Showcase your school EDUCATION WEEK
18-22 May 2026
School shapes confident leaders
With a strong focus on leadership and a supportive learning environment, Tongala Primary School is helping shape the leaders of tomorrow.
About 145 students from Foundation to Year 6 are currently enrolled at the school, with numbers continuing to grow each year.
The school grounds feature extensive outdoor facilities, including two playgrounds, two ovals, a synthetic basketball court, outdoor table tennis tables, a Gaga pit, nine Square in the Air, an undercover asphalt area and a large environmental space.
Your
events throughout the year.
School leader Tipi Holyman said the opportunity to lead had helped build her confidence.
“I wanted to be school captain because my brother was a school captain and he got really good at public speaking and just grew his confidence, and that’s what I wanted to do, too,” she said.
public school.
“The past school captains, I’ve seen them do amazing things and I guess I just wanted to do (the same).”
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A major addition to the school has been the Tongala Community Fitness Hub, which includes a 400m running track and an 18-piece exercise station.
However, what sets Tongala Primary School apart is its strong student leadership program, where students help run school assemblies and represent the school at community
As part of the Year 6 leadership program, students take an active role in the community by helping run RSL services on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Legacy Day and Beersheba Day.
Students also assist with morning teas at the local community centre and work closely with the Lions Club through public speaking competitions and scholarship programs.
The introduction of the Tongala Young Leaders group has further
strengthened student voice, giving students greater input into what they would like to see happening within the school.
All Year 6 students also attend the National Young Leaders Day conference at the beginning of each school year.
Year 6 teacher Deena Pridham said leadership played a key role in shaping the culture of the school.
“The leadership creates the culture of the school,” she said.
“You walk into a school and you think that school’s got a beautiful culture — how did they get that? And I think it comes from the students, and it comes from that leadership.
“It’s taken a couple of years to build it, but there’s such a sense of pride here and pride in that responsibility, and I think that’s really flowing through to the younger kids.”
Student wellbeing is another major focus at Tongala Primary School.
Tongala PS will provide high quality education in a safe, supportive, and engaging learning community that leads to all students achieving their potential.
WE ALSO OFFER OUR STUDENTS.
• After School Care • BYOD iPad Program
• Environmental Learning Area • Wellbeing dog
• Hands-on learning • Before and After School Care
• Full time Wellbeing Of cer • Dillmac music lessons
• Partnership with Real Schools Restorative Practices
• Boys to the Bush / Empowered Girls programs
• Community based programs • Breakfast Program
A breakfast club runs three mornings a week, allowing students to meet and eat before school, while fruit and emergency lunches are also available daily when needed.
Each school day begins with 15 minutes of Huff ’n’ Puff to help get students’ brains active and ready to learn.
To support working families, the school also provides after-school care five days a week.
Ms Pridham said the school’s supportive environment started with staff and flowed
through to students.
“The kindness that is coming through our leadership at the moment is amazing, but I think that comes from the staff, too,” she said.
“The staff here are so kind and responsive to each other and the students, that I think that then flows through to the students.”
Alongside the principal, the school employs seven classroom teachers, a mental health practitioner, learning specialist, PE teacher, environmental studies teacher, visual arts teacher, respectful
School Wide Positive Behaviour Framework
Tongala Community Fitness Hub
Specialist Classes we offer are - Art, Environmental Science, Values and P.E. Miller Street, Tongala (03) 5859 0551
tongala.ps@education.vic.gov.au
relationships teacher, fulltime business manager and education support staff.
The school also employs a full-time student wellbeing officer who works closely with students and families, alongside wellbeing dog Charlie.
As a School Wide Positive Behaviour school, students also take part in daily mindfulness activities and community circles.
Staff regularly undertake professional development, both internally and externally, to support the academic and emotional growth of students.
School captain Jed Brennan said the strong sense of community was one of the best parts of attending Tongala Primary School.
“The teachers here are really approachable and you can tell them anything,” he said.
“Outside of school, the community’s really lovely. You can walk down the street and you say hello to everyone.”
Tongala Primary School’s leadership team is inspired by those who have tread the path before..
Showcase your school EDUCATION WEEK
18-22 May 2026
Students excel with kindliness
St Augustine’s College Kyabram, continues to strengthen its position as a leading Catholic educational school, combining rich traditions with innovative teaching approaches to serve students from Prep to Year 12.
