Principal's Report

Fundraising in 2026

In 2026, we will be making a big push with our fundraising efforts to provide our school with the best yard redevelopment possible. As mentioned in Newsletter 3, our yard redevelopment has gone to tender and we are hopeful of approving a contractor early next term.

Why are we getting the upgrade?

When I conduct tours, visitors often compliment our school grounds; this includes the fig tree courtyard, Kaan’s Winya (our Indigenous garden), the netball court, the oval, and the two playgrounds. The one section of our grounds that is not recognised is the asphalt area between the netball court and the Fairfield Road building. This patchwork of concrete is a general eyesore, interrupted by tree roots causing cracking, and pools of water after rainfall.

What would the upgrade include?

• Demolition and replacement of the current old asphalt. This will improve drainage in the area and stop the pooling of water that occurs.
• Installation of a garden on the southern boundary (next to the playground). This would include plantings, granite sand surface and bench seating. One of the plane trees will need to be removed (approved by the Buildings and Ground committee).
• Installation of permeable paving, curved bench seating and mulch around plane trees.
• Installation of garden beds and timber bridge next to the playground (this garden will receive the runoff water from the newly laid asphalt).
• Installation of a timber decking seat near the Fairfield Road Building. 

Can we afford the upgrade?

To have all elements of the yard included, the school will be targeting all its 2026 fundraising capability towards this project. By using previously raised fundraising money, along with parent contributions to the building fund, we are expecting to require an additional $100,000 so that we can pay for this (approximate) $500,000 project.

How can we raise the additional funds?

• All our 2026 fundraising, including trivia night and ART FOR ALL, will go towards the yard redevelopment.
• The Social Committee are considering how we might run additional fundraising events, whilst remaining aware of the need for volunteers.
• Grant applications based on our sustainable use of rainwater.
• Allowing families, within and beyond the school, to make donations towards this upgrade.

What's next?

• We will announce the contractor once they have been appointed.
• We will keep you informed of our fundraising efforts.
• Hopefully an amazing new yard space!

Year 6 Camp

Yesterday our band of Year 6 students farewelled their parents at the school gates to embark upon their four-day camp. When the students reflect on their time at the end of primary school, camps are the most talked about subject and I am sure that this week will bring many long-lasting memories.

The first day and night have been a success with the students being great ambassadors for our school. You will get to read more about the camp in the newsletter next term.

Harmony Day

The school was awash with orange on Friday 20th March, as our students celebrated Harmony Day. The theme ‘Everyone Belongs’, highlights the importance of inclusivity.

I was on a school review panel at another school on that date, and I heard positive reports about how well that day ran, and the great leadership that our Year 6 students displayed in leading the day. Thank you to everyone who supported the event, with a special mention to Laurence Barre, our French teacher who coordinated the day.

A thanks too for all the gold coins donated – we raised $600 for Foodbank Victoria.

2026 School Council

Last night we held our first school council meeting with our recently elected councillors. At this meeting we elected the office bearers. 

Thank You – Departing Councillors

Also at this meeting we acknowledged the efforts and contributions of our departing councillors: Penny Heaton, Jock Hutton, Emma McDonald and Huon Morton. I am grateful to Penny, Jock, Emma and Huon for their commitment and expertise during their time on the school council.

Mini-Assemblies: Looking After Our Grounds

This term we introduced mini-assemblies to the students. During these assemblies I have met with cohorts of students (Years 1 & 2; Years 3 & 4; Years 5 & 6) to remind students of expected behaviours, aligned with our SWPBS work and matrix.

These have been valuable opportunities for all students to hear about our expectations at the same time, and it has also been an opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate the great start to the year.

Our first mini-assembly was focused on keeping the grounds tidy – what a difference when you walk around the yard compared to previous years! The tidiness of the indoor and outdoor spaces has created higher levels of pride and achievement throughout the school. Below are the scores (maximum of 5 stars)  that I have given each area for its tidiness – let’s aim for even higher scores next term!

School Crossing: Petition, Recognition & Farewell

It's not often we have three newsletter items related to our school crossing. Please see the following page in our newsletter to find out about:

• Sign the petition to make the Wingrove Street crossing safer.
• Nominations are open for recognising the work of crossing supervisors.
• Farewell to Michael, our crossing supervisor, who is retiring.

Raffle Donations Requested

On Friday 8 May, we will be celebrating our Mother's Day & Special Person's Breakfast at school.

As part of this, we would like to hold a mini-raffle (you may remember the great gift basket that was raffled off at the Father's day/Special Person breakfast last year containing a coffee gift pack, gift vouchers, a book, etc.). 

If you have a business that you would be able to make a donation, please contact the office.

End of Term Assembly

All families are invited to attend our end of term assembly this Thursday 2 April at 9am at the fig tree courtyard. We look forward to Year 5 students leading the assembly with students from each year level sharing their highlights of the term.

Thank you and well done to everyone for helping us have such a great start to the school year. Have a great week and a safe and happy two week holiday break. See you back at school on Monday 20 April.

Paul Wallace

Principal