Dear Queenscliff Parents and Carers,
The opening weeks of the year have set a strong foundation for learning, and Term 1 has been filled with growth, curiosity and connection across every year level. Students from Year 1 to Year 6 have embraced classroom routines with enthusiasm, especially through our friendly lining‑up and readiness‑for‑learning competitions, which have helped build positive habits, teamwork and a sense of pride in each class community. The quality of learning across the school has been evident in the way students settle quickly, support one another and engage deeply with their work.
This term has also been rich with opportunities beyond the classroom. Families joined us for our Meet and Greet Parent Interviews and Parent Information Night, both of which strengthened the partnership between home and school. Students have enjoyed a range of excursions that brought learning to life, including the Year 1/2 Environmental Walk and the Swan Bay Biodiversity excursion for our Year 5/6 students. Our Cross Country Carnival showcased determination, resilience and school spirit, while selected students proudly represented QPS at the Lightning Premiership T‑Ball and Cricket competitions.
Term 1 has been a vibrant and productive start to the year, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we move into Term 2.
Easter Raffle
The countdown to our Easter Raffle has officially begun. Raffle ticket booklets have been sent home with students this week.
The raffle will be drawn at our final Term 1 assembly on Friday 27 March at 9am.
We are still welcoming donations for our Easter Hampers. Families are encouraged to contribute small items that could help make someone’s Easter feel extra special. Suggested items include candles, soaps, toys, books, chocolate, water bottles, cards, stationery, or vouchers. Every contribution helps, and we sincerely thank the families who have already donated.
All sold and unsold raffle tickets, along with any money collected, must be returned in an envelope to the School Office by Wednesday 25 March. Please note that we do not expect every family to sell an entire booklet, particularly those with multiple children. Each student receives a booklet so everyone can feel included in the fundraising effort.
All funds raised from the raffle will go towards purchasing decodable readers for our Prep to Year 2 students, novel study texts and the Nature Play Space.
All hamper donations can be delivered to the School Office by Monday 23 March 2026. Thank you for your ongoing support.
AEU Industrial Action - Tuesday 24 March
Our school community is advised that the Australian Education Union has called on its members to take strike action on Tuesday 24 March 2026. This action may affect the availability of teaching staff and could impact student supervision on the day. We are currently assessing how this may influence normal school operations.
To ensure families have clear and timely information, the school will provide a detailed update via Compass on Monday 23 March. This communication will outline any changes to classes, supervision arrangements, or onsite operations.
QPS Fundraising Model – Building Community, Supporting Learning
Over recent months, our school has worked closely with the School Council, Class Representatives, and many parents and carers to develop a refreshed QPS Fundraising Model that reflects the strengths, capacity and spirit of our whole school community. Fundraising plays an important role in enhancing our students’ learning experiences—helping us improve our grounds and gardens, upgrade equipment, and purchase additional resources such as laptops, iPads, sports gear, musical instruments and PA systems. These extras make a real difference to the opportunities we can offer our students.
In previous years, we explored forming a dedicated Parents & Friends Fundraising Committee, a model used successfully in many schools. While we were unable to establish a standalone committee, the conversations highlighted something even more valuable: a strong desire across our community to contribute in ways that are flexible, shared and inclusive.
Our school has a proud history of successful fundraising events, including:
Bunnings Sausage Sizzles
Queenscliff Music Festival BBQ
Trivia Nights
Sausage Sizzles
Hot Cross Bun Drives
Raffles
Each of these events has helped fund important improvements to our school environment and resources.
To continue this positive momentum, School Council has endorsed a new whole‑school fundraising approach, where each year level takes responsibility for organising one fundraising event across the year. This model:
Gives year levels and class groups full autonomy to choose the type of fundraiser that suits them
Encourages teamwork and shared ownership
Spreads the workload fairly across the school
Ensures fundraising remains purposeful and aligned with school needs
Strengthens community connection through collaborative events
All fundraising will continue to be planned in consultation with the school’s leadership team to ensure events are safe, achievable and aligned with school priorities.
