Upcoming Key Dates

BK12 FEATURES

We’re excited to share that our Principal, Mr Broecker, along with two of our Year 7 students, will represent our school live on Sunrise (Channel 7) this Tuesday 3 March at 7:30am. They will join students and staff from two other local schools during a segment hosted by Sam Mac.

The broadcast will celebrate the success of the Youth Skills Shed initiative, which began at Boronia Heights Primary School and is now being introduced at our school. This hands-on learning space is designed to build practical skills, confidence, and real-world experience for our students.

The expansion of this initiative has been made possible through the generosity of the Boronia Rotary Club. After being recognised as a Westfield Local Hero Award recipient last year, Ray Siegersma generously committed his prize money to supporting the establishment of our Youth Skills Shed.

We encourage our community to tune in at 7:30am to watch the live cross and celebrate this exciting partnership and opportunity for our students.

Community members who would like to be part of the live audience are warmly invited to join us at Zerbes Reserve, outside the 3rd East Doncaster Scout Hall, located on the corner of Blackburn Road and Saxonwood Drive, East Doncaster.

We would love to see a strong show of support from our school community!

Advertisements & Community Notices

Principal Update

Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Staff,

While every school year typically begins on a positive note, this year there has been a noticeable uplift across the school. Daily classroom visits reflect a calm and focused learning environment, and we continue to embed our Strategic Plan through deliberate and purposeful actions.

This year, we once again welcomed our new Kinder learners, Foundation (Prep) and Year 7 students, along with many other new students across all year levels. Our Orientation Programs have been a key focus in ensuring a smooth transition for our newest students. The program includes engaging activities designed to help students build connections with classmates, get to know their teachers, and navigate their way around the school. For our Year 7 students, this included camp at Ferngully Lodge, which was a fantastic success and a pleasure for me to visit. Somehow, I even found myself on the giant drop!

This year, we welcomed the following new and returning staff:

• Mr Conlon – English (Secondary)
• Mr Hinds – Humanities (Secondary)
• Ms Harvie – Year 1 (0.6), teaching Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ms Wright will teach on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Ms Wilkinson – Full-time Year 3/4B
• Ms Mraz – Assistant Principal (Secondary)

It has been wonderful to see students settling in so well, making new friends, and embracing the second year of our school values: Community, Aspiration, Respect and Excellence.

Supporting our new values is an updated Vision Statement that reflects the key themes identified during the review process. The nine bolded words connect to the nine segments of our logo, strengthening the meaning of our logo and what we stand for as a school community.

This is titled the Boronia K–12 Way, or BK12 Way for short. The third component is our new motto. During the review process in 2024, it became evident that the existing motto, “Proudly Learning Together,” was not widely known—particularly by our students, but also by many staff and parents/carers.

Our new motto, Belong, Believe, Achieve, is short and powerful, helping to build meaning and shared understanding. A strong sense of belonging was overwhelmingly endorsed through the consultation process, making it fitting as the first word of our new motto. This is followed by believing in oneself, which leads to achievement.

2025 Achievements

Last year, we collectively achieved a great deal, setting us up strongly for 2026. We successfully introduced a new Instructional Model aimed at building consistency in teaching and learning across classrooms, and this year we will continue to deepen this work.

We are now entering our third year of Positive Behaviour Expectations and are seeing strong signs of success, with students regularly recognised for positive behaviours, embracing higher expectations and striving to do their personal best.

Our NAPLAN results indicated that every achievement target across the five tests was met, which is a fantastic outcome, aside from a small dip in Year 5 and Year 7 writing. We also saw significant growth in Reading and Numeracy, particularly in Year 3.

In addition, the Department of Education has rated our school as Improving in both major categories: student learning and wellbeing. This is a significant achievement, as movement between categories is challenging due to the wide range of data sets used to determine these ratings.

Looking Ahead

Outlined below are our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) priorities, which provide a clear sense of our key improvement areas.

This year, the leadership team and I are emphasising a strengthened staff mantra: Predictable, Consistent and Productive. This mantra emerged from the 2024 school review, and we have continued to build on it to promote cohesion and unity through a One School approach.

Predictability in learning environments helps students understand expectations and fosters a sense of safety and comfort. Consistency across classrooms supports understanding of the instructional model and reinforces a shared commitment to a common approach. This structure does not diminish the art of teaching; rather, it provides a strong framework that supports effective learning and teaching.

The productive element of our mantra focuses on increasing engagement through well-planned, thoughtfully prepared lessons, while encouraging students to strive for their personal best. Many staff and students have commented positively on the increased focus and collective effort evident across the school.

