Hello VPS families and friends,

We can't believe that we are at the last newsletter for 2024! It has been a huge year for everyone, and we are so grateful for all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that has been shown by our staff, parents and most importantly the students! We have had some fantastic events throughout the year, and we are looking forward to another year of learning and fun together in 2025.

Farewell to staff

We are sad to say goodbye to some Vermont PS staff at the end of this year. We would like to say a big farewell to Julie Hall who will be leaving VPS to take up an Assistant Principal position at Toorak Primary School. Julie has worked tirelessly in her time at Vermont, and this year had a taste for the principal class role when she undertook an Acting Assistant Principal position at Jells Park PS earlier this year. Julie has contributed in so many ways in her time at Vermont PS, starting first as an Art teacher then moving most notably to a Leading Teacher heading up our Digital Technology program. Julie has been part of the Vermont PS community for many years, and we thank her for her hard work and passion. We know that Toorak PS are lucky to have Julie as their Assistant Principal.

We are also farewelling some of our hard working and dedicated Education Support staff. Jo Dawes, Megan Hehir and Fiona Materia as they are all heading off on new adventures in 2025. We are very sad to see them leave Vermont PS, but know that their new schools are exceptionally fortunate to have such amazing staff joining their teams. Our Education Support staff are often the calming presence for students who are finding things a little challenging, and their selfless work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We wish Megan, Jo and Fiona all the very best.

We are also saying goodbye to Alison Clark and Jacquie Rosier at the end of the year. Alison has been the class teacher for 6AC this year, and has done a great job preparing students in their final year of primary school, and will be missed as a permanent staff member, though we look forward to welcoming her back as a regular relief teacher. Jacquie Rosier has been working in our Music/Performing Arts space this semester, and we thank her for her effort. Jacquie worked hard preparing students for the Junior Soiree as well as other performances at events such as the Art Show. We wish Jacquie all the best in the future.

We are excited to be welcoming back Brierly Parker who has been on Family Leave for the last 12 months, as well as welcoming a new teacher to the school, Miss Kayla Nealy. Kayla will be taking 6KN in 2025, and we are very pleased to have her joining the Vermont team!

Christmas on the Lawn

A huge thank you to all the families who attended our Christmas on the Lawn event last night. It was wonderful to see such a massive crowd in attendance, with lots of Christmas cheer! Thank you to Mr Condron who hosted the event, and to 'Santa' for his very special appearance!

Helpers Morning Tea

Please remember to come along to our Helpers Morning Tea this Wednesday at 10am in the Stadium. If you have helped out around the school this year, we would love the chance to say thankyou!

Welcome, Baby Pring!

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that Mrs Pring and her partner Eugene welcomed a baby girl into the world on Thursday December 5. Little 'Luca Natalie' is doing well and settling in at home, and we are thrilled for Lauren and Eugene, and for the new Nana, Mrs Strachan!

Community Awards

We are very fortunate to have a number of community groups, along with our Federal Member for Parliament, supporting and providing acknowledgement for some of our talented students. Mr Sukkar, Federal Member for Deakin, sponsors the Deakin Shield which is presented to three students in the categories of Academic, Citizenship and PE (Physical Education). This year’s recipients were:

Academic – Laurence Year 5

Citizenship - Abigail Year 4

PE - Shivam Year 6

We were also fortunate to have Paul Hayward from Lions Club to present the Ron Bromley Memorial Scholarship to Hanson from Year 1 and Arshan from Year 5.

The final Award we presented was to Charlie in Year 6. This Rotary Club award goes to an 'unsung' hero. Charlie attended the presentation night last month with her family.

Here’s the highlight package of why these students were selected:

Laurence is a dedicated learner who always works conscientiously in all subject areas. He consistently demonstrates a passion for personal growth and seeks out avenues to challenge himself. Laurence embraces extracurricular challenges including playing in the school orchestra and competing in the school Lego league team. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the classroom consistently supporting his peers and additionally in a more formal role as the class SRC member.

Abigail stands out as a beacon of kindness in our school. Always the first to notice when a classmate is feeling down, she offers a warm smile or a helping hand, never expecting anything in return. Abigail's enthusiasm for helping others is inspiring, creating a ripple effect of positivity. With her unwavering support and infectious optimism, this person not only uplifts those around her but also sets a powerful example of empathy and resilience for her friends.

Shivam is a highly skilled and resolute student. He has been a valued member of the school cricket team which made it all the way to the Eastern Metro Region Cricket Finals. Shivam is dedicated to improving his skills, working hard to maintain his high standard. He trains twice a week with his father, in addition to official training sessions. Earlier this year Shivam played in an international cricket tournament and more recently was selected to play in the Under 12 Victoria State Team.

Hanson is a student that shows determination and a hard-working attitude each year. He is always looking for ways he can improve his work, strives to do his best with each task and is always ready for a challenge. Throughout the year, Hanson has approached his learning with an enthusiastic and positive attitude, always engaging in all tasks and showing interest in expanding his knowledge. He enjoys being given positions of responsibility and is always willing to assist teachers and his classmates, demonstrating their caring and mature disposition.

Arshan is a very friendly and caring student. He is a supportive friend in and out of the classroom and looks for ways in which he can help his peers when he can. Arshan is a creative thinker and shares deeper level understandings when contributing to group and class discussions. He works diligently on tasks and will often seek assistance, clarification or feedback to improve his work, which has seen him thrive academically this year. Arshan's enthusiasm and passion for areas of interest will serve him well for his future endeavours.

Charlie is an extremely caring, friendly and inclusive student. She has strong friendships, is always respectful and engaging when talking with her teachers and shows empathy for others. In class, Charlie demonstrates the school value of Caring but ensuring no one is left out. She often encourages individuals to join her group if they are working alone or are feeling upset. Charlie is an excellent role model for others due to her dedication towards doing what is right and fair.

We would like to thank the Vermont Primary School and Kindergarten community for the many opportunities we have had to work together to help our students learn, grow and flourish at school. We hope you all have a relaxing break and we look forward to seeing you back in January, 2025!

Kind regards,

Jess, Joy & Jacci

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