From the Principal ...

Dear students, families and staff of Cheltenham Primary School,

A team of our best Scientists in Year 5 attended a STEM Challenge day at Cheltenham Secondary College on our Curriculum Day. They began the day by designing a flag, team name and motto for their group. They named themselves the Cheltenham Frederick's in honour of our beloved Frederick the Cow and their motto was 'We have creativity in every step.'

I am proud to say they also demonstrated teamwork in every step. Across the 4 challenges they demonstrated: creativity, collaboration: problem solving and inclusion in every way.  They were the only mixed team of boys and girls at the Challenge amongst multiple teams from other local schools. In the first 3 challenges they were amongst the top 3 place getters and that consistency shone through with our 'Fredericks' taking out the inaugural Challenge! Congratulations to Evie B, Matthew A, Matthew C, Rachel H,  Maggie K., Stella L, Myrah V!  As a school we are all so proud of you!

STEAM Expos

 STEAM Expo week is always a highlight in our calendar.  This week it was a wonderful celebration of curiosity, creativity, and 'hands‑on' learning across Foundation to Year 6. Each year level showcased thoughtful design thinking and problem‑solving, showing just how capable our students are when given the opportunity to explore real‑world challenges.

Foundation students delighted us with their carefully constructed lunchboxes, each filled with a healthy lunch they designed and constructed themselves. Year 1 students worked collaboratively to build vibrant community models, selecting services based on their own needs and wants. Our Year 3 and 4 students took inspiration from urban living, designing rooftop gardens to support the wellbeing of families in apartment buildings with limited access to green spaces. Meanwhile, our Year 5 and 6 students, who have been studying natural disasters, engineered sustainable homes designed to withstand both floods and cyclones.

The Expo highlighted not only the students’ creativity but also their growing understanding of how thoughtful design can improve lives. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and grateful to our staff for guiding such rich learning experiences.

End of Term Reflections 

This term has provided many opportunities for students across all year levels to engage deeply with their learning and demonstrate strong growth. Teachers have reflected on the progress students have made academically, socially, and creatively in today's newsletter. It is always reassuring to see the positive impact of consistent effort and high‑quality teaching.

Across the school, students have strengthened foundational skills, expanded their understanding of key concepts, and developed greater confidence in applying their learning. Our specialist programs have continued to enrich the curriculum, with students showing growth in physical skills, artistic expression, scientific thinking, and cultural understanding.

We are proud of the way students have approached challenges, collaborated with peers, and taken increasing ownership of their learning. Their achievements this term reflect both their hard work and the supportive learning environments created by our staff.

Semester 1 Reports

As Semester 1 draws to a close, families will soon receive their child’s report, which outlines progress against the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. These reports provide a clear picture of the curriculum content taught this semester and how each student is developing in relation to the expected achievement standards.

For our Foundation to Year 2 students, reports highlight growth in foundational skills and understandings. Families will also find practical suggestions for supporting learning at home, such as reading together, practising number facts, and encouraging curiosity through everyday conversations.

For students in Years 3 to 6, reports include opportunities for personal goal setting. These goals are intended help students reflect on their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and take increasing ownership of their learning. This process builds confidence, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility.

We encourage families to celebrate the progress shown, discuss the report together, and use it as a springboard for continued growth in Semester 2.

2027 Foundation enrolment

Thank you to all families with a sibling ready to start Foundation in 2027 that have collected an enrolment pack or completed the enrolment form which can be downloaded from our website.  If you have child starting Foundation in 2027 and have not completed an enrolment form as yet, please do so as soon as possible to ensure that we hold a place for your child.

Grant applications

Our accessibility grant application has progressed to the next phase.  The VSBA has now appointed Architecture Caisson to oversee the project, and I met recently with the team from Caisson and the VSBA for a kick‑off meeting. A land surveyor will complete site scans during the school holidays, after which Caisson will prepare a schematic design and cost plan for VSBA review. We will then receive the schematic design for review, prior to going to tender. This important investment will support improvements to accessibility across our heritage school site, ensuring all in our community can access facilities more safely and easily.  Proposed works are expected to include improved pathways and ramp access, automatic doors and other accessibility enhancements.  

I have also submitted a minor works grant to the VSBA for $200,000 to support an irrigation system to our oval and continued groundworks where required. 

NAIDOC Week 2026 will be held from 5–12 July and marks a significant milestone: 50 Years of Deadly. The theme celebrates five decades of recognising and celebrating the histories, cultures, achievements and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It honours the Elders, community leaders, artists and advocates who have shaped the culture, while also looking forward to the next generation of First Nations leadership. 

For schools, NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to move beyond celebration and engage students in meaningful learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, knowledges and contributions. 

Thank you

As we come to the end of another busy and productive term, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our entire school community for the commitment, energy and care you bring to our students every day.

To our students, thank you for your hard work, your curiosity, and the way you continue to grow as learners and as young people. Your effort and enthusiasm give purpose to everything we do.

To our class teachers, thank you for the hours spent planning learning, supporting student wellbeing, triangulating data for student reports that reflect each child’s progress. Your dedication is deeply appreciated.

To our specialist teachers and instructors, thank you for enriching our curriculum and providing students with opportunities to explore their talents and passions across so many areas.

To our education support staff — in classrooms, in intervention, in the office, and in IT — thank you for the essential work you do behind the scenes and beside our students. You keep our school running smoothly and ensure every learner is supported.

To all families, thank you for your partnership, encouragement and trust. Your support at home and your involvement in school life make a tremendous difference.

A school thrives when every part of the community works together, and this term has been a powerful example of that. Thank you all for your ongoing commitment to teaching, learning and student growth.

Wishing everyone a safe, restful and well‑deserved break!  Rest is not time lost; it is the investment that allows us to return with fresh energy, clear minds and open hearts for the term ahead.

We look forward to your return, Monday 13 July. 

Kind Regards,

Bronwyn