Principal's Message
Dear Families,
As we reach the end of Week 4, it's been a really engaging start to a busy term! As I walk through the school, it is delightful to see our students immersed in their work.
Firstly, I am absolutely delighted to share some fantastic news regarding our school's play spaces. We have been successful in receiving a generous $100,000 Grant from the Department for Education, Children and Young People for the expansion and improvement of our Middle and Upper Primary playground located near the school oval. This significant investment in our school infrastructure will allow us to create even more dynamic and engaging play opportunities for our older students.
As a result of this exciting grant, we are also exploring the possibility of redefining the oval spaces to carve out a dedicated soccer oval. This initiative has been heavily supported by ongoing student voice, with Ms New's class recently recording a powerful persuasive video and a signed petition to present to the School Association. It's wonderful to see our students advocating for their passions and we are keen to see how this vision can come to life.
From the classroom, I'm particularly proud to highlight our comprehensive approach to word recognition with the implementation of UFLI (Understanding Foundational Literacy Instruction) and Word Origins – which is now well established at Kingston Primary School. While it was an expectation from the Department for Education, Children and Young People to implement this from 2025 to 2026, the eagerness of our Teaching Teams and Leadership allowed us to begin exploring critical improvements in this space from the end of 2023. As a result we have been able to implement each approach, spending valuable time examining each other's practice to tweak and adjust teaching methods – ensuring every student thrives. We are incredibly proud of these results and the growth we have made in student Literacy. A huge thanks to our dedicated staff for being so willing to be early adopters and embrace this learning opportunity, ensuring our students are receiving the best possible education.
A special highlight recently was our Kindergarten students' very first Bush Adventures session. It was heartwarming to watch their faces light up as they explored the natural world around them, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to our beautiful environment. These sessions are proving to be an invaluable part of their Early Learning journey, building curiosity, resilience and a love for the outdoors.
We are also thrilled to announce the continued success of the hot lunches which began for Term 2 this fortnight! The aroma wafting from the Canteen has been delightful and the positive feedback from students and staff has been overwhelming. A huge and heartfelt thank you goes to Wendy and her incredible team for their tireless efforts, dedication and delicious meals. Their hard work ensures our students are well-nourished and ready to learn.
Our popular Kitchen and Garden Sessions are continuing to flourish throughout Term 2. Students are learning invaluable skills, from planting and nurturing to harvesting. The produce from these sessions is not only teaching them about sustainable practices but is also being directly utilised to support various programs within the school, creating a wonderful cycle of learning and contribution.
On the topic of our green spaces, we are all incredibly excited to commence the build for the 24 Carrot Garden expansion! This project will provide even more opportunities for hands-on learning, environmental stewardship and community engagement, and we can't wait to see it take shape. The end result will include an outdoor kitchen and classroom and additional garden beds and infrastructure, which will allow us to continue to support our school and wider community.
Finally a reminder that our Year 3-5 students will be participating in their Swimming and Water Safety Program over the next fortnight, starting Monday 26 May at Collegiate Pool. This fortnight is always a highlight, but it is a vital part of our Physical Education curriculum and builds capacity in swimming and water safety for our students. Students will be transported to the school by bus and will need to bring a towel, goggles and a swimming cap. Crocs or thongs are also strongly recommended.
That’s all for me this week. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
