Principals' Message

It is hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. We have just three weeks left until the end of term. As we approach the end of the year, we have already begun planning for 2026, focusing on strengthening our programs, refining our structures, and ensuring our students continue to thrive.

Longer Learning Blocks

After consultation with parents, staff and students we have decided that next year we will be moving from 50-minute sessions to one-hour lessons. We believe this change will give both students and teachers more meaningful learning time, allowing for deeper engagement, richer discussion, and fewer transitions throughout the day. This shift supports our commitment to calm, purposeful learning environments where students can immerse themselves in their work.

Enhanced STEM Learning

To further develop our STEM program, classroom teachers will now deliver two STEM sessions each week in our dedicated STEM room. This will ensure students have regular opportunities to design, build, experiment, problem-solve, and explore hands-on challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.

New Enrichment Opportunities

We are also excited to introduce a series of enrichment programs next year - Future Problem Solvers and Maths Olympiad. These programs will aim to extend students’ critical and creative thinking, provide additional challenge, and nurture high-level reasoning skills.  More information about how students can take part will be shared early next year.

A Refined Intervention Model

Supporting individual student needs remains a key priority. In 2026, our intervention approach will evolve to include small, targeted literacy groups using the MiniLit and MacqLit programs. These evidence-based programs will allow us to provide more precise and effective support. Families will receive further details regarding scheduling and selection processes early in the new year.

Launching Donvale Democarcy

Finally, we are delighted to be expanding student voice through the creation of our new Donvale Democracy. This initiative will give students an authentic platform to express their ideas, contribute to school decisions, and lead positive change across Donvale. We look forward to seeing our young leaders grow in confidence and agency.

Gabriel Ng Visit

Last week, our Federal Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng MP, visited our Grade 5 students to speak about his leadership journey and explain how the electoral process works. He also shared some valuable tips on public speaking as our students prepare their leadership speeches.

A highlight of the visit was seeing a replica of the ceremonial mace used in Parliament House. Students were fascinated to learn that the real mace is made from silver and covered in gold, far too heavy (and valuable!) to bring to a primary school.

Gabriel Ng MP left our students with some practical public speaking tips:

• Make eye contact with your audience
• Memorise your speech as best you can
• Use dot points to guide your thoughts
• Focus on a friendly face if you feel nervous

• Speak slowly and don’t rush

   

It was a highly engaging session, and we thank Gabriel Ng MP for inspiring our future leaders.

Finally you may be aware of the changes to social media platforms which will become age restricted. These include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and YouTube. Please read more detailed information about the changes on the Cyber Safety page of this newsletter