Hello Fernbrooke Community,

This fortnight, I had the pleasure of visiting classrooms in Years 1 and 6. During these visits, I spoke with several students about how they use their learning walls to support their learning.

I was delighted to hear how students are actively using this visible learning tool to assist, affirm, and even challenge themselves in their learning journey. Providing students with engaging and effective tools is an ongoing practice that our teaching team continuously evaluates.

Hearing directly from students about the positive impact these tools have on their learning is invaluable. It reminds us that everything we do each day should contribute to meaningful growth and success for every child.

A big thank you to all the students who took the time to chat with me about their learning during my visits to Years 1 and 6. Your insights are truly inspiring!

Attendance from the ‘First bell to the last bell’.

This term, we are placing a strong focus on student attendance due to a noticeable increase in absences, with a significant number remaining unexplained.

Last week alone, over 130 students received letters requesting that parents or caregivers provide an explanation for their child’s absence. As part of our shared responsibility, we ask that you notify the school of any known absences in advance, on the day of the absence, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

All schools are legally required to have a documented and valid reason for every student absence. If you receive a letter regarding an unexplained absence, please return it promptly with the necessary information.

We understand that families may sometimes face challenges in getting children to school. If this is the case, we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher. A member of the school team will follow up with you to offer support and explore possible solutions.

Together, we can ensure that every student has the best chance to thrive through regular attendance.

Prep Transitions

We’re excited to announce that enrolments for Prep are now open for 2026!

If you have a little one starting Prep next year, we still have spots available in our Prep Transition Afternoons—a wonderful opportunity for new students to get comfortable and excited for the year ahead!

Prep Transition Sessions from 1:30pm - 2:30pm.

7, 14, 21 & 28 August

4 & 11 September

Don’t miss out on being part of our Fernbrooke family. Contact us today for more information on enrolments and transition sessions!

August P&C Meeting

This will be held in the school’s Community Hub on Tuesday 5 August starting at 1:30pm.

Staffing

For the next fortnight, Mrs. Kelli Turnbull will be serving as Deputy Principal for Years 5 and 6, while Ms. Alberts is on long service leave. We are confident that Mrs. Turnbull will provide strong and supportive leadership during this time.

We are also pleased to inform you that Mrs. Meena Yaganegi will take on the role of Head of Inclusive Education while Mrs. Turnbull fulfills her duties as Deputy Principal.

We have several exciting events happening next week, including the Star Lab Incursion for Year 1, the NAIDOC Assembly on Friday, and the Prep to Year 3 Athletics Carnival on Thursday 7 August.

If you are able to attend the assembly or the athletics carnival, we would love to see you there to support our students.

Have a great fortnight,

Scott