Principals' Page

We are nearly at the end of another busy and successful term. Thank you for your continued support throughout the semester. 

Student Reports 

Next Friday, school reports will be sent home. Reports provide families with an overview of your child's progress and achievement against the Victorian Curriculum standards expected at their year level. They are designed to celebrate growth, identify areas of strength and highlight future learning goals.

The judgements teachers make are not based on a single test or assessment. Throughout the semester they gather a wide range of evidence including classroom observations, student work samples, formal assessments, learning tasks and ongoing conversations with students. This body of evidence allows teachers to make informed and balanced decisions about each child's progress and achievement.

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Reports are only one part of the conversation about learning. Parent teacher interviews will be held early next term, providing an opportunity to discuss your child's report in greater detail, ask questions and work together to support their continued growth.

Planning Week 

While students have been busy learning, our teachers have also been hard at work. This week they spent a dedicated planning day preparing for next term's teaching and learning programs. By working collaboratively to analyse student data and plan engaging learning experiences, they have ensured that everything is in place for another successful term.

Trivia Night Success

What a fantastic evening our Trivia Night turned out to be!

A huge thank you to our Fundraising Committee and to Alisha Clark for the many hours of planning and organisation that went into creating such an enjoyable event. It was wonderful to see so many families embracing the spirit of the night, arriving in creative costumes that matched their table themes and enthusiastically joining in the competitions for Best Dressed and Best Decorated Table.

The laughter, friendly rivalry and sense of fun throughout the evening were a reminder of what makes Great Ryrie Primary School such a special place. We are so fortunate to have a community of parents who are so keen to support our school. Please look at the Parents and Friend pages for great photographs and more details. 

Refugee Week

This week our school recognised Refugee Week, providing students with opportunities to learn about empathy, kindness and the importance of making others feel welcome.

Through stories, discussions and classroom activities, students explored what it might feel like to leave everything familiar behind and begin again in a new country. 

At assembly our Multicultural Captains shared Rose's personal story about her family's journey to Australia. Rose is one of our Multi-cultural Support Staff who works with families at our school. 

Rose's Story 

When I came to Australia, I was only 4 years old, so I didn't really understand what was happening.

But for my parents, it was very different. They had to leave their family, friends, and everything they knew because they wanted their children to grow up in a safe place.

I often think about how hard that must have been. They could not see or hug their loved ones anymore. It was also difficult to talk to family back home because phone calls were expensive and not always possible. Imagine not being able to hug or see your parents anytime you want.

My parents arrived in a new country with very little money and had to learn a completely new language. Sometimes people would speak to them in English, and they would smile even when they didn't understand.

Today, things are much better for many refugee families. There are programs that help people settle into their new communities, and many kind people welcome and support them.

Seeing how much help and support is available now makes me feel happy and grateful. It reminds me how important it is to be kind, welcoming, and supportive to people who are starting a new life in Australia.

Thank you.

A Reminder About Our School Uniform

With the colder weather arriving, this is a timely reminder about our school uniform expectations.

Students are welcome to wear coats, scarves and other warm outer clothing before school and during recess and lunch. Once inside the classroom, students should be dressed in the approved Great Ryrie Primary School uniform.

If an extra layer is needed under the school polo shirt for warmth, long sleeved garments should be plain yellow or navy so they blend with the uniform. Socks should be white or navy, and football style socks that extend over the knee are not part of our dress code.

 While some students prefer to wear only their polo shirt, they should also have their school jumper or jacket available for colder days.

Hoodies and jumpers displaying sporting teams or other logos are not part of the approved uniform.

Our uniform is about much more than clothing. It helps foster a sense of belonging and pride in our school, supports students to feel equal, ensures they are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities, reduces unnecessary competition based on fashion choices and strengthens the identity of Great Ryrie Primary School within the wider community.

If purchasing uniform items presents a financial challenge, support is available through the school and we encourage families to contact us confidentially to discuss available assistance or to visit Mr Silverwood as he manages our second hand uniform. 

Please see the attached Student Dress Code Policy for full details and expectations.

Privacy Reminder for Families

Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools' Privacy Policy.

Please take time to remind yourself of the Department of Education's Schools' Privacy Policy, including how information is collected, used and shared. The policy also includes information about photography, filming and recording students. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Another Baby Girl to Love 

Our gorgeous Carly Robson from our office team and her partner Harley welcomed a beautiful baby girl on Thursday 14 May. Baby Juni Blu Chambers has arrived safely and is already very much loved. Olive is taking her big sister duties very seriously, and we are so excited for them all. That makes the baby count 4 girls so far. 

Good Luck Mrs Pratt

Claire Pratt and her partner Cal are expecting their baby next term. Claire has been such a wonderful part of our school community over the past few years in Year 4, where she has led her team with care, calm and professionalism. She has also brought great energy to our Green Team, encouraging a strong love of the environment across the school. While we will miss her very much, we are so happy for her as she heads into this exciting new chapter. We wish her all the very best in the months ahead and can’t wait to hear her baby news.

Welcome Miss Kirkwood 

We are very fortunate to have Miss Sophie Kirkwood joining our Year 4 team. Sophie is already a familiar face around the school, having worked in our Science and Technology program this term and as a relief teacher across many classes. 

She knows our students well and is already a wonderful part of the Great Ryrie community. 

Warm regards 

Karen Rouda Principal

Jean Maxwell & Jess Steer Assistant Principals