PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY – with guest presenter Misty Adoniou

On our recent Curriculum Day (10 March), our teachers had the privilege of participating in a masterclass with renowned literacy education leader Dr Misty Adoniou. The session focused on using rich, high-quality literature to improve student writing, based on the principle that students can only write as well as they have read.

The approach integrates reading and writing, helping students develop complex vocabulary and sophisticated grammatical structures in meaningful contexts. It also encourages students to make intentional language choices in their own writing, boosting engagement, enjoyment, and giving real purpose to their work. Our teachers were equipped with practical strategies to use in the classroom, many of which may already be enhancing student learning across the school.

IB GLOBAL CONFERENCE IN MUMBAI INDIA

Mrs Houghton, our PYP Coordinator/Assistant Principal and I will be attending the 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference in Mumbai. This is an exciting opportunity to connect with educators from around the world and learn about the latest approaches in international education. We are particularly interested in how schools are using AI responsibly and how elements like the Learner Profile attributes and approaches to Learning can support student wellbeing and growth.

Upon our return, we will be sharing what we’ve learned with the school community and with other school leaders across the SaGE Principal network. This experience will help us continue to provide a globally minded, high-quality education for our students, while strengthening their curiosity, confidence, and understanding of the wider world. We look forward to bringing back new ideas and strategies that will benefit all our learners.

HARMONY WEEK

Harmony Week is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to the richness of Australian society, and as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school we value the international mindedness and global citizenship it promotes. Due to NAPLAN testing and parent–teacher interviews this week, our school will celebrate Harmony Week in the final week of term, when all classes and specialist programs will take part in activities that celebrate cultural diversity. This will also incorporate Japanese Day, and students will be invited to wear traditional clothing that reflects their family’s cultural background as part of the celebration.

Families can look forward to further information from the Specialist teaching team closer to the date.

On 24 March 2026, members of the Australian Education Union in Victoria will participate in a stop work action as part of the current negotiations for the next Victorian Government Schools Agreement with the Victorian Government. A stop work action allows employees to pause work for a period of time to highlight concerns during bargaining. Key issues raised through this action include teacher workload and working conditions, as well as salary and employment conditions for education staff. The purpose of the action is to draw attention to these matters while discussions about the future agreement continue.

SNOW SPORTS

Since 2022, our school has participated in the Victorian Interschool Snow Sports Competition with a small team of enthusiastic students. We are pleased to again invite students who are interested in snow sports to consider joining the team in 2026. Events include Alpine Giant Slalom, Snowboard Giant Slalom, Snowboard Cross, Ski Cross, Moguls, Cross Country (Classical and Freestyle Relay), Slopestyle Ski and Slopestyle Snowboard. The competition welcomes a wide range of participants, from very experienced skiers and snowboarders to students who are still developing their skills but have a keen interest in the sport. Many of our families enjoy time at the snow each year, so this may be a wonderful opportunity for your child to get involved. A Compass post will be shared before the end of term with further information, including details about an online meeting where families can learn more and ask questions.

SCHOOL COUNCIL 2026

On Monday we held our first School Council meeting with the newly elected members. The meeting provided an overview of the School Council subcommittees, and members were elected to the various office bearer roles. Prior to the meeting, we presented the 2025 Annual Report to the school community. The report outlines the school’s performance in academic achievement, wellbeing and engagement, compares our results with those of other government schools, and highlights the key strategies implemented throughout the year that contributed to these positive outcomes.

We welcome and introduce our 2026 School Council Members:

President: Jian Guo

Treasurer: Nimit Aggarwal

Secretary: Nimit Aggarwal

There are 5 Subcommittees - Convenors and members are as follows:

1. Finance - oversee the monthly income and expenditure of the school and adherence to finance policies.

Convenor: Nimit Aggarwal. Members: Aaron Chong, Jian Guo, Helen Georgitsopoulos, Chellee Plumb

2. Education – update policies on a cyclical basis, review school performance data and communicate / consult with parent community on a needs basis.

Convenor: Angela Houghton. Members: Steph McPherson, Maisie Barry, Paula Bain, Brenton Czorny

3. Canteen and Uniform – review school uniforms, second hand uniform stall, uniform policy and the running of the canteen including profit and loss statements, menu items and adherence to Council guidelines.

Convenor: Katrina Beer. Members: Sue Hunt, Helen Georgitsopoulos

4. Social and Fundraising – organise and run a range of fundraising events to supplement the school budget (including the biennial carnival) and social events to maintain community connectedness.

Convenor: Kimberley McClure. Members: David Funston, Steph Crombie

5. Facilities - review general school maintenance and future development both in the short and long term, organise and run working bees.

Convenor: Adi Raddi. Members: Ben Howland, Brenton Czorny, Chellee Plumb

The School Council President and I look forward to working with all sub committees throughout the year.

EASTER RAFFLE

The Easter Raffle is one of the most exciting highlights of the school year, and the goodies are already starting to roll in along with sold raffle ticket books! We know many families are still keen to contribute, so this is your chance to be part of the biggest, most fun fundraiser on the students’ calendar.

This year, the Student Representative Council are also taking an active role in encouraging as many ticket sales and easter goodie donations as possible to make this year’s the best one yet! The excitement in the hall during the final assembly of the term is absolutely priceless, students watch and listen with bated breath as the winners’ names are called. Fingers crossed your child’s name is among them! Join in the fun and support the school with this festive fundraiser.

Chellee Plumb

Community Notices

GLEN EIRA COLLEGE

ST. PETER'S MURRUMBEENA

ST. PATRICKS MURRUMBEENA

MENTONE GIRLS' SECONDARY COLLEGE