Nigel's Natter

Hi All,

It's been a ripper start to the 2026 school year. 

A few organisational things before the good stuff. 

VISITOR PASSES

All adults will be required to have a visitors pass if they are moving around the school between 9:30 and 2:45pm. This is to ensure that adults have signed in at the office, and are known to school staff. 

EARLY PICK UP TIMES

To reduce disruptions to learning time and to ensure we know exactly where students are at all times, we are nominating two designated PICK UP TIMES. 

If your child is late to school, they need to be accompanied to the school office to sign in and receive a pass – this is the only way they will be able to access their classroom after the 9am bell has rung.

Students can be collected from school early for appointments at the beginning of recess time (11am) or the beginning of lunch time (1:40pm). Please inform the school office in advance and they will ensure your child is ready and waiting to be collected from the office.

Okay, now the good stuff! 

The biggest news is the launch of our new Vision, Mission, Values and HaBITS. All grades have been exploring what all these new words mean - and how we 'live' them at school. 

HaBITS (Hamlyn Banks Individual Traits and Strengths)

We now have 12 HaBITS that we'll be activley encouraging at school, for students and staff. Classes have been talking about the HaBITS and exploring what they look like, sound like and feel like. 

This is long term work. Our students will build their knowledge over time. I encourage you to talk about these at home too!  

VISION

The 5 words below seem so simple, but, they are the result of School Council, student, community and staff input and collaboration. These 5 simple words paint a clear picture of what we're all about. 

For staff, we show up and give our best, we continue to learn about expert teaching and support, we understand that every lesson matters - and shapes futures. 

For students, we show up and give our best, we challenge ourselves and we remember that learning new things is what creates opportunites. We take responsibility for our choices, and out impact on those around us. 

Specialist Days for 2026

• Prep - Tuesday
• Year 1&2 - Wednesday
• Year 3&4 - Thursday
• Year 5&6 - Friday

Check out the Dates for the Diary Page for 2026 dates that are locked in!

BIG THANKS

I want to express our thanks to the Rotary Club of Geelong West. They have kindly donated to our Supported Learning Group. The students were very excited to hear of the donation and we will be sure to share some photos of how the funds are used! 

The source of funds for such donations is the biannual Rotary Club Book Fair. The next is on the 20th – 22nd of February. There are hundreds of children’s and teenage books for sale at $1 each.

Please get along and support the club, so they can continue to support community projects such as ours

Check out the full compliment of our updated vision, mission etc below. 

See you at the front gate.

Nigel