Welcome to our second newsletter for the year. It has been wonderful to see the school year well underway and to watch students settling into routines, building relationships and engaging with their learning.

One of our key priorities this year is strengthening the partnership between home and school. When families and staff work together, students benefit enormously—academically, socially and emotionally. Open communication helps us better understand each child and ensures we are supporting them in the best possible way.

Now that the year has begun, questions often arise about learning programs, routines, wellbeing or upcoming events. To help us support you, we invite all families to complete the Google Form linked in this newsletter. You can use it to ask any questions you may have or to let us know what information would be most helpful at this stage of the year. Your feedback will help guide future communication and ensure we are addressing what matters most to our community.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We value your partnership and look forward to working closely with you throughout the year.

Google form link:

https://forms.gle/tjbw2iMmgqncDcsG8

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

Dear Kingsville Primary School families,

My name is Dr Cameron Van der Smee. I am a lecturer in Health and Physical Education at Deakin. I am an experienced researcher and former primary school teacher. I am coming to your school to conduct a project on the physical activity engagement of primary-aged children.

There is a national concern about high levels of physical activity dropout in the teen years, so, in my research, I focus on the primary years to see where these patterns develop from. As part of this research, I will be working with the year 3/4 classes.

My project will consist of observing the physical activity actions and behaviours of the children on the playground and in their PE classes. It will also include a number of visual methods, such as map drawing and comic book writing, which will take place in their normal classes, and will focus on delving more into physical activity engagement outside of school and on the playground. This project will help us to develop a better understanding of how children engage with physical activity and the conditions under which some children begin to disengage.

Please know that participation is not mandatory, and you have complete control over whether your child is involved or not. I will send a consent form home with each year 3/4 child, which provides more details about the project. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks to you all for letting me conduct this important research at your school. I look forward to sharing my findings with the school community in the future.

Cheers,

Dr. Cameron Van der Smee
Course Director of the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
Lecturer in Health and Physical Education
Faculty of Arts & Education

Deakin University, Burwood Campus
Office N2.09
+61392443039 (Extension 43039)
0403555645
C.vandersmee@deakin.edu.au
www.deakin.edu.au

Assembly Items

Fri 20th Feb - Class MSC
Fri 6th Mar - Class SAO
Fri 20th Mar - Class EAM
Fri 27th Mar - Class ECJ

Spot & Cycle Ride | National Sustainable Living Festival
Join the Community Bike Hub for a fun, accessible and family-friendly social ride along the Maribyrnong River. This engaging event combines bike riding with a treasure hunt, using a self-guided map to help participants spot local sights and signs along the way.

A great way for families and new riders to build confidence, explore the area and enjoy the outdoors together.

Date & Time: Saturday 21 February 2026 | 9:30am – 11:00am
Meeting Point: Jensen Reserve carpark
Suitable for: All ages and abilities
What to bring: Bike, helmet and drink bottle

More information: Spot and Cycle - Maribyrnong

Neighbourly Ride (Commencing 1 March 2026)
Neighbourly Ride is a free weekly group cycling program delivered in partnership with Bunchrides. Designed to build confidence in local cycling and active transport, rides take place every Sunday at 10am, starting from the Civic Precinct and Community Hub.

Participants enjoy a guided 8km ride (approx. 40 minutes), with routes varying each week to explore local spaces. Sessions are capped at 12 riders and supported by trained volunteers.

Residents can register via the Bunchrides app.

This program promotes health, wellbeing, community connection and confidence on the bike.

More information: Neighbourly Ride - Maribyrnong




Parks Week | 2–9 March 2026
Parks Week highlights the importance of our parks as places to connect, move and recharge. Council will activate local open spaces with 30 community programs, including Beach Tennis, Get into Golf, yoga, STRONG Pilates and free exercise consultations.

Join us to enjoy the outdoors while supporting your health and wellbeing with Active Maribyrnong.

More information: Parks Week - Maribyrnong

Women & Girls Football Opportunities
Come & Try Football Sessions
Free sessions for girls aged 7+ and women of all ages — no experience needed. A fun way to learn new skills, have a kick and meet new people.

When:
• Wednesday 18 March | 6:00–8:00pm
• Saturday 21 March | 9:30–11:30am

Coaching Workshop
A free football (soccer) coaching workshop for women and girls aged 16+.

When: Saturday 21 March | 9:30–11:30am

Location: Yarraville Glory Football Club, McIvor Reserve, Yarraville

This program is funded by the Victorian Government through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund.

Register: Women and Girls Come and Try Football session and Coaching workshop - Maribyrnong