Principal’s Update – 19 February

THANK YOU – SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS 2026

We would like to sincerely thank the many families who have already made a contribution to our 2026 School Contributions. Your support truly makes a difference.

School contributions help us maintain high-quality learning programs, resources and experiences for our students. They directly support classroom materials, specialist programs, wellbeing initiatives and the broader opportunities that enrich learning at Belle Vue Primary School.

We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we share with our families. Your generosity and support enable us to continue providing a rich, engaging and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community.

BUILDING STRONG TEACHING PRACTICE

At Belle Vue Primary School, we are continuing our professional learning journey with VTLM 2.0 and the use of explicit teaching as an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. Our staff are building shared knowledge and consistent practice to ensure lessons are clear, purposeful and responsive to student needs. This work strengthens instructional quality across the school and supports all students to develop strong foundations in learning, confidence and success in the classroom.

SCHOOL COUNCIL 2026

All government schools in Victoria have a School Council, which plays an important role in setting the broad direction of the school within Department guidelines. Through this work, School Council directly influences the quality of education provided to our students.

Parents on School Council bring valuable perspectives, skills and experience that help shape the future of our school. Each year, vacancies become available and we warmly encourage interested parents/carers to consider nominating.

Who is on School Council?
School Council is made up of:

Elected parent members
Elected Department of Education staff members (teachers)
Optional community members, co-opted by Council for their skills or experience (DET employees are not eligible)

How do I nominate?
All School Council members must hold a valid Working With Children Check (Ministerial Order 1280).

Parents/carers may self-nominate or be nominated by another member of the Belle Vue Primary School community. Nomination forms will be available from the school office from 9.00am on Monday 23 February and must be returned by 4.00pm on Monday 2 March.

Please feel free to speak with a current School Council member or come and have a chat with me if you would like further information.

DISTRICT SWIMMING

Congratulations and best wishes to all of our swimmers competing at next week’s District Swimming event. We know you will represent Belle Vue proudly by demonstrating our school values, fair play and your very best effort throughout the day.

ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. As a school, we have a shared responsibility to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.

To minimise risk, the following measures are in place at Belle Vue Primary School:

Students and staff are regularly reminded to wash hands after eating
Students are not permitted to share food
Gloves are worn when collecting rubbish or papers in the playground
Year levels are advised in advance of allergens to be avoided for class events
Food is not brought to school for birthday celebrations
A general-use adrenaline auto-injector is stored in the First Aid room
Staff complete twice-yearly anaphylaxis training, including EpiPen use
Risk-minimisation strategies are included in all off-site activities

Nuts are a known high-risk allergen. To minimise risk, families are asked not to send nuts or foods containing nuts (e.g. nut spreads or muesli bars) to school, excursions or camps.

All students diagnosed with anaphylaxis must have an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan, including a current ASCIA Action Plan, provided to the school.

COMPASS

Compass is our primary platform for school communication, permissions and important updates. Please ensure you have access. If you need support using Compass, please contact the school office.

COMMUNITY / WELCOME BBQ & OPEN-AIR CONCERT

We are very excited to host our Community and Welcome BBQ on Tuesday 17 March from 5.00pm–7.00pm.

As a special addition, STOMP Dance Company will be providing a one-off Open-Air Concert from 4.00pm–5.00pm. Pre-orders for sausages will be sent shortly via TryBooking. The evening will also include live music, games and activities for students and families to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming our community for a fun and relaxed evening together.

2026 – GETTING TO KNOW OUR FAMILIES

Thank you to families who have already completed the Getting to Know Families form. This information helps us better understand your child’s learning, wellbeing and strengths, and supports a successful start to the school year.

The form provides an opportunity to share anything you feel your child’s teacher should know. All information is treated confidentially and accessed only by relevant staff to support your child’s learning and wellbeing.

If you have not yet completed the form, please do so using the link below:
https://forms.gle/Rrf75nbohHFEdwFb8

MEET MAPLE – OUR WELLBEING DOG

At Belle Vue Primary School, our wellbeing dog program is part of our whole-school (Tier 1) approach to supporting student wellbeing, emotional regulation, and a strong sense of safety and belonging.

We are pleased to reintroduce Maple, our trainee therapy and wellbeing dog, who spent time with us during 2025 and will again be visiting the school over the coming weeks. Maple will be gradually reintroduced alongside her trainer, Lisa Bateman, with the wellbeing and safety of students, staff and Maple as our highest priority.

Maple will always be on lead and under direct supervision. Students will be explicitly taught how to interact calmly and respectfully with her. With her gentle and calming presence, Maple will continue to support a positive and nurturing school environment where students feel settled, connected and ready to learn.