Principal News

BUILDING WORKS

During the term break contractors installed internal doors/walls in all six of our Prep - Year 2 classes. See some student comments below along with photos.  The purpose of this was to reduce noise levels in classrooms.

Eleanor – I think the doors keep us safe. They make the room more peaceful and I can focus on my work better.

Amara – It’s nice because there is less noise in our classroom.

Rio – The doors look good and it is quieter.

Clara – I think the doors are good. It’s great we have our own classroom to learn in.

ANZAC DAY

Today we acknowledged ANZAC Day with our school captains Sophie and Zayla providing a service which included reading of The Ode, playing the Bugle Call (The Last Post), observing one minute’s silence to remember those who lost their lives and finally playing The Rouse.

CURRICULUM DAY

Our third of four Curriculum Days (pupil free days) will be held on Monday 13th July, the first day of Term 3. On this day all staff will attend a day of professional learning related to our 2026 Annual Implementation Plan, being the Positive Classroom Management Strategy of ‘Opportunities to Respond’ as well as ‘Check for Understanding’. These strategies encourage student engagement and provide regular opportunities for teachers to assess student understanding.

ASSEMBLY/EASTER HAT PARADE/RAFFLE

Thanks to parents/carers/visitors for attending our Assembly and Easter Hat Parade on the last day of Term 1. It really was terrific to see the efforts people had made to wear such colourful and creative hats for the parade. Thanks to Max in Grade 6 for organising our first Students v Staff soccer match. A BIG thanks to our school community for supporting the Easter Raffle by purchasing tickets and providing prizes, as it raised $1,101 for the Royal Children’s Hospital – a fantastic effort!

DIVISION CROSS COUNTRY

Well done to the students who progressed through to yesterday’s competition. Thanks to the staff and also parents who attended and supported the students on the day. 

GLASSES FOR KIDS (GFK)

A reminder that the closing date to submit the online consent from has been extended to Friday 1st May as the optometrists will be visiting the school on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th May. Here is the information previously provided via the newsletter.

I am pleased to announce that Grovedale West PS is participating in the GFK program, involving students in Prep – Year 3. Staff and qualified optometrists will visit our school and offer participating students with initial vision screening and, if required, further testing and glasses at no cost. All screening and testing sessions will be completed during school hours and children who currently wear glasses can participate in the program, which will take place on school grounds. For children to participate, families can choose to complete either the online consent form or fill in the physical consent form (attached to this newsletter) and return to the school by Friday 1st May.

Use this link to access the online consent form: GFK online consent form 

Use this link to download PDF consent form: 

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

It is pleasing that in Term 1 this year, 44% of all students attended school 95-100% of the time. For 2025, this figure was 28%, so it’s great that student attendance has improved.