Principal's Report

State-wide Government Principals Conference

Amanda and I attended the Department of Education’s State-Wide Principal’s Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. We benefited from hearing from the leadership journeys of Dr Sonia Hood AM, the CEO of the Scanlon Foundation and President of the North Melbourne Football Club, and Professor Joanna Barbousas, the Dean of the School of Education at LaTrobe University. Both speakers shared the importance of listening as leaders, developing culture and building professional autonomy in the people they lead.

At the conference the Department affirmed their position on explicit instruction and our need to strive for excellence in every classroom. The resources provided through the Department, including the new Victorian Lesson Plans, will continue to support our school as we further develop our understanding of the science of learning.

Reconciliation Week

The Year 1s to Year 4s have been learning about the importance of Uluru being a sacred place for Indigenous Australians.  Uluru is a big, beautiful rock in the middle of Australia. They have been reading the book “Finding Our Heart” and heard about the Uluru Statement.  They learned that people used to be able to climb Uluru until 2019, when it was decided that people could no longer climb it. 

Why did they decide people couldn’t climb it anymore? It’s very special and important to the Anangu people, who are the traditional owners of the land. They’ve lived there for a very long time—thousands of years!

To the Anangu, Uluru isn’t just a rock—it’s a sacred place, like a church or temple. It’s part of their stories, their culture, and their spirit. For them, climbing Uluru is like walking on something really holy, which can be hurtful and disrespectful.

In 2019, the Anangu people asked everyone to stop climbing Uluru. They wanted to protect their sacred place and help people understand why it’s so special. The good news is, you can still visit Uluru, walk around it, learn about the stories, and see its beauty—just not climb it.

By respecting this rule, we show kindness and care for the Anangu people and their culture. It’s a way of saying, “We hear you, and we respect what matters to you.”

Grade 6 Camp

Our Grade 6 students recently attended Camp Kangaroobie in Princetown. They participated in a wide range of obstacle course, challenges and scenic adventure in tough winteryconditions. A big thank you to Rob Giabardo for coordinating the camp. Also, thanks and appreciation to Helen Pappas and Cindi Kunaratnam for their assistance and support during camp. Finally, thank you to our parents that attended camp (Melissa Da Silveira, Emily Compson, Stephanie Forge, Pietta Dyball and Brad Mischel). Your time away from family to support the organisation of the Grade 6 camp is very much appreciated.

Semester 1 Reports

A reminder that the Semester 1 Reports will be published via Compass  Wednesday 2nd July. If parents would like an opportunity to discuss any outcomes from the report once they have been released, you are always encouraged to contact the school.

Next week further communication will be provided to parents and families regarding the new mathematics curriculum 2.0 and the reporting requirements.

End of Year Dates

Please find below another reminder regarding dates confirmed for end of year events.

• Soiree - Wednesday 17th September @ St Leonard’s Leonardian Centre
• Art Trail - Wednesday 29th October
• Book Fair – 27th – 29th October 
• Christmas Carols - Friday 12th December
• Curriculum Day planning for 2026 - Monday 15th December
• Graduation – Wednesday 17th December @ St Leonard’s Leonardian Centre
• School finishes – Friday 19th December @1:30pm

To stay up to date with all events and key dates, see the Compass Calendar.