Something that lies at the heart of our vibrant communities here in the ‘Education State’ is cultural diversity.
In Victoria, we are home to people from more than 200 countries, who speak 260 languages and practice 135 different faiths.
This rich tapestry of cultures is not just a statistic; it is one of our greatest strengths.
This year’s theme of Education Week,
from May 19 to 23, is ‘Celebration of cultures’ and invites schools, families and communities to engage with activities and resources that highlight the importance of cultural diversity in education, and to come together to share their stories.
In our schools, we have a unique opportunity to harness diversity and teach our children about the world.
Learning about different cultures is not just an academic exercise, it is a powerful way to foster acceptance and understanding among our young people.
By integrating lessons on cultural awareness into our curriculum we help students develop essential skills for navigating the world, learning to respect others from all walks of life.
This is not just beneficial for their school years; it prepares them for future workplaces where they can demonstrate great inclusivity and empathy.
Schools play a critical role in combatting racism and discrimination.
By fostering an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and heard, we can take a stand against prejudice.
This approach ensures our schools are safe havens for all students and their families and empowers our schools to create communities that emulate these lessons learned within their walls.
We can build a future where every child feels proud of their traditions and heritage and feels empowered to learn from others.
Let’s embrace the diversity that makes Victoria unique and inspire our young people to be champions of inclusion.
To find more about the free events and activities visit vic.gov.au/education-week.
Counting on each other
AHorsham Primary School team won the Horsham College-run Maths Olympics from hundreds of grade six students, ahead of 40 other teams.
Event co-ordinator Heather Deayton said students from Horsham West and Haven, Horsham, and Natimuk primary schools, and Wimmera Lutheran College participated in three rounds of competition in the annual event.
“The teams work co-operatively to try to answer as many of the maths puzzles as possible, and the last round involves a lot of physical running to get question sheets and to have their answers checked,” she said.
“It is full-on activity, noisey and fun, along with the solving of the maths questions.
“It is always great to see the interactions of the students within their teams, their schools and with students from other schools throughout the day.”
Ms Deayton said Horsham College teachers and
a class of year-nine students assisted at this year’s event, which had a lower number of participants than last year.
“We had some key staff – maths learning area head Georgie McIntyre, academic counsellor Bonita O’Brien, and maths teacher guru Nick Rigas – who were involved in the preparation and running of the event, along with a year-nine class of students who helped with the adjudication and recording of results,” she said.
“Unfortunately, Ss Michael and John’s Primary School was unable to attend this year as there was a clash with an athletics day for the primary schools, so our numbers were down.”
Horsham Primary School Team 3 won the first round and the overall competition, with West Team 1 the winner of round two, and Natimuk Number Ninjas the round three winner.
Education Minister Ben Carroll
Horsham College students Karla Hallam and Nyah Dougherty in charge. Wimmera Lutheran College students Evie Kalms and Isobel Dempsey deep in concentration.
Horsham College student Sophie Risson.
Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
Free parent portal a one-stop-shop
Anew, free online service for Victorian parents and carers is available to support them through every stage of parenting — from planning a family to early childhood.
Government Services Minister Natalie Hutchins launched the Parents Portal on the Service Victoria platform and app and announced a digital birth certificate would be piloted later this year.
The portal is a one-stop-shop for parents and carers seeking information and resources when planning to have a child.
It includes resources on maternal and child health services, early childhood education, playgroups, kindergarten, and critical information on emergency services.
The service is shaped by feedback from Victorian families and carers and includes important information for parents who have a child with a disability and LGBTQI+ parents.
Building on information in the ‘green book’ – a book supplied to parents to track their children’s health and development progress – the portal aims to provide parents with more resources for early childhood and beyond, particularly around key life events and accessing essential healthcare services.
“From pregnancy to the first day of primary school, families need trusted information to help raise our youngest Victorians,” Ms Hutchins said.
“This will provide parents with vital information and resources as their families navigate different stages of life.
“We know parents are juggling multiple priorities at once, that’s why we’re making it easier for parents to access the information they need when they need it.”
The new portal is part of the State Government’s digital transformation agenda, designed to make it quicker and easier for Victorians to interact with government services.
