NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS @ MPS

As we head into NAIDOC Week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what this week means for our school community.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the Traditional Custodians of the land our school stands on, including the Gunung Willam Balluk clan whose connection to this Country runs deep. We acknowledge the skies above us and the lands surrounding Meadows Primary School — the same skies, waters, and lands that have cared for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years, and that they continue to care for today.

The main waterway running through Broadmeadows, right by the school's area, is Moonee Ponds Creek — it winds through Broadmeadows, Westmeadows, Meadow Heights, Jacana, and Glenroy on its way down to the Yarra River (Birrarung) at Docklands. Within the local catchment there's also Yuroke Creek, a tributary that joins it further upstream.

These waterways have nurtured this Country and its people for millennia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, and families in our school community.

I want to share something personal. Recently, I was given the opportunity to wear a possum skin cloak and to be taught about the significance it holds, by one of our own school families. It's hard to put into words what that moment meant to me — I felt a deep sense of gratitude, and a real feeling of connection and respect for the knowledge so generously shared with me. It reminded me that this culture, the oldest continuing culture in the world, is so rich in history and tradition, and that there is always more for us to learn if we stay open to it.

It makes me genuinely proud that our school celebrates NAIDOC Week, and that we do it with an open heart and an open mind. Part of that learning means sitting with the truth — truth-telling matters, and it's important that as a school community we understand and acknowledge that this land was never ceded.

That understanding sits alongside our pride and our learning; it's part of why this week means so much.

I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ms Reanna Crosbie who is our school's Marrung Leader and Mrs Elissa Wilson, our Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader for all their hard work organising this week of celebration and learning. Their dedication has given every student and staff in our school the chance to engage meaningfully with First Nations histories, cultures, and stories.

I encourage every family to talk with your children about they're learning this week, ask questions, and take the opportunity to grow together in curiosity and respect for the oldest continuing culture in the world.

STAFFING UPDATE

I'd like to share some staffing news from around the school this term:

Mr Rob Syme – HUGE Congratulations to Mr Syme and his wife on the arrival of their baby boy Harry. As Mr Syme is enjoying life as father for the second time, we currently have a Stephanie, a relief teacher will be with 5/6C for Weeks 1 and 2 — please make them feel welcome. we look forward to Mr Syme returning in week 3.
Khoi Tran – Has moved on to a new chapter beyond our school. We're grateful for everything Mr Tran has given our community, and will have an experienced teacher stepping into the 5/6D classroom for the remainder of 2026.
Maria Zicarello – also moved on to new opportunities, and we thank her warmly for her contribution to our school over the years as an Education Support Staff. We're delighted to welcome Javeria Khan into our community, who has been with us during term two and will continue with us until the end of the year.
TM Fraser – Will be on personal leave until August 7th, followed by well-earned Long Service Leave from August 10th to September 18th. We look forward to having TM back with us in yterm four.
Michaela Holzner – We are excited to have Michaela continue in the Science Enginieering Technology Maths (STEM) program until the end of this year. Michaela comes with a science background and stepped into the role midway term one proving to be passionate and committed. Welcome.
Meg d'Ortenzio – Ms D'Ortenzio returning to us after a period of extended personal leave. We're excited to have Ms D'Ortenzio back, bringing the "Supporting Progress and Achievement in Reading Knowledge' (SPARK) program to life.

Please join us in welcoming our new staff members and wishing our departing colleagues all the very best for the future.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

We've noticed a number of students arriving to school without the correct uniform. Please ensure your child wears full school uniform every day, and that items are clean and set out ready the night before to avoid morning rushes.

If your child is unable to wear uniform on a particular day for any reason, please send in a brief written note explaining why. This helps us understand the situation and support your child accordingly.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping our students look smart and ready to learn.

MOBILE PHONE REMINDER

We'd like to remind all families of our school policy regarding mobile phones and smart watches during school hours.

Mobile phones and smart watches are not permitted to be used during school hours. Any student bringing a device to school must hand it in at the office upon arrival, where it will be kept safely until it can be collected at the end of the school day.

We have noticed that some students have been bringing phones to school and using them inappropriately during the day. We'd like to take this opportunity to remind students of the risks associated with taking photos or videos on school grounds, particularly of other students, as this can compromise the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of everyone in our school community.

We ask parents and carers to please support us in upholding this policy — it plays an important role in keeping our children safe and focused during the school day.

Thank you for your continued support.

Stay well, Stay safe

Mrs Figen Mustafa

Leading Teacher - Curriculum

Silvana Caruso