Student News

PE/Sport Update

Making Waves: Senior Swimming Program Success 

Our Senior Swimming Program has been a tremendous success, providing valuable learning experiences and exciting opportunities for students across Grades 3–6.

Our Senior Swimming Lessons allowed students to further develop their swimming technique, water confidence, and essential water safety skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Students demonstrated fantastic focus and perseverance throughout the program, and it was wonderful to see their confidence grow with each session.

This year also marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of our first-ever Lifesaving Education Program at Blue Rock Dam for Grade 5–6 students. This program provided students with hands-on learning around open-water safety, rescue awareness, and responsible decision-making in real-life aquatic environments—an invaluable experience for all involved.

The program culminated with our Senior Swimming Carnival, where students proudly represented their houses and gave their best effort in every event. Well done to all students who participated and contributed to earning valuable house points through their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Congratulations to Davey House, who claimed the House Cup following a strong team performance.

A special congratulations also goes to the 30 students selected to represent Trafalgar Primary School at the Warragul District Swimming Competition on Friday, 13 February. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and look forward to sharing an update on their performances in a future edition of the newsletter.

Hawks Bring AFL Excitement to Trafalgar Primary

On Monday, 9 February, Trafalgar Primary School was thrilled to welcome representatives from the Hawthorn Football Club for a special visit that had students buzzing with excitement.

Students from Grades F–6 gathered in the gym for an engaging Q&A session, where they had the opportunity to ask questions about life as an AFL player, training routines, teamwork, and what it takes to succeed both on and off the field. The Hawthorn players spoke openly about the importance of staying active, working hard, showing resilience, and enjoying the game at every level.

The visit also included opportunities for students to collect signed handouts, and many were delighted to have their Hawthorn merchandise autographed, creating lasting memories from the day.

It was a fantastic experience for our school community and a powerful source of inspiration for our students. We thank the Hawthorn Football Club for taking the time to visit Trafalgar Primary School and for sharing their passion for football with us.

AFL Superkick Program 2026

Trafalgar Primary School has partnered with AFL Victoria to offer a 4-week After School Superkick program for all Grade 1 – Grade 6 students in 2027.

Superkick is a modified version of AFL for anyone wanting to get a feel for footy, without the pressure. You’ll learn new ways to play through skill-based activities in weekly sessions, then show them off in games straight after.

It’s a great introduction to AFL, especially for those who might be thinking about joining the Trafalgar Junior Football Club Under 8s, Under 10s, or Under 12s in 2026. However, it is also suitable for current or past players just looking to keep fit and play some footy with mates too.

This optional 4-week school-based program will be run outside of school learning hours (after school) at a cost of $55 per participant. 

Sessions will be run by AFL Victoria, on the school oval from 3:30pm-4:30pm, so that students can come straight from class, on the following days:

Tuesday 17 Feb

Tuesday 24 Feb

Tuesday 3 March

Tuesday 10 March

To participate all you need to do is register your child to the program via PlayHQ. A link/QR code directing you to the registration form can be found on the flyer.

 2026 Term 1 Music Update

The new school year has begun, and music classes and instrumental lessons are underway in the TPS Music department. Music classes this term have a focus on musical instruments and instrument families. All the students are enjoying getting their hands on musical instruments and creating music straight away. 

Instrumental lessons

Our 4 instrumental teachers all have vacancies. So, it’s not too late to sign up for the Instrumental program and get your form in to begin extra-curricular, individual lessons on a music instrument with a professional musician.

You can find a full description of the instruments we offer, price, photos and bios of all the teachers, and a digital instrumental music form here - TPS Music site/Instrumental. You can also get a form from the front office, or just outside the music room at the Instrumental form box. Return it to the front office or into the box and we can start one on one lessons as soon as possible.

I have included photos and bios of all the TPS instrumental teachers below.

TPS Instrumental Music Teachers

Casey (Drums/Guitar)

I'm Casey Kurrle, a drum and guitar teacher who has been playing music for 20 years. Since the age of 5 I have dedicated my life to playing and learning musical instruments. For the last 5 years I have taught my passion for music to others working at ‘Jak’s Music’ and Trafalgar Primary School. 

