Kyneton Primary School Newsletter

Principal's Message to the School Community

Dear KPS Families,

2025 Class Placement Reminder

If parents or carers have any information regarding their child’s placement for 2025, please email me by Monday, November 18th, at alistair.rayner@education.vic.gov.au. 

Even if you provided input last year or earlier this year, you will need to submit a new email for 2025.

The class structure for 2025 is planned as follows: - 

  • 2 Prep classes
  • 2 Year One classes 
  • 2 Year Two classes
  • 4 Year Three/Four classes- 
  • 2 Year Five classes 
  • 2 Year Six classes

We ask that parents and carers trust the professional judgment of our teaching staff and school leadership team in making these important placements.

School Council President’s Report

Dear KPS Community,

I am pleased to share highlights from our most recent School Council meeting, held last week.

Progress and Data Sharing

Following a recent Principal’s forum attended by Mr. Rayner, we discussed how updates from the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) are presented to the School Council. Unlike some schools, we consistently receive these updates at every meeting, ensuring transparency and alignment on our progress.

Key AIP updates included a 15% improvement in staff survey results regarding effective use of data and diverse assessment tools. 

Additionally, our students’ positive attitudes toward school have grown this year, surpassing initial goals set in our four-year School Strategic Plan. We will set new targets for 2025. 

During Term 4, schools receive a School Performance Report (SPR) to support the next AIP's development. Congratulations to our teaching, wellbeing and support staff for their hard work, reflected in ‘medium’ academic outcomes and ‘high’ wellbeing outcomes noted in the SPR.

Staff professional development work with educational consultant Shane Crawford has been impactful. We look forward to evaluating this year’s work with him before year-end. 

Finance Sub-Committee Report

The Council approved minor adjustments to the 2024 master budget and the draft 2025 budget. Prep enrolments for 2025 are at a healthy 47 students.

The 2025 voluntary contribution payments of $140 were approved, and families have been notified via Compass and sent home notes. These voluntary financial contributions ensure that we can offer the best possible education and support for our students, so all payments are greatly appreciated.

Payments to Maxim Office Group for book and stationery packs were also approved and are due by 15 December to avoid a $15 late fee and ensure timely delivery for Term 1.

Mr. Anstee’s successful Colour Run fundraising initiative for representative sports uniforms was acknowledged, with final funds raised to be reported soon.

A question regarding Disability and Inclusion funding was addressed by Mr. Rayner, who explained that these funds, part of the Student Resource Package (SRP), are tied to individual student needs for students that meet the criteria set by the Department of Education. The school also supplements these funds from outside of the SRP to ensure adequate Education Support staffing.

Parents & Friends sub-committee report

The P&F Committee continues to play a valuable role in school activities, including planning the Prep 2025 transition play date on 10 December, supporting the Colour Run, and the whole school art exhibition on 13 December. Our continued thanks to all the parents who contribute to these and other P&F initiatives.

The successful launch of the All Kids Can group, which supports families with disability and/or neurodivergent children, was also noted. Their next meeting is on 20 November, with a proposal for a related sub-committee to be considered by the Council in early 2025.

Facilities and Grounds sub-committee report

Oval works are progressing well with a communicative group of contractors undertaking a variety of works to date, and expected completion still on track for February. The Victorian Schools Building Authority is working with the school to address compliance upgrades for ramps. We also thank everyone involved in the recent productive working bee.

Sustainability sub-committee report

Ride to School Fridays have seen strong participation, and in December ‘trade days’ will allow students to ride on an alternative day each week while still contributing to data collection. 

We are considering the simplest way to introduce bottle recycling via the Container Deposit Scheme for the many milk bottles sold at the canteen each week. 

While recent grant applications for vegetable garden and fruit orchard irrigation were unsuccessful, we are seeking cost-effective solutions to complete this essential work before the summer holidays. The final works required are the digging of a 15 metre trench at 300mm depth, and the laying and connection of pipes. We invite anyone from the school community who might be able to assist with these works to get in touch. You can reach out to the school office or feel free to contact me on this or any other matters at katy.mcgrath@education.vic.gov.au.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive for continuous improvement and a strong, connected school community.

Katy McGrath

School Council President

Remembrance Day Observance

This morning, three of our students proudly represented us at the Kyneton RSL Remembrance Day Observance.

Alfred and Aubrey confidently read the Prayer of Remembrance and Henrietta laid a wreath on the Cenotaph on behalf of the school.

Many thanks to these three school leaders for making our school proud.

 

Alistair Rayner

Principal