Dear School community,

As we reflect on another eventful year, I wish to recognise the efforts of our resilient and supportive school community.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you – students, parents, teachers, and staff – for your support throughout this busy and challenging year. Together, we have faced many obstacles, embraced opportunities for growth, and continued to uphold the values that make our diverse community so special.

When looking back on the achievements of KVPS during 2023, I am drawn to our students’ attitudes towards school, along with their engagement in their learning. Their learning growth and highlights for the year is reflected in their school reports which were sent home on Monday. First and foremost, I would like to thank all the teaching staff on the thought, effort and care they have shown their students throughout 2023, enabling these academic efforts and achievements alongside their emotional and social development. I also extend a warm thank you to our ES who have supported students along the way.

I would like to thank the wellbeing leadership team, Deb Ignace, Sally Newport, Matt Sires and Jackson Prendergast as we cannot get the best learning outcomes for our students if their wellbeing and health needs are not met. An incredible amount of energy, emotional stamina, sensitivity, and strategically planned supports are put in place for our students and families so that they can thrive at school. Thank you to the operations leadership team Kylie Spalding and Tracey Di Lollo who have managed the day-to-day facilities, OHS and maintenance requirements. This year we have worked even harder to develop a consistent team approach to teaching and learning and the PLC leaders have been the main driving force behind this, so thank you to Chris Turner, Stacey Weston, Carolyn Torpe, Priyanka Dennis, Brandon Baker and Kylie S. Thank you to Kevin Graham for supporting the daily operations of the school by taking classes when staff were absent.

As you can see there are many teams across the school who work together to get the very best outcomes for our students. Another team of people I would like to acknowledge for supporting me this year is our school council team led by our President Nathan Milburn and Vice President Dilanka. This year the school council has been a tremendous support in sharing parent perspectives and overseeing governance. I thank you for your professionalism and dedication to our school.

Thank you to the families for your continuous support of myself and our school. We have received lots of positive feedback and support about the direction. I also appreciate the families who raised their concerns with the school and worked with us collaboratively to come to a positive resolution that puts the students at the centre.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of staff who are leaving us. They have worked hard at KVPS and made a positive impact on students and families.

Teachers who are officially leaving us are Rochelle Draai. We also have Ms Crawford and Ms Pelletier who have taken a year transfer and Ms Smith who will be taking a year off. Our fixed term contract teachers who were employed for the year are also leaving and they are Jelita Jaison, Shellie Jellinek and Grace Larzabel.

ES staff who are leaving are Teresa C, Monica S, Bec W, Maryelle G, Catherine S, Erin L, Jane S and Emily M.

I thank all these staff and I hope you take fond memories from KVPS with you. Good luck!

With the above changes, I am excited to share that we will be welcoming some new passionate and dedicated teachers to the KVPS community. I extend a warm welcome to Amy Jones, Caitlin Beattie, Catherine Rivett, Alex Keng, Shane Long and Libby Salter. We also have Gezime Bala and Bec Dell returning to KVPS.

Again, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone. It has been a privilege to serve the KVPS community and I look forward to working with you in Term 2 upon my return from family leave.

I wish you all a safe, happy and merry Christmas and new year.

With gratitude,

Aisha

Specialist