Dear Queenscliff Parents and Carers,
Queenscliff Music Festival
Our school was delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the Queenscliff Music Festival on the weekend. On Friday 28th November, our school choir accompanied by Maddy Serong and Elenor Vosbergen on guitar performed at the official ‘Opening of the Gates’ to the festival. We had a group of students represent our school in the Kids Quarter, face painting amazing designs on festival goers faces and arms. In addition to this, students have been busy working alongside Mrs. Caldwell over the past few weeks to create art installations that featured at the festival. Students painted native Australian animals local to the Bellarine. The art installation was interactive for festival goers and featured names of the native animals in Wadawurrung language. It was wonderful to see the joy these art installations brought to the festival, with visitors getting photos and happy snaps to celebrate their time at the event.
Over the weekend, our school hosted a BBQ to raise funds for the Nature Play Space that will be constructed in 2026. The BBQ was busy for most of the weekend, with festival goers lining up for a tasty snag, delicious cheeseburger or crunchy bacon and egg roll. Thank you to all of our amazing parent volunteers and staff who assisted over the weekend in transporting equipment, preparing and serving food and packing up the BBQ on Sunday. We are so grateful for your enthusiasm, energy and support in making this fundraiser such a success.
Thank you to:
Nick Bridges
Jackie Morris
Morgan-Lee Hickey
Melanie Vistarini
Rhys Young
Megan Fullard
Heidi Boyd
Stuart Mandley
Matt Boyd
Lara Whitton
Pure Britton
Floor Martino
Zara Krivan
Daniela Sayegh
Matt Murphy
Nick Huggins
Sharna Thomason
Jessica Miller
Lucas Ferrier
Lindsay Biller
Kyler Biller
Stuart Kent
Ross Morris
Diana Shirapova
Laura Clarke
Paul Boyd
Noami Stacey
Ashley Denmead
Blanche Denmead
Kelly Caldwell
Daisy Ristevski
Fleur Hewitt
Graham Hewitt
A huge thank you to Richard Fewster, who has been the backbone of the whole BBQ operation. Richard spent many hours planning and organising the BBQ for QMF, as well as problem solving any challenges we encountered over the weekend. No problem was too big or small for Richard. His expertise in the hospitality industry came to great use for our BBQ over the weekend, in ensuring the BBQ was efficient, organised and enjoyable for customers and volunteers. Thank you Richard for your continued support, dedication and energy you have put into making our QMF BBQ fundraiser so successful.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank one of our Prep parents, Claire Stickland, QMF Director, who has been eager to have our school participating in the festival. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity and our students are delighted to be involved, representing our school with pride. Thank you to Mrs. Kelly Caldwell and Maddy Serong for leading our choir performance, art installations and face painting. Thank you to Neil Clowes, from the Queenscliff Men’s Shed, who assisted in creating the wooden cutouts of each animal as part of our art installation. Thank you Kelly Clifford and Laura Clarke who assisted in supervising our students when they were face painting in the Kids Quarter.
Shrek Jnr - The Production of the Century
What a show! Our school’s musical production of Shrek Jnr was truly magnificent and beyond belief. Words that come to mind when I reflect on the two show nights of our musical production include:
Awe-inspiring
Creative
Confidence
Professional
Teamwork
Community Spirit
The performing arts have a remarkable power — it teaches courage, creativity, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. For our students, the Shrek Jnr stage has been a place to find their voice, step into someone else’s shoes, and discover new sides of themselves. Whether performing under the bright lights, working backstage, creating props or helping with costumes — every student contributed to something far bigger than themselves by being part of our musical.
I am so incredibly proud of each and every student involved in the production. Whether performing under the lights on stage, helping backstage, managing props, to supporting their peers — the effort, persistence, and determination displayed by our students, was nothing short of outstanding.
For many of our students, stepping on stage and being part of our Shrek Jnr musical, encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones — some of whom would have never imagined they’d be singing, dancing, or acting in front of a huge audience — they truly are shining examples of courage. Each student took a leap of faith, and in doing so, discovered new strengths, built resilience, and inspired others to do the same.
Musicals like Shrek Jnr. do more than entertain — they bring people together. As the common saying goes, it takes a ‘community to raise a child’ and in this case, it took a community to raise our musical. Over the past two terms, teachers, parents, friends, community members and students have come together to plan, collaborate, problem-solve…and work together as a team to make our musical spectacular and memorable for all.
Thank you to Mrs. Fay Agterhuis, Principal of Point Lonsdale Primary School for providing a local venue, Point Lonsdale Primary Community Hall, to host our production.
To our Teachers and Education Support Staff – Thank you for support, patience, flexibility, positivity, and unwavering support of our students throughout the journey. They always go above and beyond to support our School’s vision and to put what is best for our students first. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who have assisted with Bump In and Bump Out, as well setting up and cleaning the hall in preparation for both shows.
Thank you to Maddy Serong who spent time with our leads during Production Week coordinating additional vocal lessons. Thank you to our videographers and photographers – Matt Vistarini, Fraser Montgomery and Diana Sharipova for capturing the spirit and essence of the show, so that our students and community can reflect on the magic that was created in years to come.
