Hello everyone!
Goodness, we cannot believe this is the final newsletter of the term and what a busy term it has been! 

Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

A big thank you to all the parents and carers who attended this week’s conference meetings. Your involvement plays a crucial role in your child’s education, showing them that learning matters and that school is a place where we all work together for their success. When parents and teachers collaborate, we create the best possible support system for students, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Your presence at these meetings sets a powerful example, reinforcing the importance of education and lifelong learning. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to support every child’s journey.

Congratulations and well done to our wonderful students who proudly shared their learning with their parents, carers and teachers.

Student Attendance

We are thrilled to celebrate 16 of our incredible students who achieved something amazing in term one... 100% attendance! These dedicated students showed up every single day, proving that every day of learning counts. Their commitment to being present at  school means they didn’t miss a single moment of fun, friendship, and learning. Let's applaud these attendance heroes who set a great example for everyone. Keep up the awesome work, and remember, being at school every day helps us learn and grow together! Well done to each of these superstars!

School Review

We have finally completed our School Review and there is LOTS to celebrate! The word cloud below captures the themes of our conversations. We will use the School Review report to develop our four year strategic plan for the school and during Term 2, we will draft our Annual Implementation Plan. When we receive the final report from the independent Reviewer, we will share our successes and opportunities from improvement with staff, School Council and our school Community.

Well Done to Our Grade 3 and 5 Students!

NAPLAN was held during weeks 7 - 8 this term. We would like to offer a  huge congratulations to our Grade 3 and 5 students (and their amazing teachers and teacher aides) for their hard work and determination during the NAPLAN assessments. We are incredibly proud of the effort you put in, showing resilience and a positive attitude throughout the process. NAPLAN is just one part of your learning journey, and what matters most is that you tried your best. Thank you for giving it your all! We appreciate your dedication and are proud of each and every one of you!

Thank You to Our Incredible Staff

As we wrap up Term 1, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers, support staff, teacher aides, and office staff. Your hard work, patience, and commitment have made a huge difference in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for our students. With three terms still ahead, we appreciate your ongoing efforts in making our school a great place to learn and grow. Enjoy a well-deserved break, and we look forward to another fantastic term ahead!

Thank You for Your Support with Illnesses

We sincerely thank our families for their support and cooperation during the recent gastro outbreak. Your efforts in following health guidelines and keeping unwell children at home played a vital role in helping us manage the situation. We were well-supported by the Northern Public Health Unit and the Department of Education, ensuring we took all necessary precautions. A thorough deep cleaning was carried out, including sterilizing classrooms and disinfecting all touchpoints to maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. We appreciate your patience and commitment to keeping our school community healthy.

Grade 3/4 update 

Last November, after reviewing our projected enrolments for 2025 and consulting with Thomastown West PS staff and School Council, we decided that having only two Grade 3/4 classes with 29 students in each was not ideal. At that time, our projected enrolments indicated that we could afford an additional teacher for 2025. As a result, on 2nd December, we advertised a Graduate position, and before the end of the school year, we appointed Ms Christine Budgeon to join the Grade 3/4 teaching team.

However, at the beginning of the 2025 school year, our enrolment numbers were lower than anticipated. Over 20 students changed schools due to families relocating—some because of significant rent increases in Thomastown and others because their newly built homes were ready. We received positive feedback from these families, both students and parents expressed disappointment about leaving TWPS.

This unexpected drop in enrolments significantly impacted our school budget. I raised my concerns with staff and the School Council earlier this term, hoping we would gain additional enrolments before ‘Census’ day. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Our current Grade 3/4 class sizes are:

•         Room 15: 18 students
•         Room 16: 16 students
•         Room 17: 18 students

While these smaller class sizes are preferable for teaching, they are not financially sustainable within our 2025 school budget. After extensive consultation with staff and the School Council, I have made the difficult decision to reduce the number of Grade 3/4 classes from three to two in Term 2. As a result, from Term 2, Room 15 and 17 will have 26 students in each class. At the end of this term, Room 16 will close, and students will transition to either Room 15 or Room 17, joining their new class from Term 2. Although this is a disappointing and frustrating outcome, I firmly believe it is the right decision for our school.

We are fortunate to have four exceptional teachers: Ms Koullinos (Monday - Thursday) and Mrs Bartholomew (Friday), Mrs Orsillo (Monday–Wednesday), and Ms Taylor (Thursday–Friday). They are all experienced educators who are either permanent staff members or well-known replacement teachers at Thomastown West PS.

Over the past 10 weeks, Ms Koullinos, Mrs Bartholomew, Mrs Orsillo, and Ms Taylor have collaborated closely with Ms Budgeon. This will support a smooth transition for the room 16 students and all of the Grade 3/4 children. Learning and wellbeing remain our highest priorities. All teachers will continue to communicate and collaborate to ensure a seamless learning experience.

Having to make this decision has weighed heavily on me for some time. However, as a Principal, it is my responsibility to lead and manage the budget,  planning, delivery, evaluation, and improvement of the education of all students in our community through the strategic deployment of resources provided by the Department.

Ms Christine Budgeon’s New Role

Great news! We will now be able to meet the Department of Education’s expectation of providing tutors. Ms Budgeon will continue her employment at TWPS for the remainder of her 12-month contract. However from Term 2, Ms Budgeon will transition into her new role as one of our school’s Tutors and will also teach Art for Grades P – 4.

