Principal's Report
PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER – MARCH 25, 2026
Dear Families,
Thank you for your support during the recent teacher Stop Workday. We understand the challenges this can create for families, and we genuinely appreciate your understanding as teachers advocate for important matters within the profession and for greater funding for students and schools. On the day, we were pleased to offer a supervision program with mixed year level groupings.
This week, School Council held its AGM and we warmly welcome our new councillors. School Council meets monthly and plays an important role in supporting the school. A school council is the legally formed governing body in government schools responsible for setting the strategic vision, developing policies, approving budgets, and maintaining facilities
1. Learning and School Improvement
We continue to see a strong and positive learning culture across our classrooms, with students engaged, focused, and working purposefully. Our recent School Review affirmed the strength of our teaching and learning programs, with recommendations closely aligned to our own vision for the school. We are now developing our new four-year Strategic Plan, with a focus on strengthening consistency across the school and continuing to build our wellbeing supports for students.
Our recent Child Safe review confirmed that our practices are strong and effective, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for every child. As part of this process, the Principal Team met with a Child Safety review team for a more detailed evaluation, following our successful completion of all required standards at the end of 2025. We are very pleased to share that the school was highly commended for the work undertaken over the past 15 months, with no further actions required. A summary letter outlining these findings will be shared with our community once it is finalised. A new Child Safe section has been added to our website under the Parent tab, providing families with easy access to information about our policies and practices.
Our Principal Team also attended a statewide Principal Conference in the city alongside hundreds of colleagues. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with guest speakers and professional dialogue, particularly around curriculum updates, student wellbeing, assessment practices, and building greater consistency across schools.
We also met with the Department’s Respectful Relationships Curriculum Leader to review updated requirements. Our programs were again commended for being thorough and well embedded across all year levels. As part of this work, our THRIVE Network Leader, Sarah Roney, is establishing a dedicated THRIVE space in a classroom near the junior sandpit to further support student wellbeing. We will also add links to the curriculum on our website to make it easier for families to see the topics covered. The program is designed to be both preventative and protective, helping students recognise and respond to unsafe or inappropriate situations.
2. Student Leadership and Student Voice
Our student leaders continue to play an active and positive role in school life. We are working closely with them to reinforce expectations of leadership, including modelling our school values at all times.
Our School Captains are currently planning a Term 2 event—Pyjamas and Popcorn—with more details to come.
Our Student Environment Leaders (SELs), alongside Ms Bailey, have organised Jump Rope for Heart, which has been a fun and active initiative. Thank you to families who have already supported this cause.
The SELs are also preparing for a Krispy Kreme Drive next term, with ordering information to be shared soon, as well as a Donut and Slushy Day towards the end of Term 2.
In the absence of a PFC this year, our student leaders are taking a proactive role in building community connections. Working with our Community Connections Leader, Caitlin Rossi, they are planning a Mother’s Day / Special Persons Morning Tea on Friday May 8. This will include a coffee van, photo booth and light refreshments, along with classroom activities and school tours led by students.
Harmony Day was a wonderful celebration, with a sea of orange across the school and thoughtful classroom discussions focused on inclusivity and kindness. Thank you to our Wellbeing Leaders for their organisation.
We are also supporting ANZAC Day, with SEL students currently selling badges and a special assembly planned for next term.
Facilities Update
Over the holidays, new carpet will be installed in the hall foyer following earlier flood damage. We have also submitted requests to restore the basketball area near TheirCare and to complete repairs in two classrooms. In addition, new pool boilers have been approved and the shower facilities will be upgraded.
3. Learning Snapshot – NAPLAN
NAPLAN was completed successfully, despite some technical challenges. A sincere thank you to Mrs Gilchrist for her excellent organisation. The data gathered will support us in continuing to tailor learning and maximise student growth.
4. Supporting Positive Behaviour
We continue to support students in caring for our school environment. At Breakfast Club, we have noticed an increase in rubbish, particularly popcorn bags, being left in the yard. We are keen to continue offering this option; however it relies on students demonstrating responsibility.
We also ask families to support safe use of playground equipment, such as the flying fox, before and after school by reinforcing turn-taking and fair play.
Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations at home—it makes a real difference in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.
5. Important Reminders for Families
Parking Reminder
A friendly reminder that parent parking is not available onsite. Parking within the school grounds is reserved for staff only or during scheduled King’s Swimming lessons. As space is very limited, we may need to consider further restrictions if required. Thank you to families who are already supporting this and helping to keep our school safe.
Attendance Matters
Student attendance continues to be a priority. Ms Parkes, our Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader, carefully monitors attendance data and works closely with families to provide support where needed. Regular attendance is essential for both learning and wellbeing.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school community. We are committed to making our school the very best it can be and to developing curious, confident learners. Together, we can achieve this.
Kind regards,
Deb Haddow
Principal