School Council News

I’m Ed Rutherford, parent to Emily in Grade 4 and William in Grade 6, and Vice President of School Council. 

The second last school council of this year was packed.

We spent time checking in on the 2025–2029 strategic plan, and what struck me most was how VTLM 2.0 will anchor our curriculum work from 2026. The conversation kept coming back to practical ways the staff lift literacy and numeracy growth for every child, not as an abstract target but through the day‑to‑day choices teachers make in classrooms. That alignment felt clear and energising.

I am continually impressed by the thoughtfulness and care for, and by students. The examples are numerous – the addition of ‘Resilience’ as a 4th school value, the Junior School Council raising funds for Vinnies from a casual clothes day, the skills students are picking up through the ‘I Can’ program, the School Breakfast Clubs program ensuring all kids are fed and ready to learn, the Sustainability club continuing to look for small choices like swapping zooper doopers for paper‑wrapped icy poles that shift habits, and of course the impact of our wonderful nurse Suzy and the work by Michelle Turner on student mental health and well being.

Work on the school progresses with plans well underway for an update of the mini oval, and amazingly the massive funding boost from what I believe is the most successful Silent Auction we’ve had in my time here at Wales Street (just over $20k raised). We also approved works to enclose both ends of the BER building, install six child‑safe doors and repair the retaining wall at the back of the oval with measures to curb root spread — both initiatives that make the place safer and more usable. You can play your part in safety by continuing to ensure that the before and after school care gate is closed behind you if you use it.

The recent Minister’s announcement on BYOD programs in schools prompted a thoughtful discussion. Learning to use technology is an essential skill for children in today’s world. Our Digital Learning policy balances meaningful classroom learning with strong safety and wellbeing measures so every student uses technology purposefully and responsibly. We heard from the Policy sub committee on the Wales Street approach with our program plans to moving toward shared, school‑managed devices and targeted investments where they make sense. We’re also lining up staff professional learning and a parent session with the Cyber Safety Project so digital wellbeing is built into how we use technology, not bolted on after the fact.

Our final School Council meeting for the year is in early December. Thanks to everyone — families, staff, students and volunteers — for the energy you’ve brought into to Term 4. 

Many thanks,