Message From Principal

2026 Class Structure and Step Up Day - Meet 2026 Classroom Teacher and Classmates 

We are in the final stages of confirming our class structures for 2026. A tremendous amount of work goes into this task, ensuring that the students have at least one student from their friendship preferences and that each class has a balance of girls and boys, and a balance of academic and learning needs. 

In Week 10, on Tuesday 9th December, our Year Prep to 5 students will participate in our annual Step Up Day, as part of their transition to the 2026 classes. Students will find out their 2026 class name, classroom teacher and classmates, and participate in some fun, getting to know you activities in their 2026 classroom. After the session, I will send out the 2026 classes and teachers via a Compass post. 

On the same day, our Year 6 students will visit their 2026 secondary school for their much anticipated Statewide Transition. I wish them all the best as they explore their new secondary school setting.

Prep Transition 

Our 2026 Preps have completed their final transition. It is always so lovely to see the new Preppies’ reaction as they come and explore primary school for the first time. We hope to see some 2026 Prep students and their families at the Family Fiesta, otherwise the next time we will see them will be at the individual Prep Assessment Appointments on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th January. If any Prep 2026 families have not yet booked these appointments, please contact Hong or Freda in the office on 9311 1598. 

Year 6 Graduation - Medway Golf Club - Wednesday 17th December

In an exciting development, our Year 6 students are anticipating a great event to cap off their primary school years. Our first offsite Year 6 Graduation will include dinner and a presentation ceremony. Our Year 6s will not have to pay for the event, as they raised extra funds with their icypole fundraising! Family members need to respond to the Google Form to indicate the number of family members attending. 

Parent Payments for 2026

Thank you to Karlee and Jo in the office for working hard to finalise the Parent Payments for 2026. Karlee has sent these out on Compass. The detailed Parent Payment Policy for each 2026 year level is now available on Compass (post sent by Karlee Griffiths) and also on our website. 

Family Fiesta

Two more sleeps! On Friday, we will celebrate like we Dinjerrians know how! Our Family Fiesta will be in full swing with classroom stalls, community stalls, class performances, canteen and food trucks, and even a performance by the staff band, ‘Lost Property’. 

The event is from 4-8pm on Friday 5th December.

Cost: We are requesting a gold coin donation for entry. 

• Cash will be needed for classroom stalls.
• Cash or eftpos will be needed in the canteen.
• Cash or eftpos will be needed for the external stall holders. 

Supervision and Equipment:

• Adult family members will need to supervise their children at all times of the event.

• Please bring your own rugs, chairs, blankets - if you wish. 

   

Staggered Pick Up Times:

As in previous years, we will have an earlier school finish time on Friday 5th, so that staff can prepare the Fiesta before the 4:00pm starting time. There will be no whole school assembly on Friday 5th December. 

We will be keeping our gate closed, so parents will need to wait on the grassed area outside the front office, where the flagpoles are located, and at the below times, classroom teachers will walk students to the gate for a handover to parents. 

Staggered pick up times:

Raffle Tickets 

Tickets have been sent home. Don't miss out on your chance to win incredible prizes! We're offering amazing prizes! Best of all, every dollar raised from this raffle will go directly towards our fundraising goal. Your support will help create a fun, safe, and engaging space for our children to enjoy. Join in and make a difference—grab your raffle tickets now and be a part of this positive change!

Canteen Sales 

Selling halal sausages, chicken burgers and drinks. Eftpos will be available. 

We would appreciate it if you could support the school by purchasing food from the Fiesta, however we understand if you are not able to do so due to allergies and dietary requirements. 

Class stalls:

In addition to the external stall holders, each class will also hold a stall. The class stalls will be more of a fun, fete style of stall. Only cash will be accepted for the classroom stalls. These stalls are run by the students themselves, which shows a great example of student voice and agency. 

Here are the stall names for each class: 

Concert Performances:  

Each class will be performing a song or dance, chosen by each class, another example of student voice. Please ensure your child is at the stage area 5 minutes before their class’ performance time. 

Location: Main Stage - Quadrangle

Parent Volunteers: 

If you are able to assist, either during the day, or during the Fiesta, please email Marta Rodrigues on marta.rodrigues@education.vic.gov.au 

We are looking forward to celebrating with you! 

Term 4 Celebration of Learning

We would like to invite families into the classrooms for the final celebration of learning for the year. 

Details: Friday 12th December from 9:05-10:00am. 

End of Term 4 Information:

Please note the earlier dismissal for Term 4, which is at 1:30pm. (Term 1, 2 and 3 end of term dismissals are at 2:30pm).

Last Day of Term 4:

Friday 19th December 

End of Year Assembly: 12:50pm

Dismissal, including the Year 6 Guard of Honour: 1:30pm

Start of 2026 Information:

Tuesday 27th January: no school for students 

Curriculum Day #1 - Staff will be focusing on: developing team norms, connecting to the 2026 work of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) and classroom preparation. 

Wednesday 28th January: Term 1 - no school for students. 

• SSG Meeting Day: families who have students with an Individual Learning Plan will have a 30 minute Student Support Group (SSG) meeting. 
• Prep Assessment Appointments: 30 minute individual appointments.

Thursday 29th January: 

• First Day of School for Year 1-6 students.
• Prep Assessment Appointments: 30 minute individual appointments.

Friday 30th January:

• First Day of School for Prep students, 9:00am to 1:00pm. 

Curriculum Days and Student Free Days for 2026:

In line with our Victorian Government Schools Agreement, we have 4 Curriculum Days and some additional student free days for the year that have all been approved by the DPS School Council. 

Here are the details, so you can add these student free days to your 2026 calendar: 

I hope to see you all on Friday at the Fiesta!

Natalie.