There are plans for the Parents Portal to be expanded over time to incorporate new functions and features to respond to the changing needs of families.
Future features being considered include a personalised navigator to enable new and soon-tobe parents to access personalised content about their child’s current development stage.
A new digital birth certificate will be piloted on the Service Victoria app to make it easier for parents to securely store and show proof of their child’s birth when they need to, such as enrolling their child in three-year-old kinder.
Victorians can visit the portal on the Service Victoria app or at https://service.vic.gov.au/ find-services/family-and-child/parent-support
Through the Service Victoria app, Victorians can easily access more than 130 government services online.
To download the Service Victoria app, go to the Apple or Google Play Store.
Worms help guide studies
“We are trying to find ways to help our planet, but also for students to understand what we can do to our food waste and how it breaks down,” he said.
“Sarah has been great support to our school over the past 12 months, and it’s all about giving kids an opportunity as much as they can and learning in lots of different ways.”
NEW HOME: Ss Michael and John’s Primary School learning support officer Dan Smith shows prep students Xavier Rudolph and Bobbi Murray some worms for the school’s worm farms donated by Bunnings Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Primary School will use worm farms donated by Bunnings to teach students about environmental sustainability.
Sarah Campisi from Bunnings Horsham visited SMJ on Monday to hand over the worm farms to the school’s prep and grades one-two learning communities.
The handover came complete with a presentation and help to assemble the worm farms.
Learning support officer Daniel Smith said students would recycle their discarded fruit pieces in the worm farms.
Connecting new teachers
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Pre-service and graduate teachers are finding support in a program that is also bolstering the efforts of rural schools to attract and retain staff in government schools.
The Wimmera Placement Plus Program assists pre-service teachers from Deakin, Federation and Australian Catholic universities, as well as their mentors, from their placements until their fifth year of teaching.
One of the program’s site directors, Cathy van Dyk, said she provided education to pre-service teachers around placements, and conducts placement visits.
“We have an induction meeting that tells them little details about accommodation and transport, expectations of them, environmental issues like fires, and tourism spots that they can visit whilst they’re here,” she said.
“We really try to make sure they have a very successful placement, because the idea is they would be coming back. And we’re having a few successes, there are a few now who are seriously considering returning to the area.
“In this year’s first semester we have about 46 pre-service teachers placed in our schools, which span across Balmoral, Apsley, Hopetoun, Donald, St Arnaud and Stawell.”
School placements range from five to 35 days, for first-year to fourthyear teaching students.
Ms van Dyk said mentor teachers were to be commended, as placements impact classroom schedules and teachers’ time.
“I want to give a huge shout-out to all the mentor teachers,” she said.
“We’ve seen the most generous, spirited, and positive people. We’ve had students who’ve been on the borderline of passing in Melbourne who have come out here, had a great mentor, and really flourished.
“The pre-service teachers have more one-on-one time with the mentor, and the small schools embrace them. Some students say it’s nice to go to school and be recognised in the staff room, be invited to the football at the weekend, out for a drink, or a walk up the mountains.”
Ms van Dyk said mentor teachers appreciated the support both they and the pre-service teacher received.
“The schools are thrilled that we’re actually on the ground, it makes them feel a little more supported to have someone close they can email and they know they understand the context,” she said.
“We’re kind of that conduit between the pre-service teacher and the school. We also offer mentor training so they can understand our program a little bit more, and give them some instruction in terms of how they can give feedback effectively, and how they can rely on us – that’s a big part of it, we’re there to mentor them, too.”
A Wimmera Placement Plus Program-hosted early career teachers’
connection event will bring paraprofessionals and government school teachers from the Wimmera Mallee region with up to five years’ experience together on June 5 at Horsham.
Ms van Dyk said the event allowed personal and professional connections for wellbeing, job vacancies and other opportunities.
“We will have pre-service teachers there as well, there will be quite a few of them in the region at the time, so they will be able to see the community that is there and the potential,” she said.
“In small schools, there are opportunities for teachers to advance to leadership roles in a short period of time, and there’s an opportunity to
teach coveted senior levels, and these schools really embrace them.”
