Acting Principal's Report

What an amazing time we have had at Chatham over the past fortnight! The huge success of our Grand Fair on Saturday was an absolute testament to our hard-working parent community, and as I write this report, I realise we really do have so much to celebrate and also look forward to. From Pyjama Day today, to the Junior Athletics Carnival, Christmas Concert, Japanese Day and Disney Disco Day over the coming weeks - Chatham really is the place to be for fun, festivities and excitement at present! These events bring such a sense of belonging, engagement and joy for our students, and tend to be the activities that live in students’ memories for years to come. 

Chatham Grand Fair – Saturday 22nd November 2025

This extraordinary event showcased the true spirit of Chatham and its community. Aimee Macfarlane, Bree Knights, Kate James, Ashley Davies and their amazing committee of parents and carers worked tirelessly over many, many months to bring this momentous event to fruition. The way in which they orchestrated all facets of the event with such good humour and cheer must be commended, and we thank the committee for what was truly going ‘above and beyond’ for our school. 

The day was alive with excitement, from thrilling rides to delicious delights and even picture-perfect weather – all the pieces just seemed to come together brilliantly on the day. We thank Jess Wilson - Member for Kew and State Opposition Leader, and her team, for providing the ever-popular sausage sizzle. I must also acknowledge the many dads who put their hand up to be ‘splashed’ for a good cause on the day. I can report that the staff involved in this activity enjoyed the experience, with Felix in Year 2 and Ahilan in Year 1 demonstrating particularly good aim, and Mr Cotching copping the final soaking of the day. We also thank Dr Monique Ryan - Federal Member for Kooyong, for her fabulous contribution to this activity. The 'Big Splash' was a huge success and is sure to become a new Chatham Grand Fair tradition. 

Speaking of Grand Fair traditions, our senior students taking to the Grand Fair stage with their teachers has been a long-standing Chatham tradition dating all the way back to 2009, and this year was no exception, with 5/6B and Mr Barry, 5/6S and Ms Spivak and 5/6C and Mr Tiglias delighting fans with their brilliantly choregraphed works. A big thank you must go to Caroline Kennon for her fantastic work as stage MC and also coordinating all the entertainment for the afternoon, and Adam Kennon for his technical prowess on the mixing desk. It was also wonderful to hear Leigh Macfarlane spinning beats into the evening as fairgoers soaked up the ambience of the balmy evening under the Chatham friendship tree. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents, carers and staff who were able to assist on the day, and all those who came along to support this event. It is anticipated the final amount raised may be announced at our Chatham Christmas Concert next Wednesday 3rd December.

Tuned-In Kids Concert – Tuesday 18th November 2025

Wow! How brilliant it was to enjoy the soulful sounds of our budding musicians.

From the rock genius of ‘Acorn Rush’ to the soulful sounds of ‘The Late Midnights’, our Chatham rock/pop bands really do put the ‘A’ in Awesome! It was also great to hear the new and eclectic sounds of ‘Chatham Beats’ and ‘Chatham Voices’, as well as the many solo instrumentalists who graced the stage for this melodic extravaganza. 

The School Hall was buzzing with the sound of proud family members and friends to our little superstars. Thank you to Yanai and Dassana for all of their work and care towards our students, and Adam Kennon who once again gave of his time to mix the sound for this event. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Music Captain, August Kennon, along with Nolan Christopher who assisted as ‘stagehands’ throughout this event.

Upcoming Year 6 Junior School Council Initiatives

As I write this report, our students have been preparing for two Junior School Council special events - Pyjama Day today and Disney Disco Day on Thursday 10th December. Today, the morning routines were fast-tracked significantly as students rolled out of bed and straight to the school gate sporting their favourite PJs! Students enjoyed a wonderful day, including a Teddy Bear’s Picnic on the oval at lunchtime. What fun! 

The fun, however, does not stop there – our upcoming Disney Disco Day conjures up imagery of magic, mirror balls and the Macarena. I truly do not know what to expect, but rest assured your children will return home with stardust in their eyes and wonder in their hearts after this one. Family and friends are welcome to join in the festivities by attending a parade in the School Hall just after 9:00am, before students will then partake in level discos across the morning.

Sporting Experiences for our Students 

Our students have enjoyed an array of sporting opportunities of late, including Tennis Clinics through School Sport Victoria and Basketball Clinics through South East Melbourne Phoen. These opportunities ignite excitement for new sporting endeavours in our students and we thank our PE Coordinator, Walter Boulton for his dedication to always seeking out such engaging opportunities.

School Structure for 2026 

At the current time, we are working towards finalising our staffing, classroom and specialist structures for 2026. There are a number of factors that determine arrangements in this space and we hope to announce plans in this regard in our next newsletter.

We look forward to fabulous times ahead!

Thank you,

Georgina Kirwan

Acting Principal