A note from Mr Jackson
Planning Ahead for 2026 REMINDER
As we begin to turn our attention towards 2026, we are starting the early stages of planning for our teaching team, education support staff, and classroom structures. While it may seem far away, thoughtful preparation now ensures we are well-positioned to meet the needs of all our students and families in the years ahead.
We know that families move for a variety of reasons - whether due to work, lifestyle changes, or schooling choices. If your family is considering a move or change of school before 2026, we would greatly appreciate a conversation. Even an early indication, though not final, will help us in our planning and ensure a smooth transition for your child if needed.
Please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a call. I’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you and better understand your family’s plans.
Celebrating Literature: Book Fair
It was great to see so many visitors at the Annual School Scholastic Bookfair over the end of last week and the start of this week. Books and reading are a wonderful introduction to a world of literacy, enabling us to visit distant places and meet extraordinary people. Thanks to the English Team for helping bring together the experience and to parents for arranging a visit!
Characters Come Alive!
(Tuesday 12 August)
Tuesday was another wonderful chance to place conversations about books at the heart of learning. On Tuesday, a wonderful collection of characters proceeded through the gates. There were villains and heroes, all who drew a smile and conversation. The threat of rain forced us inside but did not dampen the celebrations. It was great to have parents join the celebration and many who visited the final day of the book fair.
URStrong Visit
(Tuesday 12 August)
Students in Levels 3 and 4 joined in Chandler Hall on Tuesday to participate in an incursion focussed on friendships. As students move from the Early Years, it is not uncommon for students to experience difficulty in friendship groups as they negotiate changing relationships. The workshop reinforced a range of ‘Friendship Facts’ such as acknowledging that friendships can change and friends can enjoy different experiences and have different likes. It proved an interactive opportunity that will be followed up in classrooms to support students. We encourage parents to talk about their experiences and what they learned on the day.
Extending Students in Maths
(Wednesday 14 August)
A group of students visited Quantum on Wednesday to extend their maths skills. Quantum is the Centre of Excellence and Innovation in STEM Education in Victoria. This invitation to participate in a trial to provide extension maths opportunities for students in schools was a product of the strong relationship we have developed with Quantum.
ICAS English and Writing Week
(starting 11 August)
Students chewed through the Writing and English assessments this week. Amidst staff absences and student absences we were able to find spaces within schedules to ensure they were completed. A special thanks to the flexibility of staff and students who enabled the assessments to go ahead despite the complexities of the week. Students have entered and left these experiences enriched by being stretched and challenged. We look forward to explore the world of science from Monday and throughout the upcoming week.
Working Bee Invitation
(Saturday 6 September from 9:00am to 12noon)
We were excited to construct our Cubby Houses at the last Working Bee, we have lots more tasks to complete as we plan ahead. While we continue to invest in the infrastructure costs to run the school and embark on upgrades using the Building Fund, we greatly appreciate the support of families to tackle some of the projects that would never otherwise be prioritised. Past projects have included plantings, mulch spreading, construction of the cubby houses, the GAGA Pit and the installation of the tee ball diamond on the oval. At the upcoming Working Bee we will have drains to clear, the cubby houses to finish painting, some timbers in retaining walls to replace and some blowing (as always). There will be a BBQ at 12 noon that all are invited to. Please consider joining us.
Grey Water Issues Cleared
Parents may have been aware that we had some pipes overflow on Wednesday afternoon. Plumbers were onsite within an hour and a half and while they were unable to resolve the blockage at that point, they returned early on Thursday morning to ensure the blockage cleared. Thankfully.
Pickups in the Afternoon
A reminder that our drop off indented zone is not available for parking in the morning and afternoon periods. Parents should not leave their cars. Students without parents in the yard will continue to be asked to sit near the gate to facilitate a quick pickup in the afternoon. Parents are most welcome to supervise their children from within the bounds of the school. At the conclusion of the afternoon duty at 3:45pm any student not actively supervised by their parents will be asked to go to the office to ensure their safety.
2025 NAPLAN Reports Available
A reminder to parents of students in Year 3 and Year 5 that reports continue to be available to be picked up from the office. A compass alert went to parents some weeks ago but I am aware that a number have yet to be picked up.
Minibeasts in Prep Area (Wednesday 20 August)
Students and beasts will join as Preps explore the biological world of minbeasts on Wednesday. This incursion will see students develop their scientific skills and approaches as they inquire about the world in which they live. We are all sure that this day will be filled with awe and wonder.