Acting Principal's Report

We have had a wonderful term full of so many learning opportunities, experiences, endeavours and events. Students are well and truly settled and engaged in their learning, with our teachers thoroughly immersed in preparations for Term 2 and ready to ‘hit the ground running’ when students return after the holiday break. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed leading our great school as Principal and look forward to continuing to lead and grow our wonderful school into the future.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Mr Zac Barry and Ms Kirstie Briggs for their brilliant work in the role of Acting Assistant Principal throughout Term 1. I have truly valued their work and leadership in this role, which often involves tasks pertaining to the smooth operational function of our school, as well as a plethora of other undertakings. During this time, Ms Lucy Bray and Ms Michelle Owens have assumed responsibility for both 5/6B and Foundation KB respectively, and I thank both teachers for their dedication to maintaining programs to such a high level throughout the term. I would like to advise that from Term 2, Ms Lucy Bray will be returning to casual relief work at Chatham due to family commitments and Ms Owens will continue her fantastic work with our Japanese program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that Mr Zac Barry will assume the role of Acting Assistant Principal for Term 2 for 4 days per week and assume responsibility for 5/6B on Fridays. In line with this, I am pleased to also advise that Ms Hayley Collings has been appointed to the role of teaching 5/6B for 4 days per week next term. Ms Collings comes to us with brilliant recommendations and is very excited to commence work with our senior students from Monday 20th of April, Mr Barry will work closely with Ms Collings to oversee the learning program in 5/6B. 

I would also like to advise that Ms Kirstie Briggs will be returning to the Foundation KB classroom for Term 2 and whilst Ms Briggs has truly valued the opportunity of undertaking the role of Assistant Principal, she is very keen to reunite with her Foundation students and continue her wonderful work in both the Literacy area and Kindergarten to Foundation Transition space.

Buildings and Grounds Improvements – Sandpit and STEM Room 

Our diggers came out in full force as news spread that new sand had arrived! “To the sandpit!” one could hear echoing across the yard as droves of students descended upon the front play area to dive into the fresh sand. Needless to say, a full trench was well underway by mid-lunch time, as well as an array of works of art. Please see our students enjoying the space in the photos below and we apologise in advance for the sand that will no doubt be cascading from some students’ pockets! 

Our STEM Room will also be rejuvenated with a fresh coat of paint in the coming weeks courtesy of a recent prize obtained through the Victorian Principal’s Association.

Visiting Student Group from Hong Kong – Friday 27th March 2026

Last Friday we were delighted to host a group of 22 students from YMCA Primary School in Hong Kong, along with their School Principal and teachers, as part of a broader tour of Australian schools. This visit was arranged through our long-standing partnership with Beyond Education, and the visiting students had a brilliant experience engaging with our Year 4, 5 and 6 students across the day. In the morning, Mr Walter Boulton designed an ‘Aussie Sports’ program for our visiting students and Year 4 cohort, and our students really enjoyed demonstrating and assisting our visitors with their skills in footy and cricket. After recess, students joined our Year 5/6 classes to proceed through three rotational sessions based around STEM, Mathematics and Art. Our students really enjoyed conversing with our visitors both in the classroom and in the yard, and a positive experience was had by all. 

Year 5/6 Chinese Museum Excursion – Tuesday 31st March 2026

Our senior students had a brilliant time on Tuesday catching the train into the city to visit the Chinese Museum. This excursion supported students’ recent focus on China as part of a broader Geography and History unit. Further to this, on Wednesday students enjoyed a ‘taste of Asia’ banquet to complement their recent studies of the countries of Asia and we thank all our families for supporting this activity by supplying students with wonderful delights to share with their classmates. Please see photos below. 

Year 3/4 Netball Round Robin – Wednesday 1st April 2026

As part of a recent Sporting Schools’ Grant, our PE teacher Mr Walter Boulton engaged our Year 3/4 students in an intensive Netball program. This culminated in a Round Robin event facilitated by our Year 6 House Captains on Wednesday morning and we were so grateful to have two of our parents, Cassandra Bos and Sarah Mackay, assisting with umpiring games on the day. Our House Captains demonstrated fantastic leadership skills through their overall organisation of the activities and direction of students on the day. Please see photos below. 

Easter Raffle and Colouring Competition 

Our Monday morning assembly was buzzing with excitement as students displayed their Easter bonnets in readiness for our much-anticipated raffle draw. I am pleased to announce that this year, Luke C (3/4L), Lucy T (3/4C) and Emily V (5/6M) were very happy to be the lucky recipients of the Easter Raffle prizes and we thank all families who were able to purchase tickets to support this fundraiser. I would also like to thank Ms Hannah Scantleton and Ms Judy Holland for their enthusiasm and organisation of this activity. 

It was also lovely to hear that Hamish (5/6H) won the recent colouring competition for MP Jess Wilson’s recent colouring competition for all schools in the Kew electorate, and that Maddy R (5/6B) and Huxley P-C (1/2B) received runner up awards. These students were invited to a special celebratory afternoon tea at Ms Wilson’s office in Kew, which was a lovely event.

Foundation 2027 Transition Experiences

We had a wonderful turn out for our Open Afternoon last Wednesday, with children and their families enthusiastically roaming around the school and engaging in all the activities on offer. Feedback gleaned from parents and carers exiting indicated that families really valued this experience and enjoyed engaging with staff on their travels. I thank Ms Kirstie Briggs for organising this opportunity for our prospective families, along with Ms Tina Casey who liaises with our local kindergartens and childcare centres to inform them of such events. Ms Briggs also accompanied 11 of our Year 4 students to Canterbury and District Pre-school to read to their students and with so many of our Year 4 students interested in taking part in this activity, we will endeavour to provide further opportunities in this regard next term. It is fantastic to build connections with our local kindergartens and childcare centres as we look to strengthen our tie with the wider community. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of our wonderful school this term and please enjoy a happy, safe and fun-filled Easter holiday break. I look forward to seeing you all on 20th April when we return for another fabulous term at Chatham. 

Georgina Kirwan

Acting Principal