School News
Calm Authority Helps Students Learn
As part of our ongoing series on the Trafalgar Primary School Behaviour Curriculum, this fortnight we explore the idea of calm authority and why it is such an important part of creating successful learning environments.
Many adults can remember a time when discipline in schools was associated with raised voices, public reprimands, or displays of frustration. Modern research tells us that these approaches are often less effective than calm, predictable responses.
At Trafalgar Primary School, our approach is informed by the work of Running the Room by Tom Bennett. Bennett argues that the most effective classrooms are not those where teachers are the loudest, but those where expectations are clear and adults respond consistently and calmly.
When behaviour needs correcting, our staff aim to do so in a way that is brief, respectful, and predictable. A quiet reminder, a non-verbal cue, or a calm conversation is often all that is needed to help a student get back on track. The goal is not to embarrass a student or make an example of them. The goal is to help them make a better choice and return to learning as quickly as possible.
This approach benefits all students. When corrections are calm and low-key, learning continues with minimal disruption. Students are more likely to listen, less likely to become defensive, and better able to focus on what they need to do next.
Importantly, calm authority does not mean lowering expectations. In fact, it allows adults to hold expectations more consistently. Students learn that boundaries are real, that behaviour matters, and that adults will follow through fairly regardless of mood or circumstance.
This is a principle that can be helpful at home as well. Children often respond best when adults are calm, clear, and predictable. When expectations are communicated without anger or emotion, children are more able to focus on the message rather than the delivery. Over time, this helps build trust, confidence, and self-regulation.
By responding calmly and consistently, we create classrooms where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. In doing so, we teach an important life skill: mistakes can be corrected, expectations can be met, and challenges can be overcome without conflict or confrontation.
Camps, Sports, Excursions Fund Reminder
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student misses out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government's commitment to breaking the link between a student's background and their achievements.
Families must hold a valid means-tested concession card to apply. Eligible students will receive $400 per year to go towards Camps, Excursions and Activities.
If you received CSEF funding last year at Trafalgar Primary School and your circumstances have not changed, we will have applied for the 2026 Camps, Sports, Excursions Funding on your behalf.
Parents/Guardians will only need to complete a new application form if you have:
• New student enrolments:your child has started or changed schools this year.
•Changed family circumstances: such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.
How to Apply
• Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form.
Applications close 24th June 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.
School Crossings Reminder
Baw Baw Shire is committed to providing a safe environment for all students commuting to and from school. To help achieve this we need the community’s help.
The Role of School Crossing Supervisors
Crossing Supervisors are there to assist children cross the road in safety on their way to and from school. Children may not understand traffic laws or be aware of their surroundings, and small children may not be readily visible to drivers. In Baw Baw, we have over 33 school crossings where our supervisors attend to help kids cross the road safely.
Safety in School Zones
Due to an increase in traffic at drop off and pick up times, both traffic and parking issues can pose a risk to the safety of children. Educating kids and encouraging safe driving behaviour can help improve safety in the school zone.
Please make sure you are always looking out for Children around School Crossings and never stop on a school crossing (within the red and white posts) and never drive through a School Crossing whilst there are pedestrians on it.
Parking Signs and What They Mean
No parking signs
If there is a 'no parking' sign, you can stop for 2 minutes in that area:
- if you are picking up or dropping off passengers or goods
you stay within 3 metres of your vehicle.
If you stop in, or partly in, an area showing a no parking sign and you are not picking up or dropping off passengers or goods, you are considered to be parked and can be fined. This is the case even if you stay with your vehicle.
No stopping signs
If there is a 'no stopping' sign, you are not allowed to stop or park your car in, or partly in, that area for any reason, including dropping off or picking up passengers
Bus Zone
A driver must not stop on a bus stop, or within 20m before the bus stop sign and within 10m after the sign.
Keeping students and pedestrians safe around school crossings is a shared priority for Baw Baw Shire and Victoria Police. Drivers should be aware that illegally parked vehicles near crossings are being actively monitored and fined.
Trafalgar High School Bus Loop
Please note that the Trafalgar High School bus loop is reserved exclusively for school buses and is not a roundabout or general drop-off/pick-up zone.
