Principal's Report

 Principal Report        

Final Assembly – Friday 19th Dember

Please note that our last day of the year is tomorrow, Friday 19th December.  School will be finishing early, at 1.30pm.   Our final assembly starts at 12.45pm, and we hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays

As this year draws to a close, the team at Albany Rise Primary School wishes our school community a wonderful break and looks forward to a successful 2026 for all of our students.  We will see our Year 1-6 students back at school on Wednesday 28th January, with our new Foundation students joining us on Thursday 29th January 2026.  We wish you a safe and relaxing holiday and we will see you in the new year!

Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2025!

Last night was a wonderful reflection on the graduating Year 6 class for 2025.  Students spoke articulately, thoroughly enjoyed a photographic presentation of their time here at ARPS, and were recognised for their outstanding achievements.  We know they have enjoyed their day at Gumbuya World today and will have mixed feelings about their final assembly tomorrow. 

I would like to sincerely thank our parents and our staff for the stunning decorations in both the Function Room and Hall, which made the night all the more special. A particular shout-out to Jen Fraser who secured a large donation of flowers and created a magnificent balloon hoop for photos.  Thanks also to Kelly Lewis, who once again, impressed us all with an array of beautiful cakes. We would also like to thank our School Council President, Chris O’Shea, Bob Johnston from Neighbourhood Watch, our former principal Judy Drew, and local member for Mulgrave, Eden Foster, for making the time to come along. Thanks also to Alyssa and Dwij, our School Captains for 2024, who returned and gave our graduates some tips about transitioning to secondary school. And finally, I would also like to thank the teachers, who spent a lot of hours in their own time creating the thoughtful touches that made the night so memorable for our students. 

Awards:

Congratulations to Bryce for being the recipient of the Hotham Award, presented by Clare O’Neil. Bryce received this award due to his ability to care for others, demonstrating kindness and inclusivity.  Bryce reminds us that the power of leadership is grounded in kindness. 

Congratulations to Krystal, for receiving the Achieving your Best award, presented by Eden Foster. Krystal leads not by being the loudest voice, buy by being someone that others trust and follow. 

Congratulations to Amelia and Benjamin for receiving the Neighbour Watch Citizenship Awards, presented by Bob Johnson, for consistently showing good citizenship, being inclusive and kind to others, and showing integrity.

The Rotary Award was presented to Paticia for showcasing a fantastic Sporting Attitude.

The School Values Award, for demonstrating our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, was presented to Kamran and Evelyn.

The Sports Award was presented to Chenuli, for her outstanding contribution to sport, in representing our school in and out of the pool.

The Visual Arts Award was presented to Tanya for the care and attention to detail that she incorporates into her artwork.

The Performing Arts Award was presented to Ayuni for her fearlessness and enthusiasm in performance.

The recipient of the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) award was Doris for her dedication and consistent approach to STEM learning.

The Academic Award went to Mia who earned the top achievement across all areas of learning.

The Judy Drew Award for Academic Growth was presented by Judy to David. This award is less about where you start and more about the progress and growth that David achieved. 

Congratulations to our Year 6 Graduating Class of 2025!

Congratulations to Ashar & Hudson!

This term Ashar and Hudson successfully completed the Victorian High Abilities Program (VHAP), in English. 

In the Primary English course, students explored the history of writing and developed insight into the power of the written word. Throughout the course, students focused on the role of narrative in reflecting human experience. Students grappled with the transformational influence of writing through history and within modern society. Students considered the features of literary genres - and, contended with dynamics of writing humour and comic characters. In addition, students investigated the role of narrative strategy and considered how varied narrative perspectives affect the style of creative writing. 

Well done to both Ashar and Hudson!

STEM and Maths opportunities at ARPS for 2026

We are excited to report that we have secured places at the John Monash Science School (JMSS) for some of our high ability Year 5 & 6 students to undertake extension work at Monash University. These programs will be coordinated by Ms T, and provide mentorship to primary-aged students, teaching them a variety of concepts from science, maths and digital technology.  Numbers are limited and students will be selected on the basis of their assessment data in relation to Science and Maths and their ability to be great representatives of our school. 

300 nights of Reading

Congratulations to Meher (FM) and Sienna (1/2P) for achieving 300 nights of home reading. Meher and Sienna joined me for lunch last Monday. Meher reports that she has never skipped a night of reading and still reads over the holidays! Siena reports that she was able to achieve 300 nights of home reading because reading is fun! Both girls think that reading helps them learn new words and achieve your goals! Meher’s favourite book was about goats called “Who will be my Mum?” Sienna’s favourite book is called “Bear Hugs” about bears. Both girls believe if you keep reading, you will learn more.  Siena suggests reading on your own, without your parents. She believes that reading helps your imagination grow! Meher suggests trying your best! Keep reading!!

Sporting Achievement 

 Ethan in 3/4Y achievement in tennis as champion U12.

Well Done Ethan!

2026 – A new year of learning

If you are looking for information, tips and hints about the new school year, A new year of learning | vic.gov.au has a variety of information from starting Kinder right through to secondary school.

Free Dress Birthdays

Some students find it difficult to come to school on their birthdays, however, we want them to be here and enjoy the day with their classmates.  From now on, at Albany Rise PS, a child can come to school in free dress on their birthday!  It makes the day special for them (and we can easily tell who is having a birthday and celebrate with them!)

For those students who have birthdays in January, they are welcome to come to school on Friday 30th January in free dress! (We don’t want anyone to miss out!)

Curriculum Days for 2026

Our School Council has approved the 4 curriculum days and 1 Professional Practice Day for 2026.  These days have been determined around the times appropriate for the delivery of professional learning for teachers and are student-free days. They are:

• Tuesday 27th January (students from years 1-6 start Wednesday 28th January)
• Tuesday 10th March
• Monday 25th May
• Friday 26th June
• Monday 9th November

Thank you!

Jane Capon