It’s hard to believe this is our final newsletter for 2026. Reflecting on 2025, it is clear that our school community has grown stronger in so many ways. We’ve celebrated learning, embraced challenges, and created countless meaningful experiences for our children—each one contributing to their confidence, wellbeing, and love of school. The progress we have seen, both individually and collectively, highlights the incredible commitment shared by everyone at Donvale.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our families. Your ongoing support, encouragement, and partnership are deeply appreciated. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply working with us to support your child, your involvement plays a key role in shaping the caring and connected environment that defines our school.

To those families finishing their journey with us this year, thank you for being part of Donvale’s story. Your presence, contributions, and spirit have helped shape our community, and you leave a positive legacy behind. We wish you all the very best as you move to new schools and new adventures.

End of Year Concert and BBQ

We were fortunate to enjoy perfect weather last Thursday 4th December - ideal for an outdoor celebration. Our students sang beautifully, even after a few early technical hiccups, and it was wonderful to see so many families come along to support them. The children performed with such joy and confidence, making it a truly heartwarming evening for our whole community.

A special thank you to the Lions Club for running the BBQ, and to Erin Cotsford for organising the dumpling truck, ice-cream van, and the visit from our local fire brigade complete with a very special “Santa” helper.

Farewelling Staff

At the end of this year, Mr Reiter and Mrs Keep will be retiring from teaching. Mr Reiter, who joined Donvale PS in 2006, has taught across a wide range of year levels—including Grade 2, Grade 3/4, and Grade 5/6. Not only has Peter been a classroom teacher he has also been a big contributor to our performing arts culture; for over the past ten years, he has played a key role in Donvale Primary School’s involvement in the State School Spectacular, providing unforgettable opportunities for our students, as well as our school productions.

Mrs Keep, who joined us in 2005 has been our Performing Arts teacher and has delivered an exceptional program year after year. She has taught every student from Prep to Year 6 and has nurtured countless performers through her work with our junior and senior choirs and our marimba band. Her passion, creativity, and energy have enriched our school community in immeasurable ways.

We also farewell Mrs Harinder Costopoulos, who has accepted a teaching position at another school. During her time at Donvale, she has been an outstanding educator and the Marrung Lead for our school. While we will miss her greatly, we are thrilled for the opportunities ahead in her new role.

Mrs Nikki Matthieson and Mrs Lisa Webster will resume spending time with their little boys and will be returning to their family leave positions. We are so grateful for all the hard work and dedication you provided the students in 1/2C this year.

Finally we would like to share with our school community that Jayde Valentine has made the decision to resign from the Department of Education, and therefore from her position at Donvale Primary School. This is sad news for us all, as Jayde has given so much care, dedication, and connection to her students and families during her time here.

Jayde will be at school on Friday 19th December so the community can farewell her at this time. We sincerely thank Jayde for all she has contributed to Donvale and wish her every success in her next chapter.

As we prepare for the year ahead, we do so with deep gratitude for the staff who have shaped our school, and are excited for the opportunities that 2026 will bring.

Welcoming New Staff for 2026

As we farewell valued colleagues, we are also delighted to welcome a number of new staff who will be joining Donvale Primary School in 2026. Over the past few weeks, we have conducted a thorough recruitment process and have been incredibly impressed by the calibre of the applicants. We are excited by the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm our new team members will bring to our school. What they all share is a genuine commitment to student learning and a strong alignment with Donvale’s values.

Please see the Staff 2026 page for further information

School Captains

It has been an absolute pleasure working with our 2025 School Captains — Jake, Jonti, Elroy and Jasmine. This fabulous foursome has consistently demonstrated genuine leadership and embodied our school values every single day. Throughout the year, they have learned to pivot quickly, make impromptu speeches with confidence, and be welcoming, thoughtful and reflective in a range of situations.

Their teamwork, positivity and willingness to step up have made them wonderful ambassadors for our school. We are incredibly proud of the way they have embraced their roles and the example they have set for others.

Thank you, School Captains, for your outstanding contribution to Donvale Primary School. We wish you all the very best as you continue your leadership journeys in secondary school and beyond.

I am so thankful for the amazing opportunities that I have had this year. Some include The Dream and Lead Conference, The ANZAC Day Service and many more. I would like to thank everyone who was a part of this incredible journey.

Thank you to our amazing Donvale teachers, support staff and friends. I would like to give a special thankyou to Mrs Vesdrevanis, Mrs Rassias, Mr Robertson, Mr Reiter and Mr Hogg for making my school captain journey so fun and exciting. You have taught me many valuable life lessons, and I am sure that they will stick with me during high school. As I look to the future, I will carry these lessons and friendships with me. When I look at the next years school captains, I am positive that they will do Donvale proud. – Jake

My favourite memory from DPS is my very first day back from my old school in Grade 4. I was overjoyed to finally be back with my friends and to learn so many new things here at Donvale! I remember everyone being so welcoming and kind and I couldn’t stop smiling for the whole day. I was so grateful to finally be back at the school where I could learn, have fun and laugh all day! It has been a privilege being school captain this year and I’m sure that next year’s school captains will do an excellent job no matter what. I am so excited to go to High School and make so many more fun memories just like I have at Donvale Primary School! – Jonti

This year has been an absolute blast and I’m so glad to have had so many amazing opportunities throughout the years. One of my highlights have definitely been the Dream and Lead Conference where I learned so many valuable lessons. Donvale Primary is an incredible school because it gave me so many opportunities throughout all of my 7 years. There as so many things I’ve learned like when I was environmental leader there were some things I never knew could be bad for the planet. Or when I learned how to play hockey in sport, although I’m not quite sure that’s for me! These are things I will carry with me throughout high school. Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Rassias and Mr Robertson for teaching me so much this year about how to be an amazing and confident leader. I’m confident that next year’s school captains; Scarlett, Jackson, JB and Eugenie are going to be incredible! - Jasmine

This year has been very influential for me. I have learnt so many things that I am sure will help me in the future. From the assemblies to the dream and lead conference, I have had many opportunities. I have loved having the chance help this year. Looking back on the last twelve month, I feel I have learnt so much about not only algebra and English skills, but also how to be good person and leader. I will carry everything I have learnt at this school on for the rest of my life. These skills, values, and traits I have picked up will be important whenever and wherever I am.

Now I am handing down the badge to 4 new people and minds. I am certain that Scarlett, Eugenie, JB, and Jackson will be fantastic captains. - Elroy

We are proud to announce our 2026 School Captains

Eugenie, Scarlett, Jackson and JB.

Finally, we move into 2026, we remain committed to nurturing a team that is collaborative, forward-thinking, and focused on providing the best possible outcomes for our students.

Together, with both our continuing and incoming staff, Donvale Primary School is well-placed for another year of growth, learning, and community connection.

Wishing you all the best for the festive season and a safe, happy and relaxing break.

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