Leadership @ MPS

What a Year!

What a final 2 weeks....

As I write my last newsletter as Principal, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared together.

Leading this community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I've watched children grow, learn and flourish. I've witnessed the dedication of extraordinary staff members who pour their hearts into their work every single day. And I've had the honor of partnering with families who trust us with what matters most – their children.

There have been challenges along the way, of course, but there has been so much more joy, laughter and those precious moments that remind us why we do this work. From the small victories in the classroom to the big milestones we've celebrated together, each memory has been a gift.

To our families: thank you for your trust, your partnership and your support. You've welcomed me into your children's lives, and that is something I will always treasure.

To the Monty staff: thank you for your unwavering commitment, your creativity and your compassion. You are the heart of this place and the difference you make is immeasurable.

As I move forward to my next chapter, I do so with a full heart and deep gratitude. The Monty Primary School Community will always hold a special place in my life, and I know it will continue to thrive in the capable hands of those who remain.

Thank you for everything.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Janene 

School Council Update - Thank you David and Amy!

As we close out another year at Monty Primary, there are two very special members of our School Council Community who deserve our sincere gratitude and recognition. David Koolstra and Amy Barclay are finishing up on Council as both their daughters are graduating from Grade 6. 

For over six years, David has been the driving force behind so many of the improvements and maintenance projects that have shaped our school's physical environment. From overseeing major works to addressing the small details that make a big difference, Dave has given countless hours of their time, expertise, and energy to ensure our children learn and play in spaces that are safe, functional, and welcoming.

His commitment to excellence, his willingness to tackle complex projects, and his genuine care for our school community has had an enormous and lasting impact. Every upgraded facility, every improved playground element, every thoughtful enhancement to our grounds bears the mark of his dedication. We are so grateful for everything Dave has contributed to Monty Primary.

We also want to celebrate another remarkable parent who has been one of Monty's greatest champions. Amy is not one to seek the spotlight - in fact, she's the kind of person who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes - her impact on our school community over the past 6 years has been profound and far-reaching.

Her enthusiasm for Monty is genuine and infectious. Her unwavering support of our staff and students isn't loud or showy; it's steady, dependable, and always there when it's needed most. Whether it's attending events, quietly volunteering her time, offering thoughtful input at School Council meetings, or simply being someone who genuinely listens and cares, she has shown what it truly means to be part of a school community.

Amy has been a steady hand, a supportive presence, and a true friend to this school. That kind of quiet dedication is rare and precious, and we are so grateful to have had her as part of School Council.

To Our Grade 6 Graduates

To our Grade 6 students – this is your moment. As you prepare to graduate and move on to secondary school, I want you to know how proud we are of each and every one of you. You've grown so much during your time here, not just in knowledge and skills, but in character, resilience and kindness.

You're ready for this next adventure. Take with you the friendships you've made, the lessons you've learned and the confidence that you can achieve great things. Remember that challenges are opportunities to grow, and that you have everything you need within you to succeed. Go out there and show the world what you're capable of. We'll be cheering for you every step of the way. 

To Our Departing Families

To the families who are also leaving our school community -  thank you for being part of our story.  We wish you all the very best as you embark on your new journey. May your next chapter be filled with opportunity, joy and continued growth. You will always be part of our school family, and we hope you'll carry fond memories of your time here. 

Acting Assistant Principal

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Ady Wall as Acting Assistant Principal for Term 1. We look forward to her leadership and contribution during the term and thank Ady for stepping into this role.

Year 6 Leadership, 2026

We would like to inform families that our Student Leadership Program has been thoughtfully reworked for 2026. This review has been guided by valuable feedback from our current Year 5 students, and we are confident the updated approach will provide a more meaningful and supportive leadership experience for all students.

Year 5 students have already been briefed on the changes. Detailed communication, along with leadership application information and the timeline, will be sent to families on the first day of the 2026 school year. By moving this process to the beginning of next year, we are able to keep the final weeks of 2025 focused on what matters most- students spending time with friends, celebrating their learning, and finishing the year in a positive and connected way, rather than preparing and delivering speeches. There will be ample time in the first weeks of Term 1 next year for leadership applications and presentations.

We look forward to sharing more information early next year.

Christmas Raffle

Thank you to all families that donated fabulous gifts for our Christmas hampers! There were 31 hampers up for grabs- congratulations to the lucky winners! We raised an incredible $5,190.Well done to all!  

2026 Dates

Before we know it the new school year will be upon us, below are the key dates to be aware of for the first week back:

* Year 1 - 6 students begin Wednesday, 28th of January

* Foundation students begin Thursday, 29th of January