Principal's Report

National Reconciliation Week #Bridging Now to Next

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2025 is Bridging Now to Next. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, achievements, and futures.

Racism 

Recently, there have sadly been reports of students using racial slurs, which is deeply concerning and hurtful. Racially charged language has no place in our school or community. As a school community, we must educate our students on acceptable behaviour and language within our school and the broader community. We kindly ask for your support in discussing with your children the importance of using appropriate language and drawings, particularly in the context of the use of inappropriate language that is racial, swearing, and offensive symbols. Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home will significantly contribute to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for all. 

Thank you for your cooperation and support in this matter.

Mobile Phone Ban Reminder

A reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobile phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours. This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions.

By ensuring mobile phones are kept away at recess and lunch times, students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures that mobile phones can cause.

I ask for the support of all our families, staff, and students in continuing to support the implementation of this policy in our school.

Onsite Staff Car Park

Parents/carers and students are reminded to not use the onsite staff car parks for drop off, pick up or to cut through during the school day. The car parks are designated spaces for staff only and pose issues when utilised as a ‘drop off’ or ‘short cut.’ Thank you all for your support with this.

Term 2 Upcoming Events

We have the following big events ahead of us this term:

• Curriculum (Student Free) Day - Friday 6 June

• King’s Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 9 June

• The GAT for students undertaking a Unit 3/4 Sequence – Tuesday 17 June

• Semester 2 Start – Monday 30 June

• Wimmera Southern Mallee Careers Expo – Tuesday 1 July