New Classes
It has been wonderful to see how quickly our students have settled into their new classes. The first five weeks of school helped establish a strong sense of belonging, positive relationships and clear expectations, and our students have responded wonderfully. Classrooms are calm, routines are well established, and students are building confidence in their learning.

Mr Crotti and I are proud of the values demonstrated by many of our students, including resilience, a growth mindset and a willingness to support one another.

NAPLAN
As NAPLAN begins next week, Mr Crotti and I would like to acknowledge the preparation and effort shown by our Year 3 and Year 5 students. Special thanks to Mrs Rocca, who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is organised and ready to go! They have approached practice tasks and revision sessions with focus, resilience and a positive attitude. It has been pleasing to see students building confidence and applying the skills they use every day in the classroom.

NAPLAN is just one measure of learning at a point in time. At TWPS, we recognise that student growth is reflected in far more than a test result, including persistence, improvement, curiosity and effort.

Thank you to our teachers for preparing students in a calm and supportive way, and to our families for reinforcing routines such as good sleep, punctual arrival and reassurance at home. These simple actions help students feel settled and ready to do their best. We wish our Year 3 and 5 students every success next week.

For more information please refer to the NAPLAN Information for Parents and Carers brochures below.

Professional Learning Communities at TWPS
At Thomastown West Primary School, we are committed to continuously improving our teaching practice so that every student receives the best possible learning opportunities. One of the ways we do this is through our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

PLCs bring teachers together in structured teams to collaborate, reflect on their practice and analyse student learning data. During these sessions, teachers discuss what students are learning, identify areas where additional support or extension may be needed, and share effective strategies that strengthen teaching across the school. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions about teaching and learning are guided by evidence and focused on improving outcomes for all students.

Our PLC work is supported by our Acting Learning Specialist, Mrs Tiz Rocca, whose leadership, knowledge and dedication continue to strengthen teaching and learning at TWPS. Tiz works closely with staff to guide professional discussions, support the use of data and mentor teachers in refining their practice.

This year, we are also pleased to have two PLC Leaders supporting this work across the school. Kiara Galea will lead the Years 3–6 PLC, and Sam Rovtar-Lim will lead the Prep–Year 2 PLC. Both teachers are working alongside Tiz to build strong collaboration within their teams and ensure that our PLC meetings remain purposeful and focused on student learning.

We are grateful for the expertise, commitment and teamwork demonstrated by our staff. Their willingness to learn from one another, share ideas and reflect on practice ensures that Thomastown West Primary School continues to grow as a strong learning community for both students and teachers.

Communication at TWPS
Effective communication is vital for a school community to sustain positive and productive relationships. TWPS teachers and parents work in partnership with the shared responsibility of improving children’s learning; together working on pathways to success.

We pride ourselves in utilising a range of multimodal communications with all key stakeholders within and beyond our school community. We use:

• Informal notes home to parents
• Phone calls
• Emails
• Fortnightly Newsletters
• Grade newsletters
• School Website: www.thomwestps.vic.edu.au
• Parent/student/teacher conference meetings (Information will be sent home next week)

AND

We regularly communicate important news, events and information pertaining to the school community via COMPASS, CLASS DOJO and Facebook. All Dojo Classes have been set up now. If you are not connected you are missing out!

Our teachers are committed to building strong relationships with parents and carers. If you would like to speak with a teacher about your child’s progress, wellbeing, and learning experiences, please note that they are teaching from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. Teachers are available for brief discussions ten minutes before the morning bell and ten minutes after the afternoon bell each day. If you require a longer meeting, please contact the teacher via ClassDojo or phone the Office to arrange a suitable time.

Mrs Young and Mr Crotti value strong partnerships between home and school and recognise the importance of open communication. They do their best to meet with parents who arrive unexpectedly at the school office; however, their schedules are often filled with meetings, supporting students, working with teachers, and managing school operations, which can make this challenging. For this reason, if you would like to meet with the Principal, Sandi Young, or the Assistant Principal, James Crotti, please contact the Office to arrange an appointment.

Online Safety
At Thomastown West Primary School, students learn about responsible and safe online behaviour through our eSmart program and Digital Technology User Agreement. These programs help children understand how to navigate digital spaces safely and respectfully. It is important to remember that social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram are restricted to users aged 13 and over. In addition, many online games include chat features and comment sections, which require careful supervision. We strongly encourage families to stay aware of the content their children are accessing and the interactions taking place while they are online.

Parents and carers can access practical advice and resources via the eSafety Commissioner website at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents to support safe technology use at home. 

The Australian Multicultural Foundation also provides a helpful resource called the Cyberparent Guideline, available in multiple languages, which can be accessed here: https://amf.net.au/entry/cyberparentguideline/.


