Principal's Report

Staffing News

At our School Council Meeting last night, and at our staff meeting yesterday afternoon, I announced my intention to retire from teaching and resign from the role of principal at Albany Rise Primary School during 2025, with my final date at the school being Friday 19th September 2025.

This decision has been incredibly difficult, after establishing so many close connections with students, staff and families in the Albany Rise community since commencing at the school in 2013. I am especially grateful for the support of our staff and community; our work together for achievements in learning, wellbeing, facilities and community events over almost ten years as principal at the school has been incredibly rewarding. The dedication, hard work, connection and commitment of all members of the community is a special feature of ARPS.

I am looking forward to spending more valuable time with my family in retirement, and following my other passions beyond education, such as music, gardening, reading and motorcycle riding.

The process for selection of the new principal for Albany Rise Primary School will commence at the end of this term. This will be led by our Network Senior Education Improvement Leader and will include panel members from the staff and parent community (including school council). Our aim is to have a very smooth transition with a substantive principal in place by the start of Term 4.

To all members of the Albany Rise School Community, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your decision to make ARPS the choice of schooling for your children and know that each of the children at our school have always been considered by me as ‘my extended family’. It will certainly be hard to say goodbye at the end of next term.

If you have any questions, would like to come for a chat, or feel the need to share considerations for your family or your child as I head towards retirement during Term 3, please call the office to make a time to chat, or see me in the yard before and after school, any day. I hope to catch up with many people over the last term in my principal role.

I am confident that the leadership team at ARPS, the students, parents and all staff will continue to demonstrate their amazing commitment to our students throughout and beyond the principal selection process.

Musical Update

Students in main roles have been trying on costumes this week, with Ann Dunford (Grandparent) working hard behind the scenes to develop costume resources and plans for students across all year levels. More information about costumes will come home before the end of term 2.

Students with main cast roles have been busy rehearsing their roles during school times and recess breaks- they are doing a wonderful job!

Students in all year levels have commenced learning their dances and songs. They may enjoy practising these at home!

Badges to promote the Musical will be on sale for $2 from Monday 23rd June (Cash only). Student leaders will be selling these from the office area during lunchtime each day over the next few weeks.

Tickets will be on sale from the last week in the term. Keep watch for the link and information in the newsletter over the next few weeks.

Working Bee- REMINDER: 

Our School Council – Facilities Sub-Committee have set a Term 2 working bee for Sunday 22nd June between 9am – 12pm. We will be completing some indoor and outdoor tasks, including updating our corridor displays with student work and photographs. We would love some talented ‘indoor decorators’ with a flair for displays, to come and assist on this working bee. Other tasks include clearing our storage areas, sorting equipment, gutters and drain cleaning, and general gardening.

DISCO

Albany Rise Parents Association Is holding a school disco on Friday 27th June. The theme for this year is 'Glow DISCO'.

If you would like your child/children to participate in the disco then please complete the payment and consent on Compass by Thursday 26th June.

The Disco will be free-dress (with as much 'glow' as you wish').Tickets for entry are $5. Please bring coins and preferably small notes for chips, water/juice, glow sticks and more. (Named purse or envelope is useful).

Foundation - grade 2      DISCO 4:45pm-5:45pm sharp and

Grade 3-grade 6               DISCO 6:00-7:15 sharp 

This event should be paid for via compass before arrival. 

Important Information about our Uniform Supplier and Shop

After extended communications between our current uniform provider (Aplus School wear) due to upcoming changes to the contract arrangement, School Council has endorsed the intention to move to an alternative uniform supplier, commencing in Term 3.

Our Contract with Aplus Schoolwear (current supplier) will finish on 30th June. There will be no more sales of uniform on site or online from Aplus Schoolwear from this date.

Sharon and Jenny (Aplus staff) will complete a stocktake of uniform supplies at school next week from Monday 23rd June- Wednesday 25th June. The shop will be open on site (at school) for sales on Tuesday 24th June at the usual time- 3pm-4pm. This will be the last time the shop will be available at school.

The shop at the school will not be operating after Tuesday 24th June. All current backdated uniform orders will be able to be collected from the school office after this date. No new orders will be able to be made after 30th June. Orders can still be made online up to this date.

Information about our new Uniform Supplier and shop location will be available to parents early next term, when the contract has been signed by School Council.

Parent Teacher Meetings and 3 Way Conferences- June 2025

Parent/Teacher Meetings (junior school) and 3-Way Conferences (middle/senior students) are now open on Compass for parents/carers to confirm bookings.

Meetings/Conferences of 10 minutes each, will be available on the following days/times:

• Wednesday 25th June (3.40-6.40pm – staff dinner break from 5.30-6pm)
• Monday 30th June (3.40-4.40pm – except 4/5N)
• Wednesday 2nd July (Year 3-6 only – 3.40-4.40pm, 4/5N – 3.40-5.40pm)

Please go to Compass to book your times: https://albanyrise-ps-vic.compass.education/ 

We are eager to celebrate your child’s learning achievements throughout semester 1 and discuss next steps on their learning journey. 

