Principal Report

End of year concert

Whilst we have had a winter-ish start to summer, the weather was outstanding for our Christmas Carols concert on Wednesday evening. A huge thank you to our families, who attended in large numbers, supporting our students for an entertaining evening! I was extremely impressed with how well rehearsed the students were – they knew the lyrics and were very confident in their choreography, which allowed them to really enjoy the experience of performance. Of course, we did have a special visitor at the end, which was lots of fun for all. I extend a big thank you to Mr Redfearn for coordinating the event, a shout out to Mr Mottershead for cooking the ever-popular sausages on a very warm evening, and all of the teachers for supporting the event with such enthusiasm and working through the term to ensure the students were well prepared. We also enjoyed the teachers’ item “We’re all going on a summer holiday” – we just don’t want you to go yet!

Chess champions

I am very pleased to celebrate the success our students have had doing chess in their competitions!

Viduna came first in his age group in regional chess tournament.

Siheli came 4th in her age group in regional chess tournament.

Congratulations to both Viduna and Siheli!

Netball champion

We would also like to congratulate Harper on the conclusion of a successful netball season. Well done!

Swimming champion

Once again, we would like to congratulate Chenuli with a club record and personal best in the 50m breaststroke at the short course championships. Great work!

Patricia has received her advanced level 4 in gymnastics, which is a great accomplishment. Starting next year she will enter the medallion program. She works very hard everyday, on both her gymnastics and her soccer. We are so proud of her.

Water Safety Week

This week (1 to 7 December 2025) is Water Safety Week. The awareness week, coinciding with our swimming program and upcoming summer holidays, makes it an ideal time to ensure that students are able to swim and be safe around water. VICSWIM have some great opportunities – a visit to their website is worth a look.

Teaching Teams for 2026

Foundation, Year 1 & 2 Team: Penny Price, Robyn Williams, Danielle Morlin, Ninette Paolucci

3/4 Team: Kym Redford, Natalie Tzanatos, Yan Ling Ngew

5/6 Team: Natasha Weaver, Natalie Smith, Rebecca Mason, Karen Costello, Daniel Redfearn

Curriculum Days for 2026

Our School Council has approved the 4 curriculum days and 1 Professional Practice Day for 2026. These days have been determined around the times appropriate for the delivery of professional learning for teachers and are student-free days. They are:

Tuesday 27th January (students from years 1-6 start Wednesday 28th January)
Tuesday 10th March
Monday 25th May
Friday 26th June
Monday 9th November

Enrol Now for Foundation 2026!

If you have a child starting Foundation, we still have limited places available. Please contact the office for more information.

Planning for 2026 – Are you leaving ARPS?

We ask that you let us know if you are moving or have enrolled to another school in 2026. We require this information as soon as possible to establish classroom structures for the start of the new school year. If your child is currently in F-5 and will not be at ARPS in 2026, please notify the school office or email as soon as possible.

Free Dress Birthdays

Some students find it difficult to come to school on their birthdays, however, we want them to be here and enjoy the day with their classmates. From now on, at Albany Rise PS, a child can come to school in free dress on their birthday! It makes the day special for them (and we can easily tell who is having a birthday and celebrate with them!)

Thank you!

Jane Capon

Student of the Week