From the Principal

Dear families,

School Tours Continue

We recently hosted our second 2027 Prep school tour, with another fantastic turnout of prospective families. A huge thank you to our School Captains, who continue to do an outstanding job leading tours and showcasing our school with confidence and pride. Additional tours will continue throughout the term.

Year 6 Secondary School Applications

The school has now completed the coordination and submission of Year 6 secondary school application forms for 2027. While the school supports families through the process and timelines, secondary school placement decisions are managed directly by secondary schools and the Department of Education.

Free Fruit Program

Following a successful trial, our fortnightly Free Fruit Program has now officially commenced. Fruit will be available for students outside the library each fortnight, supporting healthy habits and student wellbeing. Initial student feedback has been extremely positive.

Student Leadership Excursion

Yesterday, our Senior JSC representatives and House Captains attended a leadership excursion to Parliament House, where they observed Question Time and participated in a guided tour. Students also met local MP Melissa Horne as part of the experience, which strongly supported their Inquiry learning around government and leadership.

Stand Up Project

Our Stand Up Project student leaders have been preparing activities and leadership sessions that will soon be delivered in Grade 2–4 classrooms. The initiative focuses on inclusion, respectful relationships and positive student culture, while also providing valuable leadership opportunities for participating students.

Mother’s Day Luncheon

We are looking forward to the upcoming Mother’s Day Luncheon on Saturday 23rd May. This year’s event introduces a new weekend format, allowing greater flexibility for families to attend. A big thank you to Julia Germon for her organisation and leadership in coordinating the event alongside parent volunteers.

Industrial Action Update

The school continues to work within the current AEU industrial action framework. While some administrative and reporting processes are impacted — including Semester One report comments — all student learning programs, assessment requirements and core school operations continue as normal. The school will continue to communicate any significant updates to families as required.

Buildings and Grounds Update

Grounds Project

Stage Two of the school’s grounds project is now underway. Works include the replacement of garden borders, installation of synthetic turf and construction of a new GaGa pit. The project continues the staged enhancement of outdoor student spaces and is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

VSBA Maintenance Works

There has been positive progress regarding a number of VSBA maintenance items, including:

• Replacement of incorrect spire materials following recent works
• Fabrication of the new southern box gutter
• Restoration works to Room 7
• Further roof repair works across sections of the heritage building

The school will continue advocating strongly for these important heritage maintenance works.

Buildings and Grounds Master Plan

The school has commenced the development of a new three-year Buildings and Grounds Master Plan to guide future facility and grounds improvements. The plan will build upon previous upgrades and focus on enhancing learning environments, outdoor play spaces, landscaping, accessibility and the preservation of the school’s historic buildings. Further updates will be provided as planning progresses throughout the year.

Warm regards,

Mat Montebello