Principal's report

Mother's Day

With Mother's Day coming up this weekend, I would like to to take the opportunity to thank all the amazing mothers and carers in our school community. I hope you all have a very special Mother's Day on Sunday.

I would also like to thank the Parents and Friends Association for once again running a wonderful Mother's Day Stall for the school. This is always a highlight for our students as they get to shop and choose something special for their loved ones.

Open Night

You are warmly invited to Kalinda Primary School’s Open Night on Tuesday 14th May 5:30-7:30pm. The Open Night will provide current Kalinda families and prospective Kalinda families to enjoy exploring the school, seeing the work on display and engaging in some fun learning activities that parents and children are able to engage with together.  There will also be a 2025 Foundation Information Session at 7:00pm.

Request for Host Families

Thank you so much to our Host Families who have contributed so much by hosting our Japanese intern Megumi so far this term. We are looking for another one or two host families for the 4 weeks between the 3rd and 30th June. If you can assist for some or all of this time period then please contact Jess White jessica.white@education.vic.gov.au

Groundskeeper/Maintenance Job

We have advertised for a new Groundskeeper/Maintenance person. If you are interested in the position or know someone who may be, please apply via this link. If you would like further information about the job, please give me a call on 03 9876 3289.

In the interim period before someone is hired, we have organised external mowing, gardening and maintenance workers to come to the school.

5/6 Camp - a parent's perspective

We are always so grateful to have parents supporting the school in many different ways. One of these great contributions is those who are able to come along and help out on camp.

One of our parent helpers from the 5/6 camp asked me if he could share his reflections on the camp experience from a parent's perspective. Thank you for sharing this Russell.

5/6 School Camp: a parent’s perspective

I was so fortunate to spend three days in Creswick last week with 162 students and a great bunch of teachers, aides & camp staff. What an amazing experience. 

I felt very grateful that we have a school that is willing to put these camps on. The work involved in planning and running them is immense and should not be understated. It was great to get a small “peek behind the curtain” into the world of the teachers and what life is like from their perspective. Certainly, a renewed appreciation for all that they do was gained. 

Whether it be a final walk around way past everyone's bedtime and in the rain to ensure everyone is safe & asleep, comforting home-sick kids, Mr Barnden singing and playing guitar and leading 162 kids in chorus in the dining room, Mrs Steele with tears of pride in her eyes as one of our children overcame their immense fear to show great bravery, or Michele being the last to do the “giant swing” while a fan club cheered her on. It’s non-stop for 3 days with a few hours of well-deserved sleep in the middle.

The camp staff were terrific, especially our very popular Chef, Alex. The food was warm, comforting and with seconds always available (I’ve never eaten so much and so often). 

The days started early and finished late and were action-packed. But most valuably, it was a special privilege to see, in real time, many of our children break through their comfort zone or fear and come out the other side with just a little more confidence and self-belief than they had moments earlier. 

Thank you to the students and the great staff team for having me along and making me feel very much a part of the team.

Russell Beard

Enrolling at Kalinda for 2025 - please enrol siblings

Enrolments are now open for 2025. Please follow the link below to book a tour or enrol your child. If you have a younger sibling who will begin next year, please follow the links below to enter their enrolment.

https://www.kalinda.vic.edu.au/page/67/Book-a-tour-

https://www.kalinda.vic.edu.au/page/131/Foundation-2025-enrolments-open

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.