Principal's Report
PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER – 27 February 2026
It has been wonderful to see the strong learning focus across our classrooms over the past few weeks. When I visit classes, I see students settled, engaged and working productively. Our learning environments are calm, orderly and purposeful – something we are very proud of.
School Review Process
Over the past fortnight, we have been involved in our regular four-year school review. This is a Department of Education process undertaken by all Victorian government schools. We hosted four days of independent Department staff who observed our practices, reviewed our data and met with students, staff and parents through forum sessions.
All reviewers followed Child Safe practices, signed in at the office and were authorised to be onsite.
Thank you to those who provided input. Your insights will help shape the goals and priorities for our next four-year Strategic Plan as we continue working to make our school even better.
Alongside this, we are also partnering with another team to review our wellbeing practices to ensure we are building on the strong foundations already in place and continuing to enhance the support we provide to students.
Student Leadership
Our student leaders have made a fantastic start to the year.
Our Play Leaders are out in the yard each day supporting younger students and have recently been awarded their certificates. Our School Captains have already organised their first event – a casual dress day with Zooper Doopers – and we look forward to seeing the enthusiasm this brings!
Mr Rose and Ms Bailey have been working with our Student Engagement Leaders, who have generated a plethora of ideas to strengthen connections within our school and with the wider community. The plan is to aim for one initiative each term. Their certificates will be presented at our next assembly (they have been reminded to remind you!).
School Council 2026
We received exactly the right number of parent nominations to fill our vacant School Council positions. Congratulations to our incoming members: Thea Grenfell, Jess Tanner and Maddie Walsh. We look forward to working together at our first meeting on Monday 23 March at 6pm in the staffroom.
I would also like to sincerely thank our outgoing councillors – Jaimie Rochford, Julie Denham and Gab Tobias – for their dedication and support.
Supporting Our Staff and Community
It has been a challenging time for our school community following recent media attention involving the former principal. While this has been difficult for many adults, I also witnessed something incredibly positive – an outpouring of support from our parent and professional community.
Those who know our school know the dedication of our staff. Even during this period, staff continued to put students first and ensured that learning remained consistent and productive. I am extremely proud of their professionalism.
We are working closely with the Department as we navigate the situation. Department communications can take time and are often succinct, so when appropriate, I will continue to provide updates to keep you informed. The untrue allegations have been hurtful, and the Department is aware of the impact this has had on staff.
Counsellors have been onsite regularly to support staff wellbeing, ensuring we can continue to be our best for your children. Thank you for your patience if responses to requests have occasionally taken longer than usual – there has been significant work happening behind the scenes.
Our school reviewers were onsite throughout much of this period and commented on how well the school maintained high levels of productivity and care while managing additional pressures. That is something we can all be proud of.
Adam Voigt from Real Schools recently wrote an article in The Age that some of you may have seen. Adam has been a strong supporter of our school over the past two years, and he was onsite this week working with our leadership team to help us continue promoting the many positive things happening at our school.
Facilities Updates
We are currently awaiting a start date for the new basketball courts behind the gym. This project has been funded through PFC fundraising efforts over the past three years, with students also contributing this year to help cover the remaining shortfall. Their enthusiasm for this project has been wonderful to see.
We are also working with the Department to reinstate the old Year 2 basketball court near TheirCare. Additionally, a recent drain blockage caused flooding in the hall foyer; thankfully, reinstatement works have now been approved.
As with many schools, our buildings are ageing, and we are prioritising works based on safety needs and student voice. Thank you for your continued support through curriculum contributions, donations and participation in our fundraising activities. Your partnership makes a real difference.
Parking Reminder
A friendly reminder that there is no parent parking available onsite. Parking within the school grounds is strictly for staff only. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring our site remains safe and accessible at all times.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school community.