Notes from the Principal

NAPLAN 2026

NAPLAN set up and administration proved challenging to begin with, but, as usual our students took it in their stride and applied themselves to completing testing. No matter what the result, I am very proud of the growth mindset our students demonstrated toward NAPLAN.

MUSIC IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM/GRANT

At the end of last year, we were successful in gaining funding for the Music In Schools Program. Mrs Huf travelled to Ballarat this week to take part in professional development. She will also be purchasing resources and instruments for our Music program, as well as working with a mentor.

STRUCTURED LITERACY INFORMATION EVENING

Thank you to everyone who came to our Structured Literacy Information evening. All feedback has been positive, and we hope we have given our parents ideas around supporting children’s literacy development at home. As always, if you have any questions about your child’s progress, our teachers are happy to make a time to discuss and support you.

HARMONY WEEK

This past week it has been Harmony Week, with many schools and organisations celebrating the diversity and culture that make up our communities. We celebrated by wearing a “touch” of orange and completing activities in our House groups. 

SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT – BLUE AWARD

I am excited to announce that, after our team effort in launching and establishing the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Framework, we have earned our SWPBS Blue Award. We have established our School Values and developed/taught expected behaviours. We have also established our behaviour management process and our rewards system. I think my favourite parts have been our School Values and our Rewards trees.

Next step is to work toward earning our Bronze award.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Our School Council AGM will be held Wednesday 25th March on site at 7:30pm. All current and potential members are invited to attend.

At the conclusion of the AGM we will hold a general meeting.

SHELTER IN PLACE

The Shelter in Place and Planned Maintenance Program works continue. The entry garden has been renovated, with the addition of rock mulch and fire-retardant plants. Other completed works include:

• Carpentry demolition
• Carpentry install mesh + FC Subfloor cladding
• Roofing works 85%
• Plastering 
• Fire caulking 

Works to be completed:

• Roofing works
• Carpentry install mesh + FC Subfloor cladding
• Solar Reconnect
• Switch board upgrade install
• Painting
• New lockers and seating

STRIKE ACTION

Next Tuesday there will be statewide Australian Education Union stop work action.  This will not affect any of our students.  School will proceed as normal.

ART CLUB

Barbara will be running an art session at recess on Monday, Tuesday and Friday for the next two weeks to make some coasters and magnets to sell on our stall at the Red Gum Festival.  

Coming up.....

• Monday 23rd March - Dress up Day (Native Australian animal, or wear something representing native Australian flora and fauna, for example, a t-shirt with a native animal or plant).
• Wednesday 25th March School Council AGM at 7:30pm.
• Tuesday 31st March - SGSSA Athletics at Mitchell Park – Year 3-5 – NOTE DATE CHANGE
• Wednesday 1st April Kitchen Garden Shared Lunch and Concert starting at 2pm – all welcome.
• Thursday 2nd April FINAL DAY Term 1- early finish 2:30pm.
• WORKING BEE/CLEAN UP for Red Gum Festival SUNDAY 12th APRIL 2026 9:30am start

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kate Steele

Principal