Principal's News

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome for 2026

Welcome to the 2026 school year.  This year we have over 180  students enrolled and they have all made a great start to the school year with all classes very settled and the yard has been very calm and friendly. I would particularly like to welcome our new families who are either starting their school journey in Prep (20) or who have joined us from other areas and other schools. Please ask lots of questions and seek help and advice whenever it is needed. A big thank you to our dedicated staff who have again ensured that everything was set up and ready for the start of the year. The thorough planning that goes into these first weeks of school sets us up beautifully for what promises to be another great year. A full newsletter will be published and sent to families each fortnight starting next Thursday. The  'Calendar Update' of events and reminders will be provided on the alternate fortnight.

Parent permissions required. 

This week your child received a copy of our ‘Local Excursions’ permission form and ‘Acceptable use of Technologies’ Agreement form. Please read these carefully and return ASAP.  (This agreement outlines the expectations for all students when accessing digital technology and devices at school. Students are unable to access technology and devices at school until this agreement is returned).

More information regarding these agreements can be found in the policies section on our school website or by contacting the school. 

Heatwave

Our Extreme weather timetable will be in place this week limiting the time students are outside when the temperature rises. Please ensure your child brings their water bottle to school so it can be refilled to maintain hydration.  We will have icy cold water available for students to use. 

Welcome Morning Dance Event

We would like to offer families the opportunity to come in to visit the classrooms, meet the teachers before school,  catch up for a chat with other families while you watch a special Dance Performance. This will be on Friday 20th February. Our classrooms will be open from 8:30am and the dance showcase will begin at  9:00am. We will have a coffee van on site ( for the adults only) from 8:20am. 

School Photos

Our School photos will be taken on Monday the 16th of February.  Students will bring home an envelope today with ordering information. (also in the flyer below)  

Community Clubs

This year we are again planning to run community clubs activities for all students P-6 on Friday afternoons for 4 weeks each term. It is hoped that these sessions will involve members of the community visiting our school or students accessing local facilities and/venues. If you would like to be involved or have any ideas, please contact the school office.

School Assembly - Monday 9th February

Families and friends are welcome to join us to hear what has been happening and share in our celebrations at our Whole school Assemblies. These will take place each Monday afternoon beginning at 2:50pm in the open space of the BER building. Our first assembly will be on Monday the 9th of February.

School Hats and Water bottles 

With the warm weather about, it is vital that all students wear their school hat when outside. Students who do not have a hat will be asked to sit in a designated shade area or inside. Students should also be drinking water regularly while they are playing and using their water bottles during class time. Students should have a drink bottle containing water only.    

Staffing

We have some changes and there are some new faces to this year. Below is a list of all of our staff and their role in the school. A special welcome to Xavier Fawcett, Jac Elborough, and John Atley. 

Principal – Kate Whitford

Office Manager – Mrs. Povey

Leading Teacher- Sarah Mangan

Wellbeing /MHiPS– Ms. Ross

Prep- Mrs. Pascoe (Learning Specialist)

Prep1/2 – Mrs. Acocks (Mon-Weds)/Ms. Whitfield (Thurs & Fri)

Gr 1/2 – Mr. Carroll (P-2 Team Leader)

3/ 4 – Mr Fawcett (Mon-Weds)/Ms. Blackman (Thurs & Fri)

3/ 4 – Ms Ietto (Monday) Mr. Irwin (Tue-Fri & 3-6 Team Leader)

3/4 -Mr Ross

5/6 – Mr. Nihill

5/ 6 -Ms. Watson (Mon-Weds) Ms Elborough (Thurs & Fri)

5/ 6 – Mr. Rasmussen (Learning Specialist) 

Tutor Program – Ms. Trickey

Hands on Learning- Ms Wright & Mr Atley

Art – Mrs. McPhee

LOTE – Ms. Trickey/Ms Blackman

Performing Arts – Ms Elborough

Science- Ms Wright.

Phys Ed/Health- Mrs. Mangan & Ms Elborough

Speech support- Ms Ietto

Education Support

Beck P 

Miranda

Sandra

Bridget (Student Wellbeing Officer)

Bek H

Kylie (Student Wellbeing Officer)

Zane

Matisse 

Shelley

Britt

Food Allergies and sharing food.

At Rochester Primary School we work towards being an Allergy-Aware School. We have students who are Anaphylactic or Allergic to certain kinds of foods. Each year staff complete Anaphylaxis Refresher Training.  We ask that families avoid bringing foods in lunchboxes that contain nuts or nut products, and we ask that parents remind all students to not share food with classmates. With your help we can support all students and maintain a safe school environment. 

VChild safe – Working with Children Check.

At Rochester Primary we love having family and friends volunteering and helping with our classroom and programs. Please be reminded that a WWCC (Working with Children's Check) is required for almost any activity in our school. These can be applied for on line and for volunteers they are free. One of these will be required if your child in involved in Junior Sport or activities. All visitors are required to sign in at the office on arrival.

Thank you.

I would like to thank the school community (parents, staff & students) for your support of the school this week as we welcomed everyone back to school.

Kate Whitford