While private schools have their own support, a combined network will be relaunched at the event.
“We will relaunch a Facebook page that will be used for organising casual meetings for all teachers in the region to join, because we are all part of the teaching community,” Ms van Dyk said.
People can register attendance and dietary requirements with Ms van Dyk at cathy.vandyk@deakin.edu.
au for the June 5 connection event at Horsham Golf Club, 4.30pm until 7.30pm, where a light meal will be provided with drinks available at bar prices.
Early Career Teachers’ Connection Event
Smile Squad dental support
Families can save up to $400 a year on dental checkups for each child, with the State Government’s Smile Squad school dental program continuing to take pressure off the hip pocket.
More than 900 government schools, and more than 127,000 children, have received a visit from the van since the program began in 2019.
For families, the price of a visit to the dentist can be a deterrent to regular checkups – but with Smile Squad, maintaining oral health does not need to be a financial burden.
Delivered by teams of dedicated oral health clinicians who travel across the state in bright orange vans, the program provides free check-ups and follow-up care, x-rays, teeth cleaning, application of fluoride and dental sealants, fillings, and root canals to school students.
With term two underway, parents are encouraged to register their child to take part in the program.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it was now easier than ever for parents to register, with a new simplified form available in 31 languages making sure parents from any background could provide consent ahead of a visit to their child’s school.
Smile Squad is one of several State Government programs aimed at easing costof-living pressures on families including the $400 School Saving Bonus, Glasses for Kids program, school breakfast clubs, discounted student travel, and free swimming lessons.
More information on the Smile Squad program can be found at health.vic.gov.au/ smile-squad.
Cathy van Dyk
Celebrating the vibrant cultures that make St Brigid’s College strong.
At St Brigid’s College, our diversity is our strength
Our inclusive community welcomes all cultures, fostering compassion, respect, and global citizenship Together with families, we create a safe, inspiring place where every student belongs
Our Values Hospitality Service Respect Hope Trust Aspiration
Want to know more? Contact us to arrange your personalised College tour:
stbc vic edu au info@stbc vic edu au (03) 5382 3545
stbrigidshorsham
Opening new doors
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Apilot program to bring together students who feel ‘overlooked’ has begun at Horsham College, in partnership with Level-Up Gaming.
College teacher Matt Hobbs said the initiative came from a wellbeing standpoint.
“We really want to cater to the cohort of students who maybe sometimes are forgotten and don’t fit into standard lunchtime routines,” he said.
“We want to create a community of the kids we sometimes find sitting around the yard on their laptops, not getting involved.
“We want them to realise there’s other people like them out there and there’s a whole community that will support their interests, and allow them to make some new friends and connections.”
Mr Hobbs said in coming weeks the program would offer Dungeons and Dragons, Minecraft, tabletop cards and the like.
“The plan is to turn it into something that’s ongoing, a club once a week or once a fortnight that students can come along to and meet like-minded people,” he said.
“I’m into Pokemon cards, I got into that over Christmas and enjoy playing a couple of games at night or something before I go to bed.”
Mr Hobbs said the club would provide a safe, supportive space for students to relax, socialise, and pursue their interests.
“It’s not to disconnect from reality, but to explore your imagination in some senses – it’s great,” he said.
Level-Up Gaming offers opportunities for connection and play beyond the school community with like-minded people.
SHARING A PASSION: Horsham College students, from left, Kai Dodson, Tyler Munday, Ryan Hobbs and Oscar McKinnon came together for the first gaming incursion at the school.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Student showcase
Wimmera Lutheran College Horsham campus raised $650 for National Breast Cancer Foundation with a studentcatered high tea event on Friday.
Years nine and 10 Café 3:16 students prepared and presented savoury and sweet items, along with punch, tea and coffee to 49 people from the college community.
Café elective teacher Amanda Przibilla said students organised several aspects of the event, from approaching
local businesses for the donation of raffle prizes, to decorating, cooking and serving.
“Part of the students’ learning is hospitality, as well as barista training, which they have shown in this event,” she said.
