Principal's report
shaun.mcclare@education.vic.gov.au

Principal's report
shaun.mcclare@education.vic.gov.au
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin nation; past, present and those who will walk with us into the future. We acknowledge the rich and unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas, educational practices and the hopes of all First Nations Peoples. We do this in the spirit of reconciliation as we move to a place of justice and partnership - together we work, learn, play and care for one another and this land.
In a world that often encourages us to look ahead to the next achievement, the next milestone, or the next big moment, it is worth pausing to reflect on something far more powerful — gratitude.
Gratitude is not about waiting for extraordinary events. It is about recognising the beauty and value in the ordinary moments that make up our everyday lives. The quiet walk to school, a shared laugh in the classroom, a helping hand from a friend — these are the moments that shape us.
Research consistently shows that practicing gratitude can significantly improve our wellbeing, helping us feel more positive, resilient, and connected to others (PositivePsychology.com). It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even support better relationships and learning outcomes (UCLA Health). In simple terms, when we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, our outlook on life changes.
For our students, this is a powerful lesson. Life is not just about reaching a destination — it is about appreciating the journey along the way. When children learn to notice and value the small, everyday experiences, they develop a sense of contentment and resilience that will support them for years to come.
As a school community, we can nurture this mindset together. We can encourage our children to reflect on one thing they are grateful for each day. We can model appreciation — for each other, for learning opportunities, and for the simple moments that often go unnoticed.
Gratitude does not require grand gestures. It begins with awareness — a quiet recognition that even in ordinary days, there is much to appreciate.
Let us continue to foster a culture where our students not only strive to achieve, but also learn to pause, reflect, and be thankful for the journey they are on
Each year, we are required by DET to share our Privacy Policy. Please see the information below.
Schools' privacy policy | vic.gov.au
Following our recent Compass communication, we would like to again highlight the importance of road and parking safety around our school.
The streets surrounding Kalinda Primary School—Kalinda Road, Mundara Drive, and Berkley Road—are very busy during drop-off and pick-up times. We ask all families to take extra care to help keep everyone safe.
Please remember to:
Take care when children are getting in and out of vehicles, and support them to cross roads safely
We also remind families that the staff car park is reserved strictly for staff and those with accessible parking permits only. We appreciate your support in following this requirement. Our staff on yard duty are there to supervise and support students at the busiest times of the day. When they are required to monitor the use of the staff car park, it takes away from their ability to focus on student safety.
Additionally, School Council is in the process of writing to Maroondah City Council to request a review of traffic safety and management on all roads surrounding the school. We will keep the community informed of any updates.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all members of our school community.
Bookings are able to be made for our 2027 Prep School Tours. These tours will begin next month and bookings can be made via the link below:
https://www.trybooking.com/DJFEX
We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.