Road Safety
Nothing is more important than your child’s safety. When dropping students off in the morning, please ensure you park legally and safely before they exit the vehicle. It is unsafe for children to step out of a car at the crossing while traffic has been stopped by the crossing supervisor. The safest option is to park, exit the vehicle and walk your child across the crossing. This small action significantly reduces the risk of accidents and keeps everyone safe.

School Crossing Reminder
We strongly encourage families to use the designated school crossings at all times. Traffic congestion during drop off and pick up creates additional risk, and our supervised crossings are the safest place for students to cross the road. Staff and crossing supervisors have reported frequent near misses, which is concerning. If your child walks independently, please remind them to always use the allocated crossings.

Medication Authority Form
Written permission is required before school staff can administer any medication. Without a completed and signed Medication Authority Form, staff are not permitted to provide medication to students. Please note that non-prescription items, including Panadol and vitamins, cannot be administered by school staff. Forms are available from Suzi or Sakina in the school office.

Naming Student Clothing
Clearly labelling all uniform items makes a significant difference when returning lost property. Jumpers, jackets, polo shirts and hats should all be clearly named. Unnamed items are much harder to return and often accumulate in the lost property area at the office. We encourage families to take a few minutes this weekend to check that all clothing is labelled.


International Women’s Day
This year we celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March. It is a globally recognised day that honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls and highlights the ongoing push for gender equality. This year’s theme “Balance the Scales” emphasises the importance of fairness, dignity and justice for all, and encourages communities to reflect on how equality benefits everyone. International Women’s Day also reminds us that although significant progress has been made, many women and girls still encounter barriers and discrimination around the world and here at home. We are grateful for the strength, resilience and contributions of the women in our school community, from our staff and families to our students,  and we thank you for the impact you make every day.

Easter Bonnet Parade
This year we will not be holding our usual parade. Due to the recent class restructure, our Buddy Classes have not yet commenced and are scheduled to begin next term. We felt it was important to allow time for students to settle into their new classes and establish routines before introducing the Buddy program.

Labour Day Public Holiday
Please remember that Monday is a public holiday for Labour Day, and students will not be required at school. We hope our families enjoy this extended weekend together. Students return to school on Tuesday 10th March refreshed and ready for another engaging week of learning.

Education is Powerful,  Student Agency Matters, Teachers Make a Difference
&  Every Day of  Learning Counts!


Sandi Young                                    James Crotti         
Principal                                         Assistant Principal

School Council Elections Update

School Council plays a crucial role in guiding school improvement and representing the parent voice.

As you are aware, in the last newsletter we published that the closing date for nominations was Tuesday 3rd March 2026 by 3.00pm.

Now that nominations have now officially closed and I am delighted to introduce you to the 2026 Thomastown West Primary School Council. I’d like to also wish a warm  welcome to the new members who will join our existing School Council team.

Thank you to all those who volunteer their time to support our community.

Our School Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th March at 6:30pm. 

This includes our Annual General Public Meeting 6:30pm at TWPS. Guests are most welcome!

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

Supporting your child during NAPLAN: Reducing Worry and Building Confidence

NAPLAN testing begin next week. While these assessments provide useful information about students’ literacy and numeracy development, they can also make some children feel nervous. Families play an important role in helping children approach the tests with a calm and positive mindset.

How We Support Students at School
At Thomastown West Primary School, we work to ensure students feel settled, confident and ready to try their best. In the lead-up to NAPLAN, classrooms include mindfulness activities and Ready to Learn planning.

Mindfulness strategies such as breathing exercises and short relaxation activities help students manage anxious feelings and maintain focus.

Ready to Learn plans support students to identify the strategies that help them feel calm, organised and ready to engage in their learning.

Ways to Support Your Child at Home

Emphasise effort rather than scores. Let your child know the most important thing is trying their best. NAPLAN is only one small snapshot of learning.

Normalise nervous feelings. If your child feels worried, reassure them that many people feel this way before tests. Sharing how you have managed nerves in the past can be helpful.

Maintain regular routines. Good sleep, healthy meals and time to relax or play all support children to feel settled and ready for school.

Encourage a growth mindset. Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning and every challenge helps them improve.

Practise calming strategies. Reinforce the techniques they are learning at school, such as slow breathing or positive self-talk.

Most importantly, remind your child that NAPLAN does not define who they are. It is simply one way schools understand student learning, and every child has many strengths beyond a test.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher. We are always happy to support you and your child.

CUP OF LIFE

Term 1 Week 5&6 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 5 is Room 9 & Week 6, Term 1 is Room 18

TERM 1 WEEK 5
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

 TERM 1 WEEK 6
 
Scroll down to view our super stars in the photo below

WEEK 5

WEEK 6

Fundraising Update   Hot Cross Buns & Easter Raffle 

Our fundraising notices were sent home on Wednesday, and we are excited to share the details with you!

