Principal's News

WHY WORRY WALLY incursion

As a thank you for your child taking part in the Why Worry Wally? Incursion today, the author, Rick, would like to offer you a special school community discount of 20% to purchase the Why Worry Wally? picture book. 

 

In class your child learned some strategies for managing their worries, building on the themes contained within the picture book. 

 

We hope they found the incursion fun and helpful and enjoyed the reading of Why Worry Wally? and learning how Wally and Pug deal with worries. 

 

You can order the picture book by going to rickfoster.com.au and put in the code SCHOOL20 to receive your special 10% discount. 

 

END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 17 December at 9:10 am. Our celebration will be on the quadrangle, facing the stage. All year levels will perform and we will also see a performance by the staff. We anticipate that this will finish at around 10 am. 

The schedule for the celebration is:

  1. Year 5/6
  2. Prep
  3. Year 2
  4. APS Junior Choir
  5. Year 1
  6.  Year 3/4
  7. Staff Item

ART GALLERY WALK

After the celebration, parents may view Artwork on display throughout the school between 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. 

 

Artwork can be viewed at the locations listed below:

Prep, Year 3/4: Front Office area

Year 1 & Year 5: MPC

Year 2 & 5/6: Art Room area

 

JELLIS CRAIG AWARDS

At this week’s Assembly, the Jellis Craig Awards were presented. Before the announcements, children were encouraged to consider, “What if I don’t receive an award?” I shared my own experiences of feeling frustrated or disappointed when recognition went to someone else. These moments, while challenging, taught me resilience and self-belief.

 

As parents and carers, it’s vital to support our children through such disappointments. Over time, practices like "giving every child a prize" have shown to hinder resilience-building. Learning to accept that recognition may not always come, focusing on our strengths, and reflecting on areas for growth are valuable life lessons. Together, we can help children develop these skills—both at home and in the classroom.

 

Congratulations to our Jellis Craig recipients.

Hazel Wuchatsch

For demonstrating the APS values of respect and responsibility. Hazel is an enthusiastic and considerate member of Prep A who should be incredibly proud of all she has achieved this year. Hazel approaches every task with a positive attitude and consistently puts her best effort into all areas of learning. She thrives when given responsibility, often taking the initiative to help set up reading group activities and eagerly assisting with classroom jobs. Her kindness, confidence, and willingness to support others make her a truly valued member of our class. Well done Hazel on a wonderful first year of school! 

 

Grace Lum

For consistently displaying the APS values of respect and resilience. Grace has shown growing persistence, helping her tackle challenges and approach problems to the best of her ability. She is a caring and supportive friend who finds joy in making others smile and encourages others to try their best also. Grace's empathy makes her a trusted friend and a source of comfort to her classmates. Whilst she has a calm and patient personality, her humorous and excitable side shines in her interactions with friends. Her blend of resilience and kindness sets a wonderful example for everyone around her. Thank you for being an awesome member of Prep J, Grace!

 

Chloe Coelho

For demonstrating our school values of relationships and reflection. Chloe is a beautiful friend who is always there to step in and help anyone in need and lead by example. We are lucky to have her kindness in Prep R. Chloe tries her best in everything she does and consistently thinks about her work and how she can continue to grow. You should be so proud of all your accomplishments, Chloe! Congratulations on a wonderful year.

 

Poppy Lustri

For being a shining example of the Armadale Primary school values. Poppy is a kind and caring friend, and she is always thoughtful and considerate of others. Poppy radiates positivity in her attitude towards both her friendships and her schoolwork. Her dulcet nature creates a sense of calm in our classroom, allowing for an effective and efficient learning environment. Poppy takes great care in completing her work to a high standard and treats our classroom resources with respect. Well done Poppy, on a wonderful year!

 

Archer Ferguson

For demonstrating the APS values of resilience and responsibility. Archer has been showing increasing resilience in how he approaches challenges and experiences outside his comfort zone. He takes responsibility for his learning by remaining focused and always works to extend himself. Your growth this year has been wonderful to watch. Congratulations Archer!

