Assistant Principals

A Special Final Term for Our Grade 6 Students

Welcome to our final term of the year! For our Grade 6 students, this marks a special milestone: the final chapter of their primary school journey.

This year is particularly meaningful for Grayling Primary School, as we celebrate our first group of students to complete their entire primary schooling with us, from Prep through to Grade 6. They have grown alongside our school and will always hold a special place in Grayling’s story.

An exciting term awaits, with camp, graduation and an end-of-year excursion to Gumbuya World. These experiences will provide opportunities to celebrate achievements, enjoy time with friends and create lasting memories.

It has been wonderful to share in our students’ learning journeys and watch them grow in confidence and independence. We look forward to supporting them as they prepare for their next adventures at high school.

Thank you to our families for your support throughout these years. There is so much to be proud of and plenty to look forward to!

Stop, Walk and Talk

At Grayling, we teach students the Stop, Walk and Talk strategy to help them respond to everyday peer problems, such as teasing or unwanted comments, in the classroom or playground. This shared approach helps children communicate boundaries, move away and seek support.

The three steps are:

1. Stop: Hold up your hand in a clear stopping signal and say “Stop!” firmly and calmly.
2. Walk: If the behaviour continues, walk away towards a safe place, another activity or a different group.
3. Talk: If the behaviour continues or you need support, tell a teacher or another trusted adult what happened.

We also teach students to respect others’ boundaries. When someone says “Stop”, they need to stop the behaviour and give that person space.

Children can seek adult help at any time. If they feel unsafe, are hurt or threatened, or experience repeated unwanted behaviour, they should go straight to a trusted adult. They do not need to complete all three steps first.

Families can reinforce this strategy by practising the words and actions together and reminding children that asking for help is always okay.

2027 Class Allocations

We are beginning the careful process of developing classes for 2027. Our aim is to create balanced, supportive and productive learning environments where every student feels connected and has opportunities to grow.

As part of this process, students will have the opportunity to nominate three classmates they work well with. We will encourage them to think beyond their immediate friendship groups and consider peers who help them stay focused, work productively, and feel supported in their learning. These may be friends, but the focus is on positive learning partnerships.

You can support this conversation at home by asking:

• “What makes a good learning partner?”
• “Who helps you do your best learning in the classroom?”

Friendships remain an important part of school life. Being in different classes does not mean a friendship ends. Students can continue to spend time together in the playground, sharing games, jokes and activities, while also building new connections in their classrooms.

Teachers put considerable time and thought into class placement. They consider students’ academic, social, emotional and behavioural needs, peer relationships, required support and the overall balance of each classroom. Leadership also considers special circumstances that may affect a child’s placement.

Student preferences will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed. Friendship requests will not take priority over students’ learning and wellbeing needs or the development of balanced classes. Our responsibility is to make decisions that support the learning, wellbeing and success of all students.

We ask families to support the professional judgement of our teachers and leadership team and help their child approach next year with an open mind.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work towards creating positive learning environments where every student is connected, supported and ready to learn in 2027.

We’re excited about the term ahead and look forward to sharing it with you. Enjoy your fortnight!

Meagan Lindberg, Lach Clydesdale and Aziel Salim

Assistant Principals