Welcome Back to Term 4

Welcome back to students, staff and families for the last term of 2025. I would like to acknowledge Gabby Tigafua for her exemplary leadership of the school whilst I was on leave, and Trudy Williams and Brett McGinniskin for supporting Gabby in their roles as Assistant Principals.

This term will be a significant milestone for our Year 6 students as this will be their last term of primary schooling. Term 4 is planned to be incredibly busy with Year 5 and Year 6 camps, Year 4 Sleepover, Year 3 Big Day Out, Transition programs - 'Flying to Foundation', Year 6 to Year 7 and Stepping Up, finals for Sporting events, the DanceAthon, Year 6 Celebration Week, excursions, Year 6 Graduation and the Christmas Carols evening, just to name the main events.

Critical Incidents in Schools

Many of you are probably aware of the concerning event that occurred at Greenvale Secondary College recently. Some parents have asked what emergency preparations schools are required to set up in case of a critical incident does occur.

An Education Department requirement is that all schools must have an up-to-date Emergency Management Plan (EMP) that is submitted online. This documents how the school will respond to emergencies or critical incidents and includes a Risk Assessment. It is mandated that schools implement evacuation, lockdown, shelter in place or off-site evacuation drills at minimum of once per term.

School Upgrade

Earlier this year, in the 2025/26 Victorian budget, it was announced that there was an allocation of $10 million for planning for future upgrades at 20 schools. Our school was identified as one of those 20 schools. This initial phase is a planning stage only and will deliver a concept design for future construction/renovation. Under the direction of the Victorian School Building Authority and the North-Western Regional staff, a tender was put out at the end of Term 3 inviting architectural firms to put in a submission. The successful tender was Tandem Design Studio. Since their appointment, our school has met with the organisations above twice as part of a Design Meeting. The initial concept design stage is planned to be completed by the end of the year. Watch this space!!

Flying to Foundation

We are so excited to be able to again offer a ‘Flying to Foundation’ transition program for our new Foundation students in 2026!

A Flying to Foundation parent information session was held this week at school and extremely well attended by families. It was so affirming to hear two of our Foundation students (Allegra 0CC and Zachary 0BU) deliver their speech about ‘Highlights from my First Year at School’ on stage in person to all attendees. We were all so proud of their achievement.

Thanks to Daniella Hadchiti who is leading the organisation of this year’s ‘Flying to Foundation’ transition program with the support of the current Foundation team.

We look forward to working together with the families of our new Foundation students for 2026. Our Flying to Foundation student transition sessions start November 14th. I’m sure the Kinder students are excited to be coming to spend time at their new school.

World Teacher's Day – in recognition of our amazing, dedicated teachers

This year at Greenvale PS, we are celebrating World Teacher's Day on Tuesday 28th October in recognition of the contribution teachers make to education across the globe. This day is celebrated in over 100 countries. Research states that the most important element that makes a difference to student outcomes is the teacher. In our rapidly changing and interdependent world, teachers not only have to ensure that students acquire solid skills in basic subjects, but also that they become responsible local and global citizens, at ease with new technologies and able to make informed decisions about health, the environment and other challenges.

Maybe your child could show their appreciation of their teacher by creating a card or writing a poem / letter?

Food For Thought:

Regards

Angelika Ireland

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