- Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November - Viewbank PS Family Photo Fundraiser - Booking now open
- Friday 28th November - Viewbank Primary School Carols Night
- Wednesday 3rd December - STOMP Dance Showcase
PUPIL FREE DAYS (TheirCare School Holiday Program will be available on pupil-free days)
- There are no pupil free days remaining in 2025.
2025 TERM DATES
- TERM 4: 6 October - 19 December
2026 TERM DATES
- TERM 1: 28 January - 2 April
- TERM 2: 20 April - 26 June
- TERM 3: 13 July - 18 September
- TERM 4: 5 October- 18 December
SERVICE RECOGNITION Last Thursday, our highly regarded Assistant Principal Gill Nicholls ‘chalked up’ 30 years of service at Viewbank Primary School. Gill’s first appointment here was on November 6, 1995, and over the last 30 years she has worked in a range of roles including classroom teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, Leading Teacher, Assistant Principal and Acting Principal. She has completed each role with dedication, commitment and professionalism always putting the needs of students first and foremost. She has universal respect and great integrity and as we said to her at a School Council presentation and then a staff celebration, we are fortunate to have had her on staff for these last 30 years and hopefully many more. Congratulations on a great career (to date!), Gill. You should be proud of your achievements and commitment to Viewbank PS. STAFFING WELCOMES In recent weeks, panels have been formed to select new staff for 2026 as well as to select the best ‘internal’ applicant for a newly created and funded position. In terms of the former, I am pleased to announce and welcome to our school Isabella Hayes and Lily Wilkinson-Beards who will be starting their teaching careers with us on the first school day of 2026. In terms of the latter, we have recently been funded for a ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader’ position at our school and I am pleased to announce that Jamie Ruddock has been appointed to fill that role for, at least, the next two years. Along with Angela Roccasalva (Disabilities Inclusion Coordinator), Gillian Nicholls (Assistant Principal and Welfare Coordinator) and Heather Gulliford (Educational Psychologist) we have a very talented and dedicated team in the wellbeing and mental health space. In terms of departures, Renee Deeth is relocating to the Mornington Peninsula. As much as I tried to minimise the 1 hr 20 minute commute each way by pointing out the benefits of listening to podcasts and reflective thinking whilst driving (in a failed attempt to convince her to stay!!), logic won out and pleasingly for Renee she has picked up a position at Osborne PS in Mount Martha. Far North Queensland is a much longer commute, and Bessie Grant has headed there just for 2026 and we look forward to her return in 2027. Both staff members have had considerable positive impact at our school, especially in the Foundation year, and will be greatly missed! In next week’s newsletter, I will advise of all of our internal staffing appointments, allocations to classes etc for 2026. FOUNDATION INFORMATION NIGHT AND TRANSITION PROGRAM Last Thursday night saw a very well attended Foundation 2026 Information Night held in our school gymnasium. The 2026 Foundation teachers along with the Principal Team, Business Manager, Parents and Friends and representatives from Their Care and Lowes provided information on all of the ‘critical’ things that new families need to know when their children first commence school. We touched on important 2026 dates, how to purchase school uniforms, office matters, the first day of school, highlights of the Foundation curriculum and more with class lists being ‘published’ to bring the evening to an end. The first Foundation transition where the students will meet their 2026 teacher and classmates is set down for next Wednesday, November 19. That’s it from me this week. Enjoy your weekend and hopefully it’s a ‘tad’ warmer than last.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Viewbank Christmas Carols We are very excited to once again be hosting a Christmas Carols evening at Viewbank Primary. Our last Christmas event was pre covid, so it is well overdue. Friday the 28th November will see us gathering on the Tiger Turf for an evening of festive singing. All students will have the opportunity to be on stage singing a carol with their year level. We will also have F-2 and 3-6 group Auslan carol performances. Across the evening there will be lots of opportunities for community sing-a-longs. Families are invited to bring a picnic supper or take advantage of the local take-away businesses. Pre-ordering might be a good idea. Please note that as this is a school event no alcohol is allowed. There will be a range of snacks available for sale on the evening with all money raised going to the school. The P&F will be holding a Christmas raffle with tickets available for purchase before and on the evening. Students can wear free dress and a Christmas theme is encouraged. All students do need to be accompanied by an adult. Looking forward to seeing you there.
STOMP Dance Showcase This term, our students are enthusiastically participating in a weekly dance program delivered by STOMP. The students are learning a range of dance routines that will be displayed to families and friends at a Dance Showcase on Wednesday, 3rd December, during school hours. Performances will occur across the day at the following times:
Have a great week,
Gill
STUDENT REPORTS Staff have been very busy assessing students and writing end of year student reports. Much of this is happening after hours and on weekends, with staff giving up time with families and other personal commitments. More information will be forwarded regarding reports in the coming weeks. Reports will be made available to families in the final week of this term. PARENTS AND FRIENDS The end of the year is fast approaching, and I would like to thank the P&F for the work they have done this year. A strong structure has been put in place over the past 4 years, with various sub-committees formed to organise particular events, such as the disco. Planning has already started for many 2026 events! We are very grateful that Narelle Matton stepped into the P&F Presidency role 18 months ago after Kate Doran stood aside at the end of last year due to other commitments. Narelle made it clear that she could only commit to this for the remainder of this year and that we will require a new P&F President in 2026. Narelle and Kate are more than happy to discuss the position with anyone who may be interested in undertaking this role in 2026.
Have a great weekend.
