Leadership updates and reflections
An update from Julie:
We have lots happening this week with Bullying No Way – the National Week of Action, the 3/4 Democracy incursion, the prep excursion to Healesville Sanctuary, the Grade 5/6 adolescent health program, National Science Week and the announcement of the cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast Jnr. All important opportunities for learning and deepening the way we interact with others and understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Proposed industrial action will not proceed
Earlier today, the Department of Education was informed by the Australian Education Union (AEU) that its members voted in support of the revised Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) offer made on Monday 10th August 2026.
This means the department and the AEU have now reached an in-principle agreement.
As a result, the AEU has advised that the industrial action planned for Wednesday 19th August 2026 will not proceed.
Victorian State School Spectacular
Congratulations to Tim and our VSSS choir and dance groups as they get closer to their final rehearsals and performances. It has been a great experience for everyone involved and we wish them all the very best leading up to their opportunity to perform in an amazing musical spectacular at John Cain arena on August 29th. A very big thank you to the parents who have helped out at the rehearsals and with costumes - we couldn't have done it without you.
Beauty and the Beast Jnr.
Congratulations to our Grade 5 and 6 students who tried out for the cast and crew of our upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast. After auditions and callbacks, there was great excitement and anticipation today as the cast and crew were announced! We are so proud of the passion and confidence that students demonstrated throughout the audition process and the way that they congratulated each other today on the roles they received. They will all be amazing and will work hard as a team to produce another outstanding show. A huge thank you to Tim and Kristy who made today's announcement fun and exciting with a specially prepared rap about the challenges of waiting for the final announcement and then a movie to finally announce the much awaited news of the cast and crew! Great stories about the trials and tribulations of coping with disappointment and sharing in other's joy were great life lessons that are all part of being in a production. We can't wait to see it start to evolve over the coming months!
Bullying No Way! National Week of Action
The theme for this year's campaign is Small Acts, Big Impact. Please read the classroom updates and the wellbeing page to find out more about what will be going on in classrooms to promote this national week of action to prevent bullying in schools and beyond. There are also some great conversation prompts for parents to start valuable conversations about how to include others, seek help and be an upstander. And don't forget to wear a pop of purple this Friday to show your support for kindness, inclusion and standing up for others!
Squishy Toys and Fidgets
We are noticing an escalation in the number of squishy toys and fidgets that are being brought to school which can create distractions in the classroom. Please have a read of the information that Liz Penny has posted on the SWPBS Page regarding the school's position regarding the use of squishy toys and fidgets in classrooms. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using a fidget toy in a classroom setting please contact your child's classroom teacher or Liz Penny for clarification.
Local Roadworks Update
Thank you to our families for the extra patience that has been needed as many of you are affected by the additional roadworks which saw the closure of Paynes Road and Edwards Road last week. We have contacted Yarra Ranges Council about improving communication with us as we were unaware of these closures occurring and that they are going to impact through traffic until September 25th. We will keep families posted as we receive information regarding any further changes to road access.
Have a great week
Warm regards
Julie
An update from Adele:
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Emergency Management Drill Notification - Friday 21st August
- Disability and Inclusion: Speech Pathology Week - Communication Creates Possibility
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety: Bullying No Way - Helping our children stay safe online + free parent webinar opportunity
- eSafety Commission Term 3 online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
- Returning from Leave: Tuesday 18th August
Notification of Emergency Management Drill: Friday 21st August
We will be conducting an Emergency Management drill on Friday 21st August, where students and staff will practise in the event of a Storm.
The Department of Education requires schools to regularly rehearse emergency procedures throughout the year to ensure everyone is well prepared and knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
Disability and Inclusion
Speech Pathology Week (23rd - 29th August): Communication Creates Possibility
Next week is Speech Pathology Week, an opportunity to celebrate the importance of communication and the many different ways people communicate, connect, learn and participate in their communities.
This year’s theme, ‘Communication creates possibility’, reminds us that communication is about much more than speaking. Being able to communicate gives children the opportunity to connect with others, learn, make choices, participate, develop independence and feel that they belong.
At school, communication can look different for every child. Some students may need additional time to process language or organise their thoughts. Others may benefit from visuals, gestures, explicit teaching of vocabulary, communication devices or other forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Some children may work with a speech pathologist to develop their speech, language, literacy, social communication or communication skills.
An important part of Disability Inclusion is recognising and reducing the barriers that can make it harder for some students to communicate and participate. Providing adjustments and different ways for students to express themselves is not about lowering expectations. It is about ensuring that every student has meaningful access to learning, relationships and school life.
We encourage you to remember that every child has something to say, even when the way they communicate may look or sound different. When we take the time to listen, provide the right supports and value all forms of communication, we create greater opportunities for every child to connect, learn, participate and belong.
For more information please view: Speech Pathology Australia
Cyber Safety (eSafety Commissioner)
Cyberbullying – Helping Our Children Stay Safe Online (Small Acts, Big Impact)
Bullying No Way Week, a national week dedicated to raising awareness of bullying and cyberbullying and strengthening the support networks that help children and young people feel safe, respected and included – both online and offline.
What can families do?
As children spend more time communicating, playing and socialising online, conversations about respectful behaviour must extend into the digital world.
Cyberbullying can include hurtful or threatening messages, deliberately excluding someone from an online group, sharing embarrassing content, spreading rumours or using online spaces to repeatedly target another person.
Parents and carers can help by keeping communication open and encouraging children to talk about their online experiences. If your child tells you about something upsetting online, listen calmly and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do. Where appropriate, save evidence, block or mute accounts involved and use the platform’s reporting tools.
Most importantly, encourage children to tell a trusted adult when something online makes them or someone else feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Children should know that asking for help is always okay.
FREE Parent Webinar – The Changing Face of Cyberbullying
The eSafety Commissioner is offering a webinar for parents and carers during Bullying No Way Week on Wednesday 19th August at 12.30pm.
The changing face of cyberbullying: protecting your child in 2026
Cyberbullying continues to change as technology changes. This webinar explores emerging forms of online harm, including AI-powered tactics, coded emoji language and covert manipulation that adults may not always recognise.
Parents and carers will learn how to:
- recognise signs that their child may be experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying
- build protective factors at home
- support their child with practical strategies to respond, report and stay safe online.
Register for the free eSafety parent webinar
eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.
The schedule for 2026 can be accessed via this link .
Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.
I am looking forward to being back from leave on Tuesday 18th August and reconnecting with our community.
Warm Regards,
Adele Brice
Assistant Principal