Every day, we see classrooms becoming calmer and more focused, with active teaching and learning taking place—something that is fantastic to witness.

Supporting Positive Behaviours in Schools

As a close-knit school community, we pride ourselves on living our values—particularly Community.

When parents, carers and school staff work together as one team, students achieve better outcomes. Everyone in our school community, especially staff and parents/carers, plays a role in making school a better place for learning and work.

The relationship between parents/carers and school staff can span many years. This provides an opportunity to build positive partnerships in the best interests of each child. When relationships are built on respect and trust, students learn more effectively and feel a strong sense of belonging.

Every member of our school community has the right to feel safe and protected.

The Department’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy outlines the positive behaviours expected from parents, carers and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards to create a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and families.

There are also resources available to support safe and respectful relationships within our school community, including information about getting involved in the school, advice on raising a concern or complaint, and parenting support resources. You can access the policy and related resources via the link provided.

You may also notice new posters displayed around the school promoting positive behaviour.

More information can be found here:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/behaviour-students/resources#statement-for-supporting-positive-student-behaviours-in-schools

Tips to Help Improve Your Child’s Attendance

Establishing strong attendance habits and addressing concerns promptly can support future success and help your child feel engaged and connected at school.

Here are some suggestions to support regular attendance:

• Talk to your child about school and the importance of attending every day. Ask how they feel about school, what interests them, and whether they are experiencing any difficulties.
  Some issues to be aware of include:
  • bullying or cyberbullying
  • feeling isolated at school
  • feeling disconnected from the school culture or environment
  • falling behind in schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed
  • disliking certain subjects or not feeling challenged
  • difficulties with peers or teachers
  • competing time demands, such as extracurricular activities
  • not feeling understood or accepted
  • lack of cultural acknowledgement or understanding
• Encourage and celebrate positive attendance habits, including arriving at school on time each day.
• Set a good example by honouring your own commitments.
• Encourage involvement in hobbies, sports or clubs at school to help your child build positive relationships and feel part of the community.
• Maintain consistent daily routines, including completing homework and getting adequate sleep.
• Pack school bags the night before.
• Establish a regular breakfast routine.
• Arrange for your child to travel to school with a friend where possible.

Remember: every day counts. If you are concerned about your child’s attendance, act early and contact the school to discuss how we can work together to provide support.

Useful Websites/Contacts

• Be You – beyou.edu.au
• Headspace – headspace.org.au
• eHeadspace – eheadspace.org.au
• ReachOut – reachout.com
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Raising Children Network – raisingchildren.net.au

Please contact the school if you have concerns about your child’s attendance.

Bullying

Bullying continues to be an important topic within schools and the broader community, and we take this issue very seriously. Education is key, and we have strengthened our teaching around the different forms of bullying, drawing on evidence-based resources such as the Respectful Relationships curriculum and external programs including Bully Stoppers.

We encourage parents and carers to access the following resource:
Bully Stoppers: Parents and Carers | vic.gov.au

We have a strong wellbeing team available to support students and families. You can also access resources through our Wellbeing Hub and Parenting Strategies website.

Whole-School Assembly

On Monday 16 February, we held our first whole-school assembly of the year. The assembly was special for three reasons:

• We welcomed back last year’s College Captains, Lucinda and Emily, with Lucinda—our 2025 DUX—delivering an inspiring speech and sharing valuable wisdom with our current students.
• We introduced our 2026 Student Leadership Team—21 student leaders selected to help lead and strengthen our school community.
• We continued building awareness of our new school values, vision and motto.

It is always wonderful to see students of all ages sitting together in our gym—one of the unique and special aspects of being a K–12 college.

We wish all students a positive and successful term ahead.

Curriculum Days 2026

• Term 1 – Tuesday 24 March
• Term 2 – Wednesday 17 June
• Term 3 – Friday 7 August
• Term 4 – Monday 23 November

Other Key Dates

• College Open Night – Tuesday 24 March
• Production: Wizard of Oz – September (dates TBC)
• State School Spectacular – Saturday 29 August
• College Christmas Fete – Friday 29 November, 1:30pm–6:00pm

We are committed to ensuring every student has what they need to thrive and succeed. Let us continue working together to achieve the best possible outcomes and overcome any challenges.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we will strive to achieve the very best for every student in our school community.

Sincerely,

Paul Broecker

College Principal

Administration & Parent Information

Welcome to another exciting year at Boronia K–12 College. We hope all families enjoyed a restful break and are ready for a productive and rewarding year ahead.