 

Gigi Thompson

For her wonderful growth in resilience across all areas, the respect she shows her learning environment, and the genuine effort that she invests in all her relationships. You are such a worthy recipient of this award, Gigi.

 

Divyana Muliasa

For consistently demonstrating responsibility towards her learning and being an exceptionally organized and persistent learner. She is always helpful and kind towards her peers forming positive relationships across our year level. Divyana you represent what it means to be the best you can be. Congratulations on a wonderful year of learning.

 

Saira Malandkar

For consistently demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility toward her learning and excelling as an exceptionally organized and persistent student, Saira is always kind and supportive of her peers, fostering positive relationships throughout the year. Saira, you truly embody the qualities of striving to be the best version of yourself. Congratulations on a fantastic year of growth and learning!

 

Harriet Barber

For consistently demonstrating the APS values of Resilience and Respect. Harriet "bounces back" from setbacks with ease, setting a positive example for others to follow. She looks after all her peers, listening to their thoughts and feelings with an empathetic ear. Thank you for always setting a positive example for others to follow, and for helping make our classroom such a lovely place to learn in. Congratulations on all your growth this year, Harriet!

 

Nikit Khedkar

Nikit consistently demonstrates the school values of Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection. He consistently follows the school's expectations, setting a positive example for his peers. Nikit is always eager to lend a hand with classroom tasks. His respectful attitude shines through in the way he contributes to a harmonious and productive learning environment. Congratulations on being a respectful class member Nikit.

 

Isla Bristow

Isla is a fantastic example of the values of relationships, resilience, and responsibility in action. Her kindness and readiness to help others make her a highly valued member of our class. I’ve loved seeing her confidence grow greatly and always enjoy the meaningful conversations we share. Isla’s growth mindset and consistently positive attitude towards learning inspire those around her, demonstrating the qualities that are admired in 5/6B. Wishing you all the best for your next step at Lauriston, Isla!

 

Tanish Patel

Tanish is a respectful and genuine friend. His actions inside and outside the classroom demonstrate his commitment to building and maintaining positive relationships. He is a considerate student who works well with others and actively includes them during both work and play. Tanish, you are an amazing role model for your peers. Well done!

 

Kitty Adams

For consistently being a helpful and enthusiastic student in The Arts. Throughout the 'Sound Factory' sessions you have volunteered to take on additional responsibilities, reflected and shared your ideas in a positive manner and worked collaboratively with your peers. Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved award!

 

Amalia Birnbaum

The Term 4 Italian Language Values Award is presented to Amalia for consistently displaying the Armadale Primary School values of relazioni, relationships, through her kindness and positive social interactions. Amalia is considerate and courteous and displays rispetto, respect towards her peers and teachers. Auguri, congratulations Amalia on a well-deserved award!

 

Hridhaan Patel 

For consistently demonstrating the APS values of Respect and Responsibility. In the library, Hridhaan shows kindness and patience towards his classmates by always sharing materials and waiting his turn. He happily helps classmates find a book they are after, and without being asked, Hridhann helps put books away each week. Congratulations, Hridhaan, on a well-deserved award!

 

Joshua Schmidt

Joshua is the semester 2 recipient for PE as he always shows the Armadale School Values in every PE session weekly. He takes on extra responsibilities with helping to set up and packing up the equipment, as well as volunteering to demonstrate during lessons. He showed great leadership qualities and support when working with the prep students in the PMP sessions and has been an excellent role model. Well done on receiving this award; it is greatly deserved Josh. 

 

Dean Giddings

For approaching each Kitchen and Garden session enthusiastically and with a positive attitude, Dean consistently demonstrates the APS values of Responsibility, Respect, and Relationships. Always with a smile, Dean is ready to try something new and loves to volunteer to demonstrate newly acquired skills. Dean listens to and positively works with his peers, volunteers, and teachers. Well done on a fantastic year of gardening and cooking and for this well-deserved award. Congratulations, Dean!