2026 Year‑Level Fundraising Schedule
Class | Event |
Prep | Term 2 Sausage Sizzle – Final Day of Term 2 (Friday 26 June) |
Year 1 & Year 2 | Term 2 Event - TBC |
Year 3 | Term 3 Footy Day Lunch – Final Day of Term 3 (Friday 18 September) |
Year 4 | Term 3 Event – TBC |
Year 5 | Term 4 Event – TBC |
Year 6 | Term 4 End‑of‑Year Special Lunch |
Year levels have complete freedom to select the fundraiser that best suits their group. Our school also welcomes class groups to put forward fundraising suggestions and ideas for specific resources, projects or equipment to enhance the learning and wellbeing of our students. Class Representatives will soon reach out via WhatsApp class groups to gather ideas and begin planning.
Popular Fundraising Ideas
Some common and much‑loved options include:
Twilight or Outdoor Movie Night
Fun Run
Trivia Night
Disco Night
Bingo or Games Night
Sausage Sizzles
Bake Sale
Hot Cross Bun or Pie Drive
Pizza or Sushi Lunch Days
Easter or Christmas Raffles
Mother’s Day / Father’s Day Stalls
Tea Towel or Calendar Fundraiser
Cookie Dough, Chocolates or Mango Drive
Walk‑a‑thon, Read‑a‑thon or Spell‑a‑thon
Bike‑a‑thon or Scooter‑a‑thon
Recycling Drives (cans, bottles, e‑waste)
Pre‑loved Book or Toy Sale
Casual Clothes or Dress‑Up Days
Guessing Jars
Online Silent Auction
This new model reflects the strength of our QPS community—many hands contributing in small but meaningful ways to create big opportunities for our students. It celebrates teamwork, connection and shared purpose, and we are excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm each year level brings to their event.
Is there a particular fundraiser you think your year level might be excited to run this year?
Art Show - Saltwater Dreaming - Student Workshops and Canvas Art Auction
We are excited to announce that Queenscliff Primary School will be hosting another Art Show this year, with the theme “Saltwater Dreaming.” The exhibition will celebrate the creativity of our students and will be open to the community for one week.
This year’s event will include some exciting new features, including student-led art workshops and an auction of large canvases painted by students.
Based on feedback from our 2024 Art Show, student artworks will also be available for purchase. Artworks can be purchased by parents, grandparents, family members or members of the wider Borough of Queenscliff community. This will add to the excitement of the event, celebrate our students as young artists, and provide a wonderful fundraising opportunity for the school.
Student-lead Art Workshops
Some selected students will have the opportunity to teach their own art workshop during the Art Show.
Students can run a workshop individually or in pairs. Workshops will:
Run during school hours
Last approximately 1–1.5 hours
Be supported by teachers and parent helpers
Have materials provided by the school
Participants from the school and community will book and pay to attend the workshop, create an artwork guided by the student presenters, and take their artwork home. The school will also provide morning tea for workshop attendees.
Workshop Auditions
Students who wish to teach a workshop will present their workshop idea at an audition.
Tuesday 28 April – Lunchtime (we may allocate more time to this depending on the amount of children that want to try out)
At the Workshop Audition, students will present their idea to a small panel of teachers. They will need to:
Explain their idea
Show a finished example of the artwork
Explain the process
Explain the materials needed
Auction Canvases
The school will also be auctioning five large student-painted canvases as part of the Art Show.
Students interested in painting one of these special canvases will need to submit a proposal, including:
Their name
A simple sketch of their idea for the canvas
A short paragraph explaining the meaning/description of their artwork that will accompany the final artwork.
Students are to submit their application to do a canvas artwork by using a set written template. Templates can be collected at the school office.
Submissions for the Auction Canvas are due by Tuesday 21 April
Please place submissions in the box at the school office. Canvases will then be painted at school during school time.
We are really looking forward to celebrating the creativity of our students and sharing this special event with our community.
Laps for Life
Congratulations Lachie!