A particularly warm welcome to our students and families commencing with us in 2026. We are delighted to have you join our college community and look forward to supporting you as you begin your journey with us.

Office Hours

Our Administration Team is always happy to assist families with any enquiries.

Main Office (Albert Avenue)
Monday – Thursday: 8.15am – 4.15pm
Friday: 8.15am – 4.00pm

Primary Office (Gymnasium Building)
Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 3.30pm

Our administration staff are a wealth of knowledge and are available each day to assist with enquiries. If they are unable to help directly, they will gladly refer you to the most appropriate staff member.

Curriculum Contributions

I would like to sincerely thank all families who have already made their voluntary curriculum contributions for 2026. Your support enables the college to continue offering valuable programs beyond the regular curriculum, including our Dance Studio, Fitness Centre, Youth Skills Centre and Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.

These opportunities greatly enrich our students’ learning experiences and would not be possible without your support.

If you have not yet made a contribution, we warmly encourage you to consider doing so — no matter how small or large. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

If you have any questions regarding curriculum contributions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

CSEF Financial Assistance for Families

Sincerely,

Maria Jansen

Business Manager

Assistant Principal Report – Secondary

I would like to sincerely thank our school community for the incredibly warm welcome I have received since starting at Boronia K-12. I am so grateful to have already met so many of our wonderful students and their parents and carers.

It was a pleasure to meet our Year 7 students and their families on their first day of secondary school, and I was fortunate to attend Year 7 Camp for a day, where I enjoyed getting to know the students and seeing new friendships begin to form. The Year 7 BBQ was another wonderful opportunity to connect with students and their families.

I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with families of our senior students at the Senior School Information Session, where we unpacked our senior pathways, including new processes such as the Year 10 Certificate and hurdle tasks at VCE that will better prepare our students for success in the senior years. I am truly looking forward to continuing to meet all members of our school community and to build strong relationships throughout the year!

Positive Start

Secondary students have made a very positive start to the year and have settled in well as they adjust to school routines following the summer break. It has been pleasing to see calm classrooms and students focused on their learning as they re-establish productive habits.

We remain committed to continually raising the bar in relation to learning expectations, and our consistent approach is making a difference — with students arriving on time to class, dressed correctly in uniform, and equipped with the materials they need.

The absence of mobile phones during the school day has also supported a focused learning environment, free from unnecessary distractions. As always, we will continue to provide guidance and support to ensure every student can meet these expectations and achieve their personal best.

NAPLAN 2026

Reminder that NAPLAN testing for students in Years 7 and 9 will be taking place in the coming weeks. NAPLAN provides valuable information about students’ progress in literacy and numeracy, helping us to identify strengths, monitor growth over time, and tailor our teaching to best support individual learning needs.

While these assessments are just one snapshot of student achievement, they play an important role in informing our planning and continuous improvement as a school. Information has been sent out to parents via Compass, with more to come, but if you have any questions or would like further information about the testing process, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Respectful Behaviour Online

We would like to remind families of the new laws restricting access to social media platforms for young people under the age of 16. Recently, some concerns have arisen regarding anti-social behaviour occurring on these platforms, highlighting the importance of close supervision and adherence to these regulations. We strongly encourage all parents and carers to support and follow these new requirements to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students.

We understand that navigating social media boundaries can be challenging, and we invite families to reach out to the school if support or guidance is needed. Working together in partnership reflects our shared commitment to our school value of respect — for ourselves, for others, and for our community.

Secondary Sub-School Teams

We encourage parents/carers to reach out to their child’s Mentor Teacher as their point of contact for general enquiries. Our Sub-School Teams are also available to provide support and guidance. Please see below for the relevant staff members and their roles.

Middle School:

• Dan Camille (Director and Year 9 Learning Leader)
• Mikayla Cassidy (Year 8 Learning Leader)
• Dale Edwards (Year 7 Learning Leader)

Senior School:

• Lyle D’Rozario (Director and Year 12 Learning Leader)
• Joel Barnes (Year 10 and 11 Learning Leader)

Thank you again to everyone in our school community who has made me feel so welcome! I look forward to a positive and productive 2026.

Warm regards,
Amy Mraz
Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal Report – Junior School

Welcome back to school for the 2026 school year!                                                    

We know there have already been changes to the way we operate as a school over the past 2 years and we are excited to continue to develop and grow alongside our staff, students and school community.

