Mrs Rocca and I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all of our returning students and their families from the two week holiday. We trust that our families had an enjoyable and safe break. What a wonderful week we have spent together as a Thomastown West Community!  Welcome to Term 3 everyone! 

Prep 2027 Enrolments
I was delighted to begin our Term 3 Prep tours this week by showing a prospective family around Thomastown West Primary School. It was a privilege to showcase the many strengths of our school and to share what makes our learning community so special. I was proud to highlight our calm, inclusive and welcoming learning environment, where students are known, valued and supported to achieve their personal best. We spoke about our experienced and dedicated teachers, who build strong relationships with students and maintain high, yet achievable, expectations for every learner.

The family was particularly impressed by the breadth of opportunities available to our students. Alongside high-quality classroom teaching, every child participates in weekly specialist programs in Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education and Science/STEM. Students also benefit from a wide range of camps, excursions, sporting opportunities, leadership programs, wellbeing initiatives and extra-curricular experiences that enrich learning and foster confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of school.

One of the strengths I enjoy sharing with prospective families is our commitment to knowing every child as an individual. We pride ourselves on providing personalised support, strong home-school partnerships, comprehensive wellbeing programs and a carefully planned transition program that helps our youngest learners begin school feeling confident, safe and excited for the journey ahead.

Enrolments for Prep 2027 are already being received from both siblings of current students and families who are new to the Thomastown West community. If you have a child currently attending four-year-old kindergarten and are planning to enrol them in Prep in 2027, I encourage you to submit an enrolment application as soon as possible. School tours are available throughout the year, and I would be delighted to personally show you around our wonderful school and answer any questions you may have.

School Improvement: Striving to be our best!
At Thomastown West Primary School, we are committed to continuously improving the quality of education and opportunities we provide for every student. We have a clear understanding of our strengths and the areas where we can continue to grow, using student achievement data, wellbeing information, feedback from our community and evidence-informed practice to guide our decisions. Our teachers work collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), taking an inquiry approach to examine the impact of their teaching, analyse student learning evidence and identify the strategies that will make the greatest difference for every learner. This ongoing cycle of inquiry, reflection and improvement is central to strengthening teaching practice and improving student outcomes. Our School Improvement Team also meets regularly to lead the implementation of our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), monitor progress towards our improvement priorities, and evaluate our progress in achieving the goals and targets outlined in our four-year School Strategic Plan. Through this collaborative and evidence-based approach, we remain focused on ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

Supporting the Wellbeing of Every Student
At Thomastown West Primary School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. When reviewing our 2025 Parent Opinion Survey results, we were pleased that 74% of responding parents agreed that the school can efficiently arrange wellbeing support for their child when needed. While this is a positive endorsement of the work taking place across our school, we also recognise that some families may not be aware of the range of wellbeing supports available to them.

Our dedicated Wellbeing Team works closely with students, families and staff to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Support may include social and emotional learning, friendship and resilience programs, check-ins with trusted staff, individual wellbeing support, referrals to Student Support Services, access to psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists, support through Student Support Group (SSG) meetings and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), as well as assistance in connecting families with external community agencies and services when required.

If you have any concerns about your child's wellbeing, learning, attendance or engagement at school, we encourage you to reach out. Early conversations allow us to work together to identify the most appropriate supports and ensure your child receives the help they need. Our commitment is to work in partnership with families so that every student feels safe, supported and ready to learn.

School Uniform
Thank you to all of our families who have ensured students have returned to school this term proudly wearing the correct Thomastown West Primary School uniform. We greatly appreciate your support in maintaining our school standards. As a reminder, our school colours are navy blue, red and white. Please avoid sending your child to school in black pants, coloured jumpers or clothing that does not form part of our school dress code.

We ask families to take a moment to check that their child's uniform meets the following expectations:

• Leggings and pants should be navy blue. White or navy leggings may be worn underneath a dress for warmth. Black, patterned or other coloured leggings are not part of the school uniform.
• Long-sleeved tops worn underneath the school polo should be navy blue, red or white.
• T-shirts worn underneath the school polo should also be navy blue, red or white and should not be visible.
• Clothing with large fashion brands or prominent logos should not be worn to school.

