Notes from the Principal
Swimming
Our students had a great time joining in with Swimming Lessons at HILAC. I am always amazed at the growth they make over the fortnight, improving in their swimming skills. These skills are so important for the safety of our children, especially moving into the Summer. As usual, the feedback from HILAC has been positive. The Swimming Instructors said that they always look forward to teaching the Cavendish students as they have beautiful manners and listen to the teachers.
Cavendish Fairy Garden
Establishing a Fairy Garden in Ron Lewis Park has been an ongoing project for Ava and Fiona this year. This week they met with Roger Edwards from the Townscape Committee to present their proposal. Roger was impressed by the ideas and plans, and the project has been approved. Watch this space – even though Ava and Fiona are moving on to Secondary schooling, they are still keen to finish this project.
Art Gallery Visit
Today we spent the morning with Libby from the Hamilton Art Gallery learning about screen printing. The students had a wonderful time learning about this art form and made some beautiful creations.
Picnic Tea and My Business Rules: The Market Mission
Many thanks to everyone who came out, joined us for a Picnic Tea and supported our Year 4 & 6 students with their Economics and Business projects.
The results are as follows:
Sweet Elite (Sam & Jaxson) raised $82.10 for The Cancer Council
Sienna & Maddie’s Best Cookies (Sienna & Maddie) raised $65 for the Guide Dog Association
The Three Little Sweets (Fiona, Ivy & Emma) raised $183.20 for The Cancer Council
Fizz Bros (Cooper & Thomas) raised $106.35 for Diabetes Australia; and
Busy Bees (Ava & Pippa) raised $132.90 for The Cancer Council
This is an amazing result for these students, and we can safely say they achieved their learning goals.
Final School Council
At the culmination of our Family Picnic Tea, we held our final School Council Meeting. I would like to express my deep felt thanks to all School Council members in 2025. We have achieved a lot this year, and I appreciate the care, passion and energy you bring to our school community. We have a lot to look forward to in 2026.
Staffing 2026
Staffing for 2026:
Foundation, Year 1 & 2 – Miss Millie Lowndes
Year 3,4 & 5 – Miss Samantha Sartain
Music & Performing Arts – Mrs Rachel Huf
Kitchen Garden/Design & Technology – Mrs Sue Bell
Education Support Staff- Barbara Andrews, Kate Thomas and Renee Gilchrist
Business Manager – Tammy Crawford
Principal and Learning Intervention Support - Kate Steele
We extend a fond farewell to Miss Lee, Miss Gray, Mrs Neale and Melissa Hamilton. Miss Gray is heading to Terang P-12 and Miss Lee is looking forward to working part time and filling in as a relief teacher. Mrs Neale is heading back to South Australia to pick up where she left off at her previous school and Mel is going to continue with her Disability Support Work.
We thank you all for everything you have done at our school and wish you all the best for your futures. You will always be part of our Cavendish Primary School community.
Music In Schools Program
We applied for and have been successful in achieving a place in the Music in Schools Program for 2026.
Mrs Huf will receive the following:
- 2-day music professional learning (PL) residential, Melbourne (19/20 March 2026) CRT, meals, accommodation provided
- 5 x mentoring calls session over terms 2 & 3 (music must be taught during terms 2 & 3)
- 1 x observation day of music classes in a mentor’s school
- 1 x face-to-face professional learning in Melbourne (CRT funding provided) (Terms 4)
- 5 x online PL sessions, 3:45pm-4:45pm throughout Terms 2&3 (recordings will be available to those who cannot attend) m
- 4 days Casual Relief Teaching (CRT) funding to attend off-site residential and PL days*
- Ongoing access to department curated teaching and professional practice resources
*Additional funding travel/accommodation is available for schools located more than 100km from Melbourne to support attendance at face-to-face PL residentials and PL days.
We also receive a $4,000 grant to purchase instruments and resources.
Another exciting opportunity for Cavendish Primary School!
Reports
Teachers are finalising end of year reports. These are set to go live on uEducateUs Friday 12th December. If you would like to discuss your child’s results, please reach out and make an appointment to see the class teacher. We are all available until Friday 19th December.
Statewide Transition Day
Tuesday 9th December is Statewide Transition Day. Our Year 6 students will head off to their Secondary schools, while our remaining students get to spend the day being a year older!
We look forward to welcoming Charlie, Clem and Lillie for their first full Foundation Day.
Miss Lowndes and Miss Sartain will be joining us for the day, spending time with their 2026 classes.
Senior Citizens Christmas
On Monday 8th December we are heading down to the hall to celebrate Christmas with the Senior Citizens. The students will be giving our Senior Citizens a gift, and singing a few items, conducted by Mrs Huf.
Movies - 11th December
Don’t forget to consent on our school app for your child/children to attend our movie day excursion.
Year 6 Graduation Trip
Miss McLeod and I are looking forward to spending the day with Year 6 on Monday 15th December. We are taking them to Warrnambool to go mini-golfing and ten pin bowling. I do not plan on letting them win, even though the day is about celebrating their final days in Primary School. On our way home, we are joining the parents and staff for dinner at the Grand Central in Hamilton.
Presentation Night
Our Presentation Night will start at 6pm, Tuesday 16th December at the Soldiers Memorial Hall. Students need to wear tidy summer uniform, and be at the hall by 5:45pm for a 6pm start. If everyone behaves, including the audience and Principal, Santa may visit at the end….
Pupil Free Days
REMINDER: Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th December are student free days. Our newly appointed teachers and Education Support Staff will be attending on site for induction and preparation for 2026.
Last Day of School
The last official day of school is Friday 19th December. School closes at 1pm. No buses will run on this day. There is no formal education program on this day. Students who attend will assist staff in preparing the school for 2026 and cleaning up.
Our final newsletter will be published on Wednesday 17th December.
Have a great end of term.
Kate Steele
PRINCIPAL