Aaron Cox

Principal

It is hard to believe we are already halfway through Term 1. The start of a school year always brings energy, optimism and a renewed sense of purpose and 2026 has begun in a very positive way at Kingswood.

Our classrooms have settled quickly into strong routines and high expectations. There is a calm and focused feel across the school, which is a credit to both our staff and our students. Establishing clear expectations early in the year is essential to ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn.

Getting to Know You Interviews

Our “Getting to Know You” interviews are currently underway. These meetings are an important opportunity for parents to share valuable insights about their child. They are not designed as reporting sessions, but rather as conversations where families can help teachers better understand individual needs, strengths and circumstances. We greatly value this partnership approach and thank families for engaging so positively.

District Swimming

Well done to the students who represented our school at the District Swimming Carnival this week. We are proud of your achievements and sportsmanship. Thank you also to the staff who supported this event.

Anzac Day Service – Years 3–6

This year our Year 3–6 students will attend a Children’s Anzac Day Service on Friday 24 April at 10:00am at the Marcus Road Memorial, alongside neighbouring primary schools. This is a meaningful opportunity for our students to reflect on service, sacrifice and community.

School Council Election

Thank you to those parents who nominated and voted in our recent School Council election. We value the time and commitment of all candidates. School Council plays an important role in shaping the strategic direction of our school.

Following the declaration of the poll, the following members have been elected to School Council for 2 years:

• Parent Member Names: Katie Abbott, Diana David and Dorit Patterson

• School Employee Member: Lisa Devereaux

We look forward to working with our newly elected members.

Student Supervision

A reminder to families that staff supervision begins at 8:45am each morning. Students should not be on school grounds unsupervised before this time. Similarly, students are to be collected promptly no later than 3:35pm. If children are on school grounds outside these times without a parent or guardian, they will be directed to the office.

School Uniform

Our updated School Uniform Policy (effective 2026) has now been approved by School Council. A key reminder is that skirts, skorts and shorts must be an appropriate length — at least halfway between the knee and the hip. Navy items may be purchased from any store provided they are unbranded.

If families require financial support to meet uniform expectations, please contact the office confidentially. Support structures are available.

Building Pride in Our Environment

We continue to reinforce with students that keeping our school grounds tidy is everyone’s responsibility. We encourage all students to take pride in their environment. Learning about cause and effect — and contributing positively to our community — is part of developing responsible young people.

Industrial Action – 24 March

You may be aware through media coverage that the Australian Education Union has indicated the possibility of industrial action on Monday 24 March, pending formal approval processes.

At this stage, we are awaiting official confirmation and guidance from the Department of Education. Should protected industrial action be approved, further information will be communicated to families as soon as possible regarding arrangements for the day.

Please be assured that student safety and supervision remain our highest priority. Schools are required to remain open and we will provide clear advice once details are confirmed.

Education System Update

Recently, I attended professional planning forums as a principal representative for the Australian Principal Federation and the Victorian Principal Association. A key theme across these discussions was the tightening financial environment across Victorian government schools in coming years.

While this does not change our current programs or operations, it does reinforce the importance of voluntary contributions to ensure we continue delivering high-quality teaching and learning within the resources available.

Kingswood remains committed to maintaining our focus on instructional excellence, student wellbeing and strong community partnerships.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of Kingswood. Strong partnerships between home and school make a significant difference to student success. We look forward to a productive second half of Term 1.

Stir Crazy Kids

Carmel

Canteen Supervisor