Lachie Foott has been making waves—literally—in support of Youth Mental Health through his inspiring participation in Laps for Life. This term, Lachie completed an impressive 850‑metre swim and is now pushing himself towards a remarkable goal of swimming over 2 kilometres, training regularly at Bellarine Aquatic Centre. His dedication in and out of the water has already helped him raise more than $700, bringing him very close to his target of $800.
Lachie’s determination, persistence and genuine care for others shines through in everything he does, and our whole school community is incredibly proud of the way he is championing such an important cause. His efforts remind us of the power of young people to make a meaningful difference.
If you would like to support Lachie with a donation, please visit the link below to assist Lachie in achieving his goal. Congratulations Lachie! Lachie is fundraising alongside other family members and friends, including his dad, Matt Foott. So far the Foott Brothers team has raised over $25, 000. What an incredible effort! Go Team Foott!
QPS Choir - One Planet Festival
We are delighted to share that our talented QPS Choir will be performing at the One Planet Festival on Saturday 28 March at Ocean Grove Park. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity, confidence and beautiful singing to the wider community.
A heartfelt thank you to Maddy Serong for her dedication and organisation in preparing our choir for this exciting event. Her commitment provides our students with meaningful experiences that strengthen their skills and deepen their connection to the arts.
We warmly invite all QPS families to come along, support our choir, and enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere. The One Planet Festival offers a fantastic day out, celebrating sustainability, environmental care and community spirit.
We look forward to seeing you there, cheering on our young performers and embracing this inspiring community event.
School Council Community Catchup - Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club
A heartfelt thank you to our School Council for organising the wonderful School Council Community Catch‑Up held at the Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday 13 March. It was fantastic to see so many parents and carers come together to connect, build new friendships, and strengthen the sense of community that makes our school such a special place.
A very special thank you goes to Fleur Hewitt for her outstanding organisation and coordination of the event. Her efforts helped create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where families could meet, chat, and enjoy time together.
Events like this remind us how important community is within a school. When families feel connected, students feel supported, relationships grow stronger, and our whole school culture thrives. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive and uplifting evening.
Long Service Leave - Melissa Fitzgerald
Our Assistant Principal, Melissa Fitzgerald, will be undertaking Long Service Leave in Term 2 and Term 3 to undertake an adventure around Australia. We are currently in the process of recruitment for a Health and Physical Education Teacher to lead the PE Specialist program and Acting Assistant Principal for the duration of when Melissa is on Leave. We wish Melissa and her husband, John, all the best on their exciting adventure.
Road Safety Upgrades - BOQ
The BoQ are improving safety around Queenscliff and St Aloysius Primary Schools thanks to the proposed installation of raised pedestrian crossings, also known as wombat crossings, on Stokes, Stevens, and Bethune Streets.
The proposed crossings will provide safer and more visible crossing points for pedestrians, while encouraging lower vehicle speeds through the precinct.
Concept plans for the proposed crossings have been prepared and we will soon be progressing to the detailed design phase. Subject to final design outcomes, approvals, and programming, construction of the crossings is currently targeted for late 2026.
Should you have any comments or questions in relation to the proposed designs, please contact Council’s Roads & Infrastructure Engineer, Steve Quick, before Friday 20 March 2026 at info@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au or 03 5258 1377.
Wombat Crossing proposed on Stevens Street
Proposed works at the Roundabout of Stevens and Stokes Street
NAPLAN 2026
This week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students successfully completed all NAPLAN assessments. We are incredibly proud of the calm, positive and resilient way our students approached each test, especially given the nation‑wide technical difficulties that occurred on the first morning of testing. After this initial disruption, all remaining assessments ran smoothly, and students were able to complete their tests as planned.
QPS Cross Country
Our QPS Cross Country Carnival, held on Thursday 5 March, was a wonderful success. It was inspiring to see students from all year levels giving their very best—persisting through challenges, showing determination on the track, and celebrating one another’s achievements. A real highlight of the day was the way students encouraged their peers with cheering, high‑fives and supportive words as runners made their way around the course. The sportsmanship and positivity on display truly reflected the spirit of our school.
