School News

May 4th, 2026   Archie

Our Superhero this week is a shining example of our school values of Excellence and Responsibility.

Archie is an all-rounder with a kind and caring nature; his classmates are naturally drawn to his friendliness and love working with him collaboratively. Archie listens thoughtfully, follows instructions carefully, and consistently completes every task to a high standard; only needing to be told once!

Archie's Responsibility is evident in the way he stays organised, always remembering important items like his diary and keeping up with his reading at home. he takes pride in doing his best, and it shows in everything he does. 

His love for sport is infectious. Whether it’s cricket, footy, or soccer, this Superhero brings energy and enthusiasm to the field, but what makes him special is how he includes others, ensuring everyone feels part of the game.

It’s incredible to see how seamlesslyArchie has joined our school community, especially since he only joined KPS at the start of this year! All his teachers across the school have noticed his positive attitude, friendly personality and the way he embodies our school values every day.

We feel so lucky to have you as a Grade 3 student, in Studio 9!

A huge congratulations to this week’s brilliant Superhero – Archie! 

May 11th, 2026   Hazel

Hazel consistently brings a bubbly and positive energy into the classroom. Polite and respectful to both peers and adults, there is a genuine warmth in the way she interacts with others, helping to create a positive classroom environment.

She is always willing to have a go and approaches learning with enthusiasm and resilience. Even when tasks feel challenging, Hazel perseveres without complaint and maintains a positive attitude. Her determination and willingness to try her best demonstrates a strong growth mindset and a love of learning.

As a Year 5 student, Hazel has formed a close and supportive group of friends and is well known for her kindness and loyalty. She is always ready to help others and has a natural instinct to stand by her friends when they need support, making her a valued member of the school community.

As a Studio 14 student, Hazel is inclusive and caring of others, showing consideration in her interactions. She supports her peers and contributes positively to the classroom environment.

Congratulations Hazel, we hope you've had a great week!

Classroom Awards

Congratulations to the following student for receiving a classroom award: 

Hazel, Callum, Ira, Leo, Leo, Charlea, Shelbi, Moss, Alexis, Jarvis, Henry, Sylas, April, Betty, Freya, Poppy, Nate, Alex, Reily, Penelope, Huntyr, June, Hugo.

Green Award

Foundation Swimming Program Next Week

A reminder that our Foundation swimming program runs every day next week from

Monday 18th May - Friday 22nd May.

Students will need to bring swimwear, swimming cap (compulsory), towel, a bag for wet clothes and their school bag. Please name all items of clothing and encourage your child to be responsible for all items. If children are wearing their bathers to school remember to pack underwear.

Any volunteers helping are to ensure they have completed our KPS Induction (see information below). Please remember to sign in at the office as a visitor.

Due to the timing of lessons, lunch orders are not available for Foundation students during swimming week.

Thank you.

Sports News

On Thursday, 5th May, 54 students, including 7 pairs of siblings, from years 3 to 6 travelled to Hanging Rock to compete in the COBAW District Cross Country Championships.

Students aged 11, 12 and 13 ran a 3 km course, and the 8, 9 and 10 year olds ran 2 km. 

All our students gave it their all and pushed themselves all the way to the finish line. Well done to all students who represented our school. We are all very proud of your efforts.

Nine students achieved a top 10 finish in their age groups - Sonny M – 6th, Alex H – 10th, Eli H – 3rd, Pfeiffer T - 1st, Erin G – 7th, April D – 8th, Elliott G – 10th, Abbie M – 3rd and Mae B – 8th. 

These students now advance to the Division Championships in Castlemaine next Friday, 22nd May. Well done and good luck!

Canteen News

Waffle Wednesday is back! Each Wednesday, a different year level will have the opportunity to purchase a fresh Banana Waffle via QKR or at the Canteen.

