WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to the new school year! We’re excited for the fresh beginnings and the positive growth and transformations it will bring. I hope students, families, and staff made memorable memories over the summer break and are returning refreshed, ready to reconnect and learn together.

Over the break, I shared in the joy of my son’s engagement and spent time making delicious apricot jam using apricots from my dad’s tree, following my mum’s treasured recipe.

I also worked on managing some exciting school upgrade projects over the break. A big shout out and Thank you to Mr Paul Crosbie who supported me with this vision. Mr Paul Crosbie worked hard helping with the renovation works and overseeing the contractors as they worked onsite.

I look forward to working in close partnership with all families to better support your child at school. Happy New Year…We got this!

SUN SMART/DRESS CODE

As we begin the term, we would like to remind all families of the importance of being Sun Smart at school.

UV radiation levels can be high throughout the term, even on cooler or cloudy days. To help protect students from harmful UV exposure and reduce the risk of sun damage, students are encouraged to use sunscreen and are required to wear a school hat when outdoors during recess, lunch, and outdoor learning activities.

We ask families to please apply sunscreen to their child before school each day. Students may also bring their own sunscreen to reapply as needed, in line with school procedures.

This expectation supports student health and wellbeing and is in line with Department guidelines and our school’s Sun Smart Policy.

Your support in ensuring students come to school prepared for sun protection is greatly appreciated.

If your child does not currently have a school hat, these can be purchased from the school office.

SUN SMART POLICY

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/sun-protection/policy

STAFF UPDATE

I am pleased to share some wonderful staffing news with you.

Congratulations to Tim Brown, who has successfully been appointed to the substantive Assistant Principal position, overseeing the Wellbeing portfolio. We look forward to Mr Brown's continued leadership and the positive impact he will bring to this important area of our school.

I am also delighted to welcome Khoi Tran to our team. Khoi joins us as the new teacher for Year 5/6D, and we are excited to have his expertise and enthusiasm supporting our Year 5/6 students.

Please join us in congratulating Tim and warmly welcoming Khoi to their new roles.

SCHOOL UPGRADES

We’re excited to share an update on our school building upgrades and renovations!

Over the summer break, significant work has been underway to create a brand-new STEM Lab and a beautifully renewed Art Studio—and the progress so far is coming along wonderfully. In addition to these learning spaces, we are also creating two dedicated collaboration areas where staff and our service providers can meet, plan, and work together more effectively.

I am a firm believer that our students deserve learning environments that are modern, clean, functional, and inspiring, and these upgrades reflect that commitment. As we enter a fresh and exciting era of learning at Meadows Primary School, this work marks an important step forward. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share more as the transformation continues.

Watch this space—there’s much more to come!

Stay well, Stay safe

Figen Mustafa

Staff Spotlight

Andrew Wragg