Principal Report
Dear Families,
A warm welcome to Term 4. I hope the holidays provided an opportunity for our students and families to rest and recharge after a busy and productive Term 3.
Term 4 is always a special time of year as we celebrate our students' achievements and growth while looking ahead to exciting new beginnings. It is a term filled with opportunities to reflect on the year that has been, enjoy memorable events with friends and classmates, and prepare for the transition to a new year level.
For some students, this marks the completion of their very first year of school, while for others it is the conclusion of their primary school journey and the beginning of an exciting transition to secondary school.
It has been an absolute joy watching our Prep students grow throughout the year. They have developed confidence, independence and resilience, while continuing to showcase their unique personalities. Recently, they have begun making their way independently to specialist classes each Wednesday, which is a wonderful milestone. They still have many exciting experiences ahead of them, including Carols, the Colour Run and, perhaps most importantly, their class parties!
Our Grade 1 students have embraced significant changes in Reading this year with the introduction of Decodable Readers Australia. The hard work they have demonstrated to strengthen and extend their foundational literacy knowledge has been outstanding. Adapting to a new approach has required persistence and determination, and they have risen to the challenge impressively. This term will also be their last in the Boorai learning space before transitioning to the main building next year.
Grade 2 students have enjoyed receiving their laptops and are developing valuable touch-typing skills. This is an important capability that will continue to support their learning as they prepare for future assessments, including NAPLAN next year. In Week 1, students attended the Grade 2 sleepover at school. The event was packed with fun activities and gave students the opportunity to spend an evening away from home, helping build confidence and independence ahead of camp next year.
Our Grade 3/4 students continue to thrive both academically and socially. For some students, next year will mark the beginning of their senior primary years, while others will take on the responsibility of being the oldest students in the Grade 3/4 area. Throughout the year they have continued to strengthen their friendships and develop positive relationships with their peers. Our Grade 4 students will soon take on the important role of Prep buddies for our incoming 2027 Prep students, and we know they will do an outstanding job.
The Grade 5/6 years are always an exciting stage of primary school. For our Grade 5 students, thoughts are already beginning to turn towards leadership opportunities in 2027 as they prepare to apply for school leadership roles. Our Grade 6 students are also beginning to realise that graduation is fast approaching. Next week's camp will be their final primary school camp and is certain to be one of the highlights of their year.
2027 Prep Transition
On Friday 16 October, we hosted our first transition session for our 2027 Prep students. The morning ran smoothly and the children adapted wonderfully to their new environment and routines, approaching the experience with enthusiasm, confidence and excitement.
While illness unfortunately prevented me from attending the parent information session, I appreciated everyone's understanding and support.
We are now looking forward to welcoming our future students back for their second transition session on 30 October.
Important Transition Dates
Weeks 1-3
- Parent Placement Requests
Week 2
- Prep Transition Session 1
Week 4
- Grade 5/6 Camp
- Prep Transition Session 2
Week 5
- Melbourne Cup Public Holiday and Curriculum Day
- P&F Colour Run
Week 6
- Prep Transition Session 3
Week 8
- Prep Transition Session 4
Week 9
- School Carols Event
Week 10
- Statewide Transition Day
- Getting to Know You Interviews
Week 11
- Christmas Break-Up Parties
- Summer Holidays Commence
Fees and Voluntary Contributions
There has recently been increased media attention highlighting that parent payments and voluntary contributions at Victorian government schools are voluntary. This has always been the case at Rolling Hills Primary School.
Information about voluntary contributions and how they are used is outlined in our Parent Payment Arrangements and supported by school policy. We continue to partner with Ross Office as our stationery supplier because they provide high-quality service and excellent value for money.
Over the past two years, we have noticed a decline in voluntary contributions. Despite this, we have remained committed to providing students with the additional resources, materials and opportunities that enrich learning across the school. While we will continue to do our very best to maintain these programs, voluntary contributions play an important role in allowing us to enhance what we can offer beyond the core funding provided to schools.
On behalf of all staff, I would like to sincerely thank the families who have made voluntary contributions this year. Every contribution, regardless of size, directly supports our students and helps us provide high-quality learning experiences and resources. Your generosity is genuinely appreciated and continues to make a positive difference across our school community.
THANK YOU.
Future Curriculum Days
The new education workforce agreement has now been approved and will be implemented before the beginning of the 2027 school year.
One significant change included in the agreement is an increase in student-free days from five to eight days per year. While these additional professional learning and planning days will provide valuable opportunities for staff, I recognise that they will also affect family arrangements and childcare planning.
We are currently working through the details and will communicate the 2027 student-free day dates as early as possible to ensure families have ample time to make arrangements.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the year. We look forward to an exciting and successful Term 4 as we celebrate the achievements of our students and prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey.
Have a wonderful week.
Craig Bradley
Principal