Principal's Report

Chatham Primary School – Newsletter – Friday 6th June 2025

Over the last two weeks Principals and Assistant Principals from Boroondara and Statewide have been immersed in a series of meetings with Education Minister Carroll and a number of Deputy Secretaries and others from the Department of Education. I am pleased to advise that without exception the direction and focus of our school is consistent and well ahead of the emerging agenda. In short, the following are of interest as we continue to strive and achieve great things at our school. 

Victorian Teaching and Learning Model

There has been recognition of this model, and its research basis and needed implementation for a long time at Chatham Primary School The approaches and theory of how students learn and the elements of teaching resonate highly with our experienced teaching staff and the growing focus of highly nuanced explicit teaching is front and centre. In short, reflected at all levels of our school are calm, ordered, safe and predictable classrooms, where student engagement and teacher immersion is at a high level. Consequently, it is no surprise that our students continue to achieve at a high level.

Positive Classroom Strategies in Classrooms and Specialists

There is clearly a broad focus and concern by policy decision makers about the behaviours, particularly of adolescents and others in public places outside schools. Sadly, the experience of Northland Shopping Centre in recent times and other examples across all suburbs is of concern. Without exception, such responsibility lies at the centre of parenting and schools cannot be the panacea for deficits in these areas, despite their efforts. Nevertheless, I am pleased to reflect that at Chatham we have a sense of broader community and expectations from students, staff and parents in how we conduct ourselves not only at school, but in the immediate and broader community. Almost without exception, members of our community report positively about the conduct, manners and observances of social mores by our students. This is just magnificent and enables our school culture to develop a self-fulfilling prophecy in such areas and a pathway of high expectations for those to follow. Above all, I commend our staff and students for their diligence in this area and for our parents who understand that on occasions, we will hold deviations in behaviour accountable, knowing full well that they will learn and grow from such expectations.

Our students at all levels know what is expected of them and the consequences that logically follow from deviation away from behaviours that are not kind, safe and fair. Moreover, I am confident that our school will remain a beacon for others in what we achieve in this area.

Junior School Council – Starlight Foundation

It was delightful to experience the Junior School Council Celebrity Day and the efforts students, parents and staff had made to make the experience such a success. It was also wonderful to see so many of our parents in attendance for our parade early on Thursday and joining in with the songs of the various classes. Mr Michael Tiglias coordinates and leads our Junior School Council who on this occasion used the experience to raise money for the Starlight Foundation.

Educational Contributions for 2025

Recently, I wrote to parents where these contributions have not been provided for 2025. These funds are crucial and absolutely needed to provide the curriculum provision at all levels for your children. This also pays for each students' individual stationary and books. Providing 100% of parents pay these contributions then we can minimise costs for all parents and ensure at the same time we have the materials and up to date technology to address significant educational needs and provision. Every educational experience both within and outside the school draws upon these needed funds. If you need a repayment plan, please contact our Business Manager in the first instance at dimitra.ouliaris@education.vic.gov.au

Year 5 & 6 Speaking Competition – Kew Speaking Competition

At the time of writing, all students at this level are immersed in preparing their speeches for this exceptional Chatham rite of passage. The experience follows on from a range of other experiences we provide that enable students to learn high order presentation skills, poise, nonverbal communicative practices and speaking. Subsequently, students speak to all their peers across the three Year 5 & 6 classes. Ten students are then selected to speak to the Member for Kew, Ms Jess Wilson, with one student invited to speak in the Victorian Parliament and to compete against others in the Kew Electorate. The entire experience has such positive outcomes for all students and the growth in confidence and belief is palpable for all involved.

Christopher Cotching

Principal