Principal's Report
Industrial Action
Families may be aware of planned industrial action scheduled for Tuesday, 24 March. We are currently working through the details and assessing the impact this may have on our school operations.
Further information will be provided to families as soon as it becomes available, including any arrangements for the day.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Curriculum Days
School Council have endorsed the remaining curriculum days for 2026. Please make note of these dates on your family calendars.
Term 2
Friday, 29th May – Assessment & Reporting
Thursday, 4th June – Literacy Professional Learning
Term 3
Monday, 27th July – Mathematics Professional Learning
Term 4
Wednesday 18th November – Reporting & Assessment Day
Early Assembly Tomorrow
As we will be handing out badges to our SRC Representatives at tomorrow's assembly, we will need to start assembly at the slighly earlier time of 2.50pm.
School Council Summary
Our AGM and March School Council meeting was held recently. Many items were discussed and/or ratified, including:
School Council – New Members/Departing Members
The new School Council team was confirmed and Office Bearers were elected. Thanks and congratulations to the following:
President - Ronnie Lowe
Vice President - Sandy Hopfner
Treasurer - Allison Patrick
Phil Garner was thanked for his positive contribution to School Council over the last three years.
Mrs Emma Clohesy (Grade 5/6 teacher) and Mrs Katie Moss (Social Worker) were welcomed as new members of School Council.
Roles and Responsibilities: the function of School Council
School Council members were provided with information that helped summarise their roles and responsibilities.
Annual Report
The Annual Report was tabled for endorsement. This document needs to be submitted to the Department by the end of April as part of our accountability processes, prior to being released to the broader school community.
Curriculum Days
The remaining Curriculum Days for 2026 approved.
Enrolments
On census day (28/2) our confirmed enrolment was 408. Funding for 2026 has been based on this number.
NAPLAN
An update of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was provided. NAPLAN results are not expected to be made available to schools until Term 3.
Staff Survey Data
A summary from last year’s Staff Opinion Survey was shared with School Council members.
Neurodiversity Week
This week, all classes across the school have been actively celebrating Neurodiversity Week. Students have engaged in a range of activities and discussions aimed at building understanding, acceptance and inclusion.
At SGPS, we value and celebrate the many strengths, perspectives and talents that our neurodiverse students bring to our school community. We are committed to continuing our learning in this space and will work hard each day to ensure every student is supported to thrive and be their best.
Carer Tip — Victorian Carer Card (We Care Card)
Did you know that if you’re an unpaid carer living in Victoria, you could be eligible for a Victorian Carer Card — also known as the We Care Card? It’s a free recognition and discount card to help support you in your caring role.
What it offers:
✔️ Discounts and savings at thousands of participating businesses across Victoria — including on shopping, dining, petrol, leisure activities and more.
✔️ Public transport benefits such as concession fares, free weekend travel statewide, and free travel during National Carers Week — great for getting out and about.
Who’s eligible:
• Unpaid primary carers of someone with disability, illness, mental health needs, frailty or terminal illness.
• Foster, kinship or respite carers.
• Young carers can also be eligible with appropriate confirmation of their carer role.
How to apply:
Carers can apply online at https://www.carercard.vic.gov.au/ or by contacting the Victorian Carer Card team — applications are free and help recognise the vital contribution carers make.
👉 Sharing this could help another carer unlock extra support and savings!
Easter Hat Parade & Easter Egg Raffle
Parent Club will once again be running the Easter Egg Raffle alongside our Easter Hat Parade on the last day of Term 1. This is a whole-school event and parents, grandparents, friends and other family members are very welcome to attend.
All students will have the opportunity to showcase their Easter hats from 9.00am in The Hub as part of our traditional parade.
We would greatly appreciate donations to help create some fantastic raffle prizes. We also understand that the current economic environment can make it difficult for families to contribute, and we completely appreciate that. If you are able to donate, Easter-themed items are welcome, but non-Easter donations such as vouchers, craft activities or small games, etc are also greatly appreciated. Donations can be left at the office at any time.
Raffle books were recently sent home, and extra books are available at the office if needed. Tickets are $1 each.
This event is always lots of fun and a wonderful fundraiser for our school. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Statewide timeline to manage Prep enrolments for the 2027 school year
The statewide enrolment timeline provides Victorian government primary schools with clear timeframes for enrolling students who will commence Prep in the 2027 school year.
This will be the third time that schools will use a statewide timeline for enrolments into the Prep year. The timeline seeks to support schools and families by making the Prep enrolment process simpler, clearer and fairer.
The timeline includes key dates, activity descriptions and an overview of responsibilities to help schools to plan for their Prep enrolments. Key dates and activities for schools in the 2026–27 timeline include the following:
- Schools can receive enrolment applications from parents and carers from the start of Term 2, 2026. This follows the release of 2027 zones on the department’s Find my School website and the publication of Foundation enrolment information packs
- Enrolment applications from parents and carers are to be submitted by Friday 31 July 2026
- Schools notify parents and carers of the outcome of enrolment applications between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026
- Written appeals from parents and carers are to be lodged with schools by Friday 28 August 2026
- Schools notify parents and carers in writing of the outcome of appeals by Friday 11 September 2026.
Early School Finish - End of Term 1
Term 1 concludes on Thursday, 2nd April. Students will be dismissed at 2:15pm. An assembly is scheduled for 2:00pm on the Friday and students will be dismissed from The Hub area. Term 2 commences on Monday, 20th April.