Principal`s Message

As we begin a new school year at Fitzroy Primary School, I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all our students, staff, and families. I hope the summer break brought rest, adventure, and time with loved ones. As Australian author Judith Wright once reflected, “We are remade in the seasons,” and the start of a new school year always brings with it a sense of renewal and possibility. A special welcome is extended to the new families joining our community this year. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to supporting your children as they settle into school life.

We are also pleased to welcome two new staff members to our teaching team. Declan joins us as the classroom teacher for 1/2D and will also lead Performing Arts across the school. Adeline joins our French program and will be teaching 1/2A and 1/2B. Both bring enthusiasm, experience, and a strong commitment to student learning, and we are excited to have them as part of the Fitzroy Primary School community.

As we settle into Term 1, I would like to remind families of the importance of regularly checking Compass. This platform is our primary means of communication and will contain essential information, including upcoming events, excursions, notices, and classroom updates. Staying informed helps ensure that families are well‑prepared and connected to school life.

SunSmart

A reminder also that Term 1 is a SunSmart term. Students are required to wear a broad‑brimmed school hat when outdoors, and we ask that all students attend in the correct school uniform each day. Please ensure that all items of clothing, including hats and jumpers, are clearly labelled with your child’s name. This greatly assists us in returning lost items promptly and reduces the amount of unclaimed lost property.

Attendance and Supervision

Attendance continues to be a key focus for us, as every day of learning counts. Arriving on time each morning ensures students begin the day calmly and do not miss important routines or disrupt the learning of others. School gates open at 8.30 am, with supervision beginning at 8.45 am. Gates close at 9.05 am for the school day. In the afternoon, gates reopen at 3.20 pm and close again at 3.45 pm to allow Out of School Hours Care to operate safely outdoors.

Building Update

Our Napier Street building project continues to progress extremely well. External cladding will begin to appear shortly, and the building is expected to reach the lock‑up stage in the near future. I had the pleasure of touring the site earlier this week, and it is looking excellent. We remain on track for moving into the new facility in the middle of Term 2, which is an exciting milestone for our school community.

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. 

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

Real Support Right Now

Cost of living support is available at all Victorian public schools. This term, you will see posters and signage at our school about Real Support Right Now.

At our school, ask us about Victorian government funded:

- School Breakfast Clubs

- Free period products

- More affordable uniforms

- Glasses for Kids

- Smile Squad

- Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

Help is available. To learn about Real Support Right Now contact the office. 

-Scott Burton, Principal