From the Principal

Cyber Safety at Camelot Rise Primary School

Next Monday, 15th June all students will participate in Cyber Safety presentations led by ThinkuKnow.

Student Sessions – Monday 15th June

9:50–10:10am – Foundation students
10:10–10:30am – Level 1/2 students
11:10am–12:00pm – Level 3/4 students
12:00–12:50pm – Level 5/6 students

We look forward to these sessions in the knowledge that we are providing our students with the skills and tools to ensure they are safe online now and in the future.

Parent Sessions - FREE Online Child Safety Session

There will be a FREE session for parents, carers and teachers presented by ThinkUKnow.

Date: Monday 22 June 2026

Time: 6.30pm – 8pm

Location: Online (a Microsoft Teams link will be emailed to you)

Help your child stay safe online with practical, up-to-date advice from online safety experts.
Get a clearer understanding of what young people are experiencing online – and what you can do to support and protect them.

This session is designed for adults only. ThinkUKnow is an evidence-based online safety education program led by the Australian Federal Police.

Book online - www.trybooking.com/DMHGK

https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/about

Thanks to Mrs Stephanie Johnson for coordinating these fantastic events.

Victorian Government School Principal's Conference

On the 28th and 29th May Ben and I attended the 2026 Victorian Government School Principals Conference. This annual conference provides principals with the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers on current education trends impacting our schools and the broader community. AI was a hot topic and particularly how quickly it is moving ahead. The Department acknowledged that they have been very cautious in their approach to AI, and that most schools, including our own, are already exploring how we can best use AI to benefit students. This is a rapidly moving area, and schools are now beginning to collaborate on the delivery of AI that is purposeful, accurate, and enhances learning. This will be an area that will inform our practice over the coming years and there is no doubt that our students will be experimenting as well. Part of our role will be to provide students with the tools they need to ensure they use AI in a safe and productive manner.

In addition, the conference explored the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 and it was reassuring to hear that the work done by the school so far is well and truly on the right track. Principals also heard from experts in student wellbeing and how we as a school system can work towards delivering support pathways to students and families in the future. We look forward to unpacking the learning that has come from the conference with our staff and students over the coming months.

EDUtech Australia 2026: Preparing Learners for a Changing World

Last week I attended the EDUtech Australia 2026 at Sydney's International Convention Centre, Australia's largest education and educational technology conference. Bringing together thousands of educators, school leaders, researchers and technology experts, the conference explored how schools can best prepare students for an increasingly digital and AI-driven future.

A consistent theme across the sessions was that technology should not replace great teaching—it should enhance it. While artificial intelligence continues to dominate discussions in education, presenters repeatedly emphasised that critical thinking, creativity, communication and human connection remain at the heart of effective learning.

One of the most valuable takeaways was the growing focus on AI literacy. Rather than simply teaching students how to use AI tools, schools are increasingly exploring how to help students understand how AI works, recognise its limitations, evaluate information critically, and use these technologies ethically and responsibly. This shift reflects a broader movement from viewing AI as a novelty to treating it as an important component of future-ready education.

Another key learning centred on student agency and voice. Several presentations highlighted the importance of creating learning environments where students take ownership of their learning, contribute ideas, solve authentic problems and showcase their work to real audiences. Whether through digital projects, STEM initiatives, robotics programs or collaborative learning experiences, the emphasis was on empowering students to become active participants rather than passive recipients of knowledge.

The conference also showcased innovative examples of STEM and digital technologies being used to engage learners. From robotics and drones to esports and design thinking, educators shared practical examples of how emerging technologies can foster curiosity, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills. Importantly, these technologies were presented not as ends in themselves, but as tools that support deeper learning and engagement.

Perhaps the most encouraging message from EDUtech 2026 was that schools across Australia are navigating similar opportunities and challenges. While technology continues to evolve rapidly, the most successful schools are those that remain focused on strong relationships, purposeful learning experiences and the wellbeing of students.

We look forward to sharing more ideas from the conference with our staff and community in the coming months as we continue exploring innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning for all students.

Building Fund Donations

If you have not yet made a donation to the Camelot Rise Primary School Building Fund and would like to before the end of the financial year to claim a tax deduction, donations can be made through the Compass Payments Centre. Please contact the school if you require any assistance or would prefer to make your donation via the front office. Any donation amount would be gratefully appreciated. All donations will be used for the maintenance of our school buildings. Building Fund receipts for donations made for 2026 can be sent home with your child before the end of term if requested.

Student Illness

If your child is unwell, particularly if they have vomited in the preceding 24 hours prior to school, please do not send your child to school. We are experiencing a high rate of student illness and this in turn is passed on to other students and their teachers. Given the current challenges in obtaining replacement teachers, this is also problematic, as we have been forced to grade split recently as a result and this is not our preference. If families can ensure that children are well before attending school, this will go a long way to alleviating these pressures.

School Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews

School Reports will go live on Friday, 19th June at 3.30pm.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, 24th June between 3.40pm – 8.00pm. Bookings are now open for you to schedule a time to meet with your child’s teacher.

Specialist teacher interviews and EAL interviews are also available to book.

Foundation 2027 Enrolments

Enrolments for Foundation 2027 are now open. If you have a child born between 1st May 2021 and 30th April 2022, now is the time to enrol, by using our online system from our school website.

https://www.camelotrise.vic.edu.au/enrolment

If you have any questions pertaining to enrolment, please call the office. Ph (03) 9803 5344.

Matthew Coney & Ben Heys