2025 Newsfeed

Professional Learning Opportunities

Case Study: Implementation | Developing an Instructional Model

Ararat West Primary School

Ararat West Primary School is sharpening its approach to teaching and learning, moving towards a more consistent and evidence-informed practice. Building on recent reflection and schoolwide collaboration, the school is now developing a streamlined Instructional Model designed to capture a shared understanding of effective pedagogy. This new model aims to strengthen teacher clarity, build a common professional language, and ensure high-quality learning experiences for every student.

Read full case study here: Ararat West Implementation Case Study

Mathematics Highlight

Case Study: Mathematics in a Small School

See how one of our small schools caters to their multiage classrooms!

Click on the Numeracy Page to see how Hepburn Primary School uses their knowledge of their students and the curriculum to achieve Numeracy results above similar schools in NAPLAN.

You will read about the school's approach to developing confidence, hands on learning and planning. Included is a video of a classroom in action.

Check out the Case Study here!

We have several Numeracy Case Studies celebrating the great work of the schools in our Area in teaching numeracy and mathematics. They can be found on the Numeracy page.

We also have Wellbeing Case Studies highlighting what is happening in our schools. See our Wellbeing page for these Case Studies.

Secondary School Highlight

VCE Continuum

Self-assess your school's senior secondary program including VCE, VCE VM and the VPC

Continuum of practice - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Koorie Education Workforce

Stay tuned next year for updates from the Koorie Education Workforce or check out their page here:

https://sites.google.com/education.vic.gov.au/kewteamsite/kew-home

Outstanding Education Support Team (Winner) - Nat Vercoe and Stephen McNeight - Wendouree PS

Dr Lawrie Shears Outstanding Global Teaching and Learning Award (Finalist)

Beau Guest and Corey Grills and whole Yuille Explorers Team!

Ballarat High School Joins the VCE 30 Club!

Congratulations to Ballarat High School as their VCE results see them join the '30 Club'! It's a great achievement and the result of ongoing hard work by all staff and students.

Warrenheip Primary School - 150th Celebration

Term 4, 2025

Various Central Highlands Schools - Energy Breakthrough 2025

Clunes PS - Dynamite

Quick pit stops, fast acceleration and smooth handling are the keys to success in the Time Trial and Obstacle Rally, whilst the 8-Hour Endurance Trial is a chance to stretch the riders’ legs. This is the most widely assessed category at the Energy Breakthrough.

For more than 30 years, schools and education centres across Victoria and Australia have converged annually to compete in the TRYathlon category and celebrate the achievements in this program.

Maroona PS - Blunami

Avoca Achieve took out overall winners

November, 2025

Avoca Believe were crowned overall runners up

Avoca Believe and Achieve

Avoca Robotics team overall runners up

Inverleigh Primary School - Artwork Mural

Term 4, 2025

Inverleigh Primary School were very honoured to work with Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay (BJ) O-Toole recently. BJ created a mural spanning two walls at the front of the school. He was inspired by the ideas of the children and the different elements of Inverleigh and surrounding landscapes.

The features of the mural include a meeting place in green and yellow (the school colours) with footprints leading into the middle of it representing the journey the students take to school each day. The three rivers – Leigh, Barwon and Warrambine - are featured across the two walls. These rivers are also the Inverleigh PS House names. Water ways were prominent places of gathering for Wadawurrung people. The significant birds of Wadawurrung Country are also represented. Bunjil the creator, Waa the protector, Parwan the magpie (Parwan sang to the first sunrise on Wadawurrung Country), and Kunawarra to represent Murgebuloc, a place of rising waters. The eucalyptus leaves represent everyone’s passage onto Wadawurrung country, along with the wattle which flowers in spring when the country is at it’s richest.

Haddon Primary School - 'Night on the Green'

Haddon PS hosted their annual 'Night on the Green' last week, with every family in attendance for a night of entertainment and delicious, picnic spreads!

Woodmans Hill Secondary College - 'Queer Lives' - Film Launch

Woodmans Hill Year 12 students, Ruth and Ash launched their 'How Queer Looks' film - a culmination of one year's work that saw the students interview a range of regional, queer individuals about their experiences. A wonderful film that both students hope can be used in school settings to enhance understanding of queer lives.

Delacombe Primary School - Multicultural Day

Delacombe PS hosted their inaugural Multicultural Day this term. Students were treated to a wide range of fun activities and special guest presenters throughout the day, and the vibe was amazing (particularly in the disco)! Delacombe intend to host this event every year and look forward to all students, staff and families celebrating their growing, diverse community.