St Augustine’s College, founded in the Augustinian and Brigidine traditions, has been a cornerstone of learning in Kyabram and the surrounding region for generations.
Guided by the motto ‘strength and kindliness’, St Augustine’s College focuses on nurturing students academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally.
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public school.
room, a meeting room, a staff room and amenities.
Construction is scheduled for completion at the end of this year.
The school has embraced evidence-based teaching practices through its commitment to the Science of Learning and Magnify programs.
These approaches ensure teaching strategies are grounded in research about how students learn best, with explicit instruction and strong literacy foundations supporting improved student outcomes.
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The school prides itself on a personalised approach where every student is known, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
A major capital works project currently under way will see the development of a new senior school building, with a total projected cost of $5.12 million, including a $2.4 million federal grant.
The new facility will feature six general learning spaces, a specialised STEM/agriculture horticulture room, a physics
Students are supported through a ‘knowing the learner’ approach, where staff work intentionally to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, interests and aspirations.
This enables personalised, targeted learning, ensuring students are both supported and extended.
The Magnify program provides targeted intervention, extension and wellbeing supports tailored to individual student needs.
The program reflects the St Augustine’s belief that every student can grow and succeed
when provided with appropriate support, challenges and opportunities.
St Augustine’s offers comprehensive pathways for senior students, supporting successful transitions into university, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. It has developed an excellent reputation for strong VCE
outcomes and impressive ATAR results, reflecting the quality of teaching and pathway planning available.
Current facilities include a trade training centre for VET engineering and product design technology, an indoor gymnasium known as the Brigidine Centre, a fully equipped weights room, an auditorium,
modernised classrooms, a cafe and a media room.
The school continues to invest in future-focused facilities and learning environments.
Community connection remains central to St Augustine’s College’s approach, with regular events including Shrove Tuesday celebrations, Mother’s Day and Beaut Blokes Breakfasts, masses and Foundation to Year 4 carols.
These occasions provide opportunities for students, families, staff and the wider community to strengthen relationships and celebrate together.
St Augustine’s College offers comprehensive transition programs for students entering Prep, Year 5 and Year 7, helping build confidence and familiarity with the school environment.
Principal tours are held each Wednesday at 9.15am for prospective families.
Enrolments are open, with the current enrolment period closing on Friday, June 5, for 2027 enrolments.
We encourage families to apply early to help with planning and placement.
St Augustine’s College Kyabram is a leading Catholic educational school in Kyabram, serving students from Prep to Year 12.
Photo: Supplied.
Showcase your school EDUCATION WEEK
College thrives with innovation
It has nearly been a year since Rushworth P-12 College principal Jamie Daff returned to the school, bringing with him extensive experience in education leadership across regional Victoria.
In that time Mr Daff has focussed on recruiting quality, experienced staff who have a breadth of subjects they can teach.
This has enabled the students at Rushworth to select a wider range of subjects suited to their individual interests.
Your public school.
IT’S ALL HERE 18-22 May 2026
Visit vic.gov.au/education-week
The college underwent a review in 2025, and Mr Daff is leading the staff in implementing the suggested changes to improve the college.
Student enrolments have increased over the past 12 months with more enquiries every week.
The school has 178 students and runs several innovative programs, including Food R.O.C.Ks and the Hands-on Practical Education (HOPE) program.
Mr Daff said this was a pleasing position to be in and hopes by year end that the numbers have grown by a further 50 students.
“I think the HOPE program and obviously the Food R.O.C.Ks
program are amazing initiatives that really support the wellbeing of the students,” Mr Daff said.
At Rushworth P-12, from the beginning of Year 9, students spend almost a day a week getting out of the classroom either as part of the HOPE program or being able to undertake a one day per week work placement with employers in and around
the community.
The VCE VM students have made some fabulous partnerships with the local aged care hostel and the local Forest Fire Management depot for workready projects.
The aim for these students is to develop their problem solving, communication and teamwork skills in readiness
for the work force.
These programs allow students to take their learning away from the desk and engage with education in a dynamic, non-traditional way.