If you have difficulty being available for the times provided, please contact your child's teacher to arrange another time.

Student mid-year reports will be available for parents to read on Compass from Monday 23rd June. 

PRSE input meeting for families # 2 time 3.30pm on Wednesday 25th June

We are seeking further input from families regarding our Pre-Review Self Evaluation (PRSE). At 3.30pm on the day of our Parent teacher interviews, I will be hosting an 'input' session for parents in the staff room at school. I would value any parents to come along and provide feedback to help shape the direction of our school for the next 4 years. This information will be part of the development of our 4 year plan, during Term 4 2025.

Please consider spending 5- 10 minutes with me in the staffroom on this afternoon to share your thoughts and ideas.

When parents, carers and school staff work together as one team, our students thrive. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents and carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.

Parents, carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of your child. When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn better and feel like they belong in the school.

You may have noticed new posters displayed in our school that depict some unacceptable behaviours which can negatively impact our school community. These posters are a visual reminder about the behaviour that does not help us create a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults. I trust that you will continue to keep respect at the core of all interactions with school staff. The Department of Education’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.

There are also resources to support safe and respectful relationships in our school community, including information about getting involved in the school, advice on how to raise a concern or complaint, and parenting support resources. To view the policy and these resources, refer to Building a positive relationship with your child's school.

For more information on how to engage positively with our school, please contact Judy Drew (Principal).

Pre- Review Self Evaluation (PRSE)- Reminder

This year, Albany Rise Primary School is undertaking a whole school review. Schools undertake a school review every 4 years to inform the direction of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan (SSP).

Thank you to the 11 parents who have completed the informal parent survey so far. The comments and information received have already been discussed and options considered. There is still time for more parents/carers to complete the survey.

Parents/carers have a very important role in the Pre-Review Self Evaluation (PRSE), during the PRSE, we ask parents about their experiences, opinions, ideas and possible opportunities they would like to be considered when developing a new strategic plan. Over coming weeks, I will be asking parents to provide input through various platforms, including a simple online survey. 

PLEASE take the time to complete this simple survey: https://forms.gle/BhSRmF2LgfZ7i3LP7

🏛️ Junior Advisory Group: Primary Students Q&A with the Mayor - and Have Their Say! UPDATE

On Wednesday, 4 June, the Social Planning and Infrastructure team (Children, Youth and Family Services) hosted a Junior Advisory Group session with Monash students from Holy Family, Pinewood, Glen Waverley, Albany Rise, and Highvale primary schools.

👋 A Special Visit from the Mayor

Students were thrilled to meet Mayor Klisaris, who joined them for morning tea while wearing full mayoral robes. They took photos together and participated in a lively Q&A session where the Mayor answered their thoughtful questions. Topics ranged from leadership and local government operations to community issues and how young people can stay involved with Council.

This event also formed part of the first-stage consultation for the Children, Youth and Family Services Infrastructure Plan, giving students a unique opportunity to share their ideas, insights, and perspectives through hands-on activities.

🎨 Activities Included:

• Working in teams to design welcoming community spaces – students created concept plans for child and family hubs.
• Mock Voting on Youth Priorities – just like in the recent federal election!
• Role-Play as Councillors – students sat in Council Chamber chairs and confidently questioned staff about community planning.

This initiative is part of Monash Council’s commitment to being a Child Friendly City and Community, ensuring children’s voices are heard in shaping our city’s future.

Want to include children’s voices in your next project?

Contact: childfriendly@monash.vic.gov.au

Message from Monash council

Growing together: Building spaces for Monash families

Monash is growing, and so are the needs of our children, young people and families.

We’re developing a 10-year Children, Youth, and Family Services Infrastructure Plan to guide how we plan for, fund, build, and deliver spaces and services that support families. These include facilities for playgroups, kindergartens, maternal and child health, and youth services.

We want to hear from you about what you'd love to see in these spaces in the future. Your input is crucial to ensuring our Plan balances the needs and reflects the values of our community.

Join us in planning for the next generation and ensuring our community thrives in the next 10 years and beyond.

Find out more about the infrastructure plan in our 'frequently asked questions' section below.

How to get involved

We have 2 separate surveys:

• Parents and the general community
• Children and young people (ages 8-25).

Please select the survey relevant to you. If you’re a young parent, we encourage you to complete both.

Complete the survey by Wednesday 30 July 2025.

Prize draw

Want to win 1 of 4 $100 gift cards? Complete the survey and enter your details in the second last question. 

Link: Children, youth and family spaces | Shape Monash

Important reminder- Friday 4th June- this is a student free curriculum day for curriculum development and planning. Students do not attend on this day.

Judith Drew

Principal