Principal Report - Term 3 Focus

Term 3—Shifting Gears.

Term 3 is a time to shift gears and build on everything achieved in Semester One. The foundation has been laid—through consistent routines, strong relationships, and visible progress in learning. With Semester One reports complete and mid-year assessments behind us, both students and staff are well-positioned to make even greater strides.

Our staff continue to engage in strong, collaborative planning that supports purposeful and intentional teaching for all students. This term, students identified as needing additional support in Literacy or Numeracy will begin targeted Boost Sessions during the week. These small group sessions provide students with extra practice and guidance in specific skill areas, helping to close learning gaps and build confidence.

We are also continuing to strengthen our approach to inclusive teaching. With the support of Department of Education Regional Mentor, Lisa Saunders, our focus will include: Expanding the use of Visual Supports to increase student engagement and reduce cognitive load. Lisa will work closely with staff and our dedicated Disability Inclusion Champions— Cindy Riddle, Alison Smith, Jess Smith, and Georgie Paton. Through supporting all staff to make purposeful adjustments our goal is to have every student set up for improved success in their learning journey.

We are looking forward to a productive and purposeful Term 3—a time of growth, focus, and progress for every learner in every classroom.

New Educational Support Staff

This term, we are delighted to welcome several new Educational Support (ES) staff members to our team: Mrs Jessica Rhook, Ms Billy Easson, Mrs Amanda Douglas, and Miss Jessica McLaren. Mrs Jessica Rhook joins us from her most recent role at Heywood Consolidated School. An experienced ES staff member, Jess will be working as additional support within the Year 1/2 team. Ms Billy Easson is new to the ES role and brings with her a range of strong qualities that will be a great asset to our school community. Billy will be supporting both the Prep and Year 3/4 teams. Mrs Amanda Douglas and Miss Jessica McLaren have already been familiar faces in our school this year as casual ES staff. This term, we are pleased to have them join our team in a more regular capacity. We are thrilled to have expanded our support team and are grateful for the valuable contributions each of these staff members will make as we continue to support every student to thrive and succeed at school.

Just Like You

We are excited to share that a free disability awareness program run by Just Like You Program is coming to our school, involving all Year 1 and 2 students. The Just Like You (JLY) program is launching for the first time in Victoria, and it coincides with the start of the Variety BASH.

This program offers fun and interactive workshops designed to educate students about understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of people with a disability. Through these sessions, students will learn that people with a disability really are JUST LIKE YOU! The program addresses both visible and hidden disabilities, helping students appreciate the full spectrum of diversity and embrace inclusivity.

Peaceful Kids Program

Last term our school received notification that they had been successful in receiving funding through School Focused Youth Services (SFYS) for three staff to complete Peaceful Kids Training. The 'Peaceful Kids' program is a Mindfulness and Positive Psychology based program to lessen anxiety and stress and increase resilience in children. This program helps children to build their emotional resilience so they are better equipped to deal with the day to day stresses that life brings them. We look forward to learning more about the program once Mrs Taylor, Mr Stephens and Mrs McCulloch complete the training.

Camp Planning

Planning is well underway for our Term 4 School Camp—always a highlight of the year and a wonderful opportunity for students to build independence, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories. Important information about the camp, including confirmation of attendance and payment details, will be sent home next week. Please keep an eye out for notes and updates via Xuno. Camp is a valuable part of our learning program, and we’re looking forward to another fantastic experience for our students. If you have any questions or need to discuss payment arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Book Week

We’re looking forward to celebrating Book Week in Week 6 of Term 3, the week after National Book Week. One of the highlights of the week will be our Book Week Dress-Up Day on Friday August 29th, where students are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character. Now is a great time to start planning and preparing costumes—get creative with items you have at home or visit your local op shop for inspiration! Save the date as the excitement is already building here amongst staff on what to wear.

Hamilton (Gray St) Primary School Newsletter

Respect, Relationships & Resilience

Issue 11 · 25 Jul 2025

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