Dear Parents / Carers,

I returned to Rowville Primary School last week, following leave after the passing of my mother. I would like to thank members of the school community for their thoughts, prayers, and kind messages. As a family we were deeply touched by your words of condolence. Mum had a long, happy life and lived in her own home until the very end. We buried her in her 94th year. I cared for her after my dad passed in 2015. I miss her dearly but are lifted by wonderful memories of the last nine years. Please accept this as my personal thanks for the kind words that at a time of sadness and grief were so valuable.

I would like to acknowledge Mrs Wilson who once again interrupted her retirement, my Assistant Principals Mrs White and Mrs Bamford and all members of our team who collaborated and continued the work of leading our school in my absence.

Last week we held our Class Information Night and the 2024 Welcome to School Family Barbeque. The evening was well attended, and a community atmosphere prevailed during the evening. I acknowledge our staff for organising the information sessions and the outdoor games. I thank the staff for cooking the barbeque. I would like to specially thank Universal Meats and Poultry for supplying the delicious sausages and to Baker's Delight Stud Park for their generous donation of the freshly baked bread.

I encourage parents to contribute to their child’s educational success by communicating high expectations for education and the importance and value of learning. I also encourage parents to foster aspirations in education and articulate future educational plans. Other activities that promote the overall development of children include participating in school-based information sessions and watching children in sporting and cultural activities.

On Monday, all families received notification via Compass of the Call for Nominations for the 2024 School Council. We invite nominations for parent membership as per the forms below - a Self Nomination Form (Form 3) and a Nomination Form by a Third Party (Form 4) - only 1 form is required to be completed. Nominations must be lodged at the school office no later than 4pm Friday 1 March. Results will be advised, and if there are more nominations than vacancies, an election will be called.

At the end of last year, several families expressed interest in being a member of School Council and I indicated that the nomination process would occur in February. Several members of School Council are retiring due to their last child moving to Secondary School. The last meeting of the current School Council will be Wednesday 20 March. This will be followed by a dinner meeting where we will recognise outgoing School Council members and welcome new members.

One of the highlights this term has been meeting our new 2024 School Captains. They have reflected on their roles and are outstanding role models for other students.

Nishi: In my opinion, a leader is someone who is a role model, who guides and inspires people to be the best versions of themselves. It is someone who listens to others’ opinions and what they want to say. I think I am a good leader because I do all these things and I show the school values everywhere I go. I take care of my spaces and belongings, and I take any feedback given to me and try to fix it.

Raph: Hello, my name is Raph, and I am one of Rowville Primary School’s vice school captains. To me, leadership is a communal initiative, a group that hears your voice and makes a community. I also think that there are two different types of leadership roles – The boss, someone who is always in your hair telling you what to do and how to do it, this isn’t a real leader, this is a leader by job. A real leader puts work and effort into the environment and the people’s voice, they don’t follow you around and tell you what to do, they go to you and ask you for suggestions.

Harry: I'm Harry and I am your school captain for 2024. I have three younger brothers. I believe a good leader should show all the school values. Respect, Responsibility, Pride and Perseverance. I think they should own up to mistakes and learn from them. They also should show integrity.

Ruby: My name is Ruby, and I am proud to be your school captain for 2024, I have 3 brothers, at home we have a white budgie called Finley and a black and white spoodle named Ellie. My hobbies are netball, Lego, reading, writing, music and swimming. I believe that a good leader means that you are trustworthy, approachable, and can be adaptable to change. I would also like to bring friendship and kindness to our school community, and I look forward to making 2024 a memorable year.

Kind regards,

Anne Babich

Principal

FORPSFriends of Rowville Primary School

Entertainment Book

FORPS
Friends of Rowville Primary School