Ballarat High School - Trainee of the Year

Congratulations to Madilyn Dawe who took home the BGT - Trainee of the Year award! Well done to Madilyn for all her hard work.

Happy 150th Birthday Amphitheatre , Daylesford , Trentham District ,

Ararat and Moonambel Primary Schools

Schools celebrated their 150

This term, several of our North Network schools have proudly celebrated their 150th birthdays. Remarkable milestones that honour generations of students, families and educators. Each celebration brought communities together to reflect on rich histories, share cherished memories, and look ahead with excitement. Congratulations to all schools marking 150 years of learning, connection and community.

Term 4, 2025

Rokewood Primary School - Families and Community

Term 3, 2025

Warrenheip Primary School

Term 3, 2025

Bungaree Primary School - Book Week

Term 3, 2025

Phoenix P-12 Community College - Learning Showcase

Term 3, 2025

Bacchus Marsh Primary School - 175th Year Celebration

Term 3, 2025

Wendouree PS

Read the full article here:

Landcare in Focus Magazine - May 2025 by landcareaustralia - Issuu

Ararat Rural Cluster - Study tour to New Zealand

August saw Principals from the Ararat Rural Cluster (Maroona, Buangor, Ararat and Willaura) enjoy a week away 'across the ditch' exploring small schools in NZ and collaborating with the Country Education Partnership. The purpose and intent of the tour was to:

Explore Curriculum & Pedagogy: Understanding the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) and its focus on student-centred learning, inquiry-based approaches, and cultural responsiveness.

Incorporate Māori & Pasifika Perspectives: Understanding how New Zealand integrates Māori and Pasifika cultures into education through the Treaty of Waitangi principles, Te Reo Māori language programs, and inclusive practices.

Enhance Student Well-being & Inclusion: Observing initiatives related to student well-being, mental health support, special education, and inclusive learning environments.

Networking & Collaboration: Building professional relationships with New Zealand educators, school leaders, and policymakers for future partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Assess School Governance & Policies: Understanding the role of school boards, community involvement, and policy frameworks that support school autonomy and accountability. Particular interest in how small rural schools are funded.

Evaluate Outdoor & Experiential Learning: Learning how New Zealand schools incorporate outdoor education, environmental sustainability, and hands-on learning experiences.

August 2025

Pyrenees Cluster Colour Run and Book Week

Cluster Days are a highlight for students at Landsborough PS, Moonambel PS, Amphitheatre PS, Trawalla PS and Natte Yallock PS. This term students participated in an amazing colour run and Book Week celebrations. The Colour Run was organised by the Cluster Junior School Council (Gen (APS), Rylee (APS), Riley (TPS), Blake (MPS), Castiel (LPS) and Will (TPS)), with the support of Mr G.

The course was set out on the Amphitheatre Recreation Reserve with 3 stations that saw students running through a colourful cloud station, a burst of bubbles and some water sprayers, leading to a stunning display of colourful clothes, hair and students.

Some thoughts from our students about the colour run:

Ellie (Grade 1): “I really liked the colour powder because it was messy, my favourite colour was the blue!”

Herbie (Grade 5): “I liked getting sprayed with the colour as it got all in my hair.”

Charlie (Grade 5): “I really enjoyed everything, but I especially liked the colour making me dirty.”

Andy (Foundation): “I really liked the blue colour because it’s my favourite colour.”

Layla (Grade 6): “My favourite part was getting sprayed by the water as it was refreshing.”

Alannah (Grade 4): “I really liked getting wet as it spread the colour out.”

September 2025

Amphitheatre PS Book Week

Pyrenees Cluster Book Week

Ararat North PS - Victorian State School Spectacular

Ararat North students experience the Magic of ‘On Air’

Students from across the state are working together and soared to new heights with On Air — where dreams take flight, friendships shine, and every young voice is heard.

An iconic event on the calendar for 30 years, the Spectacular is a breathtaking and heartwarming blend of song, dance, and circus — all staged with spectacular lights, costumes and a 75-piece orchestra.

From pop anthems to powerful ballads, gravity-defying aerial acrobatics to heart-pounding routines. The program showcases and unites government school communities through working towards a common goal of more students reaching the highest level of achievement in the arts, ensuring kids are happy, healthy and resilient, and building pride in our schools.