We understand that winter mornings can be particularly cold. Students are welcome to wear a warm jacket of their choice over their school jumper or bomber jacket before school, during recess and lunch, and after school. Once inside the classroom, students are expected to be wearing their school uniform.

Our school dress code was developed by School Council in consultation with the school community. It provides practical, affordable options for families while supporting a strong sense of belonging and school pride. Our uniform also helps to:

• promote a positive school identity and a sense of belonging
• ensure students are dressed safely and appropriately for all school activities
• encourage equity by reducing competition based on clothing
• support the Department of Education's SunSmart requirements
• present a consistent and positive image of our school within the wider community.

Our school uniform is much more than clothing! It represents our shared identity and reminds students that they are part of a supportive and respectful learning community. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring your child wears the correct uniform each day.

The Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. If you are unable to visit during these hours, uniform order forms are available from the school office. Simply return the completed form with payment and the items can be sent home with your child.

If your family requires assistance with purchasing school uniforms, please contact the school office. Support, including uniform vouchers through State Schools' Relief, is available for eligible families, and we are always happy to assist confidentially.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students take pride in being part of the Thomastown West Primary School community.


   
   

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026:  “50 Years of Deadly”
This week, Thomastown West Primary School proudly celebrates NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Peoples of Australia and the world's oldest continuing living cultures.

The 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, "50 Years of Deadly," marks an important milestone, celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week. In Aboriginal English, the word "deadly" means excellent, amazing or something to be proud of. This year's theme honours the strength, resilience, leadership and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past five decades while looking ahead with hope to future generations.

Throughout the week, students have been participating in a range of learning experiences that deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures and histories. These activities encourage students to develop respect, curiosity and appreciation for the rich traditions, languages, stories and connections to Country that have been shared for tens of thousands of years.

At Thomastown West Primary School, we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where all cultures are valued and respected. We encourage families to join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week by talking with their children about what they have learned this week.

Together, we celebrate 50 Years of Deadly and continue to learn from, respect and honour the cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Every moment of learning counts! Every minute adds to your child's success.

We need your support to ensure your children arrive on time, happy and ready to learn at quarter to nine! 

We understand that mornings can be challenging, particularly as families settle back into routines after the school holidays and navigate the colder winter weather. This week, we supported a student who arrived at school feeling quite anxious and distressed because they were late and worried about missing the start of the day. It was a timely reminder that children are rarely in control of when they arrive at school. They rely on the adults around them to help them get to school on time. When students arrive late, they can feel embarrassed, rushed or anxious before the day has even begun, even though the circumstances are often beyond their control.

If your child arrives after 8:50 am, please accompany them to the school office to sign them in via Compass and record the reason for their late arrival. This simple process helps reassure your child that they are supported, allows staff to assist them as they settle into class, ensures we have an accurate attendance record, and confirms that every child has arrived safely. For your child's safety and wellbeing, please do not drop them off in the street or ask them to enter the school unaccompanied after the bell. Thank you for partnering with us to provide a safe, calm and well-supervised start to the school day.

A positive start to the day begins with arriving on time. Students who are at school before the bell have the opportunity to settle into their classroom, reconnect with their classmates and teachers, and begin learning feeling calm, confident and ready to participate. Consistent morning routines also help reduce stress and establish positive attendance habits that support learning throughout the year.

There are many reasons why arriving on time is so important. Being at school before the bell means your child can:

✓ Be ready to learn from the very start of the day, when students are often at their most focused and alert.

✓ Take part in important literacy learning, as many classes begin the day with reading, writing or phonics activities that provide the foundation for future learning.

✓ Develop positive routines, independence and a sense of responsibility.

✓ Enter the classroom alongside their peers, reducing disruption for themselves and others.

✓ Start the day feeling settled, connected and ready to succeed.

By working together, we can give every child the best possible start to their school day. We look forward to seeing our number of late arrivals continue to decrease and celebrating this positive progress with our school community.

TWPS Mobile Phone policy
Next week I will be sending home the updated TWPS Mobile Phone Policy that was discussed at our last School Council meeting. For the purpose of this policy, “mobile phone” refers to mobile phones and any device (e.g. smart watches), that may connect to or have a similar functionality to a mobile phone (such as communication including messaging and/or photography or video capability), including devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or sim card.

