From Marie

Last week, we welcomed new students and families into our classrooms and community, Jayden (5/6C), Aiden (5/6G), Eden (2M) and Ace (3/4S). I was asked by a student if any girls could please start and I am pleased to say that Emily (1L) and Arlo (5/6Y) are starting in the next couple of weeks, along with Rayan (3/4S).  To all of these families we say welcome and we look forward to getting to know you all.

Performance from Ringwood Secondary College - Band Tour

Last Tuesday, over one hundred Ringwood Secondary College students and staff landed at our undercover area and performed for nearly an hour to an entranced audience.  The College students were visiting local primary schools before heading off on a three day tour of regional areas of Victoria.

Curriculum Days in 2026

Last week, School Council approved the Curriculum Days for 2026.  Where possible we have aligned the days with a public holiday or school holidays.  Students are not required at school on these days, pop them in your diary now:

• Tuesday 27 January - Teachers return date.  Grade 1-6 students start on Wednesday 28 January - note change of date from previous newsletters

• Tuesday 10 March - Teachers undertaking professional learning in knowledge building curriculum.

• Thursday 2 April - Mathematics professional learning day with Top Ten consultant Anna.  Please note that students will finish Term 1 on Wednesday 1 April at 2:30pm.

• Tuesday 9 June - Report writing day

• Monday 2 November - Professional practice day for staff to complete report writing.

Class structure for 2026

A number of families have been curious to know the class structures for 2026.  Many factors come in to play when making decisions about class structures, including the size of the cohort; the needs of individual and groups of students; curriculum sequencing and delivery.  We are committed, wherever possible, to run straight grade levels in Foundation to Grade 2 and then composite grades 3/4 and 5/6.  We are pleased to say that in 2026 there will be two classes each of Foundation, Grade 1 and Grade 2.  There will be three classes of Grade 3/4 and three of Grade 5/6.  We are currently working to place teaching teams together and class groups ahead of transition activities that commence on 28 November for current students.  

2026 Foundation Transition

We are very excited to welcome our 2026 Foundation students and their families, to their first transition session tomorrow afternoon.  We are pleased to let the families know that Tamara Molnar and Kate Hickingbotham will be teaching in Foundation next year and they are ready to welcome our newest students.

Swimming at Aquanation

Next week all students will be swimming at Aquanation in Ringwood.  Parents who may wish to watch the lesson are invited to do so, there will be a pool entry fee.  Our Child Safety policy will not allow parents to enter change rooms to assist with dressing and together with Aquanation parents are not to take any photos of their child at the pool.  Outlined below is the actual swimming lesson time for your child.

Swimming Lesson Times:

09:30 - 3/4E & 3/4M

10:15 - 5/6Y, 5/6C & half 5/6G

11:00 - 3/4S, 2M & half 5/6G

11:45 - 2K & FSC

12:30 - 1L & 1M

Parents' Association Annual General Meeting

The Parents' Association AGM is just around the corner, Wednesday 19 November at 7:00pm.  All families are invited to come along and hear about the efforts of the PA over the year and look ahead at event and fundraising plans for 2026.  You are an important part of our community and we would love to hear from you about how we can continue to improve your child's experience at school. Membership to the PA is free and forms will be available on the night to sign up so you are eligible to vote in the election of office bearers. Check out the designated page for more details.

Music Soiree

Over seventy of our instrumental students will be performing for their families on Monday 24 November from 5:00pm.  This annual event is a wonderful celebration and tribute for all the hard work in lessons and practicing at home.  Our instrumental teachers, Diana (keyboard), Tom (guitar) and Daniel (drums) are ready to accept new students in 2026. Forms are available at the office or in this newsletter under "Optional Activities".