Principal's Report

Welcome Back 

Welcome back to Term 2. We started the term with a strange three-day week, which has allowed our staff and students to ease back into their routine. We very warmly welcome back Mrs Rae Gittos, our Assistant Principal, after a term of Long Service Leave. We are very pleased to have Ms Gittos back, as she is an integral part of our school leadership team. 

I hope that everyone had a very relaxing break and enjoyed lots of Hot Cross Buns and Chocolate Eggs over the Easter weekend.  Next week will be a bit different, as on Wednesday, April 30th, we will have our Student-Parent Teacher Conferences. The booking system is now closed. If you have any questions regarding bookings and conferences, please don't hesitate to contact the school. 

We look forward to next Wednesday, as it's an excellent opportunity to continue to build strong connections and partnerships with students, parents, families, and teachers.

Lest We Forget: Honouring ANZAC Day 

Each year on April 25, Australians and New Zealanders pause to commemorate ANZAC Day, which is a solemn day of remembrance that honours the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

The Origin of ANZAC Day

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The day marks the anniversary of the first significant military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I, when they landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915. What was intended as a swift campaign became a prolonged and gruelling ordeal, with heavy casualties on both sides. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, it gave rise to the "ANZAC spirit," which embodies a sense of courage, mateship, endurance, and sacrifice.

Commemorations 

Across Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC Day begins with dawn services, symbolising the time of the original landing. Veterans, their families, serving personnel, and members of the community gather at war memorials and cenotaphs to pay their respects. The Last Post is played, followed by a minute’s silence, and then the Reveille, stirring reminders of the solemnity of the occasion.

A huge thank you to all the students who attended the 'very wet' Whittlesea ANZAC Day March.  It was lovely to see all our students showing the ANZAC Day spirit. 

Why ANZAC Day Matters

ANZAC Day is not just about remembering past wars;  it’s about recognising the ongoing contributions and sacrifices of armed forces and their families. It’s a moment to reflect on the cost of conflict and to express gratitude for peace and freedom.

This year, as we mark ANZAC Day, let us take time to honour those who gave their all, support those who still serve, and remember that the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won.

2026 Enrolments are OPEN

School Review

On Thursday, we commenced our school review. We have spoken about this in many of our newsletters leading up to this day. I want to acknowledge that it was a very successful first day. The next stage is completing two fieldwork days, which will involve focus groups, observations, and documentation checks.  More information will be shared on how our families can provide additional feedback, as well as how to have a say in shaping the next School Strategic Plan. This plan will inform the school's focus and priority areas over the next four years. 

'Old' Toilet Demolition

We have been waiting very patiently for when the old toilet block will be removed. 

I am very pleased to say that the first step in this process will take place on Monday, when an assessor comes to the school to review the scope of the work. Once this is removed, our wonderful fundraising pavers will be on display - watch this space! 

Enjoy your long weekend,

Kaylene Kubeil