Principal's Message to the School Community
School Council President’s Report – May Meeting
Dear KPS Community,
Following our May School Council Meeting, please find a summary of updates below.
Principal’s Report
Council received a very positive update on the school’s 2026 NAPLAN summary data, excluding Writing, which was not yet available at the time of the meeting.
The school has analysed the available NAPLAN data using matched cohort data, which compares the same group of students over time. In this case, the analysis compared students who were in Year 3 in 2024 with the same students now in Year 5 in 2026. This gives the school a more meaningful picture of student progress, rather than only comparing different cohorts at a single point in time.
The results show encouraging progress across several areas:
- Spelling results have improved, with more students now achieving at the Strong or Exceeding levels and fewer students in the Developing category.
- Reading results show strong improvement, with overall achievement lifting across the cohort and fewer students requiring intensive support.
- Numeracy results show a small but positive improvement, with more students achieving at the Strong level and fewer students in the lowest category.
- Grammar and punctuation results show strong improvement, with more students now achieving at the Exceeding level and a higher number of students performing in the top two achievement levels.
These results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teaching and Education Support staff, and to the consistent focus across the school on effective teaching, feedback and student learning growth.
Council members also discussed the school’s broader approach to assessment. While NAPLAN provides important data and a useful snapshot of learning at one point in time, it is only one part of how student progress is understood at KPS. Staff use a range of assessments throughout the year to build a more holistic picture of each student’s learning, growth and support needs. It was also noted that because assessment is a regular part of learning at KPS, students are supported to approach NAPLAN calmly and confidently, as one assessment among many rather than something that is made to feel unusually high-pressure.
Council also noted the school’s ongoing focus on Visible Learning practices. These are evidence-based approaches that support student learning and progress by making learning clear, purposeful and consistent across the school. At KPS, this has included building a shared language of learning through Learning Intentions and Success Criteria, strengthening the use of feedback so students understand their progress and next steps, and continuing to embed our learning dispositions — curious, creative, collaborative, adventurous and resilient — into classroom practice. This consistent approach is helping students better understand what they are learning, how they are progressing, and how they can continue to grow as learners.
We also acknowledged International Education Support Staff Day. Our Education Support staff play such an important role in supporting students’ academic progress, emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging. Their contribution is deeply valued by the school community.
Staff professional development remains a priority, with continued participation in targeted learning opportunities to support teaching practice and student outcomes.
Finance
The Finance Sub-Committee met in late April to review the March financial reports, receipts, staffing credits and a range of current financial matters. Council accepted the March financial statements, including payments and direct debits.
The school is continuing to monitor its 2026 financial position carefully. The updated budget position reflects a current deficit; however, there are also several important funding updates still being confirmed and processed. This includes Disability Inclusion Program funding, which has now been approved for a number of students, with additional applications also in progress for newly enrolled students.
Education Support is already in place for students requiring support, and approved funding will help offset some of these existing staffing costs. Council also noted that there may be a need to employ additional Education Support staff to continue meeting student needs.
The March finance report included account balances, receipts and payments. Council also noted several important receipts, including Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund payments, Literacy Transition Funding, a private donation of $1,500 towards a music excursion, a $5,000 donation from Preloved Peddlar towards camps, and $1,500 from Kyneton RSL to support Breakfast Club. Council sincerely thanks these donors for their valuable contributions to initiatives that directly support our students.
The next major finance focus will be a detailed review of the Master Budget, including consideration of Parents & Friends budgets and planned expenditure to align with school priorities.
Parents & Friends
Parents & Friends have continued to provide wonderful support to the school community.
The Parents & Friends coordinated and catered a stall at the Harvest Autumn Festival, which was a successful community event. Members have also been actively involved in organising and supporting the Mother’s Day Stall and with the Book Fair.
A special thank you was extended to the dads who volunteered at the Mother’s Day Stall. Their involvement was greatly appreciated.
Planning is also underway for a future working bee, along with a number of other upcoming events and initiatives.
Grounds & Facilities
The Sustainability Team and Student Council are working together to determine suitable locations for 50 donated plants. This process includes gathering input from students and teachers to ensure the most appropriate areas are selected. A Term 3 project is being planned to undertake planting, including the digging and groundwork required for the new trees.
Discussions are also continuing about the proposed Gaga Pit, with the area near the Year 3–6 sandpit identified as the location for this fun new addition to the playground. It has been requested by Student Council, and Parents & Friends will be funding and coordinating this project.
The recently installed outdoor platforms near the Mobok building are being well used by students during recess and lunch breaks. Additional planting will also be added to this area to further enhance the space.
Sustainability
The vegetable gardens are now in their winter phase and continue to expand, with ongoing development of planting areas. Wheat has also been successfully planted near the pizza oven, adding to the diversity of the garden program.
The worm farm is thriving, and the 10-cent container recycling initiative continues to work well.
The team is also brainstorming how best to use the $200 grant received through the ResourceSmart Schools program.
Community member Mary’s continued support of the garden program has again been acknowledged as invaluable.
Canteen
It was lovely to hear that Year 5 students have recently taken on roles assisting with service at recess and lunchtime. This provides valuable support to the canteen while also helping students develop practical life skills.
Sarah has also been working with some students at the end of lunch to practise money handling, helping to build their confidence and strengthen their numeracy skills in a practical setting.
Communications
The Communications Sub-Committee is exploring ways to further enhance communication with families, particularly around the successes, progress and key insights reflected in the Annual Report and NAPLAN data.
While the school newsletter continues to be an effective communication tool, Council discussed additional formats that may help make key information more engaging and accessible for families. There will be more to come in this space in the coming months.
Volunteer recognition
Council also discussed ways to further recognise the many volunteers who contribute to Kyneton Primary School across a wide range of activities. Ideas are being explored for how we can acknowledge these contributions more visibly, including seeking student voice to help shape a meaningful approach.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to the life of Kyneton Primary School — from our dedicated staff and active volunteers, to the families and community members who support our students, programs, grounds and events. This ongoing involvement is a real strength of our school community.
Katy McGrath
School Council President