Principal's Message to the School Community
Dear Kyneton Primary School Community,
I am writing to let you know that Jane Turner has made the decision to resign from her position at Kyneton Primary School at the conclusion of this term. Jane and her husband will be relocating to Northern Victoria to begin an exciting new chapter together.
While we are saddened to see Jane leave, we are grateful for the remarkable contribution she has made to our school community since joining Kyneton Primary School over 20 years ago. Jane has shown unwavering dedication to our students, staff, and families, and her positive influence has helped shape the culture and success of our school.
Jane’s commitment to supporting children, her care for colleagues, and her contribution to the broader Kyneton Primary School community have been deeply valued. She has touched the lives of many students and families throughout her time with us, and her presence will be greatly missed.
On behalf of the School Council, staff, students, and wider community, I would like to sincerely thank Jane for her outstanding service and wish her and her husband every happiness and success as they embark on this new adventure.
Please join me in thanking Jane for her many years of dedication and in wishing her all the very best for the future.
School Council President’s Report - August Meeting
Following our August School Council Meeting, please find a summary of updates below.
Principal’s Report
As part of the whole-school inquiry focus for Term 3, staff Professional Learning Communities are strengthening their use of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. This model brings together evidence-informed practices that support effective teaching and learning.
Through at least three collaborative learning walk cycles, teachers have been observing selected practices across classrooms, collecting and analysing evidence, engaging in professional discussion and agreeing on actions to strengthen their teaching. The aim is to build greater consistency and quality across classrooms while giving staff practical opportunities to learn from one another. Further analysis of the school’s 2026 NAPLAN results will also help inform priorities and planning for Term 4.
The STAIR project, led by Deakin University, will continue to support student engagement, physical health and wellbeing. The next phase of work will focus on the recommendations provided to the school, particularly opportunities for greater community collaboration and stronger student voice in shaping future initiatives.
KPS enrolments have increased to 307 students in 2026. Enrolments for 2027 are also progressing, and planning for next year’s staffing model has commenced. If you have a child starting Prep in 2027 and have yet to enrol them, please do so as soon as possible to assist with this planning.
A busy calendar of Term 3 activities, including interschool sport, incursions, chess tournaments, camps and numerous P&F events, is providing students and families with many opportunities to learn, participate and connect beyond the classroom. Council reflected on the strength of music and singing at KPS, highlighted by the participation of 43 choir members in the recent Boite Schools Chorus performance in Melbourne. Council also acknowledged the many opportunities available for students to represent KPS across a wide range of sports.
Finance
Council received and accepted the June and July financial reports, including account balances, receipts, payments, the budget report and the canteen Profit and Loss Statement.
The school continues to monitor its 2026 financial position carefully. It was noted that responsible spending during the first half of the year has helped maintain a stable bank balance to support planned expenditure across Terms 3 and 4.
The staffing-related budget deficit has reduced following the inclusion of approximately $64,400 in Tier 3 individualised Disability Inclusion funding. Additional Disability Inclusion Program applications are currently in progress, which may provide additional support for students.
Council also noted several receipts, including a $2,900 Sporting Schools grant to support the gymnastics program and a generous $500 donation from Kyneton CWA. School Council sincerely thanks Kyneton CWA and all organisations and community members whose contributions help provide valuable opportunities for KPS students.
Parents & Friends
Parents & Friends have a very busy calendar of fundraising and community activities. Recent and upcoming activities include the Silent Disco, Trivia Night and Raffle, Father’s and Carer’s Day Stall, the launch of new KPS merchandise, the Daffodil Parade pulled pork and cake stall, participation in the Kyneton Show and a Colour Run planned for December.
These events provide important fundraising support while also creating opportunities for families and students to come together and enjoy being part of the KPS community. Thank you to all P&F members, the wider parent and carer community, and staff who volunteer their time and skills to make these activities possible.
Grounds & Facilities
The school is exploring options for a new grounds and maintenance contractor, with a preference for engaging a provider located closer to Kyneton. Council discussed the importance of continuity and consistent staffing in maintaining the presentation, safety and ongoing development of the school grounds.
The recent whole-school tree planting project has also made a wonderful contribution to the grounds and will provide lasting benefits as the new trees become established.
Sustainability
National Tree Planting Day on 27 July was a highly successful whole-school community event. The initiative grew from Student Council feedback that the school needed more trees and shaded play spaces, and every student present on the day had the opportunity to help plant a tree. A total of 92 trees were planted across the school grounds.
The project received generous community support. Heidi Kelly donated 50 tree seedlings grown by her late husband, and Greater Western Water donated a further 100 trees and 100 tree guards. Parent volunteers helped prepare the grounds by digging planting holes and then worked alongside students and staff throughout the day. School Council warmly thanks everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.
The new Semester 2 Gardening and Sustainability Student Group has also made a productive start. Students have assisted with planting out the remainder of the donated tree seedlings, are growing vegetable seedlings for spring, continuing to improve the school’s waste-sorting systems, collecting eligible containers through the Container Deposit Scheme and participating in the River Detectives program. They are also planning to collect containers at the Kyneton Show, with proceeds supporting future sustainability initiatives.
It is wonderful to see student voice, practical learning and community support come together so strongly through this work.
Canteen
Council reviewed the canteen Profit and Loss Statement for the first six months of 2026. The canteen recorded a small loss of approximately $835 for the period. This was considered minor in the context of the important service and broader benefits the canteen provides to students and families.
Higher electricity costs, general inflation and increased wages were all identified as contributing to rising operating costs. As some canteen prices have remained unchanged for several years, a review of canteen pricing will be undertaken for 2027. Any proposed changes will be presented to School Council for consideration and approval before being introduced.
Communications
It was lovely to hear positive feedback from a new KPS parent about the quality and consistency of communication provided to families. Council appreciates the work staff put into keeping the school community informed and connected.
The annual Parent/Carer Opinion Survey is open to all families until the end of Term 3. This survey is an important opportunity for parents and carers to share their experience of the school and provide feedback on areas such as learning, wellbeing, engagement and communication.
Strong participation will give the school a more representative picture of family perspectives. The results will help inform future planning and provide valuable evidence for our School Review in 2027, which will shape our next four-year strategic plan.
We encourage all families to complete the survey and contribute their voice via https://research.orima.com/parent.
Thank you to our staff, students, volunteers, families and community partners for the many ways you continue to contribute to Kyneton Primary School. The energy, care and community spirit reflected in these updates are real strengths of KPS.
Katy McGrath
School Council President
katy.mcgrath@education.vic.gov.au
Alistair Rayner
Principal