Acting Principal Update

Good afternoon parents and carers,

I am delighted to share the exciting vision we have in place for Menzies Creek Primary School in 2026. Our plans reflect a strong commitment to growth, opportunity, and a vibrant learning environment where every child can thrive. We are looking forward to a year filled with new possibilities, meaningful connections, and continued success for our wonderful school community.

In 2026, we are running three, smaller class groups, creating an environment where individualised learning truly shines. This structure allows us to focus closely on each child’s strengths, interests, and personalised learning goals, ensuring every student is supported to achieve their very best. Our Year 4/5/6 students will benefit from a collaborative learning model, working mostly together and supported by a highly dedicated team, comprising of Sonya (Monday - Thursday), Ashlea (Fridays) and Kylie (fulltime), alongside our full-time education support aide, Jacinta. This strong staffing model provides rich learning experiences, consistent care, and exceptional support for every child. 

I am pleased to announce that Sonya will be working out of the classroom on Fridays in the role of Leading Teacher. In this role, she will support all classrooms in strengthening high-quality teaching and learning and effective curriculum implementation across the school. To further support student wellbeing, Alison will be stepping into the role of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. Alison will focus on enhancing whole-school wellbeing strategies while also providing targeted support to help individual students thrive within their school environment.

Our Foundation–Year 3 class will also thrive within this structure, with Alison and Ryan delivering a consistent, nurturing, and high-quality approach to individualised learning. Together, they will ensure every child feels known, valued, supported, and appropriately challenged, laying strong foundations for both academic success and personal growth. We are also incredibly fortunate to have the continued support of Sarah, Rosie, Dan and Sue, whose care, expertise, and dedication further enrich our learning environment and strengthen the support available to every student.

Across the school, our shared high expectations will create a positive and cohesive learning culture. By maintaining consistency in both teaching and values, we aim to boost student motivation, engagement, and achievement while fostering confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-belief. Throughout it all, the heart of Menzies Creek Primary School; our care, compassion, and sense of belonging, will continue to shine, beautifully supported by our wonderful Chaplain, Hollie, who plays a vital role in nurturing student wellbeing and connection.

Rounding out our fabulous staff team, we are delighted to have Paige Ruane delivering engaging Physical Education and Performing Arts programs, Kirsten continuing her wonderful work in Auslan, and Kitchen Garden for our Year 4/5/6 students, and Ashlea Carey inspiring creativity through Visual Arts, and Kitchen Garden for our Foundation–Year 3 students.

We are especially excited to be offering our students a tailored Kitchen Garden program as a specialist subject, building on the strong and well-established foundations created by Rosie. This program provides rich, hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to sustainability, wellbeing, and real-world skills in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

In 2026, our class timetable will also be refreshed to best support our learning priorities. Adjusted class bells will allow dedicated time for specialist programs, morning circle, and focused afternoon learning sessions, including level sport, humanities, and care groups. Our care groups will now run weekly, with an emphasis on fun, teamwork, connection, and explicitly unpacking and living our school values.

Each morning will also begin with a welcoming Breakfast Club, held in the BER building at 8:45am. Students will enjoy a nutritious start to the day with cereal and toast available daily, along with a hot breakfast offered on selected mornings each week, such as eggs, pancakes, or baked beans, helping to ensure all children feel ready, energised, and settled for a great day of learning.

I am looking forward to next year and I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful, caring and supportive community, as I have been asked to remain as principal for Term 1. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to shoot me an email, give me a call or pop in for a chat. 