In accordance with the Department’s Mobile Phones Policy issued by the Minister for Education, https://www.vic.gov.au/mobile-phones-schools  personal mobile phones  (including other devices, such as smart watches) must not be used at Thomastown West Primary School during school hours, including lunchtime and recess.

Thomastown West Primary School understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. At Thomastown West Primary School, students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored in the school office as soon as they arrive at school.

Thank you to everyone for the positive start to the term. It really was great to see our new students being welcomed so warmly and settling into our school with the support of the TWPS community. 

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

Sandi Young                                     Tiz Rocca        
Principal                                           Acting Assistant Principal

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

Welcome to Term 3

Welcome back! We hope all of our students and families had a restful and enjoyable break. As we begin Term 3, it's a great time to re-establish routines that support children's learning, wellbeing and success at school.

Getting back into routines
Returning to regular bedtimes and morning routines can make a big difference to children's mood, concentration and energy levels. School-aged children thrive on consistent sleep, helping them feel ready to learn, regulate their emotions and participate positively throughout the day.

Limiting screen time
After the holidays, many children may have become accustomed to spending more time on screens. Gradually reducing recreational screen time, particularly before bed, can improve sleep quality, attention and overall wellbeing. Encouraging reading, outdoor play, creative activities or family games are great alternatives.

Supporting learning at home
A quiet, consistent time and space for homework or reading each day helps children build confidence and develop positive learning habits. Your encouragement, interest and praise can make a significant difference, even if it's just spending 10–15 minutes reading together or talking about what your child has learnt at school.

Fuel for learning
A healthy breakfast and nutritious lunch help children stay focused and energised throughout the school day. Brain-friendly snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, cheese and crackers provide lasting energy and support concentration. Please remember to send a water bottle each day to help your child stay hydrated.

Keeping healthy this winter
Winter has certainly arrived, bringing colder weather and an increase in coughs, colds and other illnesses. Please ensure your child comes to school dressed warmly with a jumper or jacket. If your child is unwell, we kindly ask that you keep them at home until they have recovered. This helps prevent the spread of illness and protects the health and wellbeing of all students and staff.

By working together and maintaining healthy routines at home and school, we can help every child have a positive, successful and rewarding Term 3. We look forward to another wonderful term of learning and growth!

Mrs Colakovski & the Wellbeing Team

• I hope you enjoy my favourite Donna Hay Pumpkin Soup Recipe
•  

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the pumpkin, onion, cut-side up, and the garlic on a lightly greased large oven tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Cook for 1 hour–1 hour 10 minutes or until onion is caramelised and pumpkin is soft. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Scoop out the flesh of the pumpkin into a large saucepan. Remove the onion and garlic from their skins and add to the pan.
3. Add the stock and water, and, using a hand-held stick blender, blend the soup until smooth. Place the soup over high heat and bring to the boil to warm through. Sprinkle with pepper and drizzle with cream (if using) or tahini to serve. Serves 6.

                        

TERM 3 WEEK 1

CUP OF LIFE

Term 3 Week 1 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. 

Activities available for you and your family

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 Term

Need Help or Have Questions?

You are always welcome to visit us.

Open: Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm

Thomastown Neighbourhood Hous

YTO Junior 

Youth Take Over Junior is a monthly program for 8 - 12-year-olds that aims to provide young people with fun and engaging activities in a safe and supportive environment, connecting young people with peers their age. 

Time: YTO is on the first Wednesday of every month from 4pm - 5:30pm with different activities each month. 

Location: Laurimar Community Activity Centre, Doreen 

Run by City of Whittlesea Youth Services, YTO Jnr is a safe, welcoming, and fully supervised environment designed to help children build confidence, explore their interests, and have fun in a relaxed setting.

What to expect each month ⭐
• Fun, engaging activities like art, games, crafts, and challenges
• A friendly space to connect and make new friends
• A chance to help shape what future YTO Jnr sessions look like
• Free snacks and good vibes
• Supportive staff who make sure every child feels welcome