Krystina's Chatter

Hi everyone,

We’re already halfway through the term, and what a fantastic few weeks it has been! There’s been so much happening around the school — from celebrating our diverse community to sharing our practice with visiting schools, and everything in between. I’m excited to give you a snapshot of what’s been going on and what’s coming up.

National Sorry Day & National Reconciliation Week

On May 26th, we recognised National Sorry Day – a time to remember that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were taken from their families in the past, and to say sorry for the hurt that caused. It’s a time for kindness, understanding and learning from history.

This week is also National Reconciliation Week, where we learn about the importance of respect, fairness, and friendship between all Australians. This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever”, reminds us that we all have a role to play in making sure everyone feels valued and included. Across the school, students have been learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and how we can walk together with care and respect.

Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS)

Our Year 4–6 students have taken part in the annual Attitudes to School Survey. This is something schools across Victoria do each year, and it gives students a chance to share how they feel about their learning, their teachers, their friends, and their experience at school.

We use the information to help us make our school an even better place to learn and grow. We encouraged students to be honest and thoughtful with their answers — their voices really do make a difference.

Showcasing Our Work at a Regional Teacher Conference

Our team had the privilege of presenting at the recent Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 Professional Learning Day, where I shared some of the incredible work happening at our school—particularly in reading and our consistent instructional practices. I was joined by two of our fabulous team leaders, Mr Crossett and Mrs Dani, who spoke confidently and insightfully about how we’ve transitioned our approach to teaching and learning and the impact in classrooms. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the progress we’ve made and celebrate the collaborative culture that underpins our strong learning community. We received a number of positive responses from audience members who were keen to come visit and see it all in action. 

We have already had the pleasure of hosting two Barwon schools over the past two weeks and 5 more schools planning to visit before the end of term.  A big shoutout to our incredible staff for the work they do every day.

Education Week – Cultural Dress-Up Day

One of the standout moments of Education Week was our vibrant Cultural Dress-Up Day -a colourful, joyful celebration of the many cultures that enrich our school community. Students came dressed in traditional clothing that reflected their heritage, and the pride with which they shared their stories, customs, and backgrounds was truly heartwarming. It was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from diversity and the importance of inclusion and cultural understanding in our learning environment.

Thank you to all the families who supported the day by helping their children dress in cultural attire and encouraging conversations at home about identity and tradition. A huge thank you also goes to Mrs Lane for her incredible effort in coordinating such a meaningful and engaging week of activities.

Have a lovely weekend!

Krystina Simpson