Important Updates
Curriculum Days and Public Holidays for 2025
The following dates are student free days for our Curriculum Days.
YMCA will run a program on these days and you can register with them at: armstrongcreek@ymca.org.au or enquire by phone at 0418 195 782
Curriculum Days
- Friday 7 March
- Tuesday 5 August
- Monday 3 November
Public Holidays - School is closed on the following days.
- Monday 10 March - Labour Day
- Friday 25 April - Anzac Day
- Monday 9 June - Monarch's Birthday
- Wednesday 22 October - Geelong Cup
Overview of Student Activities and Programs for the School Year
Throughout the school year, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of in-school activities, excursions, swimming programs, and camp/adventure experiences. The following table provides a brief overview of the camp experiences and swimming programs for students in each year level. These events have been approved by the School Council:
| Year Level | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Camp Experience at School | 1 day – Term 4 |
| Year 1 | Swimming Intensive Program | 5 days – Term 3 |
| Year 2 | Camp Experience at School/Local Area | 1 day – Term 4 |
| Year 3 | Swimming Intensive Program | 5 days – Term 3 |
| Year 4 | Camp Experience | 3 days / 2 nights – Term 4 |
| Year 5 | Swimming Intensive Program | 5 days – Term 3 |
| Year 6 | Camp Experience | 3 days / 2 nights – Term 3 |
Year 7 & 8 | Swimming Intensive Program | 5 days – Term 3 |
| Camp Experience / Adventure Activity | 1 day – Terms 1, 2, & 4 | |
| Year 9 | Swimming Intensive Program | 5 days – Term 3 |
| Changemaker Program | 1 day per week – Terms 1-4 | |
| Camp Experience | TBC – Dependent on external provider availability | |
Year 10-12 | SBATs (School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships) | Regularly across Terms 1-4 |
| Work Experience | Terms 3-4 | |
| Camp Experience / Adventure Activity | 1 day – Term 4 |
In addition to the events listed in the table, there will be other in-school activities, excursions, and sports events throughout the year.
To help families plan and prepare, a full year overview with the dates for all activities— including in-school events, excursions, and sports— will be shared in the coming weeks.
Keep an eye on Compass for this update!
Specialist Subjects
In 2025, we are excited to offer a broad range of specialist subjects designed to support students' growth in creativity, physical development, language skills, and cultural awareness.
These subjects aim to inspire students and nurture their passion for the arts, STEM, and hands-on learning experiences. Key new initiatives this year include the introduction of an immersive Auslan model for our Year 5 & 6 students, weekly STEM classes for students in Years 5-10, the Café project-based learning experience in Year 10 VPC, and a media elective for students in Year 10-12 VPC/ASDAN. These diverse subjects provide a dynamic and enriching learning environment for all students.
Below is an overview of the specialist subjects by year level for 2025:
Prep – Year 4:
- Auslan
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Visual Arts
Year 5 & Year 6:
- Auslan*
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- STEM
- Visual Arts
Year 7 – 9:
- Health
- Physical Education
- STEM
- Visual Arts
Year 10 VPC:
- Physical Education
- STEM
- Visual Arts
- Project based learning - Café
Year 10-12 VPC & ASDAN:
- Electives linked to SBATs / curriculum offerings of senior pathways: Café, Media, and Horticulture
Auslan in Year 5 & 6:
This year, we are excited to pilot an immersive Auslan model in Year 5 & 6. The aim of this model is to provide students with a more integrated and engaging learning experience by incorporating Auslan (Australian Sign Language) into their daily activities in a meaningful way.
We are still finalising the details of how this model will roll out and will share more specific information with families in the coming weeks. We are looking forward to seeing how this model benefits all of our students and enhances their learning experience.
Mobile Phones in Schools – Reminder
A reminder to all families that students are required to switch off and hand in their mobile phones to their teacher for secure storage during the school day. This is a statewide policy for all government schools.
Additionally, students who wear smart watches should ensure they are in sleep mode or switched off during school hours.
For more information, please refer to the official guidelines here: Mobile Phones in Schools – Victoria Government.
Yes Hat = Yes Play! – Reminder
In Terms 1 and 4, all students are required to wear a sun-protective hat (broad-brimmed, bucket, or legionnaire) while outdoors. This includes recess, lunch, and any outdoor classes or activities. Please ensure your child has their sun hat packed each day.