I would like to let you know of an important shift in our school’s teaching and learning framework. After thoughtful reflection and work throughout 2025 with the leadership team and Junior School staff, and in alignment with current Department of Education mandates, our school will be transitioning away from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).

This change will allow us to place a stronger and more explicit focus on our planning and professional learning to focus on evidence-based teaching practices, in line with Department guidelines.

While we will no longer formally be part of the IB PYP, we remain deeply committed to many of its core philosophies. The heart of inquiry-based, concept-driven learning will continue to inform how we deliver subjects across the curriculum particularly in those other curriculum areas such as the arts and humanities. Students will still explore big ideas, make meaningful connections between concepts, and engage in learning that encourages curiosity and critical thinking to complement the rigorous foundational literacy and numeracy teaching and learning.

Our goal is to combine the best of both worlds: strong, structured teaching that builds foundational skills, alongside engaging, inquiry-based learning that promotes deeper understanding and lifelong learning habits.

We are excited about this balanced approach and believe it will better support all our students in becoming confident, capable learners who embody the BK-12 Way – to Belong, Believe, Achieve.

Our brand-new Integrated Inquiry Learning Framework for 2026 is outlined below. This curriculum has been designed using a thematic, inquiry-based approach. Broad concepts and big ideas are explored through integrated learning across multiple curriculum areas and revisited from Prep to Year 6, allowing students to deepen their understanding as they grow.

To make connections within and across year levels, each level (F, 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6) will have work on the same inquiry theme for the term, with their Big Idea to explore being different – allow for connections to the curriculum, their age and stage and to enable us to continue to build on these inquiry themes in a cohesive and comprehensive way.

TERM 1 Me, Myself and Others

Term 2: People, Places and Communities

Term 3: Our Changing World

Term 4: Systems and Innovation

Sincerely,

Cassandra Wright

Assistant Principal

Middle School Report

Wow, what a start to 2026!

Our Middle School students have hit the ground running and our classrooms are buzzing with energy.

Our Year 7s launched into secondary school life with a fantastic three-day camp at Ferngully Lodge, forming new friendships, stepping outside comfort zones and setting the tone for a strong year ahead. 

This term we re-launched our Positive Behaviour Expectations (PBE) matrix, and our students have bought in with enthusiasm. Green Chronicle posts are being collected like medals at the Winter Olympics! So far, we’ve seen 88 students reach Bronze (5 posts) and 39 students achieve Silver (10 posts) milestones. An outstanding effort!

A special shoutout to our current front-runners Ava G (Year 9), Sienna C (Year 9), Zoe L (Year 8), Sanali S (Year 7) and Josh E (Year 7) who are leading the charge and setting a terrific example for our college community.

In the coming weeks, our Year 7 and 9 students will complete NAPLAN testing, an important milestone in our academic calendar. Alongside this, we’ll continue unpacking our PBE matrix and using it to guide reflections in upcoming mid-term reports and goal setting conversations.

There’s plenty more excitement on the horizon too, with our KIOSC excursions, Interschool Volleyball, and our Whole School Athletics Carnival just around the corner.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for such a positive and energetic start to the year, let’s keep the momentum rolling!

Dan Camille,

Director of Middle School

Senior School Report

I would like to acknowledge the positive and productive start our Year 10, 11 and 12 students have made to the 2026 school year. It has been pleasing to see students return with focus, maturity and a clear commitment to making the most of their Senior School journey.

In Mentor, students have engaged in targeted activities designed to establish a strong foundation for the year ahead. This has included unpacking Progress Report criteria through our Positive Behaviour Expectations (PBE) Matrix, reflecting on self-development and personal responsibility, exploring the emotional landscape of senior secondary schooling, and setting academic and personal goals aligned with our CARE values.

Attendance, Coursework and Hurdle Tasks

Regular attendance remains critical to student success. Students must maintain a minimum of 90% attendance in each subject to ensure they have sufficient opportunity to demonstrate outcomes, have their work authenticated, and remain on track to satisfactorily complete their units.

We also remind students and families of the importance of completing all coursework, particularly hurdle tasks, in a timely manner. Coursework and hurdle tasks are essential in demonstrating understanding of key knowledge and skills and form part of the evidence used to determine a Satisfactory (S) result, and be well positioned to perform their best during SACs/SATs. Failure to complete coursework and hurdle tasks may place a student at risk of receiving an N (Not Satisfactory) result.

Mobile Phones and the Senior Study Centre

Thank you to the majority of students who are meeting the Department’s mobile phone policy. Phones must be switched off and stored away during school hours. Ongoing breaches will result in confiscation and consequences.

