are already receiving strong interest from prospective families.

To enrol, families are required to provide:

• Proof of residence within the school zone 
• Proof of age (birth certificate or passport) 
• Immunisation certificate 

School tours will be conducted throughout Terms 2 and 3 for interested families. Bookings are essential and can be made via the school office on 8080 5444.

If you know families who may be interested in joining our school community, we encourage you to share this information with them.

School Values

Our school values remain central to everything we do. We encourage all members of our community to continue demonstrating: Respect, Responsibility, Excellence and Care in all interactions and learning.

Kind regards, 

Stuart Telford

Principal