 

Isabel Strong

Isabel demonstrates all the values we aspire to see in young children. She is kind hearted and thinks about other people before herself. She is also incredibly community minded and actively contemplates opportunities to improve the school's offerings of lunchtime clubs and activities. Her consideration of how the school should celebrate and acknowledge the 140th Birthday was incredible and reflected a very intuitive and wise head on such young shoulders. Congratulations Isabel on being the junior school recipient of the Term 4 Principal's award. We look forward to your ongoing contributions to the school in the future.

 

Paige Leith 

This award acknowledges Paige Leith. Paige always shows respect and kindness to all. She has been a great role model for our school. She also shows leadership, as demonstrated by her co-leading the Student Voice SRC committee. Paige showed commitment to getting input from the students and using their ideas to lead her team to making and selling badges at our 140 Birthday Fair. Congratulations, Paige. Your efforts and leadership will inspire future leaders.

 

Ela Mouminoglu

This award acknowledges Ela Mouminoglu. Ela always shows respect and kindness to all. She has been a great role model for our school. She also shows leadership, as demonstrated by her involvement in the Community Building SRC committee. Ela has led with purpose and dignity and unfailingly undertakes her duties with great responsibility and commitment. Congratulations Ela, your efforts and leadership will inspire future leaders.

 

FAMILY CELEBRATION

This will take place on the quadrangle between 5:30 pm -7:30 pm. BYO picnic rug, chairs, food and drinks (no glass). Our Year 5s will run fun games for the children in the dome area and outside the Italian and P/E room.

 

MEET THE TEACHER

The children will meet their teacher for 2025 on Tuesday 17 December at 1:30 pm. The session aims to give the children and the teacher to meet each other in their space for 2025. Children will get the opportunity to ask questions about their year ahead. Please be mindful that this can be a difficult time for some children and the conversations and advice you give your child will impact how they feel and approach their new learning environment. 

 

Teachers have placed children based on the criteria outlined in the classroom placement guide. All our teachers conduct themselves professionally and we know they will do their utmost to ensure that all children will get the best education.

 

MEET OUR NEW STAFF 

Luca 5/6 L – I am a recent graduate of Monash university where I studied Primary Education and film and theatre. I started teaching circus in Darwin and have more recently taught musical theatre on the weekends. Some of you may know me from Team Kids where I have worked for the last two years. I am incredibly excited to be joining the team to teach year 5/6. 

 

Jarryd 1J - I am very excited to have Year 1 as my first ever class! I look forward to sharing my passion for STEM and some nerdy facts about cars! After teaching in NSW and Victoria, I found my school here at Armadale Primary and I can't wait to connect more to the amazing community surrounding this school!

 

Nellie 3/4N - I’m very excited to join the Armadale Primary School community and work with the Grade 3s and 4s in 2025. Throughout my career, I have taught in both primary and secondary school settings around Melbourne. I especially love taking learning outside the classroom with excursions and camps. Outside of school, I like to read, dance and practice yoga, and you’re very likely to find me with a cup of tea in my hand at any time!

 

STONNINGTON COUNCIL ROAD SAFETY PROJECT 

Rosemary Cramp, who is the Transport Behaviour Change Officer would love to hear from our school community on some road safety projects they are currently consulting on, which includes an 18 month trial of a 30km/h area around Armadale Primary. According to their findings, they believe that this project will have a direct safety benefit for our students and families. They believe the risk of injury is greatly reduced at 30km/h, even compared to 40km/h which is the current speed. The likelihood of crashes occurring at all are also greatly reduced at 30km/h, as drivers have more time to react. This area was selected there is a high number of children travelling to school in this area. 

 

Stonnington Council would like to share with you the proposes project as this will impact travel around the school. This link will help you find the details of the proposed project around the school.

 

Kind regards

 

Rochelle Cukier and Connie Apostolos

Principal's

Rochelle.Cukier@education.vic.gov.au

Connie.Apostolos@education.vic.gov.au