Principal's Report

As we come to the close of 2025, I am incredibly proud of all that has been achieved across our school community in this, our 150th year. It has been a year of growth, consolidation and celebration, marked by strong learning outcomes, strengthened wellbeing supports and a deepened sense of pride and connection across the school.

One of our most significant achievements this year has been the completion of the Junior Playground. This beautiful new space has already become a vibrant and much loved part of the school, supporting play, social connection and physical development for our younger students. In addition, we have commenced the Fergie Street landscaping project, which we look forward to completing early in 2026. This work will further enhance the aesthetic appeal, safety and functionality of our school grounds and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating welcoming, engaging and purposeful learning environments.

From an operational and instructional perspective, 2025 has also been a pivotal year. A major highlight was becoming a fully accredited International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) World School; a significant milestone that recognises years of commitment to authentic learning, student agency, global mindedness and high quality teaching and learning.

We also launched our new Instructional Model, marking an exciting step forward in strengthening clarity and consistency of practice across the school. This model clearly articulates the pedagogical approaches used by our teachers, ensuring high impact practices, explicit learning intentions, clear success criteria and a shared language of learning for both staff and students. Alongside this, we completed a full review and update of our learning scope and sequence documentation to ensure alignment with curriculum expectations and support coherent and connected learning progressions across year levels.

Our ongoing focus on student mental health and wellbeing has remained central to our work, and we are particularly proud of the extensive improvements seen in our learning and wellbeing data sets throughout 2025. Of note are the strong gains in student voice and agency, with students increasingly confident in contributing to decisions about their learning and school experience. We have also seen positive outcomes in the management of bullying across the school, which reflects the collective effort of staff, students and families to build a culture grounded in respect, safety and care.

2025 has also provided us with many opportunities for community celebration, culminating in our school’s 150th anniversary. Events such as the Colour Run and Trivia Night once again inspired fun, connection and togetherness. Our 150th Year Fete was undoubtedly a highlight, a truly special occasion that not only celebrated our rich history but showcased the strength, generosity and spirit of our current community. This milestone allowed us to honour 150 years of exemplary education and reflect on the generations of students, families and educators who have contributed to our values, traditions and reputation for excellence. It was a powerful reminder of the legacy we inherit, and the responsibility we share to carry that legacy forward for future generations.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for their passion, expertise and commitment to delivering the very best for our students. In particular, I thank Joe for his outstanding contribution to school leadership. My thanks also go to Refi, Brad and Jake for their leadership across various teams and programs and for the energy and expertise they bring to their work each day. I also wish to express my appreciation to Nicole and Emily for their continued delivery of excellence and for their unwavering support of students, staff and families.

It is also important to acknowledge and thank our School Council who bring both their passion for FNPS and their personal expertise to our governing body. This group generously volunteer their time to support the continued growth of our school and are instrumental in the wonderful projects taking place across our grounds and learning spaces.

A very special thank you to our School Council President, Lincoln Gray, for his dedication, leadership and unwavering support of the school. We are deeply grateful for the countless hours he gives to ensuring FNPS remains a truly wonderful place to play, learn and grow.

To our many volunteers, thank you. Your willingness to contribute, encourage and engage in school life makes an enormous difference to the opportunities we can provide. Your support is deeply valued and very gratefully received.

Finally, to our wonderful Year 6 students, we could not be prouder of you. As you prepare to leave our school and step into the next exciting chapter of your education, we hope you do so with confidence, curiosity and pride in all you have achieved. You have been leaders, role models and positive contributors to our community, and we will miss you greatly. We wish each of you every success as you move into secondary school and beyond.

Looking ahead, we are incredibly excited for 2026. With strong foundations, a clear instructional focus and a connected and committed community, we step confidently into a new year full of opportunity.

Thank you to all students, staff and families for your continued partnership and support throughout 2025. It has been a wonderful year and a historic one. I look forward to all that awaits us in 2026.

Have a safe, relaxing and restorative summer break, everyone! May you be surrounded by love, laughter and the people that mean the most to you.

Go gently,

Tania