Principals' Message

Principal for a Day

Last Friday we were very lucky to have Miss Harper as our Principal and Miss Lizzie as our Assistant Principal, working with us in the office as Principals for a Day! This special experience was made possible after Harper’s parents successfully bid for the Principal for a Day prize at our school Trivia Night.

Miss Harper’s first decision was that all students could wear their PJs to school and bring along a soft toy — a decision that was met with great excitement! Our students absolutely loved the opportunity to come to school in their pyjamas and join in the fun.

Our principals started the day by visiting each classroom to say good morning to the students and teachers. Throughout the day, they handed out stickers to students who were working hard and showing our school values.

Harper and Lizzie met with the School Captains to organise the assembly order, enjoyed a enjoyed a special Grill’d lunch and selected the music playlist for our lunchtime dance party. They even helped make the slime for the much-anticipated “Slime Ms T” event! 

It was wonderful having some extra pairs of hands in the office and giving our student principals a behind-the-scenes look at what happens in a school office and in the life of a principal.

Class Placement 2026

During Term 4, our teachers begin the careful process of creating class lists for the following year. This process is highly thoughtful and collaborative, involving input from teachers, leadership, students and parents.

Each student will be asked to nominate five preferred learning partners, and teacher recommendations will also be taken into account. When developing class groups, teachers consider a range of important factors, including:

• A balance of students across the curriculum achievement spectrum
• Social and emotional needs of each student
• Existing friendships and peer relationships
• Ensuring all students are valued, supported, and able to participate and succeed
• Maintaining gender balance in each class

• Any other relevant individual needs

   

While friendships are considered, they are just one part of the overall process. We aim for every student to be placed with at least one positive peer connection while also encouraging the development of new friendships and social skills.

📣 If your child will not be attending Donvale PS in 2026, please let us know as soon as possible, as this information helps us plan accurately for next year.

Parent Requests for 2026 Class Placements

As we begin planning for the 2026 school year, families are invited to submit a Parent Request Form by Friday, November 1st.

👉 https://forms.gle/PmehMgyRAMjCacMRA 

Please note:

• Requests for specific teachers cannot be considered.
• Requests from previous years are not carried over. If something remains relevant, please submit this information into this new form

• Changes cannot be made once classes have been finalised.

   

Students will be informed of their 2026 classes towards the end of Term 4. In the weeks prior to this, students will be involved in our intra-school transition program.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to create the best possible learning environment for all students.

SunSmart - Hats and Sunscreen  

A gentle reminder that ALL students need to wear their school hat this term. As we are a SunSmart school, we take very seriously the need to be sun smart. This includes

• Wearing the approved broad-brimmed Donvale school hat outside
• Encouraging students to come to school wearing a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen (30+) and to reapply it during the day 

If students do not wear or have a hat, they will be restricted to play in the designated shade areas.