Ruby (Piano/Vocal/Guitar/Ukulele)

I'm Ruby, I've been playing music for as long as I can remember and performing for almost a decade. I'm always trying to learn something new - from saxophone to banjo, and I love writing all types of songs and sharing my passion for music with others. I currently also teach instrumental at Jak's Music Warragul.

Georgia (Vocal/Piano)

Hi! I’m Georgia, I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and playing piano for 5+ years. I have plenty of experience with playing live and recording with some great bands. I’ve worked with the ABC and Triple J. I enjoy every aspect of music and hope to pass my passion on to the instrumental students I teach at Trafalgar Primary School!

Triki (Drums/Guitar)

With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Triki is a passionate and versatile musician. From playing guitar, drums, and bass in various garage bands to providing extensive music tuition throughout the Gippsland region, Triki’s dedication to music is unmatched.

Choir

The choir meets every Thursday, second half of lunch (2PM).

During the year we will work on songs that will be performed at assemblies, instrumental concerts and finally, the Trafalgar Carols.

You don't need any singing experience. It costs nothing. You don't need to sign up. Just attend regularly if you love to sing.

STEM Spotlight

We have had an excellent start to our STEM sessions, with all students excited and engaged in the activities.  A warm welcome to foundation students who are new to STEM and the routines of the STEM classroom.  A big thank you to all students who have remembered the routines and safety procedures of the STEM classroom. 

In week one, students were faced with their first STEM Challenge!

Grades 1-4 were given 20 paper cups and 12 craft sticks and asked to build the tallest tower they could. The record stands at 105cm! 

Grades 5-6 were given 20 pieces of spaghetti and 5 marshmallows to see who could build the tallest sculpture. There were some very creative successes. 

In week 2, we introduced Chemistry and safety in the lab. 

All students F-6 compared the regular homemade bubble mix to Mrs B’s special sticky bouncy bubble mix. 

As promised, here are the recipes:

*Note, you must use a good quality detergent, and the longer it sits before you use it, the better. 

Regular:

¼ cup of water

1 tablespoon dish soap 

Sticky Bouncy:

¼ cup of water (warm)

2 tablespoons of sugar (any kind - I use white sugar)

1 tablespoon dish soap

Mix gently and let sit for at least 24hours. 

*Use a glove or a sock on your hand to play keepy uppy with your bubbles. 

In week 3, F-2 have been experimenting and making their own glue for artistic collages in preparation for our papier mache project. 

Grade 3-4 became engineers. Investigating the strongest shapes and materials used for building.

Grade 5-6 began their investigation into plastic vs bio plastic and how they are made and used. 

I’m looking forward to an exciting term of learning Chemistry! 

Yours in STEM Education,

Mrs B

Grade 6 Rotary Junior Community Award – Parent Information Night

Parents and Carers and Grade 6 students are invited to attend our Rotary Junior Community Award Parent Information Night.

This session will provide an overview of the Rotary Junior Community Award, including what the award involves, the types of volunteer opportunities available, and how students are supported throughout the process at school.

📅 Wednesday 18th February

⏰ 5.30pm

📍 ALC

🍕 Pizza will be provided

On the night, we will be joined by a member of Rotary, representatives from organisations willing to take students as volunteers, and former students and their families who have completed the award. This will be a great opportunity to hear firsthand about the experiences and benefits of the program and ask any questions you may have.

We hope you can join us.

Fi Ross

Introducing the Calm Zone & Lunchtime Clubs!

We’re excited to launch the Calm Zone, covering the entire top playground (closest to School Road). It’s a calm, supported space where no chasing/tag, rough games, competitive ball sports, or shouting are allowed.

Activities students can engage in include:

• Lunchtime Clubs: Mon: Lego | Tue: Craft | Wed: Wooden & Board Games | 

  Thu: Lego | Fri: Build It

• Structured Play: Adult-led or supported activities with clear expectations and simple rules that teach cooperation, turn-taking, communication, and problem-solving, while giving students a safe space to practise positive play behaviours.
• Calm Play: Hula hoops, skipping, sandpit, rope playground, building blocks, colouring, and more.

A reminder for parents: Foundation students have sole use of the Calm Zone until mid-March to help them build friendships and settle in. If you have donations of Lego, building blocks, dolls, board games, or craft supplies, they are always very welcome!

Here’s to a year of fun, safe play and new opportunities for learning and friendship in the Calm Zone and Lunchtime Clubs.