The Rushworth Onsite Community Kitchen, or Food R.O.C.Ks program, is run by Rushworth students, for the students, ensuring that every student enrolled at
the college can access breakfast, recess snacks and a cooked twocourse meal for lunch every day of the week at no cost to families.
Looking ahead, Mr Daff plans to expand the school’s offerings.
“We will hopefully start running some VET subjects out of here in the next few years and increase the profile of the VCE classes as well,” he said.
We are a small school offering individual programs from a caring and knowledgeable staff.
Our highly structured classrooms, extensive wellbeing programs and wide range of extracurricular activities support diverse learners of all backgrounds.
Proudly educating on Taungurung country for over 150 years, we respect our heritage as we personalise learning for the present.
Contact us today to book a school tour.
Student enrolments have increased over the past year, with the school offering innovative programs like Food R.O.C.Ks and the HOPE program. Students are also involved in community programs.
Learn and flourish at St Mary’s
I am Mrs Angela Fiske-Kealy and I am the very proud principal at St Mary’s School in Rushworth.
At St Mary’s School Rushworth, education is about nurturing the whole child in a caring, faith-filled community where every student is known, valued and supported to thrive.
St Mary’s provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where children grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
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With a strong focus on wellbeing, routine and structure, students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn each day.
Visit vic.gov.au/education-week
teachers to know each student well and tailor learning to their needs.
What makes St Mary’s special is its strong sense of community and personalised approach to learning.
Staff work closely with families to ensure every child is supported and encouraged to achieve their best.
Small class sizes allow
The school is grounded in the Science of Learning, recognising that strong foundations are essential for academic success.
A low-variance curriculum ensures all students have access to consistent, high-quality explicit instruction, helping to reduce cognitive
overload and support deep understanding.
Clear routines and structured learning environments allow students to focus, build confidence and succeed.
Student wellbeing sits at the heart of everything the school does.
Through a Catholic education and faith lens, students are encouraged to show kindness,
compassion, resilience and respect for others.
Teamwork and collaboration are embedded across learning experiences, helping students develop confidence and strong interpersonal skills.
St Mary’s also offers valuable transition opportunities for young learners.
The four-year-old sessions beginning in October help children become familiar with the school environment, routines, teachers and classmates before starting Foundation (Prep).
These sessions build confidence, create positive connections and support a
ST MARY’S SCHOOL RUSHWORTH
‘Caring for the whole child’
St Mary’s School is a faith-filled community that o ers contemporary, evidence-based learning and teaching practices to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow and thrive. A committed community, with active family participation, our school hosts engaged, happy and resilient children who demonstrate excellent respect and dedication to their learning.
smooth start to school life.
Families considering enrolment are warmly encouraged to visit St Mary’s School Rushworth and experience the supportive and nurturing environment first-hand.
At St Mary’s, every child is encouraged to learn, belong and flourish.
St Mary’s School in Rushworth focuses on nurturing in a caring, faith-filled community.
Photos: Supplied.
With small class sizes and a personalised approach to learning, teachers tailor education to each student’s needs.
18-22 May 2026
Vision brought to life
St Patrick’s Primary School in Tongala is bringing the vision of Magnify Sandhurst to life, creating a vibrant and faith-filled learning environment where every student is supported to grow, belong and thrive.
Magnify Sandhurst, the strategic direction for Catholic Education across the diocese, focuses on nurturing the whole child: spiritually, academically and socially.
At St Patrick’s Tongala, this vision is embedded in all aspects of school life, from the classroom to the playground and beyond.
Drama is joy
Faith is central to life at St Patrick’s. Students engage in regular prayer, liturgies and social justice initiatives, developing a deep understanding of compassion, service and Catholic identity.
Student leadership opportunities continue to grow, empowering learners to actively live out Gospel values.
Your public school.
The school has been working closely with MultiLit to strengthen literacy outcomes.
Visit vic.gov.au/education-week
A strong sense of community sits at the heart of the school.
Students, staff and families work together to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where each child feels known and valued.
It has also partnered with Ochre Education to implement high-quality curriculum resources, including Ochre English for Years 3-6, Ochre maths from Foundation to Year 6 and Ochre science and humanities.
The school is also working with Classroom Mastery to strengthen consistent, calm and focused learning environments across all classrooms, supporting both student engagement and behaviour.