We also thank students for their responsible use of the Senior Study Centre. During Periods 1 – 5, it is strictly a study space; during Recess and Lunch, it may be used for quiet and respectful socialising. Continued access remains a privilege linked to meeting expectations.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting high expectations for our Senior School students.

Lyle D’Rozario

Director of Senior School

House Points Update

We’re excited to introduce our new House Points Update, which will now be a regular feature in the BUZZ newsletter. Students can earn house points through selected sporting events, participation in extra activities, and by demonstrating our Positive Behaviour Expectations (PBE), and modelling these values in their everyday actions.

This running total will celebrate the fantastic effort, achievements and teamwork shown by students across all houses. Keep an eye on the leaderboard as the points build and the competition heats up!

Whole School Swimming Carnival

What a fantastic day at Lilydale Pool (despite experiencing all four seasons in one day!). It was wonderful to see students embrace the day, rain or shine.

A big congratulations to everyone who participated and supported the event, and well done to our age group champions:

Grade 3/4 – Luke S (20 points) & Montana S (30 points)
Grade 5/6 – Zane O (28 points) & Emily W (30 points)
Middle School – Connor W (38 points) & Isla B (30 points)
Senior School – Boyd H (40 points) & Erica C (18 points)

The excellent efforts of all students contributed points to their houses, with the final results shown below.

BK12 Year 7 Scholarship – Applications now open for incoming 2027 Year 7 students

We are proud to celebrate our six Year 7 Scholarship recipients, Prue R, Bella C, Elisha Lai, Kaylee F, Connor W and Lucas A who have successfully completed a rigorous selection process for the 2026 scholarship program. These outstanding students truly exemplify our new college value of Excellence.

At our college, we believe that recognising and rewarding excellence helps foster a culture of achievement and motivation. Our scholarships are designed to provide deserving recipients with the resources and support they need to continue their journey of excellence and personal development. We hope their achievements will inspire them to reach new heights in an environment that promotes academic excellence, community responsibility, and unqualified respect for all individuals.

We are proud to recognise excellence across several areas:

• Academic Excellence – for exceptional achievement in core academic studies.
• Sir George Knox Memorial Sporting Excellence – for dedication and leadership in sport.
• LOCI Real Estate (Ferntree Gully) Community and Leadership – for making meaningful contributions to the community through initiative and service.
• Office Choice Arts (Visual & Performing) – for creativity, talent, and passion in the arts.

Congratulations once again to our remarkable recipients. We look forward to seeing all that you will achieve!

Applications are now open for incoming 2027 Year 7 students. A brochure and application form are available from either the Main Office or the Junior School Office.

2026 is off to an exciting start for our Music students!

The Music program has begun the year with energy, creativity, and a strong focus on building musical understanding across all year levels.

In the Primary years, students have started learning Solfege (solfa) – a system that uses syllables (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti) to help musicians understand pitch relationships and read melodies. Solfa supports accurate singing, strong listening skills, and confidence when learning new music. Students are now applying their solfa knowledge on instruments such as keyboards and xylophones, transferring melodic patterns from their voice to instruments and developing their ability to play with accuracy and musical expression.

In the secondary years, our Year 6/7 Electives and Year 8/9 Electives have been focusing on chord progressions. Students are learning how chords work together to create structure in music and how to correctly notate chord symbols and harmony on the stave. These skills are essential for both performance and composition and allow students to better understand the music they hear and play every day.

This year has also marked the exciting beginning of the  Boronia K–12 College Band, bringing together students from both Junior and Secondary School to perform as one large ensemble. Families will have the opportunity to see this exciting new band perform at Open Night – a performance not to be missed.

We are incredibly proud that 19 Boronia K–12 students have been selected to perform in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, working towards a major arena performance in August at the John Cain Arena, alongside approximately 3,000 students from across Victoria. In addition, our Boronia K–12 Choir will be performing at the Basin Music Festival in March. Stay tuned for details! 

It’s certainly shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for Music at Boronia K–12 College! 🎶

Ms Adele Crawford

Music Coordinator 

Wellbeing & Inclusion Report

Welcome back to the new school year from the Wellbeing Team!

We hope you all had a lovely break and enjoyed the sunshine. It has been so lovely to welcome all students and families back to school and catch up with old and new faces.

The wellbeing team have been supporting our littlest learners in Foundation as they start their schooling journey. We then headed up to the year 7 camp at Healesville to cheer everyone on as they stepped out of their comfort zone. We also checked in with our year 12s on their ‘last’ first day of school.

