PRINCIPAL’S REPORT ~ February 17th, 2026

Student Wellbeing Update

SHINE Captains 2026

Thanks to Year 5/6 staff for selecting the SHINE Captains for 2026. Congratulations to the students. They will be introduced at the Yr 3-6 assembly on Friday 20^th Feb, 2026.

SHINE Captains will do a whole day training at school with Amanda Edwards (MHIPS) on Peer Mediation.

SHINE Captains are peer mediators. Peer Mediation is when students help other students to find a way of solving problems, disagreements or arguments. The students who are having the problem meet with two trained mediators to say what the problem is for them and how they feel about it. The mediators then help them to identify what they each need for the problem to be solved. A solution which meets each person’s needs is chosen and an agreement is written down.

It is a voluntary and confidential process bound by specific ground rules. It follows a formula that assists students to work through immediate problems, take responsibility for generating their own solutions, agree on those that are practical and acceptable to both students and then work at implementing these. In doing so it enables children to develop a basis for future problem solving.

SHINE Captains take part in a whole day training session learning skills such as active listening, strategies to solve conflict, communication skills and teamwork. They also participate in role plays to practise how to mediate a problem using restorative conversations.

Peer Mediators wear a special pink vest and are on duty each recess and lunch time to assist children who are having some disputes in the playground or to help children find friends and things to do.

2026 SHINE Captains

School Captains: Jax H, Alaska M, Tate S and Josie C

56S Nate Mc and Sadie B

56G Madden B and Somer M

56P Hamish R and Isabella D

56M Lily M and Zoe B

56R Jaxon K and Carter D

56W Charlotte F and Evie D

2026 Student Representative Council (SRC)

School Captains: Jax H, Alaska M, Tate S and Josie C

56W Jade C and Ruby H

56R Lachlan M and Sam Mc

56P Cooper K and Caitlin F

56M Ayla B and Chase Mc

56G Lexie S and Matilda H

56S Hamish S and Storm H

34B Harper L and Alec S

34R Georgia S and Charlie F

34H Jonah W and Ivy S

34P Frank B and Eve R

34W Lola G and Estelle C

34L Hannah H and Isaac S

SRC will be led this year by myself and Nick Westerman. In the past the SRC have been responsible for consulting other students about the Ninja Playground, GaGa pit, fundraising for resurfacing of the basketball court and new basketball rings. They consulted last year about choice of beanie for winter. Each representative will have a buddy class they will visit to gather ideas from the students to take to SRC meetings, so every student has a voice in how we maintain such a great school.

Curriculum Update

Parent Info session – Tuesday 10th Feb

Thankyou to parents, staff and students that attended the Parent Info session last Tuesday. We had over 100 adults from Prep – 6 attend despite everyone being busy with other commitments.

3-Way Conferences – 10th March 12 noon – 7.00 pm

3-Way Conferences with your child’s classroom teacher will be held on Tuesday, 10th March, following the long weekend. This will be a student-free day, and you will have the opportunity to schedule a 10-minute conference with your child’s classroom teacher and specialist teachers between 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm. This acommodates families with varying schedules. Additionally, Out of Hours School Care (OHSC) will be available for bookings on this day.

A questionnaire will be sent out in advance to help you prepare for the conference and ensure you make the most of your time with the teacher. We encourage you to review the questionnaire carefully, as it will guide the conversation and provide valuable insights into your child’s progress.

Booking will be available via Compass from tomorrow.

We hope that the timing of these sessions, close to the long weekend, will assist in making this process as convenient as possible for all families.

Communication with parents on academic information.

We are committed to maintaining clear and consistent communication with you regarding your child's academic progress. To facilitate this, we have dedicated boards located around the school that provide important updates and information. Additionally, we will be utilizing our website and newsletter to share further academic insights and details.

We encourage you to explore these resources if you have not already done so. During your visit for the 3-Way Conferences on Tuesday, 11th March, please take a moment to check them out.

Thank you for your continued engagement in your child’s education.

Tutoring Initiative @ Clifton Springs PS

At Clifton Springs Primary School, we continue to develop and strengthen our intervention model each year to ensure we are meeting the diverse learning needs of our students. At any given time, some children may require additional support to consolidate skills or catch up in their learning for a variety of reasons.

In 2026, we are pleased to continue offering targeted intervention programs for students who would benefit from additional support.

We are particularly excited to once again implement two evidence-based reading intervention programs:

• MiniLit – An explicit and effective early literacy intervention program designed for junior students. MiniLit focuses on building foundational reading skills through structured, evidence-based instruction.

• MacqLit – A systematic and explicit small-group reading intervention program for older students who require additional support. MacqLit provides a comprehensive sequence of lessons covering all key components of effective reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Students are carefully selected for these programs based on assessment data to ensure those who would benefit most receive targeted support. In addition to intervention sessions, classroom teachers continue to differentiate learning within the classroom to further support individual student needs.

If your child is identified as eligible for one of these tutoring programs, you will be contacted directly. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Management Update

Parents and Friends Group and School Council

We are asking for expressions of interest to be part of the 2026 CSPS Parents and Friends Group and nominations for School Council. Please email the school if you are interested and I shall be in touch.