Dear Families,

Remember that "busy-ness" I was talking about in last week's delayed newsletter? Well this past week has been a perfect example.

Our Grade 3/4s headed off to camp in Anglesea for two nights last week. For all of our students it was their first school camp, and for most it was their first time away from home without family. The tired bodies exiting the bus on Friday was proof of the fun had by all, with ropes courses, rock climbing, bike riding, archery and hut building all on the agenda. Thank you to the staff who took time away from their families so this experience could take place. I know they had a great time with the kids, which makes it all worth it.

We also had the 5/6s step back in time last week with a visit to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. There were many promises from the kids as they left of hitting the jackpot with finding gold. With Miss Stevenson's help there were specks found...unfortunately not enough for any of us to retire on! You can read more about their adventures in the newsletter, as well as lots of photos from their day.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all the parents and carers who joined us for our Parent Teacher Conferences this week. As always, we relish the opportunity to meet with our students' families and carers. We know learning doesn't just occur in the classroom, so making sure we work as a team towards your child's learning goals is so important.

2027 Enrolments and Planning

We are getting to the time of year when we begin planning for 2027. We would appreciate if you could inform our Office Team as soon as possible if your child is leaving Albanvale PS at the end of this year. This will support us in ensuring we can organise a thorough transistion process fo ryour child with their new school, and also begin contacting families who have expressed interest in joining us next year.

With Prep enrolments for 2027 almost full, we are now accepting pre-enrolments of students across all other year levels in 2027. Very limited places are available in most year levels, so families are encouraged to submit a pre-enrolment as soon as possible to secure their place. If you know a family who you think would contribute to our community of excellence, encourage them to reach out today to find out more information or arrange a school tour.

Term 4 Staffing Update

As we prepare for Term 4, there will be a number of temporary staffing changes across the school. Several staff members will be taking some well-earned long service leave during the first two weeks of term. We have arranged for familiar and experienced relief teachers, who already know our school and students, to lead the classes of Mr Rouse, Mr Suarez and Ms James during their periods of leave.

Mr Katiforis will also commence parental leave as he and his partner prepare to welcome their first child. On behalf of the entire school community, we wish them all the very best for this exciting new chapter. During Mr Katiforis' absence, Ms Huynh will step into the role of Acting Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach. This is a wonderful opportunity for Ms Huynh to contribute to our school-wide work supporting high-quality teaching and learning. Please join me in congratulating her on this appointment. We are also very pleased to welcome Ms Chessum back to our school community. Ms Chessum will take over 1A for the remainder of the year, providing continuity for our students and families.

Finally, next term I have accepted a short secondment with the Department of Education as a Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL). I will return to APS following the Melbourne Cup long weekend. This is an exciting professional opportunity, and I look forward to bringing the experience and learning from the role back to our school.

During my absence, Mrs Liong will serve as Acting Principal, supported by Mr Taylor and Mr Ibrahim, who will step into Acting Assistant Principal roles. I have every confidence in our leadership team and know that APS will continue to be exceptionally well led during this period.

Please join me in congratulating Ms Huynh, Mrs Liong, Mr Taylor and Mr Ibrahim as they take on these additional leadership responsibilities, and in wishing all staff taking leave a safe and enjoyable break.

I look forward to seeing everyone back at APS later in the term.

Achieve Excellence, Together.

Michael Uzunovski

Principal

School Holiday Program