• Cost: $1 
• Limit: One per child 
• 20th May – Preps and Grade 1
• 27th May – Grade 2
• 3rd June – Grade 3
• 10th June – Grade 4
• 17th June – Grade 5
• 24th June – Grade 6

As the weather gets colder, the Canteen will also be offering some warm lunch options on Thursdays and Fridays:

• Red Lentil Dahl (under Vegetarian) 
• Pasta Bolognese (under Pasta) 
•  

Please note that only limited portions will be available each week, so meals are available until sold out.

Hot Chocolate is also back this term! Students can order through QKR and nominate either Recess or Lunch pick-up.

We also encourage students and parents to bring reusable containers for pasta, sushi, or Hot Chocolate orders. Every little bit helps reduce paper and plastic waste around the school.

Volunteer opportunities for KPS Canteen Volunteers – Term 2 2026 are now open.

It has been wonderful to meet so many new parents this year. I know your child LOVES having you volunteer. It makes such a difference to them and helps me enormously.

I am always looking for new family members (Grandparents, Older Siblings or Parents) to join our Volunteer Crew.

Please click on the following link, or copy and paste it into your web browser if clicking does not work: volunteersignup.org/CYWED

All volunteers must hold a valid Working with Children's check and complete an OHS induction. Information on how to do this is detailed below in the Volunteer Induction Information section.

Thank you so much for volunteering in our canteen.

Sarah Lockhart

sarah.lockhart2@education.vic.gov.au

Bookfair 

A huge thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time and helped make our Book Fair such a success! Your support created a wonderful experience for our students and school community.

We would also like to thank everyone who came along and purchased books. The excitement from the students was incredible to see; they absolutely loved exploring the fair and discovering new stories to enjoy.

Thanks to your generosity and support, we have been able to select so many fantastic new books for our school library. We can’t wait to share them with our students and continue fostering a love of reading throughout our school community.

Congratulations to Arno, Otis, Emily and Evie for their wonderful colouring and book review competition submissions! You all did an amazing job, and we were so impressed with your creativity and effort.

We hope you are enjoying your Book Fair prizes. 

Happy reading!

Denise Gathercole

Bookfair Coordinator

20% off Uniform at Lowes

Group Photo Orders

Photos are available for purchase for the following groups:

• School Captains
• Student Council
• Gardening and Sustainability Group
• Choir Captains

The cost of the photos is $15.00 each and can be ordered via Qkr!

Orders need to be placed by Friday 22nd May 2026 and the photos will be sent home with your child when they arrive.

Community Information

Staying well this winter

Influenza (flu) can be serious, especially for children. Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine. The earlier you and your family get vaccinated, the better your protection heading into winter.

Keeping our school community well

We encourage parents and carers and students to:

• wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face

• cough or sneeze into your elbow

• stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed

• stay up to date with your flu vaccinations

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu, especially babies and toddlers. 

They can get a free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program. 

You can book a flu vaccine through your GP or pharmacy, or find a flu vaccine near you.

RSV vaccinations for mothers and babies 

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that causes colds and ear infections. In babies, it can cause severe illness like bronchiolitis. 

The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. In Victoria, eligible babies can also get the RSV vaccine until Wednesday 30 September 2026. 

You can speak with your GP or midwife about the vaccine.

Find out more

For more information about staying well this winter, refer to:

• your GP, pharmacist or midwife
• the Better Health Channel – Don’t risk the flu campaign, including information about flu and other vaccines. This information is available in different languages
• the Better Health Channel – RSV vaccine for mothers and infants
• the Raising Children Network – influenza, COVID-19, bronchiolitis and helping your child prepare for vaccination.

Volunteer Induction Information

We welcome and value volunteers at KPS. Part of the process of becoming a volunteer is completing an induction with us. 

If you wish to volunteer your time for any reason, please complete the induction pack below before your first visit.

This information is also available on Compass in the School Documents section 

Medical Information and Medication Requirements

If your child requires medication at school, a medication authority form needs to be completed, and medication needs to be brought to the office to be stored safely. A first aid officer will be assigned to administer the medication. Students should not carry medication in their school bags. 

