Welcome back to Term 3 and the second half of the school year.

Term 3 is sometimes referred to as the “premiership term” in schools. By this point, routines are established, everyone generally knows where they are meant to be, and we often see some of the strongest learning and most rapid growth from students.

Welcome

We also have some new, and not-so-new, faces joining us this term. We welcome back Jenny Le, who has returned to Richmond West and is already working with students across our learning areas. We also welcome Will, who has joined us as a casual Education Support staff member.

Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences

Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences will take place this Wednesday, 29 July, with students not required at school. The conferences will run from 12.00 pm until 7.00 pm and TeamKids will be running on this day for families who need care.

These conferences are a good opportunity to reflect on students’ progress and achievements during the first half of the year and to look ahead at the priorities for the remainder of 2026.

For students who work with teachers responsible for multiple classes, some additional interview times will also be available on Friday.

Each conference is limited to 10 minutes. We ask families to arrive on time and stick to their allocated booking, as it only takes a couple of longer conversations for the entire evening to begin drifting off schedule. Where a longer discussion is needed, families are welcome to arrange a separate follow-up meeting with the teacher.

Somers Camp

Tomorrow, 10 students from Years 5 and 6 will head off to Somers Camp, a 10-day camp offered to a select group of students from schools across our area.

We had far more than 10 students interested, but unfortunately only 10 places were available. Somers Camp gives students the opportunity to meet new people, build their independence and step well outside their usual comfort zones.

Most of our school camps run for around three days, with students attending alongside their classmates and teachers. Somers Camp is therefore a fairly rare opportunity, and one that often has benefits long after the camp itself has finished.

We wish our students all the best as they represent Richmond West and look forward to hearing about their adventures and triumphs when they return.

Walk on Wednesday Awards

Throughout Term 2, Richmond West took part in the Walk on Wednesday initiative in partnership with Yarra City Council. The program encouraged students and families to walk, ride or scoot to school each Wednesday.

It was fantastic to see so many students and families getting involved, along with the added bonus of the free bicycle safety checks offered during the program.

At Friday’s assembly, alongside City of Yarra Mayor, Stephen Jolley, I had the privilege of presenting several individual student awards, as well as the grand prize, the Golden Shoe Award. Congratulations to LA4C, which recorded the highest number of walks and rides to school across Term 2.

While there could only be one Golden Shoe winner, the number of students and families involved across the school was something to be proud of.

Keep an eye out for brochures coming home this week outlining active travel routes developed specifically for Richmond West Primary School.

Annual Report

I’m pleased to let you know that our Annual Report for 2025 has now been finalised and will shortly be available on our website.

The report provides an overview of our achievements during the past calendar year, information about our school context and some of the areas we will continue to focus on moving forward.

Our Annual Reporting Meeting will take place on Monday 3 August at 5.00 pm, immediately before our usual School Council meeting. Parents and carers are welcome to attend.

Industrial Action

As families are aware, industrial action being undertaken by members of the Australian Education Union Victorian Branch is continuing. Our school was affected last Thursday by statewide stop-work action.

We are very grateful for the flexibility and support shown by our community, particularly when schools and families sometimes receive limited notice.

There is also a current ban on unpaid overtime, which means teachers and school staff are working within their paid hours. At Richmond West, we generally manage to fit most things into the working day. However, there may be times in the coming weeks when meetings, activities or events need to be rescheduled or held during normal working hours.

We will communicate any further impacts on school operations as early as possible so families have time to plan.

A busy start to Term 3, but plenty to look forward to as we settle into the premiership term.

Until next time,

Trevor.

TeamKids - OSHC