Thank you to our Hair and Make Up Team made up of parent volunteers led by Zarah and Aisha Krivan and Tsari Thapa. Your creativity and attention to detail brought the story to life. Thank you to Front of House, Shrek Snack Bar Crew – To all of our parents who assisted in the canteen serving refreshments and snacks. Thank you to Hely and Tim Harris, Heidi Boyd, Jordan Berry for truly all that you do in leading and coordinating the Front of House for the shows.
Thank you to our amazing local sponsors who donated snacks, soft drinks and beverages that featured at the Shrek Snack Bar. Thank you to:
Queenscliff IGA
360Q
Baie Wine
Scotchmans Hill
Mt. Duneed Estate
Alepat Wine Distributors
Barwon Heads Brewing
Flying Brick Cider House
Noble Rot
To our Costume Team…Thank you to Lisa Golightly, Leanne Allbutt, Lucy Broome, Laura Clarke, Irene Kadenbach, Sylvia Tomkin, Margi McDonald, Steph Spathis and Kim High for the many hours they have spent in the Specialist Room and at home working on the costumes for our show. Thank you to our Backstage crew made up of former students and current students. Thank you to Tilly, Frankie, Charlie, Zoe and Tillie V for all of your support on the production nights backstage and assisting with rehearsals and setup. Thank you to our Backstage Manager, Miss. Teyha Robertson.
Thank you to our incredible Set Designer, Tamsin Jackson, who designed and made sets that were nothing short of professional. The craftsmanship, attention to detail and creativity in Tamsin’s work is spectacular. Thank you Mrs. Ebony Tannouri, our Show Producer. From organising ticketing, photographing every child in costume, creating a buzz within our school community in marketing and promotional material, through to the amazing design of the musical’s program. Ebony’s creativity and an eye for detail, took our show from a regional small school ‘concert’ to a professional production.
Finally, to our Musical Director, Mrs. Hannah Petrie…Thank you! Hannah has the unique ability to shape not just a show, but a safe, supportive space where every student feels valued and empowered. Hannah’s creative vision is breath-taking. Her ability to craft the acting, singing and dancing skills of our students is unbelievable and at the same time is able to lead teachers and volunteers into creating such a magical and memorable show. Most importantly, I am in awe of Hannah’s commitment to believing in every child… encouraging them to believe in themselves, to think outside the box, to grow in confidence within themselves and to work together as a team. Hannah fosters a safe and inclusive space for all of our students to thrive on stage.
And that is a wrap! For now, we can take a breath, reflect and smile. The Shrek Jnr musical production was something special that we can all feel proud of. Have a look below at some behind the scenes shots from our production week!
Shrek Jnr Photo Book and Video Recording
In the coming weeks, our school will be releasing a Shrek Jnr Photobook and video recording of the show that families may wish to keep as a memento of the show. Further information on ordering procedures will be released via Compass. To enjoy a sneak peek of our show photos be sure to check out this week’s Performing Arts Report!
Nature Play Space in 2026
Our school has finalised the concept plan for the Nature Play Space that will be constructed in 2026. The Nature Play Space will be located between the Specialist Classroom, playground equipment and vegetation garden. The Nature Play Space will be an area of the playground where students will be able to engage in creative, imaginative play whilst enjoying the beauty of nature. There are dedicated areas within the Nature Play Space where students can relax and connect with their friends. The concept plan includes:
Dry rock creek bed
Pole maze
Wooden tee pee structures
Wooden sculpture of Bunjil
Log and stump seating
Sandpits
Log walking beams
Wooden planks and bridges
Mounds and platforms for climbing
Tis’ the Season of Giving - Bellarine Feedme Food Drive
As the festive season is upon us, we are organising a special food drive for Feed Me Bellarine. Families are invited to donate non-perishable food items and place it under the Christmas tree in the foyer from Wednesday 3 December. All of the donated food items will be delivered to Feedme Bellarine in the final week of school this term, then added to food hampers to be delivered to families in need for Christmas. We encourage families to check their pantries at home or visit the shops to purchase non-perishable food items. All items are to be brought into the school office and placed under the tree by Friday 12 December.
Transition Day for 2026
On Tuesday 9 December 2025, students will participate in a Transition Day. This will involve your child spending time in their new classroom with their new class for 2026 and they will meet their new class teacher. The transition session will occur from 9am until 1:30pm. The Transition Day aims to reduce your child’s anxieties and worries about the commencement of school in 2026 in knowing more about their class and teacher for the following year. Students will participate in a range of activities throughout Transition Day including 'getting to know you' tasks, team building initiatives and developing classroom expectations and agreements for 2026. Students will receive a letter from their teacher and will have an opportunity to write a letter to their new teacher to tell them about themselves, how they learn best, strengths and their interests. After lunch, students will resume back in their current classes for the remainder of the day. Our new 2026 Prep Class will be connected with a Year 5 student who will be their Year 6 Buddy in 2026. Students will be informed of their class and teacher for 2026 prior to the Transition Day on Tuesday 9 December.
