Dear Macgregor Community,

Welcome back to the 2026 school year (for our existing families) and welcome to all our new families. I hope you had a fabulous summer break and had plenty of time to connect with your families and friends. Last Friday, our kindergarten students had their first day of school, which was lots of fun and filled with learning new systems and routines. It was wonderful to have some of our preschoolers and Years 1-6 students back this Monday and our end of week preschoolers on Thursday. It was so nice to see the smiles on both students’ and parents’ faces, as it seemed everyone was well and truly ready for the start of the school year. Please read on to hear about happenings in and around the school.

Teacher Professional Learning

Before students returned, our teachers engaged in a range of Professional Learning to strengthen both our curriculum and teaching practices. Junior school and LSG teachers explored Bond Blocks, an evidence‑based maths program that builds strong number sense through hands-on, targeted activities. Across the school, teachers deepened their understanding of the PhOrMeS framework, with Senior School preparing to implement a new spelling program for Years 3-6 and Junior School refining explicit handwriting instruction using shared language and consistent routines. Junior classes continue to use InitialLit, while Senior School teachers participated in DiscoverED training and collaborated with our Network Learning Community to refine READ & WRITE resources, ensuring a coherent, knowledge‑rich curriculum. Teachers also learned about Quick Win Cycles, which are short, focused improvement periods that help teams trial high‑impact practices, monitor their effect, and build collective efficacy through visible, achievable gains. Just like our kids, our teachers are also always learning and improving, and should be commended for their commitment to our students.

Welcome BBQ

Please Click Here to see photos of our teachers to help you identify them at our Welcome BBQ on Tuesday 10 February (Week 3), 4:00-6:00pm, located under and adjacent to the Senior COLA. Teachers will be wearing hi‑vis vests, so please feel free to introduce yourselves and have a chat. This is a relaxed opportunity to meet your child/ren's teacher(s), connect with other families in our school community, and enjoy a free sausage sizzle.

Please Click Here to access a short Google Form where you can share valuable "Get to know you" information about your child/ren with classroom teachers.

• Please submit one form per child attending Macgregor Primary School.

• The survey closes at 5:00pm on Sunday 8 February.

There will be time for informal conversations at the BBQ. However, if you require a more in‑depth or formal discussion, please feel free to arrange a meeting with your child's teacher at a later date.

The P&C are also seeking volunteers to assist with the BBQ on Monday. If you can help, please Click Here

We look forward to seeing you at the BBQ next week.

New digital safety rules for our preschool

From the start of the 2026 school year, new digital safety rules will apply in all ACT Government preschools. These changes help us follow the National Model Code and are designed to keep every child safe and protect their privacy. Parents, carers and visitors may bring personal devices onto school grounds; however, will not be permitted to take photos or videos of preschool students on preschool grounds, including during excursions and whole-school events. Only school-issued devices will be used for photos and videos, and staff follow strict rules for how these images are stored and shared. We know families like to capture special moments, so you are welcome to take photos at home before or after school, in drop-off or pick-up areas outside preschool boundaries, or at community events. Thank you for supporting these new rules and helping us create a safe and respectful environment for all children.

POSITION VACANT: Macgregor Primary School Board Member

The Macgregor Primary school board plays an important role in setting the strategic direction of the school, always acting in the best interest of the school and its students.

The board meets regularly throughout the year. It is made up of representative members from key stakeholder groups such as parents and carers, P&C Association and/or local community members, staff and students in years 7 to 12.

Several board positions will become vacant in March 2026, and we will be seeking nominations to fill the following roles in early Term 1:

·         1x staff member – 24 months

·         1x staff member – 12 months

·         1x P&C member – 24 months

To learn more about the roles and responsibilities of school board members, visit the School Boards webpage.

Further information about the nomination process will be provided early Term 1.