A Message From
Matthew Cook
30th of January 2026
Dear Families,
Yesterday marked the beginning of an exciting new school year at Keelonith Primary School. With it being my first time on the front gate, I was greeted with happy faces and enthusiastic waves. It was wonderful to meet families and students and to feel the strong sense of community as children arrived ready to start the year.
Throughout the day, classes focused on settling in, getting to know one another and engaging back into learning. This important start-of-year work supports students to build strong relationships with their teachers and peers, develop shared expectations and establish the routines that help our classrooms feel safe, calm and ready for learning. As I visited classrooms, I was extremely impressed by the way students approached the day they were settled, engaged and keen to get started.
As the Acting Principal of Keelonith Primary School, I have been blown away by how smoothly our students have transitioned back into school and by the outstanding support provided by our Teachers and Education Support Staff. The care, consistency and professionalism shown across the school today reflects the strong culture that already exists here.
I am genuinely excited about the year ahead and feel very privileged to be joining this community. I look forward to working closely with our families as we continue to build on the strengths of the school and ensure every student is supported to grow, learn and succeed.
Staff Curriculum Days
While students were enjoying the last days of their holidays on Tuesday and Wednesday, staff were busy preparing for the school year ahead. Over these two days, all staff at Keelonith Primary School engaged in professional learning focused on strengthening how we work together and how we support one another, including the development of shared engagement norms. Staff also participated in learning related to the Child Safe Standards, reinforcing our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every student. Teachers also continued building their knowledge around our Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP), which will be implemented across Prep to Year 4 this year. The remainder of the time was spent planning, collaborating and preparing classrooms to ensure everything was ready to welcome students back for the start of the school year.
Prep Morning tea
It was wonderful to welcome our Prep families to school for a morning tea today. This special event provided a valuable opportunity for families to connect with one another, share experiences and begin building relationships within our school community.
It was lovely to see families spending time together and feeling welcomed as they start their journey at Keelonith Primary School. It was also great to walk around, speak with parents and carers. We look forward to many more opportunities throughout the year to bring our community together.
Just a reminder Prep students will officially commence school on Thursday the 5th of February, starting at 9:00am, with an early dismissal at 1:00pm. This early finish will also apply on Friday. Prep students will then move into a full school program from Monday the 9th of February with school hours 8.50am - 3.20pm.
Assembly
Our first whole-school assembly for the year will be held on Monday 2 February at 9:05am. As this will be our very first assembly for the year, it will be a short one.
I will be using this opportunity to formally introduce myself to our school community and to share some information about key events and priorities coming up this term. Assemblies are an important way for us to come together as a school and celebrate our community
We look forward to welcoming families who are able to join us for this first assembly of the year.
2026 Information Sessions
Prep - Year 2:
Wednesday the 11th of February at 4:30
Year 3/4:
Tuesday the 10th of February at 4:30
Year 5/6:
Monday the 9th of February at 4:30
School Council
One of the great strengths of Keelonith Primary School is our parent and carer community. We are fortunate to have families who care deeply about the school and the experiences their children have here.
There are many opportunities for parents and carers to become involved in school life, whether that be through attending events, supporting classroom learning, sharing ideas, or simply connecting with other families. Even small levels of involvement can make a meaningful difference and help strengthen our sense of community.
One important way families can contribute to the school is through School Council. School Council plays a key role in supporting the school’s direction and decision-making, and we welcome parents who are interested in learning more or becoming involved. No prior experience is needed just a willingness to contribute and support the school community.
All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally constituted bodies made up of parents and staff working together to set and monitor the broad direction of a school. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.
A strong school has a strong school council and we are asking all parents and carers at Keelonith to consider nominating to join our council for the next 2 years.
School council meets ten times during the year and each member serves a two-year term.
As well as helping your child's school, serving on School Council allows you to get involved with a different side of Keelonith, understanding more about how the school runs - the finances, the strategic priorities and the facilities.
If you are interested in becoming a School Council member please find below the School Council Parent Nomination Forms (one for those wishing to self-nominate and one to nominate another parent at the school). These forms are also available in hard-copy from the school office. This year, we have two one-year terms and four two-year terms available to be filled.
Please submit these to the office by 3.30pm on Friday 27th February.
Kind Regards,
Matthew Cook
