Principal's Address
Lina Stephens
WEEK 2 | TERM 1
Welcome to 2026
Welcome back to all our families for 2026, and a special welcome to the new families and staff joining our wonderful community. I hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is feeling ready for an exciting year of learning and growth. We are incredibly proud of the strong sense of community at our school, and we deeply value the partnership we share with our families. Your support, involvement, and open communication make a real difference, and we look forward to working together throughout the year.
This year, we continue to anchor everything we do in our core values: Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, and Care. These values guide how we learn, how we treat one another, and how we contribute to a positive and thriving school culture.
Our staff have been focused on creating safe and orderly learning environments for all students, beginning with our Start Up program across every year level. The Start Up program helps establish consistent routines and structures in the classroom, while also building friendships, teamwork, and a sense of fun. It’s also the time when teachers and students work together to set clear classroom and learning expectations, ensuring everyone feels safe, supported, and ready to learn—socially, emotionally, and academically.
This week we welcomed our wonderful Prep students, along with their families. We saw many brave and excited children taking their first steps into primary school with big smiles and plenty of courage. They’ve had a fantastic first two days and are already looking forward to their first full week.
I’m genuinely excited about the year ahead and look forward to continuing to grow our school community, while supporting our students to learn, thrive, and shine.
Staffing News
I’m very pleased to share the wonderful news that Stuart Telford, our Founding Principal, will be returning to Deanside after eight months of leave. Stuart has already begun his transition back into the role, and I will formally hand over Principal responsibilities in Week 8 of this term.
We’re delighted to welcome Stuart back and look forward to having him rejoin our community this term.
Annual privacy reminder for our school community
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.
For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages: • Amharic • Arabic • Chinese • Dari • Gujarati • Mandarin
https://www.vic.gov.au/schools-privacy-policy-information-parents#translations
Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy describe how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.
These consent forms, have been sent out via COMPASS. Please ensure you read them thoroughly and communicate your decisions by accepting or declining the consent.
Student Mobile Phones at school
Our school’s mobile phone policy outlines how student devices must be managed while on school grounds. If your child brings a device—such as a mobile phone or an Apple/Samsung watch that can make calls—it must be signed in at the office each morning. Devices are securely stored for the day and can be signed out again at the end of the school day.
Please take a moment to read the policy below for more information.
https://deansideps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/35-Mobile-Phones-Student-Use-Policy.pdf
Scooters and Bikes
Scooters and bikes are a great way for children to travel to school. We encourage families to talk with their child about road safety and bike/scooter safety before they begin riding to and from school.
Did you know…
- Children under 12 (and adults supervising them) are allowed to ride on the footpath.
- When riding on the footpath, riders must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.
A reminder that Victorian law and our school policy require all children riding a bike or scooter to wear an Australian Standards–approved safety helmet.
Each day, bikes and scooters will be locked in the secure bike cage at the front of the school on Conservatory Drive.
Curriculum Days/ Student Free Days for 2026
Please take note of our student-free days for 2026, and ensure you have organised care for your children. Team Kids will offer Curriculum Day Vacation Care for each day.
Our School Council endorsed curriculum days for 2026 are:
- 20th February – OHS Staff Compliance
- 18th May – Professional Learning for Staff
- 15th July – Student-Led Conferences (student MUST attend their conference time)
- 14th August - Professional Learning for Staff
- 2nd November – Department Professional Practice Day (Monday before the Melbourne Cup).
Student Accident Insurance
The Department of Education (DET) does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transport costs. These costs may be recoverable where an injury is caused by the negligence (carelessness) of the Department, a school council or their employees or volunteers.
Student accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
The Department cannot advise parents/guardians on whether to purchase a student accident policy or which policy to purchase. It is recommended that they seek assistance in this matter with their insurance broker or find a suitable personal accident insurer.
Reasonable low-cost accident insurance policies are available from commercial insurers. Parents and guardians of students who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students including the cost of ambulance attendance or transport.
Parents can take out private Student Cover accident insurance if they choose to via www.studentcover.com.au in addition to this family ambulance cover is also encouraged. Details about ambulance cover can also be located on the Ambulance Victoria website
School Uniform Reminder
It is an expectation that all students come to school in the correct school uniform. We’ve worked hard to keep our uniform simple, comfortable, and cost‑effective, and we know our community really appreciates this.
If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please email us at deanside.ps@education.vic.gov.au. Our wellbeing team will make discreet contact to offer support.
If your child has had a growth spurt and needs new uniform items, Uniform Group (formerly PSW) has all sizes in stock. Address: Unit 2/51–53 Westwood Dr, Ravenhall Phone: (03) 8080 5444 Email: deanside.ps@education.vic.gov.au Socials: @deansideps @DeansidePS
If you only need a school hat, these can be purchased from the school office for $20.50.
And a big favour — please make sure your child’s name is clearly written on hats and jumpers. These items are the most lost, and names help us return them quickly.
SunSmart Policy & Extreme Heat Days
A reminder that all students in Prep–6 are required to wear an approved school hat this term as part of our Sunsmart Policy.
On days when the temperature reaches 35°C or higher, we will move to a “Sweat Day” timetable. This means students will remain indoors in their classrooms during play times. We may also use our discretion on days with extreme weather conditions (for example, a hot north wind), particularly for our younger students, to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable.
School Values
Our School values are important to us. Remember to show Respect, Be Responsible, Strive for Excellence and show genuine Care for others and the environment.
Lina Stephens
Acting Principal