Getting Ready for 2026: Meet the Teacher

Monday 8 December

As we support students transitioning into 2026, we are providing another important ‘getting ready’ moment on Monday. At 12:30pm students will be moving into their 2026 classes where they will meet their 2026 teacher and classmates. This can be an anxious time for students who are faced with changing relationships and environments.

It’s completely natural for students to feel a little anxious or nervous as they meet in a new class, especially with the excitement and uncertainty that a new school year brings. These feelings are a normal part of growing and adapting to new routines, teachers, and classmates. Parents can support their children by talking openly about what to expect, establishing calm and consistent routines at home, and encouraging them to share any worries they may have. Simple steps - like visiting the school grounds, meeting classmates at a playdate, or practicing the morning routine closer to the start of the year - can help build familiarity and confidence. With reassurance, patience, and partnership between home and school, children quickly settle in and begin to feel comfortable, confident, and ready for a great year ahead. It is very natural to feel a bit nervous and worried about such change.

On Monday afternoon we will send home a letter with information related to your child’s class for 2026. This is a chance to celebrate the adventure of learning that lie ahead.

Instrumentalist Soiree

Thursday 4 December

As the newsletter hits the presses, the instrumentalists are preparing for their end of year celebration. Thanks to all who have rallied around to make sure that this is possible.

Planning Week

Starting Monday 8 December

A reminder to parents that next week we have teachers planning in their 2026 teaching teams. This is an important opportunity for staff to collaborate on planning for the arrival of 2026.

Monday will see the 2026 Year 1 teachers gather, and on Tuesday the 3/4 Learning Team will meet. Wednesday will see Preps meet and the 4/5/6 Learning Team will come together on Thursday.

While there will be some disruption, we are grateful for our staff who have been flexible in their teaching loads to ensure that the engagement of new faces is minimised.

School Council Meeting Highlights - End of Year 2025

The School Council concluded its eighth and final meeting for 2025 with a sense of pride and optimism, reflecting on remarkable student achievements and strategic improvements for our educational community. Our reflection of NAPLAN results revealed extraordinary student performance, with significant growth across critical academic domains. Students excelled in Reading, Writing, Punctuation, Grammar, and Spelling, consistently scoring above benchmarks for similar schools. In Mathematics, we were remarkably close to matching the growth of comparable primary schools, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive academic excellence.

As we look forward, the Council has reviewed enhancements to our school's infrastructure and learning environment. During the upcoming holiday period, we will be undertaking comprehensive improvements, including a carpet upgrade in Chandler Hall and the music room - spaces crucial for physical education and performing arts, as well as Out of Hours School Care program. Significant infrastructure work will also include the removal of soil from beneath the administration building and mechanical ventilation installation in the building's sub-floor spaces.

FORPS were able to offer some reflections on the current evaluation of the School Fair. The Council acknowledged the tremendous effort and organisational feat in bringing the event together. It certainly provided a highlight not only for school members, but also our much wider community. While a final figure for the Fair has yet to be defined the event has achieved ‘legendry’ status from all who attended.

Our Promotions Group is simultaneously advancing several exciting initiatives, such as a comprehensive website refresh and an innovative transformation of the oval's embankment into a creative student play area, made possible through a Northeast Community Fund grant.

Underpinning all these developments is our commitment to reducing absenteeism and effectively implementing the Department of Education's Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, ensuring we continue to provide exceptional, forward-thinking educational experiences for our students. Council members watched a clip detailing the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM2.0) and participated in some thoughtful and reflective conversations about the model. We are looking forward to continually reflect on the importance of student voice and agency as we step into 2026, as well as ensure that teaching and learning continues to be moderated through assessment and planning processes. These are key elements that underpin our 2026 Annual Implementation Plan.

Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes: School Volunteers

This week, we shine a spotlight on the incredible volunteers who are the heartbeat of our school community. From reading with students in corridors, to preparing artworks for the school fair, hanging artwork, managing sports carnivals, and helping with lost clothing, our volunteers are truly everywhere.

These dedicated individuals embody the spirit of community connection. As our school reflects, they remind us that human connection lies at the heart of our shared experiences. On Wednesday, we expressed our gratitude with a special morning tea - a small token of appreciation for their enormous contributions to our learning environment.

Looking Ahead: Our 2026 Teaching Team

As we prepare for the 2026 academic year, we're experiencing both transitions and exciting new beginnings. Some of our cherished staff members are spreading their wings, exploring teaching opportunities in other states and local schools. While we'll miss their presence, we wish them the very best in their professional journeys.

These staff include ..

Teachers:

Lynda Whitechurch (Retirement)

Sophie Cartelli (Leave)

Cailtin Tyler (Leave)

Nat Richardson (Leave)

Shannon Mitchell (Leave)

Michael Taylor

Julia Patatsos

Lauren Vigliotti

Not Returning From Leave:

Taya Eddy

Celeste Watts

Education Support Staff:

Jas Smith

Matt Adams

At the same time, we're thrilled to welcome new staff members who bring diverse experiences to enrich our school community. Several of our educators have also taken on new roles, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our learning environment. We look forward to another inspiring year of growth and education in 2026.

In 2026 we welcome Karman Price, Josie Anzelmi, Holly Beazley and Amy Ondongo to staff and look forward to getting to know them. They bring a wealth of energy and experience that will no doubt enrich our community and student learning.

The 2026 Staff

We are grateful that Kim Brydson-Dixon and Ally Stokes will continue to support the effective administration at the front office. Their enthusiasm and professionalism stretch beyond their hours and they are greatly appreciated.

The ever growing number of Education Support staff provide a range of supports for staff and students across the school. Their presence ensures a supportive space for all.

Sharon Hunter (Canteen)

Sharon Henderson

Michelle Woolacott (Library)

Matt McLauchlin

Rhonda Lewis (First Aid)

Mina Corbino (Uniform)

Jamie Rogers

Caitlin Cuthbert

Katie Frewen

Ben Harris (Breakfast Club)

Lara Hunter

Zoe Brooks

Our classroom teachers will continue to be key to ongoing student achievement. Their commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for each child in their class is reflected in the high expectations described by both students and parents in recent surveys.

In 2026, they will be;

Prep - Anna Dodd, Bron Taylor/Krystal Rosbrook

Year 1 - Kylie Smith, Karman Price, Lisa Wilson/Estelle Major

Year 2 - Hannah Konstantanidis, Josie Anzelmi

Year 3/4 - Heidi Yule/Nicole Baillargeon, Hayley Murray/Nicole Baillargeon, Holly Beazley

Years 4/5/6 - Daniela Darling/Olivia Stewart, Amy Ondongo, Eli Phillips/Kate Arnot, Bronwen Brasch

FORPS, Parents & Community