Principal's message

Hello Alvie families,

As we move through the term, I want to acknowledge that there has been some negative chatter in the community. If you have specific concerns, I encourage you to contact me directly. I am always happy to discuss matters that relate to your own child. I am sure you can understand that I cannot discuss incidents between other children.

The staff at Alvie Primary School, including myself, are all trained in a trauma informed approach to education. We have significant professional learning in inclusive education, in understanding and responding to behaviour, and in supporting students with additional needs alongside our ongoing academic professional learning.

The school is currently reviewing the documents that outline how we respond to behaviours of concern. This is work the staff and I have been engaged in since I commenced at Alvie. Once these processes and documents are finalised I will share them in the newsletter. The foundation of this work is the behaviour matrix that was shared in the last newsletter.

Students who require additional support, whether academic, social, emotional or behavioural, are supported through a range of plans such as Behaviour Support Plans, Escalation Plans, Engagement Plans and Individual Education Plans. These plans are created collaboratively with staff, parents and private, NDIS or department specialists as appropriate.

It is important to remember that, just as students make academic mistakes while learning, there will inevitably be times when students engage in inappropriate behaviours at school. Teachers spend considerable time explicitly teaching expected behaviours, recognising and reinforcing appropriate choices, redirecting, reteaching and, when necessary, referring a student to me for further action. Recent actions I have utilised include restorative conversations, removal from play or class for short periods with an opportunity to make things right (for example picking up rubbish if caught littering), missed play time for disruptive behaviour, missed play time for rough or aggressive play, in school suspension and external suspension.

From this week, we will also be tightening expectations around physical interactions between students. This includes play fighting, tackling and hugging. Students will be encouraged and regularly reminded to respect and stay in their own bubble to ensure everyone feels safe.

In staffing news, I would like to share that Sage Bolton will take 12 months leave next year to travel and teach overseas. We wish her all the best for this exciting adventure. I am pleased to announce that Rose Murphy, an experienced and passionate teacher, will be joining our team in her place. Rose will be attending the statewide transition day on 9 December to meet her class for 2026.

We also farewell Emma Stevens as she moves on to continue her study to become a surgeon. We wish her every success. Recruitment is currently underway for a specialist teaching position, and I will share updates as soon as possible.

Finally, I would like to thank and congratulate our newest Acting Principal - Lily McBroom. Lily was an invaluable support to me today as Principal for the day. Lily cashed in 30 of her green leaves for the privelege and she did a great job answering the phones, delivering resources to classes, taking students out to see baby chics and even making me toast and a cup of coffee! Check out how professional she looked below!

Thank you for your ongoing support. My door remains open, and you are always welcome to reach out if you have questions, concerns or feedback.

Have a lovely, safe weekend!

Lisa Peirce

Acting Principal

2025 Student Leaders