It has already a been a busy start to the term and is looking to continue with:

• a visit from the dental van – week starting 23 February
• International Women’s Day – March 8 2026
• Harmony Week – 16-22 March 2026

More information around acknowledging and celebrating these days will come out throughout the term so look out on compass.

In case you don’t know who the wellbeing and inclusion team are, check us out below and the supports we each offer.

We encourage parents to reach out to their child’s classroom teacher or sub school team if seeking out wellbeing support.

Students are welcome to self-refer by speaking to a trusted teacher, popping into the wellbeing centre or saying ‘Hi’ at Breakfast Club each morning in the Café.

Check out our flyers for more supports available to students across the college!

Sincerely,

Nicole Costa,

Director of Wellbeing

BK12 Library Update

Student Borrowing Guidelines

All primary and secondary classes will have opportunities to visit the College Library on a weekly basis to borrow books for their independent reading programs. While the ELC classes with Michelle and team will visit the College Library on a regular basis for a story and activities.

​Library Bags

All Foundation to Year 6​ students require a library bag to help protect their library books if they wish to take them home to read. 

Number of books students can borrow:

Foundation: 1 book

Year 1 & Year 2: up to 2 books

Year 3 – Year 6: up to 4 books

Year 7 – Year 12: up to 4 books

Loan period is 14 days

All students can borrow library books for up to 14 days. Students who require more time to finish reading books can renew books any time within the 14-day loan period. 

​Overdue library books

Students who have overdue library books will not be able to borrow until all overdue books have been cleared either by returning or renewing their books. 

If you become aware that your child’s library book is lost or damaged, please let me know, as this will assist in avoiding students having unresolved overdue loans.

Please encourage your students to look after their library books and return or re-borrow their books on time as this will avoid disappointment.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jenny Young,

Librarian

Welcome Puggles to 3-Year-Old Kindergarten 2026!

Getting to Know Each Other

It has been a thrilling start to our kindergarten program! This term, we have focused on settling children into play through small group activities, helping them feel safe, connected, and confident as they begin their day.

We have loved discovering what each child enjoys playing with and finding common interests across the group. This has been especially helpful in supporting children who experience big emotions at drop-off time.

We enjoyed reading a book called Just Jack by Jane Tanner, which helped us talk about starting kinder, making new friends, and understanding that it’s okay to be yourself. Together, we discussed what makes a good friend — being kind, sharing, taking turns, and including others.

To assist learning, educators have been modelling friendly ways to join in play, use kind words, and help solve small problems. With continued support and guidance, the children are beginning to practise these important social skills during their play and everyday interactions.

Learning and Establishing Daily Routines

Our class has been learning about daily routines using visual cards. The children had a wonderful time creating and decorating their own daily routine card plates with watercolours. Many are now confidently recognising the pictures, which is helping them follow instructions more independently — collecting their snacks and water bottles, and washing their hands without reminders.

We have been exploring how to get along as a group. The children watched a short video about respecting personal space using an imaginary “bubble”. These important social skills will continue to be practised as we grow and learn together.

A Special Visitor

We were excited to have a surprise visit from Ms Wright (Assistant Principal) and Norm, our wellbeing support dog. Although Norm is very big, the children quickly realised he is a gentle giant! It was a lovely opportunity to practise calm bodies, gentle hands, and confident interactions with a new friend.

Dawn Willis, 

ELC Teacher 

Early Years – 4 Year Old Program

We have had a wonderful start to the new Kindergarten year! Our youngest learners have settled beautifully into the routines and rhythms of kinder life, embracing new transitions, expectations and experiences with confidence.

Together, we created our “Learning and Play Promise,” where the children shared ideas about how to keep our kindergarten safe, respectful and fun. This collaborative process not only supports wellbeing and positive behaviour, but also empowers children to have a voice in shaping their learning environment. As a K–12 school, fostering this sense of belonging from the very beginning helps lay strong foundations for future learning.

We have already enjoyed rich learning opportunities beyond the classroom. An engaging incursion from Knox Leisureworks introduced important water safety concepts through hands-on activities, reinforcing vital life skills in a fun and memorable way. Our Kindergarten students were also excited to work alongside the Year 11 VM students, supporting them in preparing games for the F–2 swimming carnival. These cross-age experiences are a special part of being a K–12 community, building confidence, leadership and connection between our senior students and our youngest learners.

Michelle Buchanan,

Director of Early Learning Centre