Leadership updates and reflections
An update from Julie
It’s hard to believe we’re already in Week 5! We couldn’t be prouder of the way our students have settled back into the rhythm of school life. It’s been so lovely to see new connections being made, confidence growing, and students feeling a sense of belonging within their class and across their level.
Our Preps continue to amaze us every day. They are embracing their learning with such enthusiasm, taking on new challenges with confidence, and approaching each new experience with big smiles. Last week they even received their very first certificate at their first assembly! We are so proud of the wonderful start they’ve made to their school journey.
Connection Groups
This week our Grade 6 students will lead the first Connection Group session for the term. These special multi-age groups meet fortnightly and bring students from different year levels together to share activities, conversations and experiences. It’s a lovely way for students to build connections beyond their own classroom and strengthen their sense of belonging within our school community.
For our Grade 6 leaders, it’s a wonderful opportunity to step proudly into their leadership roles as they guide the group, look out for their Prep buddies and help everyone feel included. We always love seeing the genuine bonds that grow through these sessions and the positive impact they have on students of all ages.
Student Leaders Badge Presentation
We are looking forward to our 2026 Student Leaders Badge Presentation at a special assembly this Thursday, February 26th at 9:00am. All student leaders from Prep to Grade 6 will receive their leadership badge from our special guest, Councillor Carli Lange, who represents residents in the Manningham Council, Yarra Ward. We hope you can join us to celebrate our 2026 student leaders.
2026 School Council Elections
Thank you to the parents who nominated for this year's School Council. We warmly welcome our re-elected members - Troy Bowie and Jo Allan and our two new members - Jason Hounam and Kelly Berghella. We also extend our sincere thanks to outgoing members, Michelle Rose, Jodie Winterton and Rachel Stone for their outstanding contribution to our school community.
We are pleased to announce the Parent and Department of Education School Council Representatives for 2026 -
Parent Representative (8)
Troy Bowie
Jo Allan
Brett Powell
Mark Matheson
Tom Zappulla
Chris Proctor
Kelly Berghella
Jason Hounam
Community Members (2)
To be nominated at the first meeting of School Council
DE Representatives (4)
Adele Brice
Terri Gioia
Lauren Goodwin
Lisa List (Burch Memorial Pre-school representative)
The first meeting of School Council will be held on Monday 2nd March, 7:00pm in the staffroom.
Safety Reminder- e-Bikes and e-Scooters
There have been many reports in the media recently about the potential dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters. Sadly, we have also observed some of this dangerous behaviour on our school grounds and on local roads, putting riders, pedestrians and other vehicle users at risk. The riding e-scooters or e-bikes on school grounds, including the school carpark, poses unacceptable risk of serious injury for members of our school community and is against school rules. New signs will be installed this week to remind the community that e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on school property at all times. We thank parents for reinforcing this important safety message with their children to ensure the safety of all.
Drop-off and Pick-up Update - Lantana Drive
Last week we had a very productive meeting with Manningham Council Traffic Managers and our local Yarra Ward representative, Carli Lange regarding the recent challenges experienced by parents picking their children up in Lantana Drive. We are hopeful that we will shortly have a solution and be able to use Lantana Drive again as a drop-off and pick-up point. Council is also looking at other possible long term solutions to ease traffic flow around the school. Thank you for your patience as we work together with Council to find the best solutions possible. We will keep you informed of any updates.
Just a reminder that we have a pupil-free Curriculum Day this Friday, February 27th.
Warm regards
Julie
julie.crawford@education.vic.gov.au
An update from Adele Brice
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Disability and Inclusion: Using visuals to support your child's language and learning
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Incursion - Monday 2nd March
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series
- eSafety Commission online workshops(regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Disability and Inclusion
Using visuals to support your child’s language and learning is a helpful parent resource from the Victorian Department of Education's Diverse Learners Hub. Visual supports are a simple yet powerful way to build independence, reduce stress and strengthen communication at home.
.
The guide below explains what visual supports are and how they can assist children with routines, transitions, making choices and regulating emotions. Visual supports are clear, visible cues that provide information about tasks, routines and expectations. They are particularly helpful for children with language, attention or memory difficulties, and for children learning English as an additional language
.
The resource includes examples such as:
- Routine visual supports to help children understand daily sequences (e.g. morning routines)
- Transition supports and visual timers to reduce anxiety when moving between activities
- First–Next boards to clarify expectations
- Choice boards to encourage independence
Emotional regulation visuals to help children identify feelings and select calming strategies
It also provides practical tips for families, including using age-appropriate visuals, being consistent across home and school, modelling how to use visuals, and giving children time to learn how to use them independently.
.
Child Safety
Cyber Safety Project Incusion
On Monday 2nd March our students will participate in a Cyber Safety Project incursion designed to equip them with essential skills for navigating the online world safely and respectfully. The Cyber Safety Project is a nationally recognised online safety and digital wellbeing education provider that partners with schools to promote confident, responsible digital citizenship for young people.
Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series
The Cyber Safety Project offers the Cyber Safe Parents 2026 Webinar Series, a practical, engaging online program designed to help families raise smart, safe and kind digital kids.
Across four live online sessions, parents will gain clear, realistic strategies to confidently support children at home. Topics include:
Cyber Safety at Home – The basics of online safety in simple, easy-to-understand language (Family Workshop)
10 March 2026 | 7.30pm AEDT (45 mins)
AI & Critical Thinking – Understanding what AI really is (and isn’t) and why it matters for your family
20 May 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Balancing Life & Tech – Reducing conflict and restoring healthy screen balance.
3 August 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Cyberbullying & Resilience – Supporting young people to manage wellbeing online
27 October 2026 | 7.30pm AEDT (45 mins)
This series provides valuable guidance for navigating device set up, online risks, app safety, screen time, critical thinking and digital wellbeing, all in a supportive and parent-friendly format.
We strongly encourage all families to take part in this important learning opportunity.
If you’re unable to attend on the night, you can still register to receive the recording and resources.
Register via: bit.ly/Parents-2026
eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.
The schedule for 2026 can be accessed via this link .
Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.
Warm regards,
Adele Brice
Assistant Principal