Newsletter #20 December 18th, 2025
GHPS IS COMMITTED TO CHILD SAFETY
Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.
This is our last newsletter for 2025 and it offers an opportunity to reflect and celebrate all that we have achieved this year.
Year 6 Farewell
To our Year 6 students, we wish you all the very best next year in secondary school. We have several Year 6 families leaving our school, they are: Buck, Caliheros, Chavan, Darabi, Davey, Dhar, Duffy, Ema, Gevaux, Giannellis, Gracey Kirubakaran, Krstevski, Layton, Laxton-Badley Maina, Mukherjee, Roychand, Telios, Tulkinov, Yamchuck, Zhao, Zhou.
Many of these families have made significant contributions to our school and helped to make it the amazing school that it.
Thank you very much for time you have given to support and run events or help in the classroom and on excursions. You have made a real difference and know that you will be missed.
I wish you good luck in the future and remind the students not to be strangers.
With Gratitude
It has been a privilege and highly enjoyable to engage with all members of the school council this year.
I can’t thank you enough for caring as much as we do about our wonderful school and please know that you have made all our work that much easier and make a huge difference for our students at GHPS.
To outgoing Councillors, Sharbani Dhaar and Preeti Roychand thank you for your service on Council. Thank you for providing us with a balanced, supportive, and insightful perspective on all occasions. The time you have dedicated to your roles is very appreciated and I sincerely thank you.
A very special thank you to Fiona Davey (Daniel in grade 6) who has been the President of the GPA in 2024/5.
We are all very grateful for the wonderful contribution you have made and with your friendly and warm manner you have been a huge asset and help to all.
Fiona has been an active member and president this last two years of the GPA. She has always been ready to lend a hand at whatever she is asked to do including speaking at our new Prep families at the Parent Information session, as your perspective was fabulous for them to hear.
Fiona has managed 2 school fetes, organised trivia nights, Grandparent’s morning teas, organised welcome to prep morning teas, made cakes for the cake raffle, volunteered for excursions, and served at the canteen on Fridays. I am very grateful for Fiona’s support of our school, and she will be very missed.
To all the wonderful members of GPA, it has been an absolute pleasure to have you on the Committee where you have worked so hard to make the events that have provided our students and school community with some fun and fundraising!
As we prepare for 2026, we acknowledge and celebrate several staff members who will be moving on to new chapters. Their contributions have shaped our school, our culture and, most importantly, the learning experience of our students. We thank them wholeheartedly for everything they have given, and we wish them all the very best in the adventures that lie ahead.
Ms Yasmin Moran– Yasmin has been a dedicated and committed teacher who always puts her students first. Yasmin is taking a career break from teaching and is taking a position with ANZUK.
Mr Tom Margary – Tom started with us in term 4 and has been a passionate and caring teacher of Prep A. He has decided to take a position at St. Kilda primary which is a lot closer to home.
Zoe Cunningham – Zoe joined the GHPS staff at the start of this year. She is a constant source of positivity for our students and staff. Zoe has an incredible way of making children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. We wish Zoe all the best as she begins her studies at the University of Adelaide.
Student leadership 2026
At our final assembly, our captains for 2026 were announced and this year’s Student Leaders presented them with their badges at the final assembly.
| School Captains | Ellie and Kanisk |
| Sport Captains | Elsie and Vidhaan |
| Music Captains | Shreyan and Emma |
| STEM Captains | Sean and Alec |
| Sustainability Captains | Lewis and Nagi |
| Wellbeing Captains | Shivika and Mahati |
| Pike House Captain | Shivansh |
| Bael House Captain | Dhruva |
| Kurwan House Captain | Lola |
| Garrawang House Captain | Yasmin |
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
As we reach the end of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all our families and community members.
This year has been filled with growth, learning, and countless moments that remind us why education is such a meaningful and rewarding journey. From the first day jitters of our Prep students to the proud achievements of our Year 6s preparing for their next chapter, we have witnessed our students flourish in ways both big and small.