The bus loop is off-limits to parent vehicles between 8:00–9:00am and 3:00–4:00pm.
This policy ensures the safety of all students using school bus transportation. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Apply now to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) for 2027
All Victorian government primary schools follow the statewide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline. The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child at a Victorian government primary school.
You can apply to enrol your child in Foundation (Prep) in 2027 from Monday 20 April 2026.
What you need to do:
1. Contact our school 5633 1566 to book an optional school tour.
2. Download the Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) This pack includes guidance on the application process.
3. Submit an enrolment application by Friday 31 July 2026.
Our school uses the Department of Education’s secure digital enrolment system called VicStudents. This means you can submit your Foundation (Prep) application online and receive updates through the system. If you have any questions about the online enrolment process, please contact our school. Paper enrolment application forms are also available on request.
4. You will be notified of the outcome of your application between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026.
5. If you receive an enrolment offer, you should accept the offer by Friday 28 August 2026.
6. Take part in school transition sessions during Term 4, 2026.
7. Prepare your child to start Foundation (Prep) from Thursday 28 January 2027.
Enrolment applications submitted after 31 July 2026 will be processed by our school as they are received, in accordance with the Department’s Enrolment Policy.
For more information about the Foundation enrolment timeline, visit: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep).
Breakfast Club
Winter is well and truly upon us, and there’s no better time for a warm breakfast to start the day! Our kitchen has been buzzing each morning as students enjoy hot toast, cheesy toasties, warm Milo and a variety of cereals, helping them begin the day feeling warm, nourished and ready to learn.
None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. A huge thank you to IGA Trafalgar, Gracie’s Bakery, Baker’s Delight Mid Valley and Foodbank for their ongoing donations and support throughout the year. Your contributions make a real difference to our school community and are greatly appreciated.
In addition to our daily breakfast service, we continue to offer Care Packages for families who may need a little extra support. If you or someone you know would benefit from a free Care Package, please contact the School Office or speak with Mrs Marslen. All enquiries are welcome and treated with complete confidentiality.
Donations of Milo or jam are always appreciated and can be dropped off at the School Office.
Thank you for your continued support of Breakfast Club. We look forward to seeing many smiling faces at brekky throughout the colder months ahead!
Mrs Marslen
Breakfast Club MasterChef
Morning Heroes: Our Breakfast Club Helpers
A big thank you to our amazing student helpers who make our Breakfast Club run like clockwork each morning! Your dedication, teamwork, and positive energy help ensure every student starts their day with a nutritious meal and a smile. We couldn't do it without you!
Parents & Friends Committee News
Our Trivia Night is back!
Get ready to test your knowledge! Our highly anticipated trivia night is BACK!
Trivia tables and raffle tickets are on sale now, first-come, first-served. Only 2 tables left, get in quick! Link here.
Please mark the evening on your calendar and book your babysitter. It promises to be a fantastic night filled with trivia, games, and of course, our famous giant raffle.
We're excited to announce our biggest prize pool ever - we are up to over $5000 in prizes and counting. Guests must be present on the night to purchase raffle tickets - don’t miss out on your chance to win big!
Seeking Raffle Prizes
Can't attend our trivia night but still want to contribute? Local businesses or families wishing to donate a prize of any size can drop them into the school over the coming weeks. This could be a gift voucher, an item from your shop or business, something handmade or just a little something to make someone feel special.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is as follows:
Date: Tuesday 21st July
Time: 7-8pm
Location: Adult Learning Centre, Trafalgar Primary School, opposite the office with a Zoom link also available upon request. Please sign in at the office first.
Doors will be open from 6.30pm onwards for any parents that would like to catch up for a chat and BYO cuppa beforehand. All welcome.
New members for our Committee and Parent Helpers List are always welcome - membership is free, and you choose how involved you'd like to be. Reach out to us if you'd like to join and be a part of the fun this year.
If you have any feedback, questions, would like to be added to our Parent Helper List, or would like to join P&F for 2026, please contact us:
- via email - TPSpandfSecretary@gmail.com
- or via our Google Contact form - link HERE
THEIRCARE News
Term 2 Lunch Order Information
