Principals' Weekly Update

Dear Armadale Community

2026 Class Placement and Transition

Your child’s class and teacher for 2026 have now been shared, and many of the children we have spoken to are already looking forward to the year ahead. They are excited about working collaboratively with their peers and teachers, and many have also received a teacher profile to help support a smooth transition.

We encourage you to continue supporting your child as they prepare for this change. You know your child best, and your guidance plays an important role in helping them feel confident and settled. Talking through any worries they may have, as well as helping them identify the positives, is an important part of the transition process.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your child feels ready for a great start in 2026.

Thank You Courtney

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Courtney for her wonderful contribution to the Arts this term. Her teaching has encouraged our children to explore drama and music techniques that have enhanced their performance skills. Students have been challenged to work collaboratively as they create, rehearse, and perform for their peers using specific criteria, and they have grown enormously through this process.

We wish Courtney all the very best in her future endeavours. Her wealth of knowledge and expertise has been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed within our Arts program.

Year 6 Graduation – Award Recipients

Our Year 6 Graduation was celebrated in style, with families enjoying a wonderful evening of heartfelt speeches. Students reflected on their primary school journey through beautifully crafted vignettes, and our School Captains were acknowledged for their outstanding leadership and the introduction of Captains' Corner.

Below is a brief outline of the evening’s award recipients:

Major Bartlett Award – Archer Kling

Major James Charles Bartlett served as Head Teacher at Armadale Primary School from 1893 to 1904. Upon his passing, he left £1,500 in trust to recognise academic excellence in Victorian state schools. Each year, the interest from this fund is awarded to a student who excels across all academic areas and meets a set of special selection criteria.

This year’s decision was unanimous. In recognition of his exceptional efforts and achievements across the Victorian Curriculum, we are delighted to announce the 2025 recipient of the Major Bartlett Award: Archer Kling. Congratulations, Archer.

Principal Award – Ivy Giahos and Bella Ryan

The Principal Award honours students who embody exemplary attitude, leadership, and initiative.

Ivy Giahos has demonstrated a consistently positive outlook and strong teamwork skills. As a committed member of the Getting the Word Out SRC, Ivy has shown reliability, initiative, and a genuine willingness to solve problems and support her peers.

Bella Ryan, serving as an SRC executive, has displayed outstanding leadership. Her ability to organise, communicate clearly, and carry out plans to a high standard has strengthened the team and enhanced the impact of its initiatives.

Congratulations to Ivy and Bella.We are extremely proud of your contributions and the example you set for others.

Josh Schmidt – Sport Award

Josh has consistently demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, resilience, and leadership in Physical Education. He has shown respect for others, strived to improve in every sport, and led by example both in the classroom and when representing the school at gala and district days.

Issy Harris – Library Award

Issy’s initiative, enthusiasm, and mature approach to literature make her a positive role model. She demonstrates a strong commitment to learning by thinking deeply about texts, asking thoughtful questions, and using mentor texts to strengthen her understanding and skills as a writer.

Stella Karafillis – Italian Language Award

Stella embodies the Armadale Primary School Values through her interactions with peers, younger students, and staff. She consistently demonstrates maturity, strives to do her best, and takes initiative in all aspects of her Italian language learning. Her kindness, respect, and consideration make her a positive role model for everyone around her. Auguri, Stella! Congratulations on this well-deserved award.

Indi Puccinelli – Arts Award

Indi demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the Arts. Her experimental characterisation, voice, movement, use of space, and collaborative leadership of her peers reflect her strong ability and mature participation in Drama and Music.

We congratulate all our award recipients on their exceptional achievements and the example they set for others.

Ray Skinner Parent Community Award – Gretchen Puccinelli and Clare Corbould

Named in honour of former parent Ray Skinner who dedicated countless hours of voluntary service. This award recognises parents whose long-term commitment has made a significant impact on our school community, and who are celebrating their youngest child’s graduation.

This year we are pleased to acknowledge Gretchen Puccinelli and Clare Corbould for their outstanding service. Thank you for your remarkable contribution to our school.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the 2024 Graduation Committee: Gretchen Puccinelli, Yasemin Isik, Claire Karafillis, Marta Cummings, Carly Harris, Nicole Schmidt, Jenny, Luca, Richard, and Janine for their tremendous effort in creating such a memorable evening.

Congratulations once again to all award recipients and to our graduating Year 6 students. We are incredibly proud of you.