This commitment to belonging is evident in the way students support one another, celebrate success and warmly welcome new members into the school community.
Staff at St Patrick’s are also engaging in ongoing professional learning through Steplab.
Student voice and agency remain priorities, with learners encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set goals and reflect on their progress. This helps to build independence, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility.
Wellbeing is another key focus, with a range of programs and practices in place to support students’ social and emotional development, ensuring they feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Principal Jackie Stockdale said the school was proud of the way the Magnify Sandhurst vision was being enacted each day.
“Magnify Sandhurst provides a clear and inspiring direction for our school,’’ she said.
‘’At St Patrick’s, we are committed to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to flourish.’’
The Department of Education is offering fully funded drama incursions to 12 primary schools within 60km of Moe, Shepparton and Geelong.
As part of this initiative, Undera Primary School will take part in a performing arts incursion on May 22 at Zeerust Primary School, coinciding with Education Week celebrations.
The incursion forms part of a cluster group involving Harston Primary School, Lemnos Primary School and Ardmona Primary School, with each school hosting a ‘cluster day’ throughout the year.
Undera Primary School principal Robyn Bell said the partnership between the schools had strengthened significantly over the past few years.
“In term one, we hosted a sports day at our school,” she said.
“In term three, we have a STEM Day planned at Lemnos Primary School, followed by a Cultural Day at Ardmona Primary School in term four.
“As well as these days, our students participate in camps and excursions together.
“These opportunities have enabled our students to build strong friendships with peers from other schools.”
During the performing arts incursion, teachers will observe drama-based teaching practices in action, gaining practical insight into how drama can support
student wellbeing, engagement and deep learning.
Teachers will also receive a suite of ready-to-use classroom resources to help embed drama strategies into their everyday teaching.
Ms Bell said the program drew on key drama principles including embodiment, imagination, collaboration and empathy.
“Through rich, curriculum-aligned drama experiences, students strengthen communication skills, self-regulation, perspective-taking and creative problem-solving — capabilities essential for lifelong learning,” she said.
“These approaches support the development of happy, healthy and resilient students who are confident learners and active members of their communities.”
At Undera Primary School our vision is for all students to be independent, self-motivated learners with a love and curiosity for learning and to face challenges with courage to achieve lifelong success.
We have a strong focus on explicit teaching and differentiating learning to cater for the needs of all students. We offer a wide range of programs including STEM, Music, Italian, Art, PE and Sport. Our Wellbeing Program enables students to develop their social/emotional skills. This is supported by our caring staff and Mental Health and Wellbeing leader, who has developed strong links to outside services, ensuring all students receive the support they need to be ready to learn.
Our refurbished learning spaces are inviting and inclusive. Students are
encouraged to be active learners by utilising our new outdoor learning spaces and playground areas.
Families are always welcome and encouraged to be involved in learning programs.
We have strong links with local community clubs and work closely with the Undera Kindergarten to offer students a smooth transition from preschool to school.
The Schools Plus grant enables us to provide all students with free education for the next three years, including stationery, access to iPads and laptops, camps and excursions, and our swimming program.
For more information about the great learning opportunities we offer, visit our school website.
A tour can be organised by contacting the school.
Undera Primary School students will attend a performing arts incursion at Zeerust Primary School.
18-22 May 2026
Fostering community spirit
Set in the small township of Merrigum, with spacious grounds for students to run and play, Merrigum Primary School offers an active and stimulating space for all students.
It has a vibrant educational partnership between staff, parents and the wider school community.
supply of laptops and iPads, ensuring there are enough for every student.
During Education Week the school will be doing activities based around the term’s theme of ‘Space’ and celebrating their learning.
Your public school.
The school takes advantage of the local lagoons by visiting them frequently as part of their environment studies and,they often help the local community by doing letter drops around town when they have events coming up.
IT’S ALL HERE
There will also be a focus on literacy and numeracy as the staff are always committed to making sure that all students strive to achieve their best.
Visit vic.gov.au/education-week
Students are provided with structured lessons in Auslan, gardening, art and library and they have the opportunity to try different sports such as tennis, basketball, table tennis and pickleball.
The school has a great
With low teacher-to-student ratios and caring and professional staff, Merrigum Primary School strives to provide every child with a range of activities to make school a happy and safe place to learn.
