A Message from Keir and Emma

“We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the first people to dream, create, wonder, dance, play and learn on this breathtaking land. This land was cared for and respected for tens of thousands of years. The First Nations people lived in companionship with the animals and the life on this land. We acknowledge that this is stolen land and we pay our respects to elders, past, present and emerging.” 

Rayma Atkinson (2023 Suzanne Peterson Award Recipient)

School Photos 

How amazing were this year’s school photos? We would like to extend a big thankyou to Magda and her team who took on school photos for the first time this year. Magda is a valued member of the school community - make sure you thank her for her efforts if you see her around!

Classroom Helpers 

Today we held our 2025 classroom helpers workshop. We were very lucky to have a large number of willing community members from across the school in attendance, We talked through important ‘classroom helper’ information such as Working With Children Checks, Child Safe Processes such as signing in when on-site, respecting confidentiality and the behaviours and supports that classroom helpers can expect from classroom teachers and students. 

Because most classroom help begins in English sessions, we also talked through a variety of strategies and language that classroom helpers might use when they are assisting students (or their own children!) with reading. 

If there is interest, we would be happy to run another classroom helpers course later in the year. If you missed today’s session, or this sounds like it is something that would interest you, please email Emma (emma.mallia@education.vic.gov.au) and express your interest. 

Student-Led Conferences 

This Thursday 1st May is an alteration to school day to allow for our Student-Led Conferences. Students are expected to stay at home for this day and to attend the conference with their parents or carers. All conferences this year will take place in person. Student-led conference appointments will be closed for bookings from 9am on Thursday 1st May. If you are unable to make a booking before this time, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange an appointment at another time. 

This semester, many families have booked appointments with our amazing specialist teachers, but unfortunately there are not enough time slots available for every family to make these bookings. As a result, many families have notified us through the platform that they would like to request a follow up appointment. Unfortunately, as these follow up requests have themselves added up to over one hundred per teacher, it is not possible for these teachers to contact all of these families back or to make appointments to meet with all of these families. We apologise for this glitch in the system, but we are very happy that so many families see the value in our specialist subjects and want to discuss the learning in these areas. If you have a particular wondering or concern that you would like to discuss with a specialist teacher, we encourage you to contact that teacher through Sentral. 

Kinder Car Park 

We would like to remind families that the Wales Street Montessori Kinder car park is not designated for use during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

We have noticed an increase in traffic and congestion in this area, which is reserved exclusively for Montessori staff and families. Using this space during drop-off and pick-up not only disrupts the flow for those permitted to use it but also raises safety concerns for all children and families on campus.

To ensure a safe and smooth morning and afternoon for everyone, please use the designated drop-off areas only. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and respectful environment for our entire school community.

Planning Week Next Week 

Next week is planning week. This means that teachers will be meeting in their teams for a whole day to plan and discuss the teaching and learning that is attached to our next cycle of Inquiry. Planning weeks can be difficult for some of our students, as the change in routine means all specialists take place on one day rather than being spread throughout the week. It also means that on the non planning days, there is no real break from the base classroom. Planning days this term will take place as follows; 

Tuesday 6th May - Juniors

Wednesday 7th May - Foundation

Thursday 8th May - Seniors 

Friday 9th May - Middles 

If you have any questions about planning week or the scheduling of learning during this time, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.