Principal`s Message

It’s incredible to think that we are already nearing the halfway point of the year. The speed with which this semester has passed is a testament to the energy, dedication, and success we have experienced together as a school community.
We are continually proud of the achievements of our students and the broad range of opportunities we provide to support their growth. At the same time, we remain focused on our future goals as we strive to be the best school we can be.
School Review
We have recently completed our School Review process, and in the coming weeks will be finalising our new four-year Strategic Plan. This important work will guide our next chapter as a school. A sincere thank you to all staff, students, families, and community members who contributed to this process; your insights and feedback have been invaluable in shaping our direction.
Year 10 Work Experience students
We would like to extend our thanks to Mumtaz and Kaya, our Year 10 work experience students from Fitzroy High School, for joining us over the past two weeks. Your enthusiasm, maturity, and willingness to support our students and staff were truly appreciated.
A special thank you to Mumtaz—your return to the classroom was a particularly meaningful moment for Jasna, who had the pleasure of teaching you in Foundation. It was a joy to see you back in the learning environment, this time as a role model and mentor to younger students.
We wish both of you all the best as you continue your educational journeys and explore future possibilities. You will always be welcome here.
Last week’s assembly was a wonderful opportunity to come together and acknowledge the leadership and commitment of our student leaders. We extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to our School Captains and House Captains, whose guidance and spirit have helped shape a positive and inclusive environment for all.
Please remember that there will be an early finish (2:30pm) on the final day of term. Families are kindly reminded to make arrangements for pick-up or after-school care, if required.
As we approach the break, we wish all our families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday. May it be a time to recharge, reconnect, and make wonderful memories. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning ahead.
Standing Together Against Racism: Our Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive School Community
At FitzroyPrimary School, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for every student, staff member, and family.
As a public school, we proudly uphold the values of equity, diversity, and cultural safety — and we know that racism has no place in our community.
Recently, the Department of Education launched a new Anti-Racism Policy as part of its broader strategy to build culturally safe and inclusive schools across Victoria. This policy recognises that racism — in any form — is harmful, unacceptable, and must be addressed directly. It provides a clear framework for schools to prevent, respond to, and report incidents of racism, while promoting a whole-school culture of respect and belonging.
What the Policy Means for Our School
The new policy supports our ongoing work to:
- Call out racism when it occurs and provide culturally appropriate support for affected students.
- Educate our school community about the impact of racism and the importance of allyship.
- Empower students and staff to speak up safely, confidently, and respectfully.
- Implement clear processes for reporting and addressing racist behaviour in line with the Department's expectations.
We are working with staff and students to ensure everyone understands what racism can look like — from explicit comments to unconscious bias or exclusion — and how to respond appropriately. Education is a powerful tool for change, and we are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, empathy, and courage to be respectful and active citizens.
A Shared Responsibility
Addressing racism is not the responsibility of a few — it requires a shared commitment from all of us. Families play a crucial role in reinforcing respectful attitudes and speaking with children about inclusion, fairness, and standing up for others. We encourage you to read the Department’s Anti-Racism Policy and discuss it with your child at home.
As a school, we will continue to:
- Celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and families.
- Provide professional learning for staff in cultural responsiveness.
- Ensure students from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and safe.
If your child experiences or witnesses racism, please don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s teacher, a member of the leadership team, or use our established student wellbeing channels. We are here to listen, to learn, and to act.
Together, we can ensure that every child grows up in an environment free from racism — one that uplifts and honours their identity, culture, and potential.
-Scott Burton, Principal