Dear Parents and Carers,

Today marks one month until the end of the school year, which is both exciting and a little daunting, with many wonderful events still taking place across our school and plans well and truly underway for 2026.

Grandparents' Day

On Monday, we were delighted to welcome so many grandparents to our Grandparents’ Day open afternoon. Visitors spent time exploring different learning spaces with their grandchildren, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories and reflections on how education has changed over time. We deeply value the important role grandparents play in the lives of our students. The afternoon concluded with a Bubble Tea event run by our Whitehorse Family Network. Thank you to the team for organising such a successful activity.

A number of grandparents also enquired about volunteering in our school. Any community member interested in assisting is encouraged to contact the office. Please note that all volunteers must hold a valid Working With Children Check. We are grateful for the ongoing support our community provides.

Working Bee

Sunday’s Melbourne weather certainly challenged our planned working bee. Despite this, thank you to Ben, Jo and Ashley, who braved the conditions to repair our compost area and mulch the garden beds. Your efforts help ensure our garden remains safe, functional, and inviting for students participating in our Garden program.

ICAS

On Friday, we acknowledged a large number of our Year 2–6 students who achieved Distinctions and High Distinctions in the ICAS assessments for 2024. The remaining certificates will be sent home this week. As Principal, I am extremely proud of all students who took part and demonstrated a willingness to challenge themselves in a range of learning areas.

Swimming

Thank you to our staff for their flexibility and organisation throughout the last two weeks of the swimming program, and to the parents who attended to support students. We will soon be seeking feedback to ensure future programs continue to meet the needs of our community.

Chess State Finals

Last week a number of our students represented our school at the State Chess Championships where our school finished in the top 16 in the state. Well done to Harrison, Shaaz, Kayaan, Justin and Liam for representing our school so proudly!

Staffing Updates

As we approach the end of the year, staffing arrangements for 2025 are becoming clearer. Changes in roles are a normal and healthy part of school life, providing opportunities for growth and development. They also mean that some staff move on to new challenges, both within and beyond the education sector.

I would like to acknowledge Dianne Keats and Deb Strike, who will each be taking up opportunities at new schools in 2026. Both have contributed leadership, expertise, and care to the Whitehorse Primary School community over many years. We thank them sincerely and wish them all the best in their new roles.

I would also like to inform the community that our substantive Assistant Principal, Jo Majdan, who has been on leave since Term 2, has advised that she will not be returning to Whitehorse PS. Jo has been a dedicated member of our school (formerly Nunawading PS) since 2009, serving in a range of roles across her time here.

On a personal note, I want to express my gratitude for the support Jo provided during my transition to Whitehorse. She is one of the most passionate, caring and committed educators I have worked with. Jo has been instrumental in shaping several whole-school approaches and has consistently supported students, staff and families with kindness and professionalism. We wish her every success as she begins a new chapter beyond education.

Transition

This week, students participated in another in-school transition session as part of our preparations for 2025. These sessions give students the opportunity to experience different year-level environments and connect with a range of teachers and classmates.

As students continue their learning journey this year, families can support a smooth transition into next year by focusing on a few simple habits:

1. Strengthen Daily Routines

Establish consistent bedtimes, calm morning routines, and predictable after-school habits. Strong routines now help our students feel prepared for the expectations of next year.

2. Talk About their Growth Throughout the Year

Discuss the skills your child is developing—reading, friendships, problem-solving, organisation. Recognising their progress builds confidence for the challenges of the next year level.

3. Encourage Organisation and Responsibility

Give your child opportunities to pack their bag, look after their belongings, and organise their materials. These skills help set them up for success next year.

4. Stay Connected with the Whitehorse Primary School Community

Keep engaging with school events, updates and teacher communication. Strong home-school partnerships help students feel supported and secure within the school.

5. Build Independence with Everyday Tasks

Encourage your child to practise tasks such as opening lunch containers, managing readers, completing small chores, or solving minor issues independently. These skills foster confidence and readiness for the year ahead.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Andrew Den Elzen

Principal

Principal's Awards