Principal's Message
Please take the time to read each page of our newsletter, as we provide you with information updates across our school.
TERM FOUR EVENTS:
Please be aware that all upcoming Term Four events are now viewable within our Compass Calendar. We advise all families to add these events to your schedules.
Acknowledgement of our Staff and Parent Association
Last Thursday 11th December, I had the honour of delivering a heartfelt speech at our Year Six Graduation Evening held at Marybrooke Manor. Whilst I had written a prepared speech which outlined my gratitude and thanks to our graduating Year Six students and their families, the emotions of the moment became so inspiring that I scrapped my notes and delivered a speech from my heart- with little reference to what I had planned to say. What ended up coming through during my graduation speech was a level of raw sincerity that reflected the amazingly talented students which I am fortunate to learn alongside each day.
I reference the above, as it was my intention to utilise this final newsletter to express my heartfelt gratitude to our staff and parent/carer volunteers. However, the words which have been authored within the 'School Council' section of this newsletter say everything and more which I wished to express. Therefore, I encourage you to commit the time to read a letter of gratitude and thanks which has been written by our School Council.
As the 2025 school year draws to a close, I would like to publicly express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for staff and parent/carer volunteers who keep our school progressing in a positive direction. Whilst some of your work may occur in the background, and you undertake your tasks without fanfare, I acknowledge the unwavering commitment you demonstrate to support our students and wider community. You are seen, you are heard, and you are highly valued.
Thank you for making my role as principal so rewarding. I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a safe and happy new year.
Please enjoy the contents of our final newsletter for 2025, as it is a celebration of the amazing events and achievements of our school over the past month. There are many photos and work samples which I am confident will fill your Christmas break with joy and laughter.
School Council Membership- 2026
From 2026, parents, carers and community members who would like to join the School Council need a working with children (WWC) clearance to nominate.
If you are considering nominating for School Council, and don’t already have a WWCC, I encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC check as soon as possible. This will allow for processing times, which are estimated to be from 3 to 12 weeks.
Please note that if you do not hold a WWC clearance, you will not be able to nominate for School Council, so it is vital that you prepare in advance. Obtaining a WWC clearance is free for volunteers, and you can apply online at Service Victoria.
When applying for your volunteer WWC check, please nominate the Department of Education as the organisation you are working for.
If you already hold an employee WWC clearance, you do not need to obtain a volunteer WWC clearance to nominate for school council.
Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered teachers and school students who are interested in joining school council are not required to obtain a WWC clearance.
Current parents and community members of school council do not need to apply for a WWC check immediately. Current members only need a WWC clearance if their term ends and they wish to nominate or be co-opted again.
For more information, refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
Communicating with the Principal
We look forward to partnering with you in 2026, and welcome your input:
Damien Kitch
Principal
m: 0459 864 712