Principal's Message

 Term 3 Shining the light on the Visual Arts and Amplifying Student Voice  

As we move further into Term 3, one of the things I enjoy most is seeing our students express themselves in so many ways. While literacy and numeracy remain at the heart of everything we do, this term provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Arts Program and Student Voice. 

Throughout the term, our Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs take centre stage, with students showcasing their talents both within our school and across the wider community. This year, we have combined our traditional STEM Night and Art Night into one exciting STEAM Night, highlighting the important connection between science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. As part of National Science Week, we are also delighted to welcome back the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC), with students in Years 3–6 participating in the engaging Size of Your Solar System workshop. Together, these experiences celebrate the creativity, curiosity and problem-solving skills that underpin all learning.

In amongst this our talented performers will also have the opportunity to shine through our annual Gray Street's Got Talent, while our budding artists prepare to exhibit their work at the Coleraine Art Show.  Meanwhile the Year 6 students and the choir will enjoy attending various secondary school matinee performances, providing further opportunities to experience and appreciate the performing arts.

Equally important this term is the incredible work of our Student Voice team. Our student leaders have worked hard to plan a series of special events designed to build school community, strengthen connections and create memorable experiences for everyone. The first of these, Kindness Day, was a fantastic success today and highlighted the positive culture we continue to foster at Gray Street. We now look forward to Crazy Hair Day in two weeks' time before finishing with our biggest Student Voice event of the term, the Book Week Dress Up Day and Readathon on Friday 28th August.

These events remind us that learning extends well beyond the classroom. Whether students are creating artwork, performing on stage, leading school initiatives or simply participating alongside their peers, they are developing confidence, creativity, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

I encourage families to support these wonderful opportunities throughout the term and thank our dedicated staff and Student Voice leaders for the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to making Gray Street Primary School.

Other Information 

Staffing Update – 5/6A Unfortunately, Mrs Sheree McGinley will be taking leave for the majority of this term. We are hopeful that she will be able to return for the final couple of Wednesdays later in the term. To provide continuity for our students, Mr Graham Lewis will cover most of Mrs McGinley's Wednesday classes, as well as Mr Stephens' Long Service Leave in Week 6. This arrangement will provide consistency for the students in 5/6A and across the wider Year 5/6 team, ensuring that teaching and learning continue with minimal disruption.

Staffing Update – 3/4 C Emma Callaway 

Miss Emma Callaway was due to return from Long Service Leave at the beginning of Week 3. However, due to personal circumstances, she has extended her leave for a further three weeks. We would like to sincerely thank Mrs Lou Kelson for teaching 3/4C during the first two weeks of the term. Her support has ensured a smooth and consistent start for the class. For the next three weeks, we are pleased to welcome Mrs Ange Field to 3/4C. Ange is a highly experienced educator and was previously the Principal at Dunkeld Primary School. We know she will be a wonderful addition to the classroom, and we look forward to having her as part of our school community while Miss Callaway is away.

Welcome Katie O’Keefe

We are delighted to welcome Katie O'Keefe to our Education Support team for Semester 2. Katie will work predominantly in our Year 3/4 classrooms, alongside our experienced Education Support staff, Mrs Rankin, Mrs Stevenson and Mrs Hilsdon. Expanding our Education Support team allows us to provide additional assistance to students and further strengthen the learning opportunities available across our classrooms. We are excited to have Katie join the Gray Street Primary School community and look forward to the positive contribution she will make in supporting the learning and wellbeing of our students.