Principal's Report
Jells Park Primary School
Principal: Kevin Oakey
Assistant Principal: Kellie Stewart
Assistant Principal: Scott Zachariassen
s.zachariassen@jpps.vic.edu.au
Reconcilliation and 'Welcome to Land'.
At the Principal’s Conference last week I had a chance to listen to Scott Darlow, an Aboriginal singer, songwriter, public speaker and educator from Yorta Yorta country. He had a couple of very powerful, yet simple, messages for us all that I thought I would share.
He spoke to us about the difference between a ‘Welcome to Country’ and an ‘Acknowledgement of Land’.
The first is specifically aimed at visitors to the land, remembering that Australia is divided into well over 250 ‘lands’ in the indigenous culture. For the indigenous people a visitor maybe the mob next door and they would always welcome them when they visited. By extension in the current environment a ‘Welcome to Country’ is extended to any visitors to the land, not necessarily to those that already reside there.
‘Acknowledgement of Land’ is different and is a respectful way to recognize and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where an event or meeting is taking place. This is a courtesy that does no harm and is something that all ‘Australians’ should embrace as it talks to our history. It also leads into his next point:
He was very clear about the identity of an Australian and said “‘if in your heart you identify as Australian, whether you have been in this country for 6 weeks or 6 generations, then your history as an Australian started 65,000 years ago”. Australia’s history did not start with Captain Cook, it started with the indigenous people thousands of years earlier than that and we are all part of the ‘Australian mob’.
- Finally he talked about true reconciliation in Australia coming through education and understanding, just as New Zealand was able to do over 100 years ago with the Maori people. Hence this message being passed on to our school community.
If you are further interested in learning more about Scott Darlow head to his website HOME | darlow
Container Deposit Scheme
We have had an invitation to be involved in this scheme, however we would need someone to manage the collection and disposal of cans and bottles. Would anyone in the school community like to undertake this role for the school?? If so, please come and see me to chat about it. Great way to help the school without amassive time commitment.
Bullying Prevention Policy
Jells Park PS are due to review the Bullying Prevention Policy. The current policy is attached here and I invite parents to read and contribute to the review. I welcome feedback and suggestion on content and processes.
Important Reminders / notes:
Work Sample Books: Can parents please ensure that these books are returned to school ASAP. If they are not returned they will not be replaced.
Lost Property: Is building up again, lots un-named. If your child has lost something (clothes, bottles, lunch boxes, toys) please come and have alook.
Entering the Classrooms: Can I remind parent of the expectations around entering the classroom - Please DO NOT walk into the classroom during class time or expect time with a teacher while they are preparing class or taking class. Teachers are always available to make an appointment to discuss your child, or please come to the office if the issue is more urgent.
Sibling Enrolment for 2026: Please contact the office for the information flyer on how to register on the Enrolment Platform (Insight) and apply for your child to attend Jells Park PS. This can be done now. It really helps us to know the number of sibling enrolments really early.
Kevin Oakey
Principal
New JPPS Staff
We are delighted to welcome Teri to our Education Support staff team, who joined us at the beginning of Term 2. Teri will be working across multiple levels in the school, supporting students with additional needs. With her extensive knowledge of disabilities and her enthusiasm for the role, she is sure to make a meaningful impact.
We also extend a warm welcome to Emily, who will be joining JPPS on Monday as our new BOOST teacher. Emily is an experienced intervention teacher with a strong background in phonics instruction, having previously taught using Little Learners Love Literacy. She brings fresh ideas and great energy to the JPPS community. If your child attended BOOST in Term 1, Emily will be in touch regarding the resumption of the program and opportunities to connect.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kellie Stewart
Assistant Principal