“The main goal is them getting experience and working under pressure – they’ve spent the whole day preparing for this.”
Mrs Przibilla said although several students were unfamiliar with what a high tea entailed, it was a good experience for them.
“It’s really nice for the students to serve their family and friends of the school community, and it’s always great for the secondary parents as well, to see their children doing things for them,” she said.
“We also have senior students singing to entertain the guests, which is also a part of their learning. It’s a whole secondary school focus, students have been involved in many ways.”
The college has hosted the annual fundraiser for the past eight years.
EDUCATION WEEK 2025
EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE
Arie revelling in opportunities at East Grampians Health Service
East Grampians Health Service’s apprentice carpenter, Arie Cavanagh, is revelling in the opportunities provided by the position and the skills she is learning on the job.
Arie commenced a Certi cate III in Carpentry at Federation TAFE in 2023. It is a four-year apprenticeship that involves on-the-job training, in line with attending trade-school at Federation TAFE in Ballarat for up to three weeks of each year.
At trade-school, Arie focuses on the skills she is less exposed to when working on-the-job at EGHS.
Arie is mentored by EGHS’ quali ed carpenter, Ashley Leggett, who followed this same career path at EGHS from a young age.
“Ash challenges me to take on new things and to deepen my thinking about certain tasks,” Arie said.
EGHS training and development manager Claire Sladdin said EGHS o ers a range of non-clinical industry career paths.
“We are delighted to promote these with positive stories like Arie’s,” Ms Sladdin said.
Arie describes not being able to sit-still at school, so an apprenticeship in a trade such as carpentry was the perfect opportunity for her to engage in ‘hands-on’ learning.
“I have learnt so much and enjoy everything about my job. From the renovations happening
at EGHS to providing home care modi cations such as building ramps and steps for elderly people in our community, I really like the variety it o ers,” Arie said.
Arie is most proud of a recent large renovation of o ce spaces completed at EGHS. This is where she has developed a range of carpentry skills that now feel like second nature. Re-using materials as part of this build is something Arie found rewarding and satisfying, especially when it was successfully achieved.
“EGHS is thrilled to o er young people like Arie the opportunity to work in a non-clinical eld of work within the health service,” Ms Sladdin said.
“Arie feels as though she is a valued member of the maintenance team. This strengthens our investment in members of our community and showcases how EGHS continues to ‘grow our own’.
Arie is an excellent ambassador for EGHS and for other young people to consider nonclinical positions/trades within a health service environment.
WELCOME: Maya Przibilla and Bonnie Grieger welcome guests to the Cafe 316 high tea event.
GRATEFUL: Belinda Jolley and Samara Dandy enjoy the treats on offer.
SPECIAL GUEST: Jo Johns is served by granddaughter and Cafe 316 student Serena Johns at Friday’s fundraiser.
Pictures: BRONWYN HASTINGS
Where every child shines
S
tawell West Primary School
strives to create a vibrant and inclusive learning community where every student is celebrated, supported, and encouraged to be their best.
From foundation to year six, the school aims for a joyful, safe, and nurturing environment that combines academic excellence with personal growth, ensuring every child feels a true sense of belonging.
Principal Anthony Cain said literacy and numeracy were at the heart of everything the school did.
“With a structured and engaging approach to explicit teaching, we empower students to become confident readers, writers, and thinkers,” he said.
“Our reading, spelling, and writing programs are thoughtfully designed to meet each child at their point of need and lift them to new heights.
“In numeracy, our daily sessions are packed with hands-on fluency tasks, rich number talks, clear instruction, and reflective discussions – making maths meaningful, fun and accessible to all.”
Mr Cain said the school’s specialist programs sparked curiosity – from coding and robotics to movie-making and digital storytelling, its ICT program unleashed creativity and problem-solving skills in every student, starting as early as prep.
“Our science program, guided by Primary Connections, invites children
to explore the wonders of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science through exciting, inquiry-based investigations,” he said.
“Physical Education goes beyond fitness – it’s about teamwork, confidence, and understanding the importance of staying active in a range of cultural and social settings.”
