Principal's Report

Introducing our New French Teacher

I am pleased to announce that we have appointed a French teacher for the start of next term. Kristen Kotsopoulos will join our specialist team, as our French program makes a return next semester. Below is an introduction from Kristen.

Bonjour!

My name is Kristen Kotsopoulos, and I am excited to be joining Fairfield Primary School as the French Specialist teacher. 

 

I recently moved to Australia from Canada and bring five years of teaching experience, all in French language education. Having completed my own education in French, I am passionate about sharing both the language and the rich cultures of the French-speaking world with students of all ages.

 

I love creating a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to take risks, build their language skills, and develop a genuine enjoyment of French.

 

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy travelling, discovering new cafés, and exploring Melbourne.

 

I look forward to getting to know the students and families of Fairfield Primary School and am thrilled to be part of the school community.

 

À bientôt! 

Kristen will have the first week of next term to plan and prepare her program, and will start teaching from Monday 20 July.

Farewell & Hello

Jayde Brownhill will be going on maternity leave from the start of next term. We wish Jayde and Matt all the very best at this exciting time. Natasha (Tash) Corbisieri will teach Foundation B in semester two. Tash has visited FPS on a number of occasions and we look forward to welcoming her to our team.

Next term we will be welcoming back Jade O’Grady from family leave to FPS. Jade will replace Olivia Li as 5C’s teacher on Mondays. Olivia has been accepted to complete a Masters of Inclusion course, sponsored by the Department of Education. Congratulations Olivia! Due to studying commitments, Olivia will reduce her number of teaching days next semester – teaching solely the Performing Arts program. 

Year 3 & Year 4 Concert – Circus 2026!

Year 3 and 4 families were treated to a wonderful evening’s entertainment at The Centre Ivanhoe last week, as our students took to the stage to perform ‘Circus 2026’. There was so much to admire from our students. They shone as they demonstrated their juggling, spinning, twirling and balancing skills, in perfect timing to the music. These two concerts struck me for their high levels of energy, from the very start to the finish. It was tremendous!

We are always grateful for the efforts that our staff go to, to ensure that the students have these opportunities. Thank you to Keri for her coordination, ably supported by Olivia and Jamie (Year 6 student). A special mention to the Circus Crew, who brought their skills and expertise to our school.

Colour Fun Run – Final Preparations

We are just two days away from our very first Colour Fun Run. Our parent coordinators have done an incredible job planning this event in a short timeframe, and excitement is building across the school. It’s shaping up to be a truly memorable day.

Our fundraising total has just exceeded $25,000! We are hopeful for final push before race day... maybe reaching $26,000?

Yesterday, you received a communication with information about what to expect. Below are some of the key points:

• We recommend students wear a white or light-coloured t-shirt (for the best colour effect) and have a jumper handy as they will be outside for the afternoon.
• Eye protection is recommended – sunglasses, safety glasses or swim goggles.
• Students will participate in year level groups, starting at 1:40pm with Year 6, then Year 5, etc.
• Students will complete the course with colour stations and fun obstacles at their own pace.
• Colour powder will be thrown by trained parent volunteers only.
• Students who do not want to have colour powder thrown on them can wear a special bib. 
• Spectators are welcome to cheer on the students – and wear a fun costume while doing so (optional). Please enter the school via the office. (No need to sign or wear a visitor’s lanyard).
• Volunteers are needed. Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/jrairOc 
•  Volunteers are to sign in at the office and wear a lanyard (to be identifiable). Please arrive in time for the 1:15pm volunteer briefing.

Trivia Night Success

Our families had an opportunity to shine at our recent Trivia Night. I heard many comments about how enjoyable the evening was, and how the costumes once again exceeded all expectations. Schools have an important role in bringing people and communities together, and I am extremely grateful to the efforts of everyone who made this night possible. A very special thanks in particular to Michael Nunan, MC of the night, and overall coordinator. See Michael’s recap of the night – further in this newsletter.

Thanks to ticket sales and the auctions, we raised a total of $20,745. These funds will go towards our yard redevelopment.

Yard Redevelopment & Fundraising

Fundraising

We have successfully completed two fundraising events so far this year — the Mothers’ / Special Persons’ Breakfast and Trivia Night.

Together, these events have brought our total funds raised to $22,745.

Our target is to raise $100,000 by the end of the year, with all proceeds going toward the redevelopment of the yard.

You can track the progress of our fundraising on our school website here.

End of Financial Year Donations

With the end of the financial year approaching, we warmly invite families to consider a tax-deductible donation to the Building Fund via Compass. 

To donate, go to the Payments Centre above your newsfeed, select “2026 Parent Contributions”, then scroll to “Building Fund DGR” and enter your chosen amount. Thank you for your generosity and support – each contribution helps bring the yard redevelopment to life.

Yard Redevelopment – Scheduled Start

Earlier this month, Warrendale (the yard redevelopment contractors) visited the school. We are currently on track for works to commence during the September holidays, just after ART FOR ALL.

Semester One Reports

Tomorrow, you will be able to access your child’s semester one report. Reports  will be available to view and download from Compass.  

This semester your student’s report will look different. 

Due to recent protected industrial action supported by the Australian Education Union (AEU) regarding teacher workload and pay, teachers are currently implementing bans on writing formal comments on student reports. Consequently, your child’s end-of-semester report will include their progress against the curriculum but will not feature the usual written comments.

Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 4th – Thursday 6th August where you can discuss your child’s report with their classroom teacher.

Lost Property – Come Find Your Stuff!

Before the end of the term, we invite families who are missing items to check out the lost property cupboard and retrieve what is yours. Our office staff have been working through the mountain of clothing and lunchboxes and returning any named items to their owners. 

Please sift through the unnamed collateral. Unclaimed items at the end of the term will be washed and either put into second-hand uniform, or donated.

Curriculum Day – Monday 13 July

A reminder that we have the fourth of our five curriculum days on the first day of next term – Monday 13th July. Students start term three on Tuesday 14th July.

End of Term Assembly & Happy Holidays

Everyone is invited to our end of term assembly at the fig tree courtyard, on Friday at 9am.

We have had another great term. 2026 is a year where the school can be proud of our progress and successes, enabling Fairfield Primary School to be a great place to learn and thrive.

Enjoy the holiday break.

Paul Wallace

Principal