Principal Report
Here I am writing the official Principal’s Report.
This is the one you all read… right? Everything I write here will seep directly into your long-term memories….
Anyway, it has been an absolute pleasure leading the school over the last two weeks - which, according to research, are apparently the toughest two weeks of the school year… thanks Carly - and I have been so proud of all of our students pushing through to the end of term with smiles on their faces, while enthusiastically reminding me that I am, “Going to get slimed, Mat” every time I walk into a room.
I guess I brought that on myself.
It’s a slightly daunting thought that I get to lead a community that has been continuously running for 171 years. The person in this chair has changed plenty of times over those years, as have our buildings and grounds, the uniforms, the technology, and the hairstyles, but the fundamental purpose of the school hasn’t really changed at all: we are here to support children to learn, grow, and become the very best versions of themselves.
That’s what we’re all here for today, and, hopefully, what we’ll still be here for in another 171 years.
Sorry. That got a little philosophical.
Here are the headlines.
Decision to stop kicking games before/after school
Thank you to the parents who have taken the time to get in touch following the Compass notice about kicking ball games before and after school. It has certainly felt different on yard duty over the past couple of weeks, with the yard noticeably calmer and, importantly, safer during those particularly busy transition times.
I’ve also had a number of teachers comment that students seem to be coming into class more settled in the morning, with fewer of those little playground disagreements making their way into the classroom, based on what happened in a soccer game five minutes earlier.
We know that kicking the footy or having a quick game of soccer with your kids has been a long-standing tradition for many of our families, and we don't want to lose sight of the value of active, unstructured play. We will continue to monitor the change, listen to feedback from students, staff and families, and look at whether there are ways that we can safely provide opportunities for these types of games in the future.
Which leads me nicely to…
Parent Opinion Survey
This is one final push for parents to complete the Parent Opinion Survey - we appreciate the time parents have taken to provide feedback through this survey. We would love as many responses as possible.
If you think we’re doing a good job, complete the survey. If you think there are things we can improve on, complete the survey. If you are ever wondering if there is anything else you can do to help the school… complete the survey.
The survey is online and only takes around 20 minutes to complete. It will remain open until tomorrow, Friday 18th September 2026.
To access the survey, please follow the link and instructions that are listed in the Compass note sent out, titled ‘Invitation to participate in the 2026 Parent / Carer Opinion Survey’. If you are having difficulty finding it, please contact the school for support.
PLEASE NOTE: Only one parent/carer from your household is invited to complete the survey on behalf of the student’s family. If your child’s family lives in two separate households, please reach out to the school so that both households can have the opportunity to provide their feedback.
Hats back in Term 4
Term 4 means our SunSmart Policy, much like our hats, is back in fashion! As the weather warms up, students need to remember to bring their school hat every day. The classic schoolyard catchphrase 'no hat, no play' will be spouted throughout Term 4, so please make sure your child has a named school hat ready to go.
And yes, I know it’s Melbourne and we can experience all four seasons before recess, but just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean we can do away with the hats (even though the kids try to tell us otherwise).
Footy Colours Day
Yesterday was Footy Colours Day, which is always one of the most well-attended days on the NLPS calendar. There’s something about giving children permission to wear their footy colours to school that creates a level of excitement that is hard to replicate with almost anything else (except, of course, dressing up as the most random book character that they can imagine).
More importantly, the day gives us an opportunity to raise money for the Fight Cancer Foundation, supporting their work to help people affected by cancer. Thank you to everyone who has gotten involved, donated a gold coin, bought a raffle ticket, and embraced the opportunity to spend a day wearing their team colours to school.
I decided not to wear my North Melbourne colours. I unfortunately missed out on the cheap gear from Vinnies, courtesy of a certain ex-coach.
Planning for 2027
As we move deeper into the year, the leadership team is busy with planning for 2027 - including class structures and staffing.
To assist with this process, we kindly ask that any families who will not be returning next year notify the school as soon as possible. Please note this does not include Year 6 students transitioning into Year 7.
Please inform us via email at newport.lakes.ps@education.vic.gov.au and include your child's final day at NLPS, the name of their new school, and a forwarding address if applicable.
End-of-Term Reminder – Early Dismissal
Term 3 concludes tomorrow, Friday 18th September, with an early dismissal at 2:15pm.
We’ll be holding a whole-school assembly (and likely sliming) on the oval at 1:45pm, and families are warmly invited to join us for this celebration. Students will be dismissed from their classrooms at 2:15pm.
If your child requires care after dismissal, please contact our out-of-school care provider, via TeamKids, https://www.teamkids.com.au/venues/newport-lakes-primary-oshc/ to make arrangements.
Please note: Crossing supervisors are unable to commence work before 2:30pm. Therefore, they are not allowed to support schools on the last day of each term. Please be aware of this and help to keep our community safe when crossing the roads on these days.
I’ll be taking a little bit of long service leave at the beginning of next term, although I won’t be disappearing anywhere quite as exotic as Portugal. The western suburbs of Melbourne have plenty of culture to indulge in anyway. I look forward to continuing to support your children to learn, grow, and become the very best versions of themselves, when I get back.
Have a wonderful break, everyone.
Mat Williamson
Acting Principal (and feeling like I’ve left out a hundred or more things to say…)