Principal's Address

WEEK 8 | TERM 4

Can you believe there are only 15 school days left in our 2025 school year?! With just three weeks to go, we are gearing up to ensure everything is in place for a smooth transition into the 2026 school year. We have quite a few events scheduled for Weeks 10 and 11, so please make sure you’ve noted the key dates.

On Tuesday 9 December, we will hold our annual Whole School Step Up Day, which aligns with the Department’s Year 6–7 Transition Day. Students will have the opportunity to meet their 2026 classroom teachers, learning peers, and visit their new class locations. It’s always an exciting day as students step into their next year level. We also have many new staff members joining us, and we look forward to welcoming the 2026 teaching team.

On Wednesday 10 December, we will celebrate our End of Year Celebration. With the oval closed, we’ve planned a wonderful event filled with fun activities, choir Christmas carols, and plenty of community connection—a fitting way to end a fantastic year of learning and growth.

Deanside Statement of Values and School Philosophy

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that the behaviour of staff, parents, carers and students plays an important role in shaping our school community and culture. We all share responsibility for creating a positive learning environment for the children and young people at Deanside—this includes behaviour at after-school events such as our End of Year Celebration.

Our Statement of Values and School Philosophy Policy outline these shared expectations and supports us in maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and families.

During whole-school events, parent and carer behaviour expectations are clear. 

Our Parents/Carers will:

• model positive behaviour to their child
• communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
• work with the school to support the best outcomes for their child
• communicate constructively with the school using expected processes and protocols when raising concerns
• support staff to maintain a safe learning environment for all students
• follow the school’s processes for communicating with staff and making complaints
• treat all school leaders, staff, students and community members with respect

Unreasonable behaviour from parents, carers, students or members of the community will not be tolerated on school grounds or during school activities—including our Whole School Picnic. 

These behaviours include:

• rude, manipulative, aggressive or threatening language or actions (in person, online, or over the phone)
• aggressive gestures or invading another person’s personal space
• sending demanding, rude, confronting or threatening written communication
• sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or derogatory comments
• using social media or public forums to make inappropriate or threatening remarks about the school, staff, parents/carers or students

Harassment, bullying, violence, aggression, threatening behaviour and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Our Statement of Values and Philosophy policy is available on our website and outlines key processes and expectations.Link: https://deansideps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/51-Statement-of-Values-and-School-Philosophy-2024.pdf

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our Deanside Primary community.

Exiting Students

A friendly reminder: If your child will not be returning in 2026, please contact the office so we can organise their exit. Accurate student numbers are essential for our class placement process and planning for next year.

School Parking

Another reminder that the Aspire Carpark on Conservatory Drive and the Deanside Kindergarten carpark (Meadows Drive) must not be used by school families unless you are picking up a child from one of those services. We have received multiple complaints from both services and residents about parking in restricted areas.

Please use the designated parking bays around the school and nearby streets. We are currently developing a Traffic Management Plan for our Whole School Picnic to support safe and lawful parking on the night.

Buildings Update – Asphalt

Construction and asphalt works are currently on hold due to ground instability. If asphalt were laid now, it would shift and recreate the same issues we’ve previously experienced. Planning for the next steps is underway, and I expect an update early next week.

Please remind your children that they must not enter any fenced-off construction areas to retrieve balls, hats or other items. These zones are strictly out of bounds. We have had several instances of students sliding under fences, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this safety message.

Important Dates to note: 

• Whole School Assemblies: Every Friday – gates open at 2:35 pm, assembly begins at 2:45 pm.
• Year 6–7 Statewide Transition Day: Tuesday, 9 December
• Deanside Whole School Step-Up Day: Tuesday, 9 December
• Whole School Picnic: Wednesday, 10 December
• Colour Run: Friday, 12 December
• Performance Day: Tuesday, 16 December
• Year 6 Graduation: Wednesday, 17 December
• Last day of school: 19th December - students finish at 1:30 pm

2026 enrolments

If you are a new family to Deanside, and are wishing to enrol your child into Prep or you know of any new families who wish to enrol their children into Deanside PS for 2026, please see the below for our enrolment process:

•  Ensure you are in our Designated School Zone (https://www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au/),   
• Provide Proof of residence in Deanside
• Provide Proof of child’s age (birth certificate or passport)
• Provide Immunisation certificate

School Values

Our school values are important to us. Remember to Show Respect, Be Responsible, Strive for Excellence and show genuine Care towards others and the environment. 

Thank you

Lina Stephens