What a fantastic start we have had to the school year! It has been wonderful to see students returning with enthusiasm, positive energy and a readiness to learn, setting the tone for a successful year ahead. We are looking forward to building on this strong beginning and sharing another year of growth, achievement and community together.

Prep 2026 Off to a Strong Start

The start of the year has been a joyful one for our Prep students at both campuses, with children embracing school life with excitement and curiosity. Our early weeks have centred on building strong classroom routines, supporting wellbeing, and introducing foundational literacy and numeracy learning in engaging ways. It has been amazing to see students developing confidence, forming friendships and already feeling a strong sense of belonging at school.

2026 Art Teacher

Miss Smulders has been thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to teach Art this year, bringing creativity and enthusiasm into this exciting learning area. She is also loving her time with the Juniors, building strong connections and supporting students as they grow in confidence and skills across their learning.

Parent Fundraising and Event Planning Committee Meeting

It was wonderful to meet with parents from across both campuses on Wednesday afternoon to begin planning a range of fun and exciting fundraising events for our school. It has been fantastic to welcome new parents to the group this year, bringing fresh ideas and great energy as we head into 2026. It’s not too late to get involved, please let me know if you would be interested in joining the fundraising team.

Week 3 Conferences with Your Child’s Teacher

Information about our upcoming conferences with your child’s teacher in Week 3 were sent home this week. Families should have received an email or notification via Compass with booking details and instructions. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club will commence next week at both campuses. At Warburton East, students can attend on Monday, Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday from 8:15am–8:45am, while at Millgrove it will run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:20am–8:50am. We look forward to welcoming lots of students as they start their day with a healthy bite to eat and a positive start to learning.

School Procedures for Bushfire Season

Fire danger ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life. Schools and children’s services listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) will be closed when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is determined in their Bureau of Meteorology district. Our school has been identified as being one of those at high bushfire risk and is listed on the BARR. Where possible, we will provide parents with up to four days’ notice of a potential Catastrophic day closure by letter and SMS message/phone tree and compass notifications. A Catastrophic day will be determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner no later than 1.00 pm the day before the potential closure. Once we are advised of the confirmation of the Catastrophic day we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day. Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child.

It is also important to note that: • No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Catastrophic day. • School camps will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is determined for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located. On these Catastrophic days families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children should never be left at home or in the care of older children. For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises that when Catastrophic days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Catastrophic day. As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan, and had scheduled maintenance in the yard.

What can parents do?

• Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.

• Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, checking Compass, our Facebook page, our website https://www.millwarraps.vic.edu.au/, or by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our emergency management plan.

• Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.

• If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.

• You can access more information about children’s services closures on the Department of Education and Training website – see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx

For up-to-date information on this year’s fire season see:

• https://emergency.vic.gov.au • The VicEmergency App

• CFA Facebook (facebook.com/cfavic)

• ABC local radio and other emergency broadcasters

• VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)

School Tours

Student tours across all year levels are already underway this year. If you’re interested in seeing our school in action, please call or email to arrange a time that suits you. Information packs are also available from the office for families who would like to learn more about the programs and opportunities at Millwarra Primary School.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns or feedback please let me know.

Melanie Hancock

Principal

melanie.hancock@education.vic.gov.au

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