Mr Cain said wellbeing was woven into every aspect of life at Stawell
West. “Our beloved therapy dog, Grip, is more than just a furry friend – he’s a calming presence and a daily reminder that kindness and care matter,” he said.
“Our MATES mentoring program builds friendships across year levels and connects students with inspiring community mentors.
“We take great pride in our Action Plan for Aboriginal Learning, Wellbe-
ing, and Safety, which ensures our First Nations cultures and perspectives are valued, visible, and celebrated every day.”
Mr Cain said the school was proud of its inclusive values, positive partnerships with families, and the strong sense of community that filled its classrooms and playgrounds.
“We believe that every child matters and every voice counts,” he said.
“Whether it’s learning, leading, laughing, or lending a hand – there’s a place for everyone to shine at Stawell West.”
Mr Cain invited families to join them and be part of ‘something special’ – where learning was loved, friendships were treasured, and every day was a new adventure.
INCLUSIVE: Stawell West Primary School
Pre-prep program starts in Horsham
It is time to register children in three-yearold kindergarten and pre-prep programs for 2026.
Education Department representatives launched the Horsham program in May Park on Sunday, generating awareness, discussion and enquiry about pre-prep and directed people to where they could find more information.
Next year is the first year pre-prep will be available in Horsham Rural City Council, after a successful launch this year in the Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera local government areas.
Four-year-old kindergarten is becoming preprep, but remains the same program.
Pre-prep gives children greater access to the many benefits of early childhood education.
Children will get more time to learn and socialise through play. Young children learn about the world through play.
Early education teachers say it gives children the opportunity to use their imagination and practise important skills.
The program also helps their social and emotional development and wellbeing.
Emerge Early Years Services will deliver be-
tween five to 10 hours of three-year-old kindergarten and between 16 to 30 hours of pre-prep each week.
Free kindergarten will continue to be available at Emerge services next year, which means there is no charge for children to access programs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum seeker background and children who have had contact with child protection are prioritised for access to three-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep programs.
Any child who was supported by Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning in their three-year-old kindergarten year is also eligible for pre-prep from 2026.
Pre-prep hours will range from 16 to 25 hours each week for children who meet the eligibility criteria.
To register for three-year-old kindergarten andor pre-prep in 2026, people can visit the Emerge Early Years Services website to complete an online registration or complete a registration form by phoning 5382 7997 or emailing enrol@ eeys.com.au.
Registrations for 2026 close on August 1.
Enrolments open for prep
Enrolments at local government schools for the 2026 intake of prep students are now open.
The State Government is encouraging families to prepare their applications for their preferred local school as their children gear up to start their primary education.
Education Minister Ben Carroll announced enrolment applications were open until July 25 –giving families time to plan, visit schools and get the information they need to apply.
Families across Victoria have guaranteed access to their designated neighbourhood government school for their children.
Parents and carers will receive offer letters by August 8 – while applications submitted after July 25 will be considered by schools as they are received.
“Planning for your child’s education is exciting – we’re making sure families have the most up-to-date information to enrol their children at our fantastic primary schools,” Mr Carroll said.
“We are building the Education State so every
student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.”
The opening of enrolments comes after the launch of the updated Find my School website.
The website includes school zones for 17 of the new government schools opening next year, and adjustments to seven existing school zones.
The updated 2026 school zones will give families with children starting primary school next year the most up-to-date information.
The Find my School website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other government schools nearby –giving them clarity on what their government school options are for their children.
Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school.
People can find their local school zone by visiting findmyschool.vic.gov.au and to learn more about the prep enrolment process, visit www.vic. gov.au/enrolling-foundation-prep.
Year 7 Parent Information Night Monday, May 19 5.30pm-7pm at the DMSC Health & Fitness Centre (School St, Dimboola) 5.30pm School Tour 6pm Information Session
DMSC has obtained the highest school performance rating, by the Department of Education, for the last two years.
Consistenly high VCE Median Study Score for the past eight years.
An emphasis on student wellbeing.
After school SMART sessions twice a week offering extra tuition. For further
INFORMATIVE: Oscar Youlten and Mariana Martins of Kindergartens Victoria hosted a popup pre-prep information stand at May Park in Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
