Message from the Principal 

THANK YOU PERFORMING ARTS CAPTAINS

Last week our Performing Arts Captains, Riley and Bella organised an awesome Karaoke Day. This event brought students and staff together for some fun and it also highlighted how great a space and facility our Djila Djerring is. Riley and Bella’s enthusiasm, planning and leadership helped create an energetic and inclusive atmosphere where everyone had the chance in their year levels to sing, laugh and enjoy the moment. It was a fantastic way to celebrate our school community and showcase the strong connections we grow at Greenhills Primary School.

THANK YOU SHIRLEY O’SHANNESSY, SUZANNE BURGERS & MELINDA WILLIAMS

On behalf of our school community I say thank you to Shirley O’Shannessy, Suzanne Burgers and Melinda Williams who will finish their service at Greenhills Primary School at the end of this year and commence work at other primary schools. 

Shirley has been extremely dedicated and has always been focused on the needs of her students. We are grateful for the care, commitment and self-lessness she has brought to our school over the past two years. Shirley has also served for two years on our school council and this is just one example of her dedication, commitment and passion. 

Suzanne has been a key part of our prep team this year and has contributed much to our prep planning and curriculum development. We are grateful for her professionalism, reliability and initiative which has meant that she has had an active voice and input into her team and across the school.

Melinda has been a member of our Education Support team and has worked closely with individual students adjusting learning programs and supporting their learning goals. We are grateful for Melinda’s calm and patient nature and we know that she will be a wonderful teacher as she moves into a teacher role at another school.

BEST WISHES DAVID SYMEONIDIS & LAUREN GRIMSHAW

Next year David Symeonidis and Lauren Grimshaw will be taking a period of family leave. We wish both of them and their respective families all the very best and look forward to meeting the new members of their families when they arrive. We will keep you posted next year!

OUR VERY OWN GREENHILLS ART GALLERY

One of the highlights this year has been walking through our admin building corridor and seeing all the amazing artwork our students have done this year. It is our very own Greenhills Art Gallery. Thank you to Ebony Killmister and Sarah Leach for not only running an awesome art program but also taking the time to set up displays during the year.

THANK YOU PARENT ASSOCIATION

As the end of the school year is fast approaching I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all members of our Parent Association this year.

Having enough parent and carer involvement in committees is a growing challenge for schools. Fortunately, our school has a strong culture of volunteering and our Parent Association is a GREAT example of this in action. 

You only have to look at the results of our community building and fundraising activities such as our Easter Raffle, Hot Cross Buns, Crazy Coin, Second Hand Uniform Sales, School Disco, Mothers & Special Persons Day Stall and Father & Special Persons Breakfast, End of Term BBQ’s, Election Day BBQ, Bunnings BBQ and Bake Sale to see the impact this group of dedicated parents has had on our school. They have been instrumental in providing valuable funds and most importantly continuing to build and strengthen our connections and what it means to be a member of the Greenhills community. 

Funds raised this year have enabled our school to purchase new interactive screens, reading materials and most exciting a new cubby house which will arrive shortly. 

Special thanks to Mel Lucas for leading our PA and all members for their dedication to our school. I think we are all set for a sensational 2026.

EXCITEMENT AROUND OUR TRANSITION PROGRAM

One of my favourite days of the school year is when our students attend the first transition session, so just like our students, I am very excited about tomorrow.

Our team is really looking forward to these transition sessions, both tomorrow and Tuesday of next week. They provide our students with a great opportunity to feel more confident with what next year will look like for them. We can then all have a relaxing holiday with less worry about what school will be like next year.

At this stage, we do not usually make any more changes to the classes as much time and effort has been already spent on developing the best grade structure and student placement as possible. Part of this process had a very clear timeline which provided all parents with the opportunity to make requests to me based on educational grounds. These are just requests and whilst they are considered they are not always granted as there are several other factors including teacher requests and ensuring we get the best balance across each class based on educational, social and emotional needs. 

A really important part of this process is for our students to be supported by their parents so that the transition into a new class and year level can be positive. There might always be some hesitation, nervousness and apprehension, but our teachers will work very hard so that each and every child can achieve success.

START UP 2026 DATES & TIMES

School will begin for all students other than our Preps on Thursday 29th January at 8.55am.

Prep students will commence via a staggered start on either Thursday 5th February or Friday 6th February. They will then attend each school day as normal from Monday 9th February as we have combined all our allocated prep entry assessment days into the first week of the school year.

James Penson,

Principal.