From the Principal
February 11, 2026 – Edition 1
An Exciting Start
Welcome to the 2026 school year. It has been wonderful watching our students return and settle into their new year levels with such enthusiasm.
Staffing
Our new staff are also settling in very well. Thank you to our students, parents and staff who have made them feel welcome in their new school.
Whole School
| Ms Tiffany Weiler | Enrichment and Inclusion Specialist |
Senior School
| Mr Anura Wickramasinghe | Mathematics |
| Mr James Duffy | Mathematics |
Junior School
| Mr Daniel Whalan | Year 5 |
| Mr Michael Elliott | Year 5 |
| Mrs Kim Tour | Year 2 |
| Miss Jasmine Nowlan | Foundation |
Learning Assistants
| Mr Morris Robins | SS Learning Assistant |
| Ms Bianca Currie | SS Learning Assistant |
| Miss Zarli Smith | JS Learning Assistant |
Joan Reid Learning Centre
The completion of the Joan Reid Learning Centre has transformed our school, providing a wonderful resource for the whole school community.
I look forward to the official opening on Tuesday, 3 March at 9:30am, and hope you can join us for the ribbon cutting, morning tea, then a tour of the new facilities. Please remember to RSVP via the invitation sent to all school families if you plan to attend.
The Learning Centre is open from 8.30am – 5.00pm each day. I am pleased to see the growing number of Senior School students using the library after school for study.
If you are picking your child up from the library, please make sure you each have a clear understanding of your meeting point. There have been some anxious moments this week where students could not be found, while waiting for their parents in a different parking area.
Please note that the library closes at 5pm. There is no staff supervision of students after 5pm. Parents of Senior School students needing to get a message to their child in the library after school should call the following numbers:
Reception: 5991 0800. Lines open until 4.30pm.
Library: 5991 0878. Lines open until 5pm.
Parking and Road Safety
A reminder to all parents to follow road rules when dropping off and picking up students. We have observed instances of illegal parking on New Holland Drive and on the nature strip/grass area opposite Casey Basketball Stadium.
Parking illegally creates risks for other road users and for students getting in and out of cars. Reversing into busy before and after-school traffic is particularly dangerous. Please use designated parking areas to ensure students get in and out of your car only when you are parked safely.
Student Mobile Device Policy
I am impressed by the students’ cooperation in following the revised Student Mobile Devices Policy. It is wonderful to work in a smart device free environment. The students can concentrate on their lessons free from the distraction of personal devices. They can also enjoy each other’s company face-to-face and be more active at play times.
If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, you can call School Reception on 5991 0800 and your message will be passed on.
For your reference, the Student Mobile Devices Policy can be found here.
Uniform Expectations
Since returning to school, we have noticed some students are not in correct uniform. Please check the following so your student is compliant:
- Uniform length – Hems must reach the knee. Please let down any hems that are above the knee.
- School shoes – Black leather school shoes only, not runners.
- Socks – Please ensure your student has the correct socks for each uniform item. There are four styles:
- Short navy socks with red and white stripe – Worn with trousers or formal shorts
- Long navy socks – Worn with the winter tunic or winter skirt
- Plain white socks (unbranded) – Worn with the summer dress
- White sports socks with red and blue stripe – Worn with the sport uniform
Thank you for supporting our uniform standards which promote pride, support safety, and help students present themselves respectfully. Our uniform guide can be found here.
Concussion Policy
It is vital that concussions are reported to the school to ensure we can look after our students properly. Young people who suffer a concussion must not play sport or engage in physical activity for at least 2 weeks. Students should not return to school until they have medical permission to do so. They will not be permitted to return to sport until we receive medical clearance. We are relying on parents to keep us informed and provide the medical documentation we need to best look after your child. The Concussion Policy can be found on our website. Please follow this link to review it.
Wellbeing Dog
Buddy, our wellbeing dog, is at school four days a week and enjoys a day off each Wednesday. This year, Buddy will visit more classrooms and be involved in most aspects of school life. Please keep us informed of any dog-related allergies or fears your child may have.
If you have not done so yet, please complete the Wellbeing Dog survey; if you have completed this survey previously, you do not need to do it again.
Casey Grammar School Wellbeing Dog Considerations Checklist – Fill out form
Childsafe Policy reminder
It is an expectation that all adults in our community follow the Child Safe Standards. If you have not done so yet, please make time to read our Child Safe Policies on the school website.
Over the coming weeks there are a number of school events parents and carers may choose to attend. Please note the following important Child Safe expectations:
- Adults must not enter any student toilet areas for any reason. Parents and parents with toddlers who need the toilet should use the facilities in Reception or in the Joan Reid Learning Centre.
- Parents must avoid taking photos or videos that include other students. If you plan to post images of your own child on social media, please ensure other students are cropped out, or seek permission from their parents/carers before posting. If a parent/carer asks you not to circulate an image of their child, please comply.
The eSafety Commissioner provides additional recommendations to help protect children’s privacy online and we encourage all families to visit www.esafety.gov.au for more information.
Class of 2025 VCE Results
It is with great pleasure that I share with you the VCE results achieved by the Class of 2025. Congratulations to our Dux Srisaran Govindaraj with an ATAR of 97.90 and to Allysha Walls, our Proxime Accessit, with a score of 97.25
- Median study score: 30
- Median ATAR: 72.70
- Mean ATAR: 70.44
- 8% of our students achieved an ATAR: 90+
- 26% of our students achieved an ATAR: 80+
- 57% of our students achieved an ATAR: 70+
Fiona Williams
Principal
Embracing Change in 2026
A new year always brings change, both big and small. 2026 at Casey Grammar School has been no exception, with the usual shifts that come each year. There are new classes and teachers, alongside new facilities. Although change can be exciting, it can also be challenging.
Perhaps you loved last year’s class and this year’s group does not yet feel comfortable. Perhaps you developed a great relationship with last year’s teacher, and this year you are still getting to know one another.
These adjustments usually take time and patience. It is a valuable life lesson to work with a diversity of students and teachers each year, as we will all work with a rich diversity of people throughout our lives.
I encourage all students to reflect on the small adjustments they can make to get the best from their learning. These do not need to be large; in many cases, small, consistent habits bring the biggest improvement.
A bit more concentration in class, a stronger contribution to discussion, and a little extra revision before an assessment can improve your learning. Asking a few more questions to strengthen your understanding or even making a small improvement in your organisation, if done consistently, can really help.
Let 2026 be a year in which you make one small change and stick with it. You might surprise yourself with the result!
Robert Jacob
Deputy Principal & Head of Wellbeing
