A Message from the Deputy Principal
Reconciliation Walk in Chewton: Learning on Country
Yesterday, Cherrie and I had the privilege of accompanying ten MLA students on a Reconciliation Walk in the historic township of Chewton. The experience, thoughtfully designed and led by the students of Chewton Primary School, provided a powerful opportunity for our group to engage with First Nations perspectives, stories, and cultural knowledge in an interactive and respectful way.
The walk took place on Jaara Country, part of the broader Kulin Nation, and there was a strong emphasis on recognising and respecting this connection to place. Throughout the journey, we were reminded that reconciliation is not just about learning facts, it is about listening, acknowledging, and building relationships with the knowledge and histories of First Nations peoples.
Along the walking trail, Chewton Primary students had created a series of engaging installations, including interactive videos and storyboard displays. Each stop invited us to pause, listen, reflect, and learn.
Our group from St Joseph the Worker, also proudly presented our storyboard showcasing the individual Acknowledgements of Country written by each class at school.
The walk concluded at the significant site, the Grandmother Tree. This remarkable tree, a towering river red gum named Me-Mandook Galk, is estimated to be up to 400 years old and is sacred to the Dja Dja Wurrung people. It holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of care, wisdom, and continuity, representing the nurturing presence of Elders. Standing beneath its branches, our group took a moment to reflect on the journey and the stories shared along the way.
Week 10 Open Classroom
We would like to invite families and members of our school community to our Week 10 Open Classroom, taking place at 2:30pm on Monday 22 June. This is a opportunity for visitors to spend time in the classroom and engage with students about their learning across the term.
Students are looking forward to sharing their work, explaining their thinking, and celebrating their progress with those who attend. We understand that attending this time may be challenging for parents with work and other commitments. At school, we discuss with students that not all families can attend every school event. This can also be a positive conversation to have at home.
To foster a strong sense of community, we appreciate attending parents and visitors who engage with students who may not have a guest present. This helps ensure that every child feels supported, valued, and proud to share their learning.
Academic Reports
Academic reports will be released on Thursday of Week 10. These reports provide an overview of each student’s progress, achievements across the semester.
We encourage families to take time to read through the reports with their child, celebrating successes and discussing goals for the next stage of learning. As always, we welcome ongoing communication and are happy to discuss any questions or reflections following the release of reports.
Warm regards,
Sarah Goulding
Deputy Principal