Greetings from Shaun

Explicit Teaching

You may have recently come across stories in the media about changes to teaching methods in Victorian schools. The Department of Education has released a revised teaching and learning model, the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0), which is informed by contemporary evidence about how students learn and the most effective teaching practices to achieve strong learning outcomes. The VTLM 2.0 is a refinement and clearer articulation of evidence-based practices that are already embedded in many classrooms.

There are two key elements of the VTLM 2.0:

1. Elements of learning – the process of human learning, based on cognitive science, neuroscience and education psychology.
2. Elements of teaching – representing the evidence-based teaching practices that most effectively support learning.

At the core of this model is explicit teaching. Here at Northcote PS, explicit teaching is an essential part of our own instructional model. Some of the practices used by teachers in explicit teaching are: explaining new learning in concise, small steps, modelling strategies and thinking aloud, and using worked examples.

The Department’s revised VTLM aligns closely with our own model and we are looking forward to being able access resources developed by the Department to guide our work in this area.

ANZAC Day

Last week, we took time to remember the courage and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served during times of war and conflict. ANZAC Day is a significant part of our history, marking the landing at Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915 — a key moment that shaped the ANZAC spirit of courage, mateship, and resilience.

We also reflected on the symbols of remembrance. The red poppy, especially the Flanders poppy, became a strong symbol after World War I, representing those who lost their lives on the battlefield. Alongside it, the purple poppy honours the animals that served with soldiers — including horses, donkeys, dogs, and carrier pigeons — recognising the important role they played and the hardships they faced during war.

Trivia Night- postponed

You may have seen via Compass that, due to several calendar clashes — including Easter, ANZAC Day, and the Federal Election on Saturday the 3rd of May — we’ve decided to postpone the Northcote Primary School Trivia Night.

The new date is Saturday the 30th of August, and the venue remains Welcome to Thornbury.

If you’ve already booked tickets or a table, please keep an eye on your inbox for further details. For any questions, contact Lucy on 0403 668 669 or at lucycsinclair@hotmail.com.

We apologise for the change and look forward to a fantastic night in August!

Parent Induction - Term 2 

Parents and family members interested in supporting classroom activities and events for 2025 are invited to join our Volunteer Induction session. This term, the online session, is scheduled for Wednesday, 21st May at 5:30pm.

Landscaping and Playground Construction

 Our playground landscaping works are progressing well. The new playground equipment has now been installed, which created quite a buzz of excitement last week!

While less eye-catching but just as important, work has also begun on the footings around the playground. These have been dug and are now being concreted to ensure everything is safe and secure. Some of the larger rocks, which will form part of the natural play areas, have also been delivered and placed.

The locations for the remaining footings — which will become cosy corners and seating areas — have been prepared and are ready for the next stage of work.

We’re looking forward to seeing these new spaces take shape over the coming weeks, with the aim of having everything ready for students to enjoy at the start of next term!

Voting Site for the Federal Election – Saturday, 3rd of May

You may have already seen that Northcote Primary School will be a polling site for the Federal Election this Saturday, the 3rd of May. We’re taking this opportunity to raise funds to support the purchase of new digital technology resources for our classrooms.

The voting site will be open from 8:00am to 6:00pm, and we’re seeking volunteers to help run our fundraising stalls and handle payments.

On the day, we’ll have a bake stall, a sausage sizzle, and barista-made coffee available. Don’t worry — a fully trained barista has kindly volunteered their time, so volunteers only need to accept payments, not make the coffee!

Any help is greatly appreciated. Whether you can spare half an hour or a little longer, every bit of assistance makes a big difference.

Please register your availability using the Google form. For any volunteer-related queries, contact Jo Pitt on 0439 138 865.

Finally, if you are baking this week, please deliver your baked donations to the canteen on Friday the 2nd of May between 3:30pm and 4:00pm.

Year 7 Enrolments – 2026

The enrolment process for students transitioning to Year 7 in 2026 has begun! Families should now have recieved a Placement Information Pack to guide them through the process. For more details, please refer to the attached factsheet.

 Year-6-7-Factsheet.pdf

If you have any questions about the enrolment or transition process, please speak with your child’s classroom teacher or visit the office.

Prep Enrolments- 2026 

Do you or someone you know have a child starting school in 2026? Starting in Term 2, we will be now accepting enrolments for next year. Weekly tours have already commenced, alternating between Tuesdays and Thursdays, the specific dates are on the website and can be found here: 

Additionally, prospective families are invited to join us on Wednesday 28th of May 2025 at 7pm for our Prep 2026 Information Evening. The evening will provide families with information about our school, our curriculum, our community and the 2026 enrolment process. Be sure to spread the word!

Take care,

Shaun.