We will be selling delicious hot cross buns, with $2.00 from each packet sold going directly towards supporting our school. We encourage families to return their orders as soon as possible and help us make this fundraiser a great success.

We are also holding our annual Easter Raffle. Students are kindly asked to bring in a chocolate egg or an Easter-themed item to contribute to their class hamper. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each, and the raffle will be drawn on the last day of term during assembly.

Once again, we sincerely appreciate the wonderful support of our families. Your generosity and involvement make a real difference to our school community. Thank you!


Icypoles will continue to be on sale throughout Term 1 during the hot weather. Please keep an eye on Class Dojo and Compass for updates, as we are always in need of volunteers.

TNH COFFEE VAN

What’s On Thomastown Neighbourhood House @ The Hub, Thomastown West Primary School

MONDAY

Community Craft Connections

Craft, coffee & conversation

9am- 12pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

Arabic Playgroup

Presented in partnership with Jeeran Community Services

10.30am- 12.30pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

Let’s Move!

Movement to music for all abilities

1pm- 2pm

@TRAC

TUESDAY

All Seasons

Nature Craft for all abilities

10am- 12pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

English Class

Presented in partnership with PRACE

10am- 1pm

To Book call: 03 9462 6077

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

Small Talk Playgroup

Presented in partnership with City of Whittlesea

10am- 12pm

Location: Main St Pavillion

WEDNESDAY

Small Talk Playgroup

Presented in partnership with City of Whittlesea

10am- 12pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

Mindful Meditation

Gentle guided meditation

10- 11am

Location: Barry Rd Community Centre

Conversation Café

A friendly group chat

11am- 12pm

Location: Barry Rd Community Centre

THURSDAY

Promisetown Playgroup

For 0- 5 yr olds

10am- 12pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

Little Diggers

Family Fun Club

3.30- 5pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

FRIDAY

Women’s Making Circle

1am- 12.30pm

Location: TNH @ The Hub, TWPS

SPECIAL NOTES

• All TNH activities are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• TNH is a child safe organsiation.
• No bookings are needed, simply come and try and register on arrival.
• Gold Coin Donations are welcome and every bit of support helps us to support our community.
• TNH activities only take place during School Terms

Managing challenging toddler behaviour 

Presented by: Drummond Street Services

Are you parenting a toddler? Do you find it difficult to manage you own emotions when dealing with your toddler? Are you finding it difficult to manage your toddlers’ emotions and behaviours?

In this seminar we will explore and develop your ideas and understanding about parenting a toddler, we will explore how to respond to toddlers’ big emotions and some challenging behaviours toddlers may present with.

This free seminar will offer parents ideas and strategies to help understanding of the development of a toddler’s brain and how they process emotions. You will have a unique opportunity to hear from and ask questions with a child and family practitioner.

When: Thursday 5 March 2026, 10am – 11.30am

Where: Online

Cost: free

Bookings: Bookings via www.trybooking.com/DHZEN

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Playgroup Week – Community Event  

Presented by City Whittlesea Children and Families Department

A Pop-Up Playgroup to celebrate Playgroup Week 2026.

Families can join in child-based activities and gather support and information from local Early Years services and programs.

When: Wednesday 18 March, 10am – 1pm

Where: Lalor Library 2 May Road, Lalor

Cost: Free

Bookings: No booking required

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Read, Play and Connect  

Presented by City of Whittlesea Children and Families Department and Yarra Plenty Regional Library

This program brings our community together at the local library for story time, games and activities with your children. Families can connect at your local community hub with the City of Whittlesea Early Years team to be informed on services, programs and events happening in your neighbourhood.  

When: Thursday 19 March, 10am – 11:30am

Where: Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park 

Cost: Free

Bookings: Bookings via www.trybooking.com/DIBXM 

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Managing your child’s anxiety  

Presented by ParentZone

This interactive session focuses on:

• What are the typical fears, worries and anxieties that our children experience
• Understanding and empathising with their experiences- exploring ideas and responses that support them.

This session will take place as part of Promisetown Playgroup facilitated by Thomastown Neighbourhood House.  For further information on the Playgroup, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with TNH on 0488 224 349

When: Thursday 26 March, 10am – 12pm

Where: Thomastown Neighbourhood house @ The Hub, Thomastown West Primary School, 112 Main Street, Thomastown

Cost: Free

Bookings: Bookings via  www.trybooking.com/DIBYB

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au


Pop Up Bush Playgroup – Whittlesea Public Gardens Lalor  

Presented by Merri Creek Management Committee

The pop-up bush playgroup takes the experience of playgroup outside into nature. Children will have the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and discover nature and take part in a number of activities. Parents/carers need to be with their children at all times.

When: Monday 30 March, 10am – 12pm

Where: Whittlesea Public Gardens Lalor, 158 Barry Road, Lalor

Cost: Free

Bookings: Bookings via https://mcmc.org.au/

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au