Prep to Grade 2 Students Inspired by "Being Brave" Performance

Last Friday morning, our Prep to Grade 2 students were captivated by an engaging performance from Brainstorm Productions, centered around the theme of bravery. Through an entertaining mix of storytelling, music, and drama, the show encouraged our young learners to face challenges with courage and confidence. The interactive performance had students laughing, learning, and reflecting on what it means to be brave in everyday situations. It was a fantastic experience that left them feeling empowered and ready to take on new challenges with a positive mindset.

Celebrating Harmony Day Together

Today our school community came together to celebrate Harmony Day, embracing the theme of inclusivity, respect, and belonging. It was wonderful to see so many students proudly wearing traditional clothing or dressed in orange to symbolize unity and diversity. The day was filled with meaningful activities that highlighted the rich cultural backgrounds within our school, fostering appreciation and understanding among our students. Thank you to all families for your support in making this celebration so special—we are proud to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive community! Please see some photos in the newsletter.

Holiday Time

You may have heard…  I am taking long service leave during Term 2. During weeks 1-4 of Term 2 , I am heading to Spain, Portugal and a country I’ve not yet visited in Africa: Morocco. I will return to school in week 5 of Term 2.

While I am enjoying my holiday, the leadership of the school will be filled with many familiar faces.

• Mr Crotti will be the Acting Principal (Mon - Fri)
• Mrs Rocca will be the Acting Assistant Principal (Mon - Fri)
• Ms Ibrahim will be the Acting Learning Specialist (Tues & Wed)

While I am away, I encourage everyone to trust in our leadership team and school staff. They are dedicated professionals who will continue to support our students, staff, and families with care and commitment. Our school values remain strong, and I have full confidence in their ability to ensure a positive and smooth experience for everyone.

Mr Crotti and I offer our very best wishes to the whole school community for a safe, and peaceful holiday break. It will be a good opportunity for all of us to have time with family, and to recharge and rejuvenate.

School resumes on Tuesday , 22nd April at 8:45am.

 TWPS CURRICULM DAYS
*Students do NOT attend school on these days*

*Whole School Professional Practice Day for Staff. Students do not attend school.

TERM DATES

A Wonderful Term and Well-Deserved Rest!

As we approach the end of this term, we would like to take a moment to reflect on what a truly wonderful and productive term it has been. Our students have worked so hard, shown great dedication, and demonstrated remarkable progress. It's clear that every child has put in their best effort, and we are incredibly proud of them all! After such a busy and rewarding term, we know they are all looking forward to a well-earned rest.

To our families who have just celebrated Eid, we hope you had a joyful and blessed time with your loved ones. May the spirit of this special occasion continue to bring happiness and peace to your homes.

We would also like to extend warm wishes to our Catholic and Orthodox families as they celebrate Easter. May this season of renewal bring you hope, joy, and togetherness.

Thank you all for your continued support. Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable break!

Warm regards,
Mrs. Colakovski & Ms. Ibrahim

       

TERM 1 WEEK 7
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

TERM 1 WEEK 8
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

TERM 1 WEEK 9
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

TERM 1 WEEK 10
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

 
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
 WEEK 9 

WEEK 10



          

CUP OF LIFE

As part of the Department of Education Every Day Counts initiative, schools report attendance in percentages. The Government regard 95% as the minimum satisfactory attendance for a school student.

The percentages in the table below indicates the average attendance for each class for this week.

The shaded boxes  below indicate which classroom has the highest level of attendance for their year level.

Term 1 Week 7 & 8 Student Attendance Report

Term 1 Week 9 & 10 Student Attendance Report

Every day of learning really does count!

At TWPS we want every child to achieve their full potential and we know that parents share this goal. There is a clear link between good attendance and educational achievement. If your child is not in school, on time, as often as possible they will be missing out on many important parts of their
education.                      

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day...

*they learn better   
*they make friends      
*they are happier   
*they have a brighter future

If your child is sick, of course it is appropriate to keep your child at home but

other ‘days off’ school add up to lost learning.  See below:

CUP OF LIFE

Well done to all the boys and girls who are attending school every day. 

Congratulations! The room that had the BEST ATTENDANCE for:

* Week 7 Room 16 & Room 17.

*  Week  8 Room 09.  

*  Week 9  Room 6.

*  Week 10 Room 6.

On Tuesday evening, 25th March 2025, we held our Annual General School Council Meeting, followed by the first official School Council meeting for 2025. It was a well-attended event where we discussed key matters affecting Thomastown West, ensuring a strong start to the year.

We are very lucky to have many passionate parents in our community and on our School Council. Mr. Crotti and I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the 2024 School Council members who supported Thomastown West Primary through their School Council membership and have now completed their tenure.

On behalf of our school community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Paul Johanson, who has served as our School Council President for the past 6.5 years. Paul’s leadership, unwavering enthusiasm, and dedication to the TWPS School Council have made a lasting impact on our school. Over the past six years, our school has strengthened its sense of community, built meaningful connections, and created an environment where everyone’s learning and wellbeing can thrive. It's been a pleasure working in partnership with Paul, and we sincerely appreciate his contributions. We wish Paul all the best in his future endeavours, knowing that his optimism and leadership will continue to inspire others.

Nominations have now officially closed. Mr. Crotti and I are delighted to introduce you to the 2025 Thomastown West Primary School Council:

Please do not hesitate to approach our School Council members with suggestions, questions, and concerns when you see them around the school. Their role is to represent your voice in everything Thomastown West related.

Lalor District Athletics

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Lalor District Athletics Carnival on Tuesday. We had a fantastic day in the sunshine. 

A big well done to the following students, Darius, Molly, Taliyah, Albraa, Dun, Belal and Diana who have qualified for the Whittlesea District Carnival in September. 

Exciting Hub news ...