None of this would be possible without you— our families and community. Your support, partnership, and trust in our school makes all the difference. Thank you for the conversations at pick-up, the attendance at events, and the countless ways you contribute to making Glen Huntly Primary the vibrant community it is.
To our dedicated staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment, creativity, and care. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved this year. Whether through moments of challenge or success, your commitment, teamwork, and professionalism have made a meaningful difference.
You have poured your hearts into supporting every student, and your impact extends far beyond the classroom walls. As we look ahead to the new year, we do so with confidence and optimism because of you. Thank you for being such an incredible team.
As we break for the Christmas and holiday period, I hope you find time to reset, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasures of this special season. Whether you’re travelling near or far, or simply enjoying the comforts of home, may your days be filled with joy, laughter, and peace.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026, refreshed and ready for another year of learning, growth, and community connection.
From all of us at Glen Huntly Primary School, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Nerida and Cameron
First Day of School 2026
School resumes for 2026 on Wednesday January 28th at 8.50 am with classrooms opening to welcome our returning students and new families to the school from Grade 1 to 6. Our new Preps will start om Thursday January 29 February 6th at 8.50.
School Uniform Reminder
Over the last two years GHPS has been transitioning to the new uniform. That time has now come to end and we look forward to seeing our students proudly wearing the new uniform. And a reminder that black pants and leggings are not part of the uniform.
To help prepare students for a new year of learning in 2026.
Parents are welcome to look at the information on this link. It offers suggestions on how to make the start of 2026 a successful one for your child.
A new year of learning | vic.gov.au
Congratulations to the following students who received a ‘Student of the Week’ award.
Albie 0A – Always setting a good example for his peers and demonstrating excellent leadership qualities.
Hashel 0B – For absolutely smashing his reading assessments this term – this is a testament to all your hard work and determination. Go you, Hashel! Keep up the amazing work!
Arjun 0B – For demonstrating wonderful growth in reading this term. Arjun did an excellent job in his reading assessments, which is a testament to his hard work in phonics and literacy, as well as his dedication to home reading. Keep up the amazing work, Arjun!
Eshan 1B – For taking pride in our class discussions. You always share your profound thoughts and rich vocabulary with the class, helping everyone learn and think more deeply. We are so proud of you!
Saanvi 1C – Saanvi takes great pride in her work and always strives to do her best. In her letter to Santa, she shared how proud she is to be part of her class. Saanvi is consistently nurturing and helpful, showing kindness and care towards others. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model, Saanvi – well done!
Elaine 2A – For your brilliant procedure writing this week! Not only did you nail every feature in ‘How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth’, but you also wowed us with your creative extra piece, ‘How to Get Into Bed’. Well done procedure pro!
Alexandra 2B – For writing a fantastic procedure on How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth! You structured your piece perfectly, and the amazing detail in your published copy made it a joy to read. Outstanding work!
Adhiyamaan 2B – For writing a wonderfully detailed letter to your new teacher and sharing all the brilliant things that make you unique. Your sentences sparkled with enthusiasm and excitement for next year. Well done, Adhiyamaan!
Mia 3A – For being a supportive, inclusive and kind member of our class this year. You continue to shine and build strong meaningful connections.
Tasha 4C – Tasha has worked so hard all year in this class. She always puts a huge effort in every task she completes. So proud of her progress and I wish her luck at her new school. She will be missed at Glen Huntly Primary School.
Lewis 5C – For the confidence he has shown during our Mentor Text lessons this year. We have enjoyed listening to your ideas and thoughts, so thank you for sharing your perspectives with the class. Well done!
Student Achievements
David from 4C had his Tae kwon do grading on Saturday 7 December and he was successful: he is now a black belt!
He has been practicing the martial art for five years and this is a huge achievement for him. He is very proud to have passed the test and now being on his way to competitions and more training to advance his practice.
David trains at Korean Martial Arts and Fitness in Ormond.
Harvey from 6B received the Hotham Community Spirit and Leadership award from the MP of Hotham Clare O’Neal on Tuesday 9th December.
