Principals' Weekly Update
Dear Armadale Community
What a wonderful week it has been at Armadale Primary School! As we move closer to the end of term, the energy across the classrooms has remained high with rich learning opportunities and meaningful experiences that continue to grow our children’s hearts and minds.
Dadirri Cultural Immersion – Years 3 and 4
This week, our Year 3 and 4 students participated in the first session of our Dadirri program—a deeply reflective and enriching experience that invited students to connect with First Nations culture in a powerful way.
Delivered in partnership with the Highway Foundation, Dadirri introduces students to the practice of deep inner listening and reflection, rooted in Indigenous spirituality from the Ngangikurunggurr people of the Northern Territory. Our students spent time practising the technique of Dadirri and were also exposed to the diverse Indigenous lands that make up Australia.
It was a calm, grounded and respectful session—and we were incredibly proud of how thoughtfully our students engaged.
Chess Champs Shine in Inter-School Tournament
On Wednesday, a group of our students represented the school at an inter-school chess tournament held at Galilee Primary School in South Melbourne. With 110 students competing from across Melbourne, it was a fantastic day filled with strategy, focus, and friendly competition.
We’re proud to share that Ollie Dixon placed 2nd overall, and Ivaan Joshi came 5th.
Whatan incredible achievement!
Congratulations also to Freddie Waterson, Elsie Dixon, Sebastien Sainsbury, Jayden Verdi, Henry Slee, and Harry Fitzgerald, who all participated and represented our school with pride.
Well done to all involved on a great day of chess!
Winter Solstice
This week, our school community came together in the front garden to mark the Winter Solstice with a beautiful and thoughtful experience, led by Clare. She created a warm and welcoming space with a fire pit surrounded by natural seating. Around the fire, children enjoyed freshly cooked damper with jam and butter.
To enrich the experience, Clare shared Indigenous stories and histories connected to the Winter Solstice, inviting children to reflect on the significance of the season and how it has been observed for thousands of years on this land. In keeping with the spirit of connection to nature, children also had the opportunity to sip on freshly brewed lemongrass and mint tea grown and harvested from our very own kitchen garden.
It was a calming and meaningful way to pause, connect, and honour the turning of the seasons. Thank you, Clare!
Looking Ahead
- Upcoming Assemblies - We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming school assemblies!
- Year 2 Assembly – Wednesday 25th June at 2:30pm
- Our Year 2 students will be hosting this week’s assembly and are excited to share their learning and achievements with the school community.
We hope you can join us to celebrate all the growth and success of Term 2!
- Final Weeks of Term: As we wrap up the term, teachers are busy helping students reflect and celebrate achievements. big and small.
- Student Reports: Reports will be released at the end of next week. Keep an eye on Compass for details.
- Family Conferences: These will be held towards the end of term 3. Information will be sent home regarding Term 3 bookings. Please don't hesitate to make a time with your child's teacher if you would like to discuss your child's learning and wellbeing. We advise that you should not wait until the formal conference to discuss such matters.
- Holiday Break: Term 2 concludes on Friday, 4th July at 2:30pm.
South East Melbourne Phoenix – School Holiday Basketball Camps
We’re excited to share that the South East Melbourne Phoenix will be running their popular school holiday basketball camps right here in our area!
These camps are designed for kids aged 5–12 and are perfect for all ability levels, whether your child is picking up a basketball for the first time or looking to sharpen their skills. Camps include fun games, skill-building activities, cool prizes, and a positive, supportive environment.
As a bonus, we’ve been offered a couple of complimentary registrations to support families in our community who may be doing it tough or would benefit from the opportunity to get more involved in sport.
Please reach out to us if you’d like to put a name forward.
For all the details and bookings, visit: https://www.intix.com.au/org/south-east-melbourne-phoenix
We hope families enjoy a restful and refreshing break.
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the Armadale community. We’re proud of the learning, growth and kindness we see in our children each day.
Principal
rochelle.cukier@education.vic.gov.au
Assistant Principal