In summary, our structure for next year:

F-3:                                      Alison Scott (Mon, Tues) + Ryan Fairchild (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

4/5/6K:                              Kylie Maes

4/5/6S:                              Sonya McLeod (Mon – Thurs) + Ashlea Carey (Fri)

Auslan:                               Kirsten Varga

Kitchen Garden:              F-3 Ashlea Carey, 4/5/6 Kirsten Varga

Phys Ed:                             Paige Ruane

Visual Arts:                       Ashlea Carey

Performing Arts:             Paige Ruane

Ed Support:                      Jacinta, Sue, Rosie, Sarah + Dan

Chaplain:                           Hollie Boniface

Business Manager:        Kate Keys

Acting Principal:             Nadja Wood

New School Bell Times for 2026:

8:45 - 9:00:           Breakfast Club (BER)

9:00 - 9:15:           Morning Circle

9:15 - 11:15:    1st Teaching Block

11:15 - 11:45:   Recess

11:45 - 1:15:         2nd Teaching Block

1:15 - 1:25:       Eating time

1:25 - 2:15:       Lunch

2:15 - 3:30:       3rd Teaching Block

3:30:                       Home time!

Congratulations to our new school captains!

We would like to congratulate our new school captains for 2026: Thomas, Maya and Jasmine! They are well deserving recipients and I know they will excel in the role. We would also like to congratulate Oscar, Lincoln and Zoe on receiving a leadership role for 2026. Their speeches were inspiring and I am sure they will also be great role models and will assist when needed. 

Curriculum Day - 2026

Please be aware that the scheduled first day back for students next year is a Curriculum Day, so the students will officially return to school on Thursday, 29th January.

Introducing some of our 2026 staff:

Paige Ruane...

Hello, my name is Paige Ruane, and I am an experienced educator with 10 years of teaching experience. I am also a proud mum to three beautiful boys—a four-year-old and one-year-old twins—who keep me active, grounded, and constantly inspired.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be joining Menzies Creek Primary School in 2026 as a Physical Education and Performing Arts teacher. Movement, creativity, and wellbeing are central to both my personal life and my teaching practice. I have been dancing for over 20 years and have taught dance in a variety of settings, both within and beyond school environments. Outside of work, my family and I love spending time in nature—riding bikes, exploring parks, and enjoying an active, balanced lifestyle. 

A quote by Dr Seuss that strongly reflects my teaching philosophy is: “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” This beautifully captures my belief that every child is unique, capable, and deserving of support to thrive as their authentic self. It is a privilege to nurture each child’s strengths, wellbeing, and sense of identity.

To say I am excited to be starting at Menzies Creek next year is an understatement. It is a truly special community, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it. I am very much looking forward to working alongside you next year!

Ryan Fairchild...

I am so excited to be joining MCPS in 2026 and becoming part of such a welcoming school community! 2026 will be my first year teaching in my own classroom. Over the past two years, I have worked as an Education Support staff member across multiple year levels and have been involved in school camps, excursions, and a range of extra-curricular activities. I have also worked extensively with primary-aged children through swim teaching, coaching, and support roles, but nothing compares to being in a school environment, surrounded by great people!

I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and building strong, positive relationships throughout the year. I can’t wait to support students in their learning and help them grow throughout 2026 and beyond at such an amazing school.

Outside of school, I love sport (a proud Richmond Tigers supporter!) and closely follow basketball, golf, AFL, and cricket. I enjoy listening to music of all genres and am always keen to expand my music taste. I’m also a big dog lover and have two dogs, an Alaskan Malamute and a Greyhound (an unusual combination, I know!). Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas, and I can’t wait to see you all in the New Year!

Kylie Mae...

I’m very excited to be joining the Menzies Creek Primary School community and feel so welcomed already. I followed my passion to teach later in life, and so bring experience from corporate finance and marketing, as well as being a classroom teacher. I also have a background in Visual and Performing Arts, which I love weaving into learning wherever I can.

Outside of school, I have two high school aged children and share our home with a wonderful collection of pets, dogs, birds, a lizard, fish, chickens (our beloved fluff balls), alpacas, sheep and even a goat! I enjoy reading, crafting and painting, and I’m also actively involved as a volunteer with our local basketball and football clubs supporting my children.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know the students, families and staff at Menzies Creek Primary School.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. See you next year!

Kind regards,

Nadja 

Assembly

Our final assembly will be held tomorrow, 19th December at 1:00pm. Student dismissal at 1:30pm