Sunsmart Term 4
In Term 4 students are required to wear a QPS hat during recess and lunch breaks as part of our SunSmart Policy. Please ensure your child has a hat to wear at school, labelled with their name. Students who do not have a hat will be required to play in a designated shaded area during break times. In addition to this, we encourage students to come to school wearing sunscreen. Students will have access to bottles of sunscreen in their classrooms that they can apply prior to break times.
Christmas Concert - Friday 5 December
Parents, carers, friends and community members are invited to come along to our Christmas Concert on Friday 5 December from 5pm to 7pm. Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic filled with snacks and drinks to enjoy, as students perform musical acts. We will have classes performing as well as individual and small group acts from students who have worked closely with Maddy Serong over the semester during their music lessons.
Final Assembly - Friday 12 December
Parents and carers are invited to attend our special final assembly of 2025 on Friday 12 December. At our final assembly, we will present Excellence, Endeavour and Citizenship awards to students within each class, present our Year 6 graduates with their certificates, farewell families leaving our school, award badges to our new school leaders for 2026 and present community awards to our Year 6 students. We will have special guests from our school community joining us for this assembly. The assembly will commence at 9am.
‘No Stopping’ Zones - Drop Off and Pick Up
A friendly reminder to all parents regarding the ‘No Stopping’ Zone located on Stokes Street near the back gates next to the bike storage area. In recent weeks, we have noticed parents and carers parking in this zone during drop off and pick up times. It is important that all families observe and adhere to the parking regulations surrounding our school to ensure the safety of our students entering and exiting the school grounds. Thank you for your support.
Early Dismissal on Final Day of Term 4 and Curriculum Day
On the final day of the school year on Thursday 18 December, students will be dismissed early at 1pm. The McHarry’s Bus will not pick students up on this day. Students will require any early pick up on this day or students may wish to ride to and from school on their bikes. On the following day, Friday 19 December, staff will engage in a Curriculum Day, whereby they will engage in a comprehensive handover of information related to students’ learning and wellbeing needs from one class teacher to another. TheirCare will be offering care for our students from 1pm-6pm on Thursday 18 December.
TheirCare End of Year Schedule and Holiday Program
TheirCare will be offering care to families at the end of the year and over the Summer holiday break for the following dates.
Thursday 18 December (Final Day of Term 4) - 1:00-6:00pm (Service will operate following the early pick up time on the final day of school)
Friday 19 December - Curriculum Day (all day)
Summer Holiday Program - Commences Monday 5th January and concludes on Wednesday 28th January.
Tuesday 27 January and Wednesday 28 January 2026 - Curriculum Day (all day)
TheirCare OSHC service will not operate between Monday 22 December 2025 and Friday 2 January 2025. Bookings can be made for the above dates using the TheirCare app or the QR code below.
2026 Book Packs and Parent Payment Information
Reminder: Backpack and Parent Payments are due by 5 December if you wish to get free delivery. Orders after this date will incur a delivery fee of $12.95. We ask that all families purchase a stationery pack before the 19 December to guarantee that your backpack arrives before the commencement of school in 2026.
Information regarding book packs and parent payments for 2026 has been sent out to families via Compass last week and is available on our school website. This includes details for stationery and book packs, curriculum and other contributions.
Parent Payment Information for 2026
Parent Payment Video Presentation - Accessing WINC Portal
In order for our school to offer quality resources and equipment for our specialist programs and other educational programs, we require support from our parent community through Parent Payments for 2026 under ‘Curriculum’ and ‘Other Contributions’. The outline for each area of the Parent Payments is provided for each year level. Parent Payments make a significant contribution to supporting the success of educational programs, building and grounds improvements, administration and wellbeing supports for students.
WINC are offering free delivery to families’ home addresses if your order is over $60 and completed through the WINC portal by 5 December 2025. All orders after this date will be required to pay a delivery fee of $12.95.
If your book pack order is placed prior to 19 December, WINC guarantee delivery prior to the start of Term 1, 2026. Orders placed after 19 December cannot be guaranteed delivery prior to the start of school.
Students are required to bring their stationery book pack supplies to school on their first day, Thursday 29 January. Students are encouraged to label their books ONLY with their name. Please do not label individual stationery items, including pencils, sharpeners, whiteboard markers and rubbers.
There will be Curriculum Days (student free days) on Tuesday 27 January and Wednesday 28 January 2026.
For families experiencing financial difficulties, we encourage you to contact the school via phone or email - queenscliff.ps@education.vi.gov.au for further assistance with a payment plan. In addition to this, some families may wish to setup payments for the Curriculum and Other Contributions on Compass to be paid in 2026.
Thank you to our 2025 School Council
On Monday 24 November, our School Council had their final meeting for the 2025 school year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our School Council members who have made a significant contribution to our school this year, engaging in valuable discussions and decision making. Thank you Daniela Sayegh, Fleur Hewitt, Lisa Golightly, Naomi Stacey, Richard Fewster, Melissa Fitzgerald, Heidi Boyd, Morgan-Lee Hickey. Your contributions, effort, time and insights have been invaluable to our school this year.
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 .
Nyatne baa Gobata
(Thank you and take care)
Mat McRae
Principal
