Principal's message

Hi Solway Community, 

Last Thursday and Friday, Mrs Watkins and I attended the Government Schools Principals Conference in Melbourne. The conference theme, Leading Together for Excellence and Equity, provided an excellent opportunity to hear from educational leaders and researchers from across Australia and to reflect on the important work taking place in our own school. It was particularly affirming to hear from Dr Karl Hendrick and Dr Nathaniel Swain, whose presentations focused on the science of learning and explicit teaching. Their work strongly aligns with the implementation of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model at Solway and the professional learning we have been undertaking around responsive teaching practices. It was reassuring to hear that the approaches we are embedding in classrooms are grounded in a strong evidence base and are supporting improved outcomes for students.

I was also pleased to be invited to participate as a panel member in a workshop for school leaders, sharing Solway's implementation journey of Phonic+, the Department's systematic synthetic phonics program used across Prep to Grade 2. It was a valuable opportunity to showcase the work of our staff and the commitment they have shown to strengthening literacy instruction for our students.

The conference theme prompted me to reflect on our own vision of Empowering curious and caring learners to thrive in an inclusive community. Government schools play a vital role in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, circumstance or ability, has the opportunity to attend their local school, feel a sense of belonging and experience success. I take great pride in leading a school that values inclusion and recognises that achieving the best outcomes for students is only possible when schools and families work together. Through strong partnerships, we can ensure every child feels safe, connected and supported in their learning.

Parent Helpers in Classrooms

It has been wonderful to see so many parents and carers volunteering in classrooms this year. Parent helpers make an important contribution to our school community and provide valuable support for both students and teachers.

Last week, I had my first experience as a parent helper in my daughter’s Prep classroom. It gave me a valuable perspective and prompted me to remind families of the expectations that apply when volunteering in classrooms.

When assisting, parents should seek direction from the classroom teacher and focus on the task they have been assigned. Volunteers should only work with the students they have been asked to support and avoid distracting students or staff in other learning spaces. These expectations help ensure that learning remains the priority and support our Child Safe Standards obligations.

A reminder also that all parent helpers must sign in at the office and collect a visitor lanyard before attending classrooms.

Curriculum Day and Semester One Reports

A reminder that this Friday is a Curriculum Day, and students are not required at school. Staff will be participating in a Professional Practice Day, using the time to engage in planning, assessment and professional learning to support student learning outcomes.

Semester One reports will be released to families on Friday 26 June.

Families will notice that reports look a little different this semester. As a result of recent industrial action, reports will not include written comments, including general comments and individual learning area achievement comments. Student achievement and progress will be reported through progression points against the Victorian Curriculum.

Teachers will have the opportunity to discuss student learning, growth and next steps in more detail during Parent Teacher Interviews, which will be held on Tuesday July 28. Further information regarding interview bookings will be communicated to families in the coming weeks.

2027 Enrolments

Finally, a reminder that enrolments for students commencing school in 2027 are now open. If you have a child who will be starting school next year, or know family members, friends or neighbours who are beginning to explore school options, we encourage you to consider Solway Primary School. Information about our enrolment process, upcoming school tours and key dates can be found on our school website or by contacting the school office.

Thank you for your continued support and let's all strive to be “our best always”. 

David Rosser