Principal Report

I would like to extend my appreciation for the warm welcome I have received from students, parents and staff as I commence my role as Principal at Albany Rise Primary School this week. As many of you may know, I have worked at Albany Rise PS previously as the Assistant Principal from 2017-2021, and valued the amazing culture and the incredible school community so much that I jumped at the opportunity to return.

I have spent this week familiarizing myself with the current processes and practices of the school, getting to know new staff, students and families, and reacquainting myself with those I have worked with before.

I use the phrase “worked with” purposefully, as working together in partnership with parents/carers is how we can maximize successful academic and wellbeing outcomes for our students. Staff and parents/carers all “being on the same page” can increase success for students. Our role is to ensure that all students show growth in their learning – in both academic and wellbeing goals - and reach their full potential.

The focus on student wellbeing has not changed – Albany Rise Primary School has always provided exceptional wellbeing support and social and emotional learning for all students, with staff who are highly skilled to ensure that all students have what they need to be happy, supported and connected to school. I know that was true when I worked here previously, and those highly effective skills are still evident today.

What has really stepped up is the priority on academic learning, ensuring that the most effective delivery of curriculum and evidence-based practice is in place. Both teachers and Education Support staff are ensuring that they have a clear idea of what level of learning each student understands and can then enact the most effective evidence-based strategies to ensure that the students maximise their learning from that point, achieving their learning goal.

This is a journey that I am committed to continuing in my time at Albany Rise Primary School.

Those who have worked with me before know that my door is open. If you are available for a tea/coffee & biscuit and a chat, I will be in the Function Room from 2:45pm-3:25pm on Monday 13th October. If this time doesn’t suit, you are welcome to make an appointment. Please call the office on 9547 1146, or email me on Jane.Capon@education.vic.gov.au

Class selection for 2026

Our teachers have a great knowledge of our students and how they are and how they learn at school. They know which children learn best together – and which children don’t! However, if there is information we are not privy to, and you would like to let us know, please fill out the form at:

Student class Place requests 2026

By no later than Friday 16th October, 2025 (no exceptions) and we will do our best!

REMINDER: At school, students must wear hats when outside!

As we are now in Term 4, all students are required to wear hats outside at school. The UV rating is now high enough to cause skin damage every day. Please ensure that your child brings their school, SunSmart hat to school every day. We also encourage other SunSmart measures, such as sunscreen and sunglasses.

Birthday Treats

As we have a number of students with allergies (some severe) at school, and medical conditions (including diabetes) we cannot allow students to bring special treats to school for birthdays to share during the school day. Parents who are eager to have their child celebrate their birthday with their child’s class, can provide a small treat, which will be handed out by the class teacher at the end of the school day, so that parents can confirm if the child is allowed to have the food or treat provided when the child is collected from school. Thanks everyone for your support and understanding.

Where do we feel safe?

One of our highest priorities at Albany Rise Primary School is that our children feel safe and connected to school – no matter what is happening in their lives. School staff put in significant time and effort to ensure that students are safe and feel safe. This week, we have had it reconfirmed to us how important - and even life changing - this can be for our students.

On Wednesday, we had a visit from a former student, Peter Pringle. Peter was in the first Year 6 graduating class of the newly merged school, Albany Rise Primary School. Peter and his sister visited us and reminisced about the changes in the school from when they attended in the 1990’s to today. What it seems hasn’t changed from then until now is the spirit of the school; the continued focus on supporting all student to be safe and feel safe, and be the best that they can be.

Peter has left us an important legacy. Along the Zita Street side of the school, Peter has donated a plaque to remind us all that the work school staff do to support students is not in vain. Thank you, Peter – your message is an important reminder to us all and is very much appreciated.

Crossing Supervisor

The Monash council is having difficulty sourcing a crossing supervisor for the school crossing on Albany Drive. Until this matter is resolved, school staff will be assisting to ensure the safety of students.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Warm regards,

Jane.

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