A Message From Anna 

👯‍♀️👯State School Spectacular 2026👯👯‍♀️

The annual Victorian State Schools Spectacular program is a unique performing arts opportunity for Victoria’s government primary and secondary school students. The program showcases the talents of government school communities and supports students to reach the highest levels of achievement in the arts, while building pride in our schools. The Spectacular has become an invaluable rite of passage for Victoria’s top young talent, and a cherished, memorable education experience for all participants.

Every two years, Years 5 and 6 students from Box Hill North PS have the opportunity to audition for our State School Spectacular team. Sixteen students have been selected and headed to Mont Albert Primary School yesterday for their first rehearsal. Stuents had a fantastic time learning choreography and displaying courage in their willingness to try new things. We couldn't be more proud of their school spirit and the way they conducted themselves with such ambition! 

🚽🚻Student Toilets🚻🚽

 💰💵Refurbishment Funding Approved💵💰

When I began as Principal at Box Hill North Primary School, a number of parents raised concerns about the condition of our student toilets. Feedback included issues such as poor lighting, toilet paper access, cubicle door locks, and toilet seats occasionally breaking. Whenever these issues were raised, they were addressed promptly by our maintenance team to ensure the facilities remained functional and safe for students.

At the same time, it was clear that a more substantial upgrade would significantly improve the overall experience for students. After discussing the matter with School Council, we became aware of a Capital Works Fund grant open for applications. Together, we moved quickly to prepare a strong submission, advocating for a refurbishment of our student toilet facilities so that these spaces better support student comfort and wellbeing.

I am very pleased to share that our Capital Works Fund application has been successful, with the school receiving $500,000 in funding to refurbish the student toilets.

The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) will lead this project, which is expected to take approximately eighteen months to complete. This timeframe includes the engagement of architects, design teams and contractors through a formal tender process.

We have already held our first meeting with the VSBA and project architects, where we discussed the school’s vision for the new facilities. A key priority for us is that the refurbished toilets feel bright, calm, clean and safe for our students.

This is a significant investment in our school facilities and will help ensure our students have access to modern, comfortable and well-designed spaces.

Further updates will be shared with the community as the project progresses.

📝📢School Review 📢📝

🧍🧍‍♀️Parent Focus Group🧍‍♀️🧍

As part of our upcoming Whole School Review, we will be holding a number of focus groups with students, staff and parents to gather insights into our school’s strengths and areas of progress.

We warmly invite interested parents, carers and guardians to attend a Parent Focus Group:

Date: Thursday 19 March

Time: 8:45am – 9:30am

Location: School Staffroom

The session will be facilitated by Senior Education Improvement Leader Richard Lambert and School Review Challenge Partner Duncan Cant. It will provide an opportunity for families to share their perspectives on the school and contribute to discussions that will help inform the development of our next four-year strategic plan.

If you are available to attend, we would greatly value your input.

🛑AEU Industrial Action🛑

At Box Hill North Primary School, we value the commitment and professionalism of our teachers, education support staff and school leaders, who work every day to provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

You may be aware that the Australian Education Union (AEU) is currently in negotiations with the Victorian Government. As part of this process, the AEU has advised schools that protected industrial action may occur in the coming weeks, including a proposed stop work day on Tuesday 24 March, subject to the outcome of a formal ballot.

One of the key issues being raised relates to school funding. Victorian state schools currently receive significantly less funding per student than many other states. In 2023–24, Victorian students were funded $2,325 less than the national average, and almost $4,000 less than students in New South Wales. This difference can impact the level of resources available to support student learning and wellbeing.

At this stage, we are waiting for confirmation following the ballot process. Should industrial action proceed, there may be some disruption to normal school operations. We will communicate with families as soon as further information becomes available.

We appreciate your understanding and support as these negotiations continue.

Anna Johnstone

Principal