Please inform the office if there are any changes to your child’s medical needs so the appropriate paperwork can be completed and procedures put in place to care for your child.

2026 Parent Payments

Thank you to the families who have paid the $150 Parent Payment for 2026.

These funds are used for:

• Curriculum Contributions – items and activities that students use, or participate in, to access the Curriculum
• Other Contributions – for non-curriculum items and activities such as memberships, subscriptions to programs and affiliations.
• Extra-Curricular Items – the Kyneton Primary School Yearbook

If you would like to pay for these, please use one of the following methods -

• Compass portal
• EFT - at the office or by phone
• Cash - at the office
• Direct Bank Transfer - BSB 063-000 Account No 14033609 - use your child’s name as the reference
• BPay - contact the school office for your personalised identification details
• Centrepay - use of this method is available to recipients of Centrelink payments

Please do not hesitate to contact the office for more information or for any other query you may have.

Full Parent Payment information is attached below:

Uniform Ordering   

Uniforms can be purchased in-store from Lowes in Lansell Square in Kangaroo Flat. Orders can also be placed online at www.lowes.com.au. Please see the price list below

Students Arriving Late

Students arriving late to school should come to the office, accompanied by an adult, and sign in either on the Compass Kiosk or in the late book.  They will then be issued a late pass to take to class, and their arrival at school will be updated on the roll.  This will avoid parents/guardians receiving notification that their child is not at school when they have arrived late.

Early Collection of Students from School

We understand that there are many reasons why you might need to collect students from school early, however, we ask that you please keep these to a minimum where possible.

Our school PA system works by buildings so when an announcement is made it will be heard throughout the whole building and the closest relocatable classroom. These announcements are very disruptive, especially when some days announcements are being made on numerous occasions within short periods. These disruptions have an impact on student learning.

We ask for your assistance with some strategies to assist with this matter:

• Email the teacher and the office early in the day with the time you will be collecting your child/ren so we can, hopefully, have them waiting at the office for you.
• When possible, collect your child just before recess (11 – 11:40am) or lunchtime (1:40 – 2:20pm) rather than during the middle of class times.
• Announcements for collecting children will not be made during class time. If you need to collect your child during class time please come to the office to sign your child/ren out as an early departure and then go to the classroom to collect them.

We understand there can be emergencies, however, we hope you will give your support and enable all children to receive as much learning as possible.

School Gates and Opening Times

Our school gates open at 8:45am each day with classes commencing at 9am. School grounds can be accessed via the Edgecombe St pedestrian gate, the kindergarten ramp and the back gate at the bottom of our basketball courts. Please DO NOT use the staff car park or stairs to access the school.

Accessing Compass

Compass is our main way of communicating with our families. It is important that parents access the Parental Portal in Compass at https://kynetonps.vic.jdlf.com.au  

Using our parent portal will enable you to –

• View up-to-date class and school attendance information
• Approve or enter upcoming or past absences for your son/daughter
• Update your registered email and mobile number (used for SMS alters)
• Access information regarding upcoming events and news
• Access your child’s Semester Reports
• Book your Parent/Student/Teacher conferences

We encourage families to download the Compass App and to enable notifications to ensure you receive all communications.

Please click on the “Welcome to Compass” booklets for further assistance or contact the office.

Carpark Safety

We would like to address some important safety concerns regarding carpark use, and we kindly ask for your cooperation.

Kindergarten Carpark

Please do not park in the kindergarten carpark. This carpark is reserved exclusively for kindergarten families. If you have both kindergarten and school-aged children and need to park there, please ensure you use the ramp to access the school grounds.

Please also note that the large gate at the end of the kindergarten car park and the school is locked and should not be used to access the school — children should not be lifted over the gate under any circumstances.

School Carpark

The school carpark has vehicles moving in and out throughout the day. For safety reasons, we ask that pedestrians do not use the stairs near the flag poles and then walk through the carpark as a shortcut. The designated ramp or steps are to be used when entering or exiting the school.

Thank you for your support in helping keep all members of our school and kindergarten community safe.