Assistant Principal Report

Foundation 2027 Students Begin Their School Journey

This week, we were delighted to welcome our future 2027 Foundation students for their first transition visit to our school. It was wonderful to see the excitement on their faces as they explored their new learning environment, including a number of younger siblings who were already familiar with our school community.

As part of the session, the children enjoyed listening to the much-loved story Where is the Green Sheep? before taking part in a hands-on art activity, creating and decorating their own sheep. The classroom was filled with creativity, enthusiasm, and plenty of happy smiles as the children proudly shared their work.

Beginning the school journey is an important milestone, and we were impressed by the confidence and curiosity our newest learners displayed throughout the morning. We look forward to welcoming them back for future transition sessions as they continue to build friendships and become familiar with school life.

Enrolments for 2027 remain open. If you know a family seeking a caring, inclusive, and supportive school community, we encourage them to contact our office and learn more about what our school has to offer. We would be thrilled to welcome them.

Warm regards,

Joshua Fielding

Assistant Principal

What we are working on in the wellbeing space:

I have been working collaboratively with a team of staff and our inclusion outreach coach to review and strengthen the school’s wellbeing curriculum, ensuring it continues to support students’ social, emotional and behavioural development. This work includes promoting and reinforcing the school’s Behaviour Matrix to build a consistent understanding of expected behaviours across the school community. The team has also been reviewing and refining key documentation to improve clarity, consistency and accessibility, ensuring that processes and procedures are clearly articulated and understood by staff. This work aims to strengthen a consistent, whole-school approach to student wellbeing, behaviour support and staff practices, ultimately supporting positive outcomes for all students. Staff recently participated in professional learning on the whole school wellbeing curriculum and the opportunity to reflect on how this supports and assists their lesson planning. 

Finishing the School Year Strong: 3 ways you can support your child’s wellbeing

As we embark on the last term of another school year, children may experience a whole range of emotions. While some are excited about the upcoming holidays, others may feel tired, overwhelmed, worried about moving into a new year level, or sad about saying goodbye to teachers and classmates. Some children may experience several of these feelings at once!

The end of the school year is a time of change, reflection and anticipation. Research highlights the importance of warm, supportive relationships, open communication and a sense of security in helping children manage their emotions and navigate change. As parents and carers, there are many simple ways you can help your children finish the year feeling supported, confident and ready for what comes next.

💛 Make space for all feelings

It is important to remember that there is no right way for children to feel at the approaching end of the year. Excitement, sadness, worry and tiredness are all normal responses to change. Rather than trying to fix every feeling straight away, give your child time and space to express themselves.

Try saying:

• “It sounds like you have a lot on your mind.”
• “It’s okay to feel excited and nervous at the same time.”

Acknowledging feelings helps children feel heard and understood. You do not need to have all the answers; sometimes, simply listening is the most helpful thing you can do.

👂 Listen more, question less

By the end of the year, children may be mentally and physically tired. Instead of asking lots of questions as soon as they walk through the door, give them time to unwind. A snack, some outdoor play, a quiet activity or simply spending time together can help them feel ready to talk.

When the moment feels right, try gentle, open-ended questions such as:

• “What has been the best part of your day/year?”
• “What is something you found challenging?”
• “What are you most looking forward to?”
• “Is there anything about next year that you are wondering or worrying about?”

Some children find it easier to talk while drawing, walking, playing a game or helping with dinner. Follow your child's lead and let them know you are available whenever they are ready.

🌱 Celebrate growth, not just achievements

The end of the year is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how much your child has grown. Look beyond academic results and focus on the personal qualities, effort and skills they have developed.

Celebrate the times they kept trying when something was difficult, showed kindness to a friend, asked for help, tried something new or managed a big feeling. You might ask, “What is something you can do now that you found difficult at the start of the year?”

Help your child recognise that mistakes, challenges and setbacks are all part of learning. Building confidence is not about getting everything right; it is about recognising effort, learning from experiences and knowing that progress takes time.

Australia will celebrate teachers on World Teachers’ Day on Friday 30 October 2026. 

You are invited to Shine a light on Deer Park West Primary School’s teachers who inspire, support, and empower our children and young people every single day. 

From lightbulb moments to helping someone find their way, teachers make a difference in ways big and small. This World Teachers’ Day, we’re putting that impact in the spotlight. We’d love you to share a moment when one of our teachers made a difference in your life and help Shine a light on the amazing work they do.

This World Teacher’s Day, please take the time to say ‘Thank you’ to our amazing teachers. 

Find out more and see how people are celebrating at www.worldteachersday.edu.au

Warm regards,

Vanessa Harrison 

Acting Assistant Principal