A huge thank you to all of our parent volunteers who generously gave their time to help marshal the course, supervise checkpoints and ensure the event ran safely and smoothly for every participant. Your support makes days like this possible.
We extend a very special thank you to Melissa Fitzgerald, whose organisation, planning and leadership ensured the carnival was a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for all students.
Congratulations to every runner for their effort and enthusiasm. It was a fantastic day for our school community.
The following students have qualified for District Cross Country whereby they will compete against students from a range of schools on the Bellarine on Thursday 26 March at Harvey Park, St Leonards.
| 9/10 Girls – 2km | |
|---|---|
| Charlie | Berry |
| Elsie | Blythe |
| Mabel | Boyd |
| Zoe | Bramwell |
| Hazel | Cini |
| Lucy | Forsythe |
| Maggie | Gaylard |
| Edie | Green |
| Zara | Kerney |
| Alice | Kinsman |
| Evelyn | Pettigrove |
| Hannah | Rishton |
| Edie | Wilkinson |
| 9/10 Boys – 2km | |
|---|---|
| Lachie | Foott |
| Miles | Garland |
| Tas | Monahan |
| Tariq | Sayegh |
| Will | Ulph |
| Henry | Vosbergen |
| 11 Girls – 3km | |
|---|---|
| Isabelle | Berry |
| Nienke | Martino |
| Ruby | Stanley |
| Amelie | Stanley |
| Georgia | Ward |
11 Boys – 3km | |
|---|---|
| Patrick | Fewster |
| Hamish | Fewster |
| George | Kent |
| Thomson | MacMillan |
| 12/13 Girls – 3km | |
|---|---|
| Betty | Huggins |
| Eve | LePage |
| Sadie | Morris |
| Eleanor | Vosbergen |
| Aria | Wolter |
| 12/13 Boys - 3km | |
|---|---|
| Xavier | Grainger |
| Marcel | Sayegh |
| Jude | Spencer |
| Oliver | Talbot-Dunn |
Harmony Day - Friday 20 March
Our school will be celebrating Harmony Day on Friday 20 March 2026. Harmony Day and Harmony Week are special occasions that honour the rich cultural diversity within our community. The national theme, “Everyone Belongs”, along with this year’s focus, “Harmony – Stronger Together”, reminds us of the importance of inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for all.
Harmony Day is a cherished event on our school calendar—a time when we come together to recognise and celebrate the many cultures, stories, and traditions that shape who we are as a community. It is a day that encourages understanding, connection, and appreciation for the unique backgrounds of every student, staff member, and family.
To show their support, students and families are invited to wear a splash of orange alongside their QPS uniform on Friday 20 March. Orange is the official colour of Harmony Day, symbolising social connection, meaningful conversations, and mutual respect. Students may like to wear an orange headband, bracelet, necklace, hat, socks, or another small accessory.
Throughout the day, students will take part in a variety of activities and celebrations, including:
Morning Activities
TheirCare Pancake Breakfast (8am–9am): TheirCare will be hosting a delicious pancake breakfast for students and families. It’s a wonderful way to start the day together.
TheirCare Bracelet Station: Upon arrival, students can visit the bracelet‑making station to create a Harmony‑themed bracelet with the support of TheirCare staff.
Community Display
Harmony Day Fence Display: Before school, families are invited to contribute to a special Harmony Day display at the front of the school. You and your child can tie an orange ribbon to the school fence as a symbol of your commitment to inclusivity and acceptance. We encourage families to pause, read the display, and talk with their children about the importance of respect and belonging.
Creative and Cultural Learning
Stick Art Installation – “We Stick Together”: Students will collaborate on a whole‑school art installation using paddle pop sticks to represent unity and connection.
My Family Heritage Task: Throughout Harmony Week, students will complete a questionnaire to explore their family’s cultural heritage. During Week 8, students will have the opportunity to share their findings with their class.
Students may also choose to bring a small food item connected to their cultural background to share with classmates. If doing so, an ingredients list must be provided to ensure safety for all.
