Principal's Report

Welcome Back to Term 4

It’s wonderful to see everyone back for Term 4, our final and often busiest term of the year! There’s a great energy around the school as students settle back into routines and begin looking forward to the many exciting events ahead.

Some of the things coming up this term include the Heathmont College and Marlborough Primary School Twilight Market, Grade 6 Graduation, Step-Up Day (statewide transition day), Grade 3/4 Camp, Community Breakfast, Colour Fun Run, F–2 Fun Day, Grade 2 Late Night at School, Christmas Carols, and much more! It’s shaping up to be a wonderful end to the year.

School-Wide Positive Behaviour

A huge thank you to those who were able to attend our Information Night last Thursday. Your interest and engagement during and after the session were excellent, and they reflect the genuine commitment our families have to their children’s education.

We will continue to share updates and examples of how this framework is being implemented across the school.

For those who missed it, here’s a brief summary:

What is it?

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is a framework that supports schools to create a consistent, positive, and proactive approach to behaviour. It focuses on explicitly teaching and recognising expected behaviours, rather than only responding to challenges when they occur.

What are the benefits?

The approach helps to build a positive and supportive school culture, strengthens relationships, and ensures that students and staff share a common language around expectations. It also enhances student wellbeing and engagement by promoting success through encouragement and consistency.

Does it mean we have a behaviour problem at our school?

No!

SWPBS is about building on the great culture we already have. It allows us to be even more intentional in celebrating positive choices, supporting growth, and maintaining consistency across classrooms and the playground.

Our Shared Expectations

As part of this work, our community has developed shared and agreed-upon expected behaviours, captured within our School-Wide Behaviour Matrices. These matrices outline what our school values (Respect, Responsibility, Inclusivity, and Safety First) look and sound like in different areas of the school.

By using this shared language, we’re helping students understand what positive behaviour looks like in action and how they can contribute to a safe and caring environment for everyone.

Token Reward System

A key part of this approach is our token system, which recognises students who consistently demonstrate our school values. Students can earn tokens throughout the week, which contribute to class and whole-school rewards.

This system helps make positive behaviour visible, reinforces our shared expectations, and celebrates the everyday moments where students make positive choices simply because it’s the right thing to do.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to talk with your child/ren about the values, matrices, and tokens - they’ll be proud to share what they’ve been learning!

Families Moving

If your family will be saying goodbye to our school community and moving at the end of the year, please reach out and inform the school as soon as possible. This helps us plan our classes and ensure smooth transitions for all students next year.

We wish you all the very best and hope you carry the memories and friendships made at Marlborough Primary School with you for a lifetime.

Giving Notice of Family Holidays

If your family is planning a holiday during school time, please make sure to notify the school as early as possible. For an absence to be school-approved, it needs to be formally approved by the principal.

Early notice helps teachers plan for missed learning and enables the school to coordinate events and activities more effectively. We appreciate your support in keeping our processes smooth and transparent.

Going on Leave

I will be taking a small amount of long service leave from 16–28 October to spend time with family interstate. During my absence, Jenelle Seregin will act as Principal.

Jenelle has done an excellent job in her role as Assistant Principal and will provide strong leadership and continuity while I am away. I look forward to returning in time for the busy and exciting finish to the term!

Warmly,

Tim Mulhall

Principal