PRINCIPAL’S REPORT ~ November 11th
Management Update
Family Engagement – Family Picnic Tuesday 25th November 4-6 pm
Given we recently held the STEM expo at end of term 3 with the STEM expo and parent-teacher interviews at the start of term 3, we have decided not to hold the Learning expo this year. In its place we are planning a Family Picnic from 4-6 pm Tuesday 25th November. Bring a rug and chair as well as your own food for a picnic. There will be music and dancing provided by the Billy Bushtea Band on the basketball court. This is a family event, therefore alcohol free.
There will be an opportunity for a small number of market stalls selling craft/gifts. We are seeking expressions of interest for stall holders. We would require a proposal and an idea of the crafts and costs of the items being sold. Please contact admin for more information or with any questions. EOI close Tuesday 18th November.
Staff Culture
All staff had the opportunity to participate in the State Staff Survey. We have a high number of staff highly endorsing the school this year, as they have done so in previous years. The results are higher than similar schools in the local area and the state.
We look forward to the return of Georgie Zilner and Maddie Hopgood in 2026
Wellbeing Update
Remembrance Day 11th November, 2025
This morning, our school captains represented Clifton Springs PS at the Remembrance Day service held at the Drysdale RSL. The weather was wet and windy, and we had a crowd of about 200.
The service was well received, and many people approached afterwards to congratulate our school captains. The RSL value the inclusion of children in their programs, and apparently the public agrees.
Sienna, Campbell , Henry and Spencer were well-dressed in their uniforms, and spoke their lines beautifully. They were very stoic despite the weather conditions. They were wonderful representatives of our students at CSPS.
Respecting Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion
At Clifton Springs PS we value the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and faith of all our students. We are proud of our diversity, and everyone is welcome at our school.
Celebrating the diversity of our community makes us stronger, kinder and more innovative. We are committed to making sure that students from all backgrounds feel accepted, supported and able to learn.
We teach all students according to our school values and teach the respectful relationships framework. This includes education around diversity and inclusion.
To achieve our values and aims, everyone at Clifton Springs PS plays an important role.
This week, we have reminded students of our values of Kindness, Respect and Responsibility and the importance of using these in everything we do.
To help us make Clifton Springs PS a place where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported, we encourage you to also speak to your child about these values, as well as the importance of:
- understanding that we celebrate diversity and multicultural inclusion
- understanding the importance of everyone at school being treated with respect.
For more information, please see Racism: talking with children and teens, Raising Children Network.
We expect families to also display our school values when dealing with other members of our school community.
Shared responsibility of members of the school community to behave respectfully
Parents/carers can create a positive environment for learning and work by:
- modelling positive behaviour to their child/children and to the school community
- communicating politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
- working with the school to achieve the best outcomes for their child/children
- communicating constructively with the school
- making use of the expected processes and protocols when raising concerns
- following the school's processes for communication with staff and making complaints
- treating all school staff, students, and other members of the school community with respect.
By treating everyone with respect, parents/carers and schools can make sure students feel supported and cared for.
Learning Update
Getting Ready for 2026
We are coming up to that time when your child will transition into Primary or Secondary school or progress into the next year level. It is a time where they will be both excited and nervous as to what to expect.
Education is a journey, with many transitions, and at Clifton Springs PS we work hard to make these transitions as smooth as possible.
There are three main types of transition the students and families will go through as they move through the school system. Also be aware we are just finalising the staffing for 2026 so there is no guarantee the teachers will be in the same year level.
Transition from Kindergarten to School
Transition into school begins during the middle of the year when schools and kinders start to share information about the schools in your area.
At Clifton Springs PS we;
- hold tours throughout the year by contacting the office on 52513581.
- We also hold an information session in term 2 or 3 during the year for prospective parents.
- Enrolment packs are also available online and through the office from the middle of term 2 each year.
For students who are commencing Prep in 2026, we have a number of transition days coming up:-
Tuesday 11th November 2.30 – 3.25 pm. Parent information session running simultaneously.
Tuesday 25th November 2.30 – 3.25 pm
Tuesday 9th December 9.30 am – 12.30 pm (Statewide Transition Day)
Here is another resource to help you with transition to primary school:- Transition-to-School-Resource-Kit.pdf
Transition between years levels in primary school
- We begin preparing students for the next school year in term 4.
- We take them through routines needed for the next stage of their primary school.
- During term 4 staff take considerable time to structure the best class groups for each student for the following year. This is based on a number of factors.
Transition between grades can also be a big event. Our transition day will be Tuesday 9th December where students will learn their new class including their class teacher, class mates and class room. This will follow a Curriculum Day on Monday Dec 8th when 2025 staff will meet and plan together for next year and prepare for transition day. Even before then, teachers have started getting their children ready for their next year. Practicing the things they need to know to be successful at their new year level, or spending time in what could possibly be their new classroom.
Grade 6 Transition to High School
This process begins in term 2 of each year and is a statewide process.
Generally, the local Secondary Schools visit Clifton Springs PS to talk with the students and they also have an open evenings during term 2. Information packs are available by contacting the relevant schools.
Clifton Springs PS has a transition coordinator overseeing the process and applications which is Kerri Rees.
You can also contact the school via phone or email and our transition team can support you further.
There will be transition days for those students commencing at secondary school in 2026 coming up but mostly around December 9th. Your child’s new high school will let you know their transition dates. Here is another resource to help you know everything there is to know about high school transition:-
