Principal's Report

Semester One for 2025 is almost over. Time goes so quickly! Thank you to all our families who have generously made voluntary contributions to our school this year. Your support and generosity truly make a difference. Parent contributions help us provide high quality teaching and learning programs and essential resources to enhance your children’s education. From literacy and numeracy resources (like readers and maths equipment), to supporting our specialist programs in STEM, ART, PE, Japanese, Performing Arts and Intervention Programs, your contributions allow us to offer a well–rounded and enriching experience for all students. If you haven’t yet had the chance to contribute and would like to, it’s not too late! You can make a payment at any time via your Compass app or come into the office to pay via EFT. Every contribution, no matter the amount, is appreciated. Thank you once again for your continued support.

The Great Debate 

We are fortunate at Gardenvale to have outstanding teachers who always endeavour to provide quality learning experiences and opportunities for their students. Many parents, students and staff witnessed one such event last week when they watched our Year 6 ‘The Great Debate’.  This program involves the students learning the process of debating. Within each class various debates were held and then each class selected a team to represent them at ‘The Great Debate’.  The debate topics and winners were:

• We should close all zoos - Ruby, Yasmine and Oskar (6A)
• Too much emphasis is placed on sport in Australia – Francis, Jess and Zoe (6C)
• Everyone should learn a second language - Abby, Charlie and Lulu (6C)

The scoring was very close however 6C were declared the winners as they won two debates! Oskar F (6A), Francis D (6B) and Roxy (6C) were declared the title of best debaters!! 

NAIDOC Week

Next week, Gardenvale Primary School will be celebrating NAIDOC Week. The week will focus on recognising and celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A whole school assembly will be held next Monday under the COLA at the Senior Campus. A Welcome to Country, including a Smoking Ceremony is planned to take place at the beginning of the Assembly. Our Year 2 Choir will be performing a song for us all. Parents are most welcome to join us for the assembly, which will commence at 9.15am approximately. 

Well Done Gus!

We were thrilled to hear that Gus (4A), competed very well in the Regional Cross Country, finishing in 5th place. Gus will now represent Gardenvale in the State Cross Country in Term 3. Go Gus!

Fire Drills

Each year, in line with Department policy, we are required to undertake a range of evacuation drills. This usually involves all students and staff evacuating to the alternate campus. We practised this type of drill last week. Once a year, both campuses evacuate to Landcox Park. When we have drills the children are always informed that we are only practising in case we were ever to have an emergency. I must mention our children do a wonderful job of calmly and quietly moving between campuses or on occasions to Landcox Park. 

Boys Toilets at the Junior Campus

This week the boys’ toilet block is closed at the Junior Campus, to allow for repairs to the urinal systems to take place. All students will use the girls’ toilet block for this week.

Reports

Mid-year Student Reports will be available on Compass from 4.00pm next Wednesday, 2nd July. Please read further in the newsletter from Dimi Sfetsas about the changes to the report format this year. We believe the new report will provide greater detail about where students are at in their learning, detailing strengths and areas for improvement. 

End of Term

A reminder to all families that school ends at 2.30pm Friday week, 4th July. Term 3 recommences on Monday 21st July.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable break from school life and safe travels if you are heading away. 

Janine Hall