Principals Report

Welcome back to school after what we hope was a recharging break for our students. 

It was wonderful to see so many smiles as students returned to school. 

Leaving Wales Street in 2026? 

As we continue forward planning for 2026, predicted enrolments are a crucial element to the process. Any families leaving Wales Street in 2026 are kindly requested to contact the office as soon as they can to assist us with decisions on class structures and next year’s staffing profile. We understand there are many reasons why families move on and always appreciate early communication when possible.

SUNSMART REMINDER

Even though the weather is still cool, the number of sunny days will be increasing so it’s that time of the year to wear hats every day. 

A sunsmart school hat is available in the following styles:

• broad brimmed hats – with a brim of at least 7.5 cm
• bucket or ‘surfie-style hats' – with a deep crown and brim of at least 6 cm
• legionnaire hats with a flap that covers the neck. The side flap and front peak should meet to protect the side of the face.

PLEASE remember to label hats with the child’s name so they can be returned if temporarily lost. 

Class Formation for 2026

Planning for the 2026 school year, our staff will soon commence the important process of forming classes. This is a task we approach with great care, consideration, and professionalism to ensure the best possible learning environment for every student.

When placing students into classes, teachers take into account a wide range of factors including academic achievement, social and emotional development, friendships, behaviour, and individual learning needs. Staff also consider the balance of gender, personalities, and learning styles to create cohesive and supportive learning groups.

Our teachers know your children well — both as learners and as individuals — and their professional insights are central to this process. Each year, staff spend many hours carefully discussing and reviewing placements to ensure every child is in a class where they can thrive both academically and socially.

We understand that families sometimes have particular hopes for their child’s placement. While we appreciate parent input, we ask that families trust in the expertise and professionalism of our staff to make the final decisions. Please note that we will not be accepting requests for specific teachers. Every placement is made with the child’s best interests and the needs of the whole school community in mind.

We are proud of the thoughtful and collaborative approach our teachers take, and we’re confident that our 2026 classes will continue to provide engaging, supportive, and positive learning environments for all students.

In week 11, our students will take part in Meet the Teacher sessions. This is an opportunity for students to connect with their new teachers, explore their future learning spaces, and begin building positive relationships in preparation for next year.

These sessions help ease the transition into the new school year by allowing students to ask questions, learn about classroom routines, and feel confident about the changes ahead. We know this experience helps set them up for a smooth and successful start to 2026!

Prep Transition

This week, we welcomed our 2026 Prep students into our school for their first transition session. Many of you will know and remember what a significant, special time and milestone this is!

We are thrilled that they will be joining us multiple times across this term as they prepare for the start of the 2026 school year.

Strategic Meeting

Last week, myself, our current School Council President Davor Stanic, and our previous School Council President Kellie Marks, met with our local member to share the needs and aspirations of our school community and to advocate for support in key areas of development for our buildings and grounds. We discussed our ongoing needs and priorities. Davor, Kellie and myself will continue to work on formalising documentation that we can present to Kat on behalf of our school community.

Pupil Free Day 

On Monday 3rd November (Melbourne Cup Eve) staff will have a common professional practice day. The work undertaken on these days are consistent with departmental and school priorities including planning, preparation, assessment and reporting, curriculum development and relevant professional development.

Students will not attend school on this day, however TheirCare will provide a service on this day. 

Our last curriculum day for the year is on Friday 21st November. We will be working through the new International Baccalaureate curriculum and ensuring our transdisciplinary units of work align to this. TheirCare will also be providing care on this day. Be sure to book in early.

And of course, a special mention goes to our Grade 6 students who are in their final term at primary school. They’re doing a fantastic job as leaders and role models, and we are so proud of how ready they are for high school. We’ll make sure they enjoy every moment of this term before celebrating their achievements at Graduation.