Ms D Principal Message

School Council

Last week the 2026 School Council met for the very first time.  I would like to congratulate the following members being elected into the respective roles:

Executive Officer: Suada Dzaferovic

President: Sandra Scalzo

Vice President: David Clark

Treasurer: Alex Campbell

Our School Council is supported by several subcommittees that focus on key areas of school improvement and community engagement:

• Buildings and Grounds: Oversees the maintenance, safety and development of school facilities and outdoor spaces to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment for all students. This may involve planning capital works, monitoring repairs and maintenance, reviewing playground and landscaping needs, and supporting long-term facility improvements.
• Policy: Reviews and develops school policies to ensure they reflect current regulations, best practice, and the values of our school community. This includes consulting with staff where appropriate, updating policies in line with Department guidelines, and ensuring policies are clearly communicated and accessible to families.
• Finance: Monitors the school’s budget and financial planning to ensure resources are used effectively to support student learning and school priorities. The committee may review financial reports, contribute to budget planning, oversee expenditure, and ensure transparency and accountability in financial decision-making.

• Events, Marketing and Fundraising: Coordinates school events, promotes the school within the wider community, and leads fundraising initiatives to enhance opportunities and resources for our students. This may include organising community events, supporting communication and promotion strategies, building community partnerships, and planning fundraising activities throughout the year.

   

We would like to invite any interested school community members outside the school council to join the committees should they wish to.  If you would like to join please contact the school and we will forward the details to the subcommittee leader so that you be added to their communications list.

*bold denotes Sub-committee convener

Professional Learning

So far this year, our staff have undertaken a range of professional learning opportunities, both within the school and externally.

We are very fortunate to have knowledgeable professionals working within our school who lead and engage in school-based professional learning on a weekly basis. Each Tuesday, all staff participate in professional learning through our ‘Sprint Cycle’. A Sprint Cycle is a short, six-week, intensive focus on a responsive teaching strategy designed to improve learning outcomes for all students.

The leadership team uses student data and classroom observations to identify trends and determine priority areas aligned with our Annual Implementation Plan. We initially work with PLC leaders across each year level to unpack and develop a deep understanding of the focus area, and to create an action plan. This may include rehearsal, review of planning and teaching documentation, classroom observations, and analysis of teaching recordings.

This term, our focus has been on ‘Narrate Thinking/Think Alouds’, which aligns with the Explicit Teaching element of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. This work has been led by our Teaching and Learning Specialists, Sam Pallas and Jess D’Angelis.

Alongside this, we have also engaged in professional learning led by Margaret, our Inclusion and Mental Health Leader, focusing on how we use data to inform the adjustments required to support learners working below, at, and above the expected level.

'Sorry Business' Absence Code

The Department of Education has recently added a new absence code, ‘Sorry Business’.

The ‘Sorry Business’ absence code is to be selected by parents if their child is not at school as they are gathering with family due to grief or loss within the Koorie community.

Grade 6 Camp – Sovereign Hill

On Monday morning, 63 of our Grade 6 students, supported by 7 staff, set off with great excitement for their camp at Sovereign Hill.

We’re pleased to report that they have had a wonderful time immersing themselves in life during the gold rush era. Students actively engaged in hands-on experiences across the village, to gain a deeper understanding of what life was like in the 1850s.

From exploring historic buildings to participating in traditional activities, the camp has been a fantastic opportunity for students to bring their learning to life while building independence and strengthen friendships.

We look forward to hearing more about their adventures when they return to school tomorrow!