Principal's Update

Dear Families and Carers,

As we reach the end of Term 3, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued support and involvement throughout the term.

It has been a busy and productive few months, filled with learning, growth, and many memorable moments. From classroom achievements to special events such as our College Production, and through various opportunities for community involvement, our students have once again shown great resilience, enthusiasm, and pride in their school.

2026 Academic Achievers Test 

Last Friday, September 5th, we had the pleasure of welcoming many of our future Year 7 students to the Williamstown campus to sit the Academic Achievers Test for 2026 entry.

It was a fantastic turnout, and it was great to see so many eager young faces ready to take their first steps toward secondary school. There were many positive conversations with parents throughout the morning — your support means a great deal.

Everyone approached the test with enthusiasm and did themselves proud. We’re excited about the talent coming through and look forward to officially welcoming these students into our school community next year, ready to begin their journey with us at Bayside P-12 College. 

Parent & Teacher Interviews

This Thursday (11.09.2025), we are holding our Semester Two Parent and Teacher Interviews at our Paisley Campus. This will be the final interview session for the year. 

These interviews are a valuable opportunity to find out how your child is progressing—both in the classroom and in the playground. They also provide a chance for teachers to learn more about your child and to share insights into their academic and social development.

Parent-teacher interviews allow you to share important information about your child and demonstrate your interest in their school life. Your involvement helps support their learning and strengthens the partnership between home and school.

Please make time to book appointments with your child’s teachers via Compass. This is a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in person.

Bookings will close on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at 3:00 pm. For a step-by-step guide, please see the attached Parent Teacher Interview Guide.

Completion of Surveys

The following two surveys have been sent out for parents, caregivers, and guardians to complete:

• Uniform Survey (closes 11.09.2025)
• Parent, Caregiver and Guardian Opinion Survey (closes 19.09.2025)

Both surveys are important for me and the College, as they provide valuable insights into your views.

Please find the time to complete both.

Completing the Work Set by Teachers

Schoolwork is essential because it reinforces learning and understanding. Completing the work set by teachers helps to develop essential life skills such as literacy and numeracy, as well as attendance and accountability. It encompasses time management, discipline, and responsibility. By completing assigned work, the research and problem-solving required promote both independence when working individually and social commitment when working in groups. This prepares students for future academic and professional advancement. Completing schoolwork helps students grasp concepts more deeply, consolidate their understanding, and build confidence in their ability to learn and achieve independently.

Teachers set different tasks to challenge students across a range of levels and complexities, helping to build confidence in their learning and strengthen their academic performance over time. The use of varied schoolwork helps students adapt to new and changing expectations and demands, both in school and in the real world.

As parents, you have an important role in supporting your child. Regular homework contributes to a strong work ethic, discipline, and the ability to persevere through challenging tasks. You can support your child’s schoolwork by establishing a consistent homework routine and a quiet study space, encouraging reading, and maintaining communication with teachers. Show a genuine interest in your child’s learning, provide guidance and support without taking over the task, and celebrate their efforts and progress. Involving children in extracurricular activities, fostering a love of learning, and ensuring a safe and secure home environment are also essential strategies for success.

By creating a positive learning environment at home, you can:

• Provide a quiet, distraction-free area for homework and study.
• Set a regular time for homework, sleep, and relaxation to provide structure and consistency.
• Show interest in your child’s studies, highlight the importance of learning, and avoid negative comments about school or teachers.

• Establish a safe and calm home environment, which is crucial for a child’s well-being and ability to learn.

   

Other contributions you can make as a parent include:

• Asking your child about their day, what they are learning, and their friendships. It shows that you want to stay involved.
• Providing guidance, answering questions, and helping interpret instructions—while still letting your child do the work and develop their problem-solving skills.
• Reading together, especially if your child is in the primary years; encouraging curiosity; and making everyday activities educational to deepen understanding.

• Offering positive reinforcement, praising effort, and helping your child understand that struggling is a normal part of learning.

   

In most cases, the more successful students are those whose parents are actively involved in helping their children achieve their best—working in collaboration and partnership with the school. Teachers are professionals who understand their work and how to carry it out. Like you, their job involves complexity and a deep understanding of what is being accomplished.

A famous phrase often attributed to Dylan Wiliam, a professor of educational assessment, reminds us: "Learning isn’t rocket science; it is much more complicated than that."

This Thursday is a timely opportunity to talk with your child’s teachers about their progress and what can be done—together—to support their learning and the work ahead.

SunSumart

As we move into the warmer months, I’d also like to remind everyone that we are a SunSmart school. It’s important that all our students, particularly Primary, are diligent in wearing their school hats during outdoor activities and applying sunscreen as needed.

We encourage families to support this by ensuring students come to school with a hat each day and are aware of the importance of sun protection during this time of year.

Last Day of Term 3 

Next Friday, 19th September, marks the end of term 3. There is no early dismissal. 

The strength of our school community lies in the partnership between students, staff, and families, and it’s this collaboration that enables our young people to thrive.

I wish all our students and families a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a successful Term 4.

Regards, 

Mr Matejin