Ramadan Murabak

To our Muslim families, this is a holy time. Many of our families and students mark the holy month by fasting—considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam—during sunlight hours. The pre-dawn meal is called the suhoor, while the fast is broken at dusk with the iftar, traditionally starting with a few sips of water and some dates. May this month bring you fulfilment and happiness.

Happy Lunar New Year

To all the families in our Community who celebrate Lunar New Year, we wish you prosperity, health and happiness in the year to come. 2026 is the year of the horse. May the horse’s courage inspire you to pursue your dreams fearlessly.

Free Music programs

We are incredibly fortunate to have teachers who go above and beyond for our students. Mr Rosa generously gives up his own break times to offer free music lessons at lunchtime, opening the door for students to explore and develop their musical talents. With opportunities to learn guitar, be part of our band, or sing in our choir, these lunch time sessions are filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and joy that we hear as we check in and walk past the music room at lunch times while we’re on Yard Duty. There are also keyboard sessions in between recess and lunch times on Fridays, for any students in grade 3-6 who have a keyboard at home and would like to learn to play it together at school. Mr Rosa’s commitment not only nurtures musical skills but also inspires confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of music in our students.

Free Clubs

We are very fortunate to offer the Empower Her girls’ circle program, a free and supportive initiative for invited students in Grades 5 and 6. Held on Tuesdays and facilitated by our social worker, Olivia, the program provides a safe and empowering space for girls to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and develop important social and emotional skills. In addition, Olivia also generously runs a free Homework Club after school on Tuesdays in the Hub, supporting invited students with their learning in a calm and encouraging environment. These programs reflect our strong commitment to student wellbeing and equity, and we are incredibly lucky to be able to offer them at no cost to families.

Interschool sports

Today marked an exciting start for our Grade 5/6 students as we had the pleasure of hosting Lalor Primary School. It was wonderful to see our students rise to the occasion, demonstrating outstanding effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day. They represented our school with pride, showing respect, resilience, and a positive attitude in every game. We are incredibly proud of how they conducted themselves and the way they embraced the spirit of friendly competition.

5/6 Camp

Our Grade 5/6 students had an amazing time last week at Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff. The camp experience was filled with fun, friendship, and new challenges, giving students the opportunity to build independence, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Be sure to see later in the newsletter for photos capturing these special moments.

Parent pick ups - Safety First

We understand that families often help each other by dropping off or picking up children from school. We appreciate the strong sense of community this shows. However,  child safe standards must always come first. Please make sure you speak directly with the other child’s parents before picking up or dropping off their child. Do not rely only on what a child says, as plans can sometimes change or be misunderstood. If you are ever unsure, please come to the school office. We are happy to help and can contact parents to confirm arrangements. Your cooperation helps us keep every child safe.

NAPLAN for years 3 and 5 Students

Starting from March 11, students in year 3 and year 5 will be completing tests for the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy. We are setting our students up for success with practice time and testing our computer systems as all of these tests are online (except for Year 3 Writing, which is handwritten). If you have any questions about NAPLAN tests, please see your classroom teacher. We are looking forward to our students completing these tests to the best of their ability. Assessment results do not capture a child’s creativity, social skills, or character development. They do not reflect a student’s effort, personal improvement, or learning habits. Most importantly, results do not define a child’s worth, intelligence, or potential.Think of NAPLAN results as information to guide learning, not a measure of your child’s value or future success. Schools and students receive their test results in August.

Return of the Maths Challenge

Back, due to an undisclosed number of requests, is the Newsletter Maths Challenge.

Prizes will be awarded at assembly to students who give Mr Crotti answers to the following challenge:

The Answer is 36. Show number sentences that make this answer. These could be addition, subtraction, multiplication or division

Pancake Day Fun in Prep–2!

On Tuesday, our enthusiastic Prep–2 students rolled up their sleeves and got busy in the kitchen to celebrate Pancake Day! From carefully mixing the batter to watching (and waiting!) as their pancakes turned golden in the pan, the children loved being hands on chefs for the morning. The best part? Topping their delicious creations with their favourite sweet treats and, of course, enjoying every bite together. 

TWPS CURRICULM DAYS 2026
*Students do NOT attend school on these days*

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

TERM DATES 2026

Healthy Lunch Box Ideas & Brain Food Breaks

At Thomastown West Primary, we encourage all students to bring a healthy, balanced lunch to help them feel their best and stay focused during the school day. Eating the right foods gives kids energy to learn, play, and concentrate in class.

Brain Food Break at TWPS – Every Day at 9:50 AM!

At 9:50 AM every day, all students at TWPS stop for a quick Brain Food Break. This is a short snack time where kids can eat fresh fruit, vegetables, or nuts to keep their minds focused and their energy levels up.

Packing a healthy lunch helps your child stay happy, full, and ready to learn all day long! Thank you for your support in making school lunches delicious and nutritious.

Why is Healthy Eating Important?

Good food helps kids:
✅ Stay full for longer
✅ Have steady energy throughout the day
✅ Think clearly and focus in class
✅ Feel happy and ready to learn

Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Ideas

A great lunch box has a mix of protein, wholegrains, dairy, fruits, and veggies to keep kids strong and energised. Here are some easy, yummy ideas that kids will love!

? Main Meal Ideas 

• DIY Lunchables – Wholegrain crackers, cheese slices, and ham or turkey pieces
• Sandwich or Wrap – Wholegrain bread with ham & cheese, egg & mayo, or chicken & avocado
• Pizza Pockets – Wholemeal pita bread with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like vegetables or chicken. 
• Pasta Salad – Cooked pasta with chicken or vegetables, cheese, and a little dressing. 
• Sushi Rolls – Homemade Rice, tuna, and avocado wrapped in seaweed

? Fruits & Veggies (Pick 1–2)

• Apple slices, grapes, or mandarin segments
• Chopped strawberries, blueberries, or watermelon
• Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes
• Fun idea: Make a fruit skewer with different fruits on a toothpick!

? Snacks & Sides (Pick 1–2)

• Popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
• Cheese cubes or a cheese stick
• Yoghurt pouch or tub with a little honey
• Wholegrain crackers with cream cheese
• Boiled egg
• Homemade mini muffins with banana or blueberries

? Drinks

• Water (best choice!) 

Websites with Recipe Ideas: 

Healthy Eating Advisory Service- Improving wellbeing through healthy eating. Free support to provide and promote healthier food and drinks

Healthy Lunboxes

Taste.com.au: Offers a variety of healthy lunch box fillers that kids will enjoy.
taste.com.au

Better Homes and Gardens: Provides a list of 23 lunch box ideas to kickstart the school year.
bhg.com.au

CUP OF LIFE

Term 1 Week 3&4 Student Attendance Report

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.

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 3 is Room 6  & Week  4, Term 1 is Room 3 

TERM 1 WEEK 3
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

 TERM 1 WEEK 4
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

WEEK 3

   

WEEK 4

Cottage by the Sea