Principal's Page

A Message from the Principal

Like many of you, I spent much of this week grappling with the news from Bondi. Sunday's attack during a Hanukkah celebration has left our broader community reeling, and I know many families are processing difficult emotions.

As educators, we have a responsibility to foster environments where every child feels safe and valued. Events like these remind us why this work matters so deeply. 

Here at Valkstone Primary, we remain committed to being a place of inclusion, respect, and safety for all. 

As I spoke about these principles at our Year 6 Graduation earlier this week and at our final assembly earlier today. Our hearts are with those who were injured, with the Jewish community experiencing fear and grief, and with everyone affected. We see you, we stand with you, and our school community is here to support you.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Staff

As we close another remarkable year at our school, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible teaching staff. Your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our students has been nothing short of exceptional. Every day, you bring passion and energy into your classrooms, nurturing not only academic growth but also the social and emotional wellbeing of every child in your care. The countless hours you spend planning engaging lessons, providing individualised support, and creating a warm, inclusive environment do not go unnoticed. Thank you for making our school a place where children thrive and love to learn.

Celebrating Our Administration Team

Behind every successful school is a team of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and our administration team exemplifies this perfectly. To our wonderful administrative staff of Shona, Julie C, Leanne and Mary Ann, thank you for being the backbone of our school community. Your efficiency, professionalism, and warm welcomes make our school run smoothly each and every day. From managing the complexities of enrolments and communications to supporting staff and families with a smile to cleaning up bodily fluids, you handle it all with grace and competence. Your contribution to our school's success is immeasurable, and we are truly grateful for everything you do.

Farewelling Valued Staff Members

To the staff members who will be leaving us at the end of this year, we want you to know how much you have meant to our school community. Your hard work, dedication, and talents have enriched our school. You have helped shape this school into the wonderful place it is today, and your contributions will be remembered long after you've gone. While we are sad to see you leave, we are excited for the new adventures that await you. We wish you every success and happiness in the next stage of your journey, and hope you'll carry fond memories of your time with us.

Thank You to Our Assistant Principals

To my two Assistant Principals, I extend my sincere thanks for your outstanding leadership and support throughout the year. Your hard work, dedication, and genuine passion for education have been instrumental in making our school such a wonderful place to learn and work. You have tackled every challenge with professionalism and vision, supporting staff, engaging with families, and always keeping student wellbeing and achievement at the forefront of everything you do. Your collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence inspire us all, and I feel privileged to work alongside such capable and caring educational leaders.

Farewell to Departing Families

To the families who are saying goodbye to our school community for the final time, whether you're moving to a new school or celebrating your youngest child's graduation from our school, we want to express our heartfelt thanks. You have been valued members of our community, and we have been honoured to partner with you in your children's educational journey. We hope that the experiences and memories created here will stay with your family for years to come. As you move forward to new adventures, please know that you will always have a special place in our school's story. We wish you and your children all the very best for the future.