It has been a wonderful and positive start to the term. Our students have settled beautifully into their classrooms and learning routines, and it has been a pleasure to see their confidence and independence growing each day. Classrooms have been calm, focused and purposeful, with students consistently demonstrating our school values.

We have already celebrated some exciting events together. Our Lunar New Year celebration was a vibrant and joyful occasion, highlighting the richness of our diverse community and the pride we take in celebrating cultural traditions. Students also enjoyed two engaging incursions — a visit from the Melbourne Demons and the inclusion performance “Just Like You”, which promoted important messages around understanding, empathy and respect.

Across the school, there is a strong focus on evidence-based teaching and learning to ensure every student achieves growth. Teachers are implementing the Ochre curriculum resources to provide consistent, high-quality instruction, alongside Phonics Plus to strengthen early reading foundations through systematic and explicit phonics teaching. Our classrooms reflect a clear commitment to explicit instruction, where learning intentions and success criteria are visible, concepts are carefully modelled, and guided practice supports students before independent work begins.

Teachers are also using mini whiteboards regularly to check for understanding in real time. This allows for immediate feedback, quick clarification of misconceptions and ensures all students remain actively engaged in the learning process. In literacy, our Ochre novel studies are promoting deeper comprehension, vocabulary development and rich discussion. In mathematics, teachers are embedding retrieval practice, which strengthens memory, improves fluency and supports long-term retention of key concepts. Research shows that revisiting and recalling prior learning significantly enhances student achievement and confidence.

To further maximise learning time, we have established agreed-upon engagement norms across the school. These clear expectations ensure students understand what active listening, participation and collaboration look like in every classroom. This consistency supports focus, respect and productive learning environments. Our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework continues to underpin a safe and inclusive school culture. By explicitly teaching and reinforcing our values, we create predictable environments where students feel secure, respected and ready to learn. When students feel safe and connected, learning thrives.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to our 2026 student leaders: School Captains Nikita Nov, Maddison Perks, Ashar Fayaz and Gawhar Khan; House Captains Nak Kuch, Ollie Tooby, Keilani Edwards and Sammar Hassan; Values Captains Skylar Merigan, Zavier Dharmawardena, Gasal Avanoor, Charlotte Igoe and Devon Hetti Arachchilage; and SRC Captains Diyon Sakalasooriya, Indie Lipavic, Diba Fazli and Nikola Bajric. We are incredibly proud of these students and look forward to seeing them lead with integrity, responsibility and pride throughout the year.

Finally, a reminder that NAPLAN is fast approaching for our Year 3 and Year 5 students. Please check Compass for important information and key dates.

Thank you for your continued support as we move through what is shaping up to be another strong and successful term at Kilberry Valley Primary School.

Aisha Shariat

Year 5/6 News