Enriching Academic, Social and Personal Growth in the Primary School

Written by Mrs Leanne Schulz (Assistant Principal- Primary)

29 September 2026

We would like to thank our families for their ongoing support throughout what has been a vibrant and engaging term in the Primary School. Students across all year levels have embraced a wide range of learning opportunities, excursions, incursions and House events that have enriched their educational experiences and contributed to their academic, social and personal growth. It has been wonderful to see our students challenge themselves, develop new skills and create lasting memories along the way.

One of the highlights of the term for many students from Prep to Year 6 was the celebration of Book Week. Students enthusiastically participated in a range of activities, including the Fairview Book Parade, the Cumberland Book Week Trivia competition and engaging presentations from visiting authors. Our weekly assemblies have also continued to provide valuable opportunities to celebrate learning, with each year level proudly sharing achievements, inquiries and discoveries from their Units of Inquiry.

Students in Prep and Year 2 participated in a Water Safety Program, developing essential knowledge and skills to help them stay safe in and around water. These practical learning experiences strengthened students’ understanding of personal safety while building confidence in aquatic environments.

Our Prep students continued to thrive through their daily Guided Play program, which fosters collaboration, communication, creativity and curiosity. Alongside developing strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, students explored their Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works, and enjoyed a memorable excursion to MoPA (Museum of Play and Art). Through rich play-based learning experiences and creative exploration, students were encouraged to imagine, investigate and create. A special highlight was celebrating the milestone of 100 Days of School with the theme 100 Days Brighter, marking an important achievement in their learning journey.

In Years 1 and 2, students have continued to be both challenged and supported in their literacy and numeracy learning. Meaningful connections to their Units of Inquiry have enriched classroom experiences and encouraged students to apply their knowledge in authentic and engaging ways. Year 1 students enjoyed learning about life in the past and were enthusiastically engaged in the History Box incursion. Year 2 students participated in a hands-on incursion ‘The body Investigators’ as they learnt about different body systems. Part of this unit also tied into The World Cup as students linked their learning to soccer and how the players need to look after themselves.

Year 3 students embraced French culture by celebrating Bastille Day as part of their French studies. Enjoying croissants and hot chocolate provided a fun and memorable way to deepen their understanding of French traditions and customs. In the classroom, students continued to build their inquiry, literacy and numeracy skills through engaging learning experiences and collaborative investigations. Year 3 students also had the privilege of meeting Cazz Redding, a professional town planner, as part of their learning about communities. Inspired by this experience, students embarked on the exciting challenge of designing and planning their version of the Melbourne suburb of Cobblebank, applying their understanding of community needs and urban design.

Year 4 students flourished during their camp experience at the YMCA Lady Northcote Discovery Camp. Through activities such as canoeing, the giant swing, archery, ropes courses and team-building challenges, students demonstrated courage, resilience and perseverance. The camp provided valuable opportunities to strengthen teamwork, collaboration and independence while creating lasting memories with their peers.

Year 5 students participated in an engaging incursion with Wild Action, where they explored the fascinating world of animal adaptations. This interactive experience deepened their understanding of how living things survive and thrive in different environments. Year 5 students recently welcomed the Talk Money program, presented by the Ecstra Foundation, for a practical session on financial literacy. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, students explored important concepts such as budgeting, saving, and understanding the value of money. The session encouraged critical thinking about making informed financial decisions while highlighting the real-life applications of the mathematical skills they are developing in the classroom. It was a valuable and thought-provoking learning experience that helped equip our students with essential skills for the future.

Year 6 students enjoyed their recent incursion from Hands on Science, where they explored the fascinating world of chemical reactions. Working in the school's science labs, students investigated the difference between reversible and irreversible reactions through a series of hands-on experiments, observing colour changes, gas production, and temperature shifts as evidence of chemical change. The engaging, practical format allowed students to see science in action, deepening their understanding of how and why substances change — and whether those changes can be undone. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to think and work like real scientists.

The Year 6 Captains also participated in the Battle for Australia Commemoration Ceremony. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Shrine of Remembrance Museum and reflecting on the significance of those who have served our country. The opportunity to take in the city views from the Shrine added to this memorable experience.

Community partnerships continue to play an important role in the Primary School. The Years 3–4 and Years 5–6 concerts were wonderful celebrations of student talent and achievement, providing students with opportunities to perform for their families and showcase their learning. The Father's Day Breakfast was another valued occasion that brought families together, strengthening the sense of connection and community that is such an important part of our school culture.

As Term 3 draws to a close, we would like to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of our students, who have approached their learning with enthusiasm, resilience and a commitment to growth. We also extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for the care, expertise and encouragement they provide every day. Most importantly, we are grateful to our families for your continued support and partnership, which play such an important role in our students’ success and wellbeing.

We wish everyone a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming our students back for a productive and exciting Term 4.