Notes from the Principal

Welcome to the start of the 2026 school year

We have enjoyed a settled and positive start to our year. We have welcomed Miss Samantha Sartain and Miss Millie Lowndes to our classrooms, where they have been spending time building relationships with our students to ensure everyone feels safe, happy and part of our community. Thank you to everyone who has booked a “Getting to Know You” Interview for Wednesday 11th February. Millie and Sam are looking forward to meeting you all. Keep an eye out for Term 1 “Fridge Notes” coming home. These notes will include a weekly timetable and some basic information about the learning that will be covered this term.

Our Foundation students have fitted in seamlessly, making new friends and joining in with all activities.

We also welcome Renee Gilchrist who will be offering Education Support, and a huge welcome back to Mrs Bell who will run the Kitchen Garden program this year, and Mrs Huf who is already making plans for another wonderful year of Music and Performing Arts.

Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding

If any families hold a concession card you may be entitled to the Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding.  The funding this year has been increased to $400. Please speak to Tammy about applying for this.

Voluntary School Fees for 2026

Letters have been sent home with our voluntary school fees outlined for this year.  If you would like to pay these and/or make a donation to our grounds maintenance, could you please ensure that you send back the form back to school that was attached to the letter.

Student Enrolment Information Form

In the holidays Tammy emailed out to families a Student Enrolment Information Form. This is to check whether your child's enrolment details are still correct.  If you are yet to return this, please do so at your earliest convenience.  If you have any queries, please speak to Tammy.

Annual privacy reminder - 

Our school collects and uses 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.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy, describes 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 The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. 

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

All of our school policies are available to view on our school website - cavendishps.vic.edu.au or you can click on this link.

Catastrophic Fire Days

Just a reminder that, in the event that another catastrophic fire day was declared by the CFA, the school will be closed to all students, staff and contractors as we are classed as a Level 3 Bushfire school.  If this rating occurs, the school will be in touch with all families with the relevant information.  Please also monitor your school app or Facebook for any information posted.

Formation of the "Wannon" Cluster

Over the past few months, I have been working closely with the Country Education Partnership to form a cluster with three other schools in our area. We have now established the "Wannon" cluster with Coleraine, Casterton and Merino Primary Schools. Being part of a cluster helps us to build relationships across schools, to support staff professional networking and development, and to look for opportunities to collaborate that will be of benefit to all.

Junior School Council and School Leaders

We have an excellent team of student leaders to take us through 2026.

Our Year 5 students will be our School Leaders for the year (Maddie, Sienna, Ivy and Travis).

Junior School Council Representatives are Toby and Nellie. 

I look forward to meeting with them all and making plans for the year.

School Council Meeting

The next School Council meeting will be at school on Wednesday 25th February at 7pm.

Have a great weekend

Kate Steele

Principal