Newsletter 2nd February 2026
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Principal's Message
Welcome to a New School Year!
Welcome back to another exciting school year! Whether you are returning to familiar classroom or stepping onto our grounds for the very first time, we are so glad you’re here.
A very special welcome goes to our Foundation students and their families. Starting school is a huge milestone — for children and their adults— and we are honoured to be part of the beginning of your school journey. There were definitely a few nervous butterflies, some very big smiles and perhaps the occasional extra-long goodbye, but overall, we had a very successful first day today!
To our Foundation students: you are officially school kids now! You’ll be learning how to read, write, count, create, make friends, ask questions and discover just how capable you are. There will be new routines, new faces and new challenges but and plenty of fun along the way. We can’t wait to watch you grow.
To our returning students: welcome back! Your confidence, kindness and leadership help make our school such a wonderful place to be. We look forward to seeing you challenge yourselves, support one another and continue to build our strong school community.
I would also like to acknowledge our incredible staff, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare for the start of the year. From setting up classrooms and planning engaging learning experiences to making sure every detail is just right - their care, creativity and dedication are evident everywhere you look. We are very fortunate to have such a passionate and committed team supporting our students.
To our families: thank you for the trust you place in us. Education is a partnership, and we value the role you play in your child’s learning and wellbeing. We encourage open communication and involvement throughout the year. If you need me for any reason please just phone through to the office or email me at emma.vasilevski@education.vic.gov.au (To our Foundation parents – I have double checked that my name is spelt correctly this time!!)
This year promises to be full of learning, laughter and memorable moments. A year of curiosity, kindness, growth and most of all – fun!
Emma
Learning for a Connected World
“Learn avidly. Question repeatedly what you have learned. Analyse it carefully. Then put what you have learned into practice intelligently.” — Confucius
Kingsville Primary School is proud to belong to a global community of learners through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Our involvement began in 2006, and in 2009 we were authorised as an IB World School. Since that time, our purpose has remained strong: to nurture curious, knowledgeable and caring learners who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
At the core of an IB education is the belief that learning should be purposeful, engaging and challenging. At Kingsville, teaching and learning are informed by international best practice and place students at the centre of the learning experience. Learners are encouraged to ask questions, think deeply, reflect on their progress and apply their understanding in authentic contexts. This approach fosters a genuine love of learning and equips students with the skills to navigate change, uncertainty and complexity with confidence.
A key element of the PYP is the Learner Profile, which outlines the qualities of an internationally minded learner. These include being Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Courageous, Balanced and Reflective. These attributes shape how students learn, interact with others and understand their place in local, national and global communities. At Kingsville, we encourage students to embody these attributes in all areas of their lives, both in and beyond the classroom.
International mindedness begins with a strong sense of self and an appreciation of one’s own culture, alongside respect for the beliefs, values and perspectives of others. An internationally minded learner is confident, open to difference, environmentally aware and conscious of their role in the wider world. Through strong partnerships between students, staff and families, we work collaboratively to model and reinforce these values every day.
An IB education at Kingsville extends beyond academic achievement. Equal emphasis is placed on wellbeing, personal development and social responsibility. By nurturing empathy, curiosity and a sense of shared humanity, we prepare our students not only for future learning and work, but also for active and compassionate participation in the world.
As members of the Kingsville community, we share a collective commitment to supporting our children to become lifelong learners who believe in their ability to make a difference. Together, we are shaping learners who are ready to thrive in a highly connected, ever-changing world.Leadership Team
First 15+ Days of School
At Kingsville Primary School, the integration of the Department of Education and Training framework with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides a strong foundation for both student learning and wellbeing. Together, these approaches support the development of confident, capable learners who are prepared to participate actively in a global community. Our educators are committed to ensuring every student is supported to develop a lifelong curiosity and love of learning.
Each school year begins with our whole-school First 15+ Days of School inquiry. This intentional focus supports the development of positive relationships and the establishment of a collaborative and inclusive learning culture across classrooms and the wider school. The inquiry is guided by the central idea that learning environments which are supportive, engaging and underpinned by clear routines empower students and strengthen learner agency. The understandings developed during this time form the foundation for learning throughout the year.
During the First 15+ Days, students and teachers build connections by learning about one another, recognising individual differences and celebrating shared strengths within each class community. Together, they co-construct expectations, routines, resources and learning displays that reflect the “habits of mind” and “ways of being” required for successful learning. These shared understandings are revisited and reinforced throughout the year, promoting student voice, independence and responsibility.
As students progress through their Programme of Inquiry, including stand-alone and transdisciplinary units aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, the foundations established during the First 15+ Days continue to guide teaching and learning. This shared approach ensures that classrooms remain connected, purposeful learning environments where students experience a strong sense of belonging, agency and responsibility for themselves and others.
Leadership Team
Real Schools: Building a Restorative Culture
Since 2024, Kingsville Primary School has partnered with Real Schools to further strengthen a culture of respectful relationships across our community. A key focus of this partnership has been developing a shared understanding of restorative practices and their positive impact on school culture. Restorative practices prioritise strong relationships between students, staff and families, recognising that positive connections are essential for wellbeing, engagement and learning success.
At Kingsville Primary School, we have deliberately adopted a restorative approach to behaviour and conflict. Guided by the principles of Restorative Practice 2.0, this approach moves away from punitive or adversarial responses and instead focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships. By emphasising connection, accountability and reflection, restorative practices support students to develop important social and emotional skills while fostering a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment for all.
In a nutshell
- Restorative practice offers an alternative to adversarial approaches
- It focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships
- All parties are given a voice in the process
- Students are supported to take responsibility for their actions
Restorative practices place relationships at the centre, using inclusive processes to repair harm, restore trust and strengthen our school community.
Leadership Team
Resonate Music Lessons
Dates to Remember
| FEBRUARY 2026 | |||||
| Wed 4th Feb | Foundation Testing Life Ed - Year 5 & 6 Only - Parent Meeting | ||||
| Thurs 5th Feb | Year 3 - 6 Swimming Trials | ||||
| Tues 10th Feb | Year 5/6 Life Ed Foundation Information Evening | ||||
| Wed 11th Feb | Foundation Testing | ||||
| Mon 16th Feb | Foundation students here full time | ||||
| Tues 17th Feb | Year 5/6 Life Ed | ||||
| Thurs 19th Feb | Westgate District Swimming Meet the Teacher Sessions | ||||
| Tues 24th Feb | Year 5/6 Life Ed | ||||
Assembly Items
Fri 20th Feb - Class MSC
Fri 6th Mar - Class SAO
Fri 20th Mar - Class EAM
Fri 27th Mar - Class ECJ
Term Dates 2026
Term 1 - Thursday 29th January - Thursday 2nd April
Term 2 - Monday 20th April - Friday 26th June
Term 3 - Monday 13th July - Friday 18th September
Term 4 - Monday 5th October - Friday 18th December
