Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the end of Term 1, I would like to take a moment to thank our entire school community for a positive and productive start to the year. It has been a busy and rewarding term, filled with strong learning, growing relationships and many opportunities for our students to engage, challenge themselves and thrive. I am incredibly grateful to our staff for their dedication and care, to our students for the way they have embraced their learning, and to our families for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we have set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
NAPLAN 2026
Our Year 3 and Year 5 students have now completed their NAPLAN assessments for 2026, and I would like to acknowledge the calm, focused and positive way they approached the experience. These assessments provide a useful point-in-time indication of student progress in literacy and numeracy, built through consistent learning across the year.
NAPLAN is not a test of success or failure. It is one source of information that supports our understanding of how students are progressing in relation to national expectations. Alongside classroom assessment and teacher judgement, the results help us identify strengths and determine where further support or extension may be beneficial.
I was particularly impressed with the way students demonstrated resilience and independence throughout the assessment period. Thank you to our staff for the thoughtful preparation and support they provided, ensuring students felt confident and well prepared.
At Elsternwick Primary School, we remain committed to a learning environment where every student feels safe, valued and respected, and where they are supported to continue growing in their learning and wellbeing.
Principal Contract Extension
I am pleased to share that my principal contract, which was due to conclude in November this year, has been extended for a further five years. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to continue leading Elsternwick Primary School and to build on the strong foundations we have established together. I look forward to continuing our work in partnership with staff, students and families to strengthen student learning, wellbeing and community connection, and to ensure every child feels safe, valued and respected at school.
Farewell and Thank You to Diana Telford
Today we say farewell to Diana Telford as she finishes in her role as Business Manager at Elsternwick Primary School.
During her time with us, Diana has made an outstanding contribution across many aspects of the school. She has led significant building projects, managed our budgets with care and precision, and provided strong leadership to our office team. Under her guidance, the office has continued to deliver high levels of service and support to staff, students and families.
Diana’s attention to detail, professionalism and deep commitment to the school have been greatly valued by all. She has been a trusted and steady presence, and her work behind the scenes has played an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of our school.
On behalf of our entire community, I would like to thank Diana for her dedication and contribution. She has been an exceptional addition to Elsternwick Primary School and will be greatly missed. We wish her all the very best for the future and whatever comes next.
Leave
For the first three weeks of Term 2, I will be taking a short period of leave. During this time, Leanne Williams will step into the role of Acting Principal, ensuring the continued smooth operation of the school and upholding our shared vision and values.
I would like to wish all members of our school community a safe and enjoyable term break. I hope this time provides an opportunity to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2, ready for another term of learning and growth.
Michael