From the Principal 

Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026

A new agreement has been approved that provides an outline of the expected working conditions for all school staff for the next four years. In an ever-changing world we are seeing changes in the teaching profession with increasing demands being placed on teachers and support staff to meet the needs of children. Considering this the working conditions of education professionals have changed considerably in the past 10 years.

From 2027 there will be 8 student free days (four Curriculum Days and four Teacher Professional Practice Days) at every school so that teachers will have more time to undertake planning and preparation. The first student free day is mandated by the Department of Education and is on the day before the students commence at school. These days will be spread across the school year, and we want to give you advanced notice of when they will occur. 

Year 4 Camp

All the best to our Year 4 students and staff on their upcoming camp to Phillip Island from Wednesday, 4th to Friday, 6th November.

Smart Devices

Under ministerial policy introduced in 2020, phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely during school hours. This has resulted in many positive shifts in student behaviour in primary and secondary schools. This requirement continues.

From Term 1, 2027:

• public school students are not permitted to wear or use smart glasses at any time on school premises (or at any school-organised event or activity). If smart glasses are brought to school, they must be turned off and stored during all school activities and securely stored during school hours

   

• wearable devices (such as smart watches) must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions turned off during school hours

• personal audio devices (headphones and earbuds) must not be used during school hours.

   

Restricting these devices helps to ensure:

• school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions 

   

• students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures these devices can cause

   

• schools are safe environments for students, workers and visitors, where child safety, privacy and OHS risks associated with personal electronic devices are addressed by limiting their use.

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) - Congratulations

Every year our school participates in the ICAS assessments, and we are always thrilled with the fantastic results achieved by our students. This year we have achieved some outstanding results.

ICAS medals are awarded to the top score in each subject and year level in each state an exceptional achievement and something they, their family and your entire school community should be incredibly proud of.

Your 2026 ICAS medal winner are:

Achieving a medal is an outstanding accomplishment and a wonderful recognition of their hard work and academic ability. Once we receive the medals, we will present these at a school assembly.

Congratulations to Jasmine and Alexander

Thanks to Mrs Linda Bett for leading the ICAS assessments at our school.

School Funding Deal

You may have seen reports of a new school funding deal between the state and the federal government yesterday. The new deal appears to be very similar to the deal signed last year that pushed full funding back from 2028 to 2034. It will leave public schools struggling to make ends meet. We have also seen a cut to funding for students with English as an Additional Language in 2027. 

What does this mean? It means our resources are under significant pressure and the extras that the school delivers are under threat. This reinforces the importance of parents paying the Parental Contributions in 2026 and 2027.

Parent Contributions for 2027

The 2026 Finance Committee and the 2026 School Council members have officially approved the Parent Contribution fees for 2027as outlined below.

As per the Department of Education guidelines we are informing the school community of the upcoming school fees for the following year.

In 2027 the Parent Contributions for students at Camelot Rise Primary School will be $575.00 per student. This equates to roughly $12 per week. We hope that the majority of our school community are able to make this contribution so that we are able to continue to offer the high-quality teaching and learning programs that we currently operate.

Families may choose to pay ‘Other Contributions’ as outlined on the Parent Contributions document that will be published on Compass in January 2027.

As per Department guidelines 

• School councils must review and approve all Parent Contributions
• It is recommended that schools communicate their Parent Contributions arrangements to parents and carers at least 6 weeks prior to the end of the previous school year.

In January 2027 parents will be advised by a Compass newsfeed when these payments can be made.

We thank you in advance for your support of our school and your child’s education.

Thunderstorm Asthma

Further to previous information about the risks of thunderstorm asthma and management of Hay Fever. Recently the office reports that we seem to be having a lot of work to do 

assisting students with hay fever related symptoms. We are happy to help but it does suggest that it could be worth parents and carers considering how to prevent the symptoms from occurring. This can be worked through with your GP or pharmacist who can advise about the various preventers. This might also help to avoid students developing uncomfortable symptoms at school. 

Planning for 2027 - Are you leaving CRPS?

We ask that you let us know if you are moving or have enrolled to another school in 2027. We require this information as soon as possible to establish grade structures for the start of the new school year. If your child is currently in Prep-5 and will not be at CRPS in 2027, please notify the school office in writing/email as soon as possible.

Staffing news

We would like to inform you that both Ben and I will be on Long Service Leave over the following few weeks. Ben will be on leave from Monday, 2nd November to Friday, 13th November (inclusive). Ben will return on Monday, 16th November.

I will be on leave from Wednesday, 4th November to Friday, 6th November. I will return to work on Monday, 9th November.

During this time with Tennille Giannopoulos will be Acting Principal.

Regards,

Matthew Coney & Ben Heys