Term 3 and Week 2 have come to an end (already). Each week seems to be passing more quickly. Traditionally, Term 3 is when schools start to plan and prepare for the next year, and this is the case for Whittlesea Primary School.

In line with our school review, we have recently had our new 4-year School Strategic Plan endorsed, so I would like to take this opportunity to share our Goals and Key Improvement Strategies (KIS). These are very broad and overarching. In our following 4x Annual Implementation Plans (AIPs), these KIS will be broken down in great detail, with progressive targets being set to help us reach our future aspirations.

Goal 1:

Improve student learning outcomes.

Goal 2:

Maximise student wellbeing outcomes.

KIS 1: Embed differentiated teaching practice to meet every student’s individual needs.

KIS 1: Strengthen the whole school approach to wellbeing.

KIS 2: Strengthen pedagogical practice to improve academic rigour.

KIS 2: Embed inclusive practices to engage learners with additional needs.

Our new 2025 - 2029 School Strategic Plan will also be published on our website. You may notice that some data is yet to be populated, as we do not have our end-of-year 2025 data as yet.

World Principal's Day

Today, Rae, Matt and I felt truly humbled and grateful as our staff and students marked World Principals’ Day with such warmth and kindness. We each received a beautiful gift and were deeply touched by the hallway filled with heartfelt messages from our students. It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to be part of such a caring and connected school community. I am incredibly appreciative of our fantastic staff and students. Thank you for making today so special.

Building Works 'Paused'

Our building works have been paused momentarily as some of our plans have had to be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances with the school site. All of the updated drawings are now with the Victoria Schools Building Authority (VSBA), so hopefully we can start to see some 'action' very soon. Once again, I would like to thank everyone for your patience and understanding whilst these 'disriptions' are taking place.

There is some good news, as whilst the area near the Year 3/4 classes is not progressive, they have let me know that the ramp at the back of the Senior Library can continue. We are therefore hoping that this temporary fencing can be removed very soon, so that the pathway can be opened up.

2025: Victoria Achieves Top NAPLAN Results

Victorian students delivered strong results in the 2025 NAPLAN, with participation returning to pre-COVID levels. Many students demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing, and numeracy, while the data also highlighted areas needing targeted support, particularly for regional, disadvantaged, and Indigenous students.

Key State Highlights:

Stable Performance: Results across all year levels and domains remain consistent with previous years.
High Proficiency: Around two-thirds of students achieved “Strong” or “Exceeding” proficiency in Reading, Writing, and Numeracy.
Increased Participation: Rates increased across all year levels, some reaching decade-highs.
Support Needed: Roughly 10% of students require extra help in literacy and numeracy.
Digital Shift: NAPLAN is entirely online, except for Year 3 writing, which remains paper-based.

Victorian Context:

Victoria recorded its best NAPLAN results to date, leading the nation in several areas, which is a fantastic outcome for our system.
Success is attributed to increased government investment and the efforts of students, teachers, families, and schools.

Whittlesea PS Context: (some of our highlights)

We have 60% of our Year 3 students in 'Strong & Exceeding' for Reading
We have reduced the number of Year 3 students in 'Needs Additional Support' from 22% to 13% in Grammar & Punctuation
We have 21% of our Year 5 students in the highest 'Exceeding' for Reading
We have 69% of our Year 5 students in 'Strong & Exceeding' for Writing

Enjoy your weekends,

Kaylene

Community Leaders