Hi Solway Community,

As we come to the end of Term 3, it is a good opportunity to reflect on just how much has taken place across our school community over the past ten weeks. From Parent Teacher Interviews and Stomp Dance lessons in preparation for our production, to the Grade 1 to 4 Chess program, our Prep students celebrating 100 Days of School, ICAS assessments and the John Monash Science School program, there has been plenty happening across the school.

Our House Athletics Carnivals, Book Week and our school production have provided students with opportunities to try new things, challenge themselves and be part of our wider school community. We have also enjoyed coming together for Father's Day, with the Grade 2 Sleepover still to come, as well as welcoming our 2027 Prep families to our Teddy Bear Maths Night.

Thank you to our students for the way they have embraced these opportunities and to our parents and families for the support you provide throughout the year. I would also like to acknowledge our staff for the time, effort and commitment they continue to give to our students. Many of these opportunities sit outside the regular classroom program and are only possible because of the willingness of our staff to give their time and expertise to provide these experiences for our students.

Our House Mascots

Late last year, we asked our students to come up with ideas for mascots to represent our four school house's. Today, I am pleased to share the new house logos that showcase the mascots selected by our students:

Nicholas House, Marrram-Yellow Kangaroos.

Taylor House, Gurrborra-Blue Koalas.

Winton House, Bunjil-Green Eagles

Watson House, Per Ren Un-Purple Goannas

We are looking forward to bringing these mascots to life across the school. You will start to see them appearing more regularly as part of our house activities and wider school community.

Community Consultation

I am seeking feedback from our community on two draft policies before they are presented to School Council for approval. Both policies relate to our ongoing commitment to the Child Safe Standards. The policies are the Child Abuse, including Grooming, Policy and the Child Safety Code of Conduct. I encourage parents and carers to take the opportunity to read the draft policies and provide any feedback they may have.

The draft policies are available here, and feedback can be provided to solway.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Planning for 2027

Planning for 2027 is already underway, including working out our staffing and class structures for next year. To help us get this right, we need to have a clear idea of which students will be returning to Solway in 2027. I understand that families have choices when it comes to their child's education. Ideally, I would love to see our students remain part of our community through to the end of Grade 6, but I also understand that families may choose a different pathway, including a move to an independent or other school.

If you already know that your child will not be returning to Solway in 2027, I would appreciate you letting the office know. Having this information now will really help us with planning for next year.

Please contact the office or email solway.ps@education.vic.gov.au if your child will not be returning in 2027.

Thank you for your continued support and let's all strive to be “our best always”.

David Rosser

Bendigo Bank