Patrick
Dear Parents and Carers, Viewbank Primary School is looking forward to another wonderful year of teaching and learning and would like to provide you with information about the Parent Payment Arrangements for 2026. Information regarding Curriculum and Other Contributions will be available on Compass from January. You will receive an email notification once these have been published. Financial contributions from our families play a vital role in maintaining the high standard of education and resources that make Viewbank Primary School such a vibrant learning community. These contributions directly support classroom programs, specialist subjects, technology upgrades, and the upkeep of our learning spaces ensuring every student has access to engaging, high-quality learning experiences. The excellent facilities, resources, and opportunities we enjoy today are the result of the ongoing generosity and commitment of our families over many years. Your support whether through financial contributions, participation in fundraising, or volunteering makes a genuine difference in maintaining and improving the programs and facilities our students enjoy. We greatly value your continued support and dedication to enriching our students’ education and school experience. For convenience, all classroom supplies will be purchased in bulk and distributed directly to classrooms. Teachers will provide students with the necessary stationery and materials throughout the year. Please refer to the attached 2026 Parent Payment Arrangements document for more detailed information. Kind regards, Lucy Addati Business Manager
Volunteer Thank You Afternoon Tea Thank you to all the amazing parents, caregivers, and friends who have generously offered their time and support in numerous ways throughout the school year. Whether it’s helping with grounds maintenance, excursions, the library, icy pole sales, fundraising, the second-hand uniform shop, classroom assistance, or other activities, your contributions are truly invaluable. Our school simply wouldn’t be the same without your help! To express our heartfelt gratitude for everything you’ve done, we warmly invite you to a special afternoon tea in your honour: When: Tuesday, 9th December Time: 3pm – 4pm Where: Staffroom, Administration Office Please note, while we adore children, this event is best suited for adults and is not appropriate for school-aged children. We look forward to celebrating with you and hope you can join us. With thanks, Viewbank Primary School Staff
Northern Metropolitan Region Softball Final Congratulations to the VPS girls and boys softball teams who have both won today’s Northern Metropolitan Region Final! Superb batting and fielding from the teams has seen them progress to the Victorian State Final on 24th of November. All teams displayed our school values throughout the day and we can all be exceptionally proud of their efforts. A special thank you to Bella’s father, Chris Macey who has coached alongside me for the past two months, bringing his wealth of experience to the teams. Congratulations and well done everyone! Mr Peters
BOOK CLUB Issue 8 catalogues have been sent home this week. All orders are due by Tuesday 25th November. Every dollar you spend earns points to buy more books for the Library. Thank you for your support.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS. Viewbank Primary School Parents and Friends Christmas Raffle 2025. The prizes include three assorted hampers. Raffle to be drawn Monday 15th December at the whole school assembly. Last tickets sale date Wednesday 10th December. 1 ticket x $2 6 tickets x $10 15 tickets x $20 Purchase your tickets via Compasstix: https://compasstix.com/e/mxuqk8co9s
Lower Plenty Bakehouse proudly partners with our school to provide fundraising lunch orders every Thursday.
This initiative, organised by our Parents and Friends Committee, serves as one of our school’s major fundraising efforts. All proceeds will go towards our significant school upgrade project.
Term 4 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates:
- Thursday 20th November (Orders close: Monday 17th November, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 27th November (Orders close: Monday 24th November, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 11th December (Orders close: Monday 8th December, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 18th December (Orders close: Monday 15th December, 3:00 PM) - Year 6 Funfields
Ordering Instructions: Orders must be placed in advance via Compass Canteen. Ordering will close at 3:00 PM on the Monday before each lunch date.
You can now place orders for all Term 4 lunch dates in advance if preferred.
A Parent User Guide on how to order through Compass Canteen is below for your convenience. Please note, a $0.35 transaction fee will apply at checkout.
All food is Halal.
Thank you for supporting our school community!
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ICY POLE FRIDAY Students can purchase icy poles over the counter every Friday at lunchtime for $1.00 each. We offer an assortment of different icy poles each week, but always have Zooper Doopers available.This serves as a school fundraiser.
If you're interested in volunteering as a parent helper to sell icy poles, please contact the school's general office.
Entertainment Book 20% of the membership goes directly to support our fundraising at Viewbank Primary School. https://www.entertainment.com.au/current-promotion
Lunches must be ordered online using the CLASSROOM CUISINE website.
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WEEKLY SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE - Every Friday 3:00pm to 3:30pm, next to the music room. Jumpers with the school logo, long and short sleeve school polo tops and school dresses will be $2.00. We are currently asking for donations of any unwanted reusable school uniform items to sell at our stall.
SINGING WITH GABRIELLA - Gabriella
- Email: favrettogab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0413 676 733
STRINGS – Jack Cai
- Email: jack3bld@gmail.com
- Phone: 0426 665 044
STRINGS - MR CAI
- Email: cai66@optusnet.com.au
- Phone: 0403 490 078
PIANO/KEYBOARD/DRUMS - Daniel Tucceri
- Email: info@banyulemusicandtutoring.com
- Phone: 0405 667 908
GUITAR - Dimi Holborow
- Email: mastermusic606@outlook.com
- Phone: 0409 629 612
Our school has partnered with an independent provider called TheirCare to provide exceptional Outside School Hours Care services for our school community.
The program is available for all children at Viewbank Primary School from 6:30am until 9:00am in the morning and from 3:30pm until 6:15pm each school day.
During School Holidays & Pupil Free Days the service will operate from 6:30am until 6:15pm.
Families wishing to use this service can visit the TheirCare website: www.theircare.com.au
Families are eligible for a Government Rebate called the Child Care Subsidy which can reduce the cost per session by up to 85%.
More information can be obtained by contacting the school or ringing TheirCare Support Team on 1300 072 410.
TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play-based programs.