Classroom Activities
Throughout Friday, students will participate in a range of learning experiences that deepen their understanding of Harmony Day and celebrate the diversity within our school.
Harmony Day is a meaningful celebration for our community. It helps us foster a culturally safe environment where every student feels valued, respected, and connected. We are proud to celebrate the many cultures that enrich our school and strengthen our sense of unity. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Harmony Day a memorable and inclusive event for all.
Language - Wadawurrung and French Classes
Our school is continuing to explore options for students/families who expressed interest in learning French before and/or after school in 2025. I am actively working with members of the School Council to explore options, including suitability of teachers and availability of learning spaces.
In addition to this, all students at QPS learn Wadawurrung Language as part of the First Nations specialist subject delivered by Mrs. Kelly Caldwell. Kelly collaborates with the Wadwurrung Corporation for advice and input into the language program, and delivers the curriculum in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal Languages curriculum. Students learn Wadawurrung language during First Nations specialist in Semester 2.
Battle of the Houses – Dress Up Day
On Thursday 2 April, the final day of Term 1, we will be celebrating our school spirit with our much‑loved Battle of the Houses event.
Students are encouraged to come dressed in the colour of their school house and proudly show their team spirit. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get creative and celebrate the sense of belonging that makes our school community so special.
Students might choose to:
Wear clothing in their house colour
Dress up as their house mascot
Create an outfit inspired by something that represents their house colour
Add fun accessories such as hats, socks, face paint, ribbons, or jewellery in their house colour
Throughout the day, students will enjoy a range of activities that build teamwork, cooperation, and friendly competition. In the afternoon, house groups will come together for a series of exciting team games designed to promote collaboration, encouragement, and school pride.
We can not wait to see the school filled with bright colours, imaginative costumes, and enthusiastic house spirit. It’s always a highlight of the term, and we look forward to celebrating with all our students.
TheirCare iSpy Kids Holiday Program
Get ready for an action‑packed autumn break! TheirCare is excited to host its upcoming Holiday Program, themed iSpy Kids, at Ocean Grove Primary School. Designed for curious minds and budding detectives, this program is filled with hands‑on activities, creative challenges, outdoor adventures, and plenty of mystery‑solving fun.
Whether your child loves cracking clues, exploring new ideas, or teaming up with friends for imaginative missions, the iSpy Kids program promises a holiday full of excitement, learning, and laughter.
Families can register easily by scanning the QR code provided below or by visiting TheirCare | Where Kids Love To Be
First Year of School Photos - Geelong Advertiser
Last week our Preps had their photos taken by the Geelong Advertiser celebrating their first year of school. The souvenir keepsake in print will be available on Tuesday 31 March.
Assembly
Our next school assembly will be hosted in Week 9 on Friday 27 March at 9am. We will have class showcases from Performing Arts, PE, Visual Arts and Prep. Our QPS Choir will also be performing at assembly. A coffee van will be onsite in the morning for parents, carers and community members to purchase a warm hot chocolate or coffee to enjoy during assembly. We encourage all parents, friends and community members to come along to join us for this occasion. Assembly will commence at 9am on the hardcourt area outside the main building. We hope to see you there!
School Council
On Monday 16 March, our School Council held its AGM, welcoming new council member Frances Crotty and returning member Heidi Boyd. Daniela Sayegh was re-elected as School Council President, with Naomi Stacey continuing in the role of Deputy President. At the meeting we discussed school operations, financial planning and fundraising for the school.
If you have correspondence or feedback you would like to provide to the School Council, parents and carers are invited to email our School Council President, Daniela Sayegh at daniela.sayegh@education.vic.gov.au .
Term Dates
The final day of Term 1 is Thursday 2nd April, with Good Friday Public Holiday being held on Friday 3 April. Term 2 will commence for students on Tuesday 21 April, with our school staff participating in a Curriculum Day on Monday 20 April.
Nyatne baa Gobata
(Thank you and take care)
Mat McRae
Principal