At last Friday’s assembly, David Southwick presented the “Student Future Leader” award to Rishi from 6A.
Volunteer Appreciation Spotlight
Our volunteers are at the heart of the Glen Huntly Primary School community. This term, we proudly recognise a number of outstanding individuals whose time, dedication and kindness have made a meaningful difference across our school. We also take this opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the many years of commitment shown by our parent volunteers of the 2025 Grade 6 cohort, as they reach their final year with the Glen Huntly Primary School community. Thank you for the care, generosity and ongoing commitment you show our school each day.
Lilian Chew
For generously supporting 1A, assisting with excursions and helping with cooking sessions. Lilian has also contributed her time to swimming programs and excursions across the school.
Hayley Clift
A truly tireless volunteer who consistently puts her hand up for everything. Hayley supports excursions, swimming programs, cooking sessions, weekly icy poles and hot chocolate, barbeque stalls, fetes, and GPA initiatives. She is always present, endlessly supportive of students and staff, and wears many hats across our school community.
Cecylia Liu (Kee)
For her ongoing support with swimming programs, cooking sessions, excursions, being the pianist for the school choir, and always willing to lend a hand where needed.
Fiona Davey
For her valued contribution to the school community through her time and support, especially as President of the GPA, running of school fetes, selling icy poles at the canteen, coordinating trivia nights and being here there and everywhere to lend a hand.
Sharbani Dhar
For her long-standing commitment to School Council and the Finance Sub-Committee, as well as her work on fete graphic design and coordinating the Trash and Treasure Market.
Noel Duffy
For his dedicated service on School Council over many years, contributing thoughtfully and consistently until 2024.
Martina Gevaux
A reliable and much-loved Breakfast Club volunteer and a stalwart supporter of cake stalls.
Sally Layton
Our much-deserved BBQ Queen, generously volunteering her time at election days, fetes and Bunnings events.
Anthony Layton
The BBQ King, always ready to help at election days, fetes and Bunnings, supporting the school with enthusiasm and good humour.
Lara O’Grady
For her valuable contribution to School Council through the Policy and Curriculum Sub-Committee.
Preeti Roychand
For her dedicated service on School Council through to 2025, supporting the school community with care and commitment.
Ruth Smyth-Kinyua
For wearing many hats across the school and generously supporting a wide range of parent volunteer roles.
Breeana Flannery
For consistently helping out with excursions and cooking sessions, always offering her time and support.
COMMUNITY PANTRY NEWS
A massive shout-out and thank you to George and the team at Coles Bentleigh for donating a trolley full of essential items to our community pantry.
We are incredibly grateful for your generosity, compassion, and understanding of the importance of supporting our community.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to building an ongoing relationship in 2026.
The pantry will be accessible over the school holidays, please contact Ruth on ruth.kinyua@education.vic.gov.au to arrange a time.
TheirCare News
CLICK HERE to read our end of year report.
GHPS Facebook
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Calendar 2025
Term 4
December
Fri 19 End of Term 4 Early Dismissal 1.30pm
Thu 25 Merry Christmas 😀
Calendar 2026
Term 1
January
Tue 27 Teachers Return to school
Wed 28 Year 1 – 6 Students commence
Thu 29 Prep Students commence
February
March
Mon 9 Labour Day Public Holiday
Tue 10 Curriculum Day – no students
April
Thu 2 Last Day of term 1 2.30pm early finish
Fri 3 Good Friday Public Holiday
Term 2
April
Mon 20 Term 2 begins
Fri 24 ANZAC Day School Service
Fee payments and Excursion Permissions and Payments.
All Communication notices regarding excursions will be sent through COMPASS.
Permissions are to be given through COMPASS.
Preferred payment method for Fee payments and Excursions is through COMPASS.
This will allow us to always keep all the correct information available to staff whilst on an excursion.
If you have any questions, please contact the office or see Guide below.
CLICK HERE for Parent’s Guide to Compass
Thank you.