From the Principal

EDUCATION UPDATE

Supporting Student Learning through Effective Classroom Practice- Victorian Education (revised) instructional model (VTLM 2.0)

At our school, we are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for every child. As part of this, our teachers have been engaged in professional learning to deepen their understanding of current research in cognitive science and educational neuroscience — the fields that explore how children learn most effectively. This research underpins Victoria’s revised Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0). One of the key foundations is ensuring we have students' full attention. Minimising distractions—such as noise or late arrivals—helps students settle into learning more quickly and gives them the best chance to focus and retain new information. Lessons typically begin with a review of previously taught concepts and the activation of students’ background knowledge, which supports long-term memory and deeper understanding.

To support effective learning, our teachers carefully plan lessons in small, sequential steps to avoid cognitive overload—a state where too much new information at once can hinder understanding. Clear learning intentions and success criteria help students understand what they are learning, why it matters, and what success looks like. Throughout the lesson, teachers check for understanding to identify who may need further support or clarification. Feedback plays a vital role, as it helps students recognise their progress and focus on their next steps. Consistent routines, a calm and organised classroom environment, and strong teacher-student relationships all contribute to a space where children feel safe, focused, and ready to learn each day.

Thank you: Shared Commitment to Student Success

We also want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our wonderful parent/carer community for the important role you play in your child’s education. Providing consistent routines at home, ensuring your child gets enough sleep, encouraging unstructured play, and limiting screen time all support healthy brain development and readiness to learn. These efforts at home make a real difference in the classroom. 

We are especially grateful to those who take time out of their busy work schedules to attend class Unit Shares every 6–8 weeks. These special sessions give students the opportunity to proudly share their learning, growth, and achievements with you. Your presence not only celebrates their hard work but also strengthens the connection between home and school. Our students absolutely love having you there, and your involvement truly reinforces the message that their learning matters. Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

School Improvements Over the Holidays

We’re committed to ensuring our school remains a welcoming, safe, and inspiring place to learn and work. Over the recent holidays, several improvements were completed across our facilities, including:

• Installation of safety barrier netting behind the junior football goals.
• Plastering and painting in classrooms where cracks had appeared.
• Fresh paint in the canteen and hall toilets.
• A custom-made window installed upstairs in the main building, replacing a rotted frame.
• A new retaining wall and pathway built behind the portables to reduce water seepage from neighbouring properties.
• Two junior netball posts installed on the junior side of the school (padding for posts are due to arrive soon)

These upgrades are made possible thanks to the generous voluntary contributions from our parent community, including tax-deductible donations to the building and library funds. Your support continues to make a meaningful difference. Thank you from all of us—staff and students alike.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Next Monday and Wednesday, teachers will be released from their classrooms in the afternoons to conduct parent-teacher conferences. Due to the number of appointments, each meeting will be limited to 10 minutes.

We kindly ask all parents and carers to arrive on time and come prepared with any specific questions you may have. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s learning progress, social-emotional development, and future goals.

School Athletics Carnival

Yesterday’s Year 3–6 Athletics Carnival started off with surprisingly warm weather, but a cool change soon swept in, making for a chilly day.

Despite the sudden drop in temperature, students and staff stayed active and engaged as they took part in a range of track and field events. Many students were focused on earning valuable House points, while others aimed to qualify for the next level of competition—representing our school at the Bentleigh District Athletics. All results will be reviewed, and the school athletics team will be announced next week. The winning House will be revealed at this week’s assembly.

A big thank you to our students for their positive attitude and the way they cheered each other on, and to our staff for their ongoing support throughout the day.

Child Safety at Our School

The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority. We ask for your continued support by noting the following important reminders:

1. Toilet Facilities

   We’ve observed that some parents and carers waiting at pick-up time have been using the student toilets. To maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students, we kindly ask that adults use the staff toilets located in the main building. If you are unsure where they are located please ask at the office. This helps ensure students can access the bathrooms comfortably and without concern.

2. Riding Bikes and Scooters on School Grounds

   For the safety of our entire school community, students are not permitted to ride bikes or scooters through the school grounds. We now ask that parents and carers also refrain from riding or scooting while on school property.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.

Chellee Plumb