The school will be having an open day on Tuesday, May 19.
Merrigum Primary School is in a delightful setting with beautifully maintained grounds and gardens. Our school consists of a main building with 3 classrooms and a mod 5 with a library resource room and a multi-purpose room. Our staff are dedicated, caring and committed.
Merrigum Primary School offers many things to support your child’s development including:
• Small class sizes • Focus on Literacy and Numeracy • Daily Physical activity
• Well resourced classrooms • Camps and swimming program
• Class sets of Laptops and iPads • Breakfast Club Merrigum Primary School’s play ground encompasses:
• Slide • Monkey bars • Fireman’s pole • Climbing frame • Shaded sandpit
• Football and cricket oval • Native garden • Vegetable garden beds
TUESDAY 19TH MAY Information
TUESDAY 19TH MAY –9:30AM
Students at Merrigum Primary School are encouraged to have a voice and develop their leadership skills.
We also have a very active School Council and parents and grandparents are always welcome to come into the classrooms. Feel free to contact us on 5855 2275 or simply call into our school to be given a guided tour so you can see how great Merrigum Primary School is for your child.
Merrigum Primary School. Photo: Contributed
Learn
with us at… PRIMARY SCHOOL
LANCASTER
At Lancaster Primary School, we pride ourselves on our approach to individualised learning and support, structured literacy, explicit and direct instruction, and the provision of one -to-one targeted intervention. WE OFFER:
• School wide positive behaviour support Respectful Relationships
• Systematic/Synthetic Phonics & decodable readers
• Specialist Maths/Literacy teachers
• Small class sizes (11 students)
• Structured sporting & swimming program
• Excursions, Camps & Family nights
• Spacious play areas and bike track
SPECIAL FEATURES:
**Free bus daily to & from Kyabram **Before and after School Care
Call us anytime to arrange a tour or a meeting to discuss enrolment.
Weller Road, Lancaster 3620
Principal – Mrs Trish Perry
P: (03) 5855 2560
E: lancaster.ps@education.vic.gov.au
W: www.lancasterps.vic.edu.au
Respect-Responsibility-Resilience
Wednesday 20 May
Visit our website to find a Shine Bright kindergarten or Long Day Care near you. www.shinebright.org.au DAY 9.00am - 11.30am
Small moments in small lives lead to something big. That’s why at Shine Bright we believe that every moment matters.
On Wednesday 20 May (9.00am-11.30am), visit one of over 40 Shine Bright services in central, north east and north west Victoria to discover the opportunities that exceptional care and education can provide your child. No event registration necessary.
LASTS A LIFETIME
Why Early Learning Matters - and Why the Right Choice Makes a Difference
Education Week is a timely reminder that learning doesn’t begin at school - it begins long before a child walks through a classroom door. Research consistently shows that high quality early childhood education has a profound impact on children’s development.
At Shine Bright, kindergarten is seen as a critical stage of learning - not a stepping stone to be rushed through, but a powerful opportunity to nurture each child’s unique potential.
Shine Bright’s Chief of Education Belinda Schultz says that kindergarten is where children develop the foundations for lifelong learning.
“When children feel safe, supported and inspired, they are far more likely to engage deeply in learning, build resilience and develop a strong sense of who they are.
“Shine Bright kindergartens are guided by a commitment to high-quality education and care, with programs shaped by contemporary research and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
“We are committed to forming relationships with
families who play such a central role to their child’s learning. Children thrive when educators and families work together,” Belinda said.
Choosing an early education and care setting is one of the first education decisions a family makes. Open communication, community connection and a shared understanding of each child’s strengths and needs underpin the kindergarten experience and should form part of the decision regarding which kindergarten or long day care to choose.
“We encourage all parents and carers to attend Open Days to find a kindergarten or long day care that suits their child’s needs. All of Shine Bright’s 44 services have an Open Day on Wednesday 20 May that we hope you will embrace.
“When children are supported to shine in their early years, the benefits extend far beyond their early years learning - into schools, communities and their future lives,” Belinda said.
Visit the Shine Bright website to find a kindergarten or Long Day Care near you which you can visit on Open Day, 20 May, from 9.00am until 11.30am. (www.shinebright.org.au)