2025 REFLECTION

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both deeply challenging and incredibly rewarding.

This year brought personal loss with the passing of my mum and my father-in-law. Navigating grief while stepping into a new role at Meadows Primary School was not easy, and there were moments that tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I am profoundly grateful for the kindness, understanding, and compassion shown by our school community during this time. Your care has meant more than I can put into words.

Becoming new to Meadows PS in 2025 was a journey in itself, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now call this school my professional home. I love being part of such a warm-hearted, generous, and welcoming community. I am also deeply grateful to have been entrusted with the role of Principal — a privilege I hold with great pride and responsibility. I look forward to continuing to work hard for our students, our families, and our wider community, and to nurturing a strong sense of belonging for all.

There have been so many joyful moments and highlights throughout the year that truly capture the spirit of Meadows PS, including:

Celebrating Harmony Week and the Eid Festival with our wonderful community
Our vibrant Writers’ Festival and Art Show
The joy of the 100 Days of Prep celebration
Year 5/6 Camp — and of course, the unforgettable 6-foot kangaroo
Lunchtime chats with the Community Garden Group
Year 6 Graduation, in all its glory
Principal lunches with students (and I promise to make up for the ones I couldn’t get to!)
And, of course, the magnificent Colour Fun Run, which truly brought our community together

As we look ahead, I am excited about the new beginnings that 2026 will bring. I cannot wait to continue creating forever memories together — learning, growing, and celebrating all that makes our school so special.

Thank you for welcoming me, supporting me, and walking alongside me this year. I am so proud to be part of the Meadows PS community and cannot wait to see what 2026 has in store.

GIVE A LITTLE. FEED A LOT.

Thank you to our wonderful students and families for your incredible generosity and support of our food drive. Your donations of non-perishable food items helped make this cause a great success and will make a meaningful difference to those in need.

All donated items were collected by The Salvation Army on 17 December, and we are truly grateful to our families for giving so generously and helping to support our wider community.

STAFF FAREWELLS

As we farewell some of our staff members of, I would like to sincerely thank each of you for your dedication, professionalism, and the care you have shown our students and community.

Your hard work and commitment over your time at Meadows PS have made a meaningful impact, and you will be greatly missed.

Best wishes to the following staff who are not returning in 2026:

STAFF NOT RETURNING TO MPS

Thomas Rotundo

Katrina Maskell

Bianca Cerra

Chloe Turnbull

Bradley Coath

Mary Younis

Erena Spence

STAFF LEAVE IN 2026

Thank you to the following staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

STAFF TAKING LEAVE IN 2026

Libby Morris

Laura Dilizia

Olivia Files

Michelle Hortle

Elise Young

Mariam Allouche

As we look ahead to 2026, I’d like to wish you a well-deserved break while you are on leave from the MPS. I hope the time away gives you the opportunity to seek out new opportunities and grow further. For those taking time away from the profession I hope you rest, recharge, and spend time on the things that matter most to you.

Thank you for everything you have contributed to our school.

NEW MPS STAFF IN 2026

Welcome to the new team — we’re excited about the journey ahead together and congratulate them on joining us in 2026. We are absolutely delighted to have them join our team and feel very lucky that they have chosen to bring their skills, energy, and perspectives to our amazing school.

They are joining at an exciting time, and we truly believe there are great things ahead. Their contribution will play an important part in shaping what’s to come, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the ideas, enthusiasm, and impact they'll bring to MPS.

We hope they feel supported, valued, and proud to be part of the MPS from day one.

NEW STAFF - 2026

Andrew Wragg – Foundation Teacher

Harry Agrios – Year 1/2 Teacher

Christine Budgeon – Year 1/2 Teacher

Ashley Stace – Year 5/6 teacher

Gregor Chen -Year 3/4 Teacher

Jenny Lee – Year 5/6 Teacher

Elissa Wison _ Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader & Inclusion Support

Margaret D’Ortenzio - STEM

Corinne Connor – Visual Arts

Rita Carino – Social Worker

Kirsten Newman – Education Support

Shaye Gioffre – Education Support

CURRENT STAFF

To our current staff who are returning in 2026, thank you sincerely for your continued commitment, professionalism, and care. Your contributions are truly valued, and I am grateful for the important role you have each played in 2025.

Through change and challenge, you continue to support one another and your dedication, and teamwork help us move forward with confidence.

I appreciate your hard work and look forward to what we will achieve together in 2026.

Stay well, stay safe

Mrs Figen Mustafa

Office News