The Spectacular has become an invaluable rite of passage for Victoria’s top young talent, and a cherished, memorable education experience for all participants.

September 2025

Sebastopol PS Choir Second at South St!

Sebastopol PS Choir are proud to share that we came 2nd for our choir performances at Royal South Street on Monday. Congratulations to Girton Grammar Junior School Choir for their 1st place. Our choir has participated in Royal South Street Society since 2018 and this is our best result. Congratulations to our amazing choir, Ms Kellie and Cassandra.

Phoenix P-12 Community College - 'Matilda' School Production

Check out some snippets from Phoenix P-12 Community College's production, Matilda.

June, 2025

Newington PS Inquiry Presentations

Year 6 students at Newington PS are currently presenting the efforts of their inquiry unit which has allowed them to investigate areas of interest. From milkshakes made with solar-powered blenders to computer games designed to test reaction speed, the students presented on a wide range of topics with knowlege and confidence. Students from F-5 were able to question each presenter and feedback will be used to refine displays before their final community cleenration. Well done Newington, what an impressive display of inquiry in action!

Mount Clear Primary School - House Spirit Development

This journey began at the start of 2024, when as a school, we didn’t have names for our 4 houses, just the colours Yellow, Red, Green and Blue. The purpose of the house names development was to build community connection, feeling of pride, team spirit and a sense of belonging for our students.

The work started at a whole school staff level, inviting input and buy in from all of our staff, to decide the house name and animal using traditional Wadawurrung Language. During this process, we collaborated with our KESO and the Traditional Owners Corporation to ensure we followed processes and procedures for an official language use agreement. The four names that we decided on were:

- - - Lakorra Lelon – “Sky Lizards”
    - Mirri Darrwal – “Sun Dingoes”
    - Yaluk Barrabin – “Creek Turtles”
    - Wiyn Loklok – “Fire Eagles”

These names were officially announced to our school community at the beginning of 2025, in the lead up to our Athletics Carnival. Our student house leaders for 2025 were invited to work together on banners, that would be on display during the event and provided an opportunity for student voice, agency and ownership of their house. This enthusiasm for house spirit was further enhanced by purchasing dedicated marquees for school events, with house names and colours emblazoned on them. Our staff model team spirit and belonging for our students, all aligned to a house colour they proudly choose to support. Part of this modelling is dressing up in house colours and showing respectful competitive spirit.

The next step was the development of our House Artworks. We are very fortunate to have a member of our parent community who is a very talented First Nations Artist, Tammie Watts. Her work has been on display in community shows and gallery exhibitions around Ballarat.

The artworks were inspired by our First Nations students, working together with Tammie, to create the first draft. This was an amazing opportunity for our students to connect with culture, learn the symbolism of their artwork and have ownership of their house creations. I personally learnt a great deal about First Nation’s culture from Tammie in the conversations we have had and observing her work with students. An integral part of Aboriginal Culture is the storytelling that is embedded in the artwork. An important aspect of her artwork was that they all connect in multiple ways, the circles and lines running throughout. Tammie shared with our community her insights into the story she told in her work;

Features connections to country through sky, sea and land.
Joining Circles on each artwork represent;
- - - Group of students coming together (small dots)
    - Student leaders on the outside (outlined dots)
    - Staff, Parents and broader community on the outside

All portraits connected with a running track through them
- - - Different sized dots for different age group students, all competing together
    - Importance of connecting us all together, even if we are in different houses

Stars around the track symbolize;
- - - Competition, accomplishment, winning and achieving success in many different ways
    - Representing our school at regionals or division level, the four houses become one school team
Body of water down the bottom, Yarrowee Creek, through our Mt Clear community
- - - Connecting us all together with the land
    - Symbolizing the 4 houses creating one artwork, one school community

The next steps for our house names and artworks are to incorporate them into all aspects of our school. We will use animals and artwork features for publications, website, outside displays and other visual representations in our school community. We feel that our purpose of enhancing sense of connectedness and belonging has been achieved, whilst looking forward to seeing this continue to grow as the houses and animals become further embedded in our school.

Sam Cooper, Assistant Principal, Mount Clear Primary School

June, 2025

Mount Egerton Primary School - Environmental and Sustainability Programs

Mount Egerton Primary School was given the opportunity to share our school's amazing environmental and sustainability programs and achievements in an article for Eingana magazine - EEV’s professional environment education journal. The image to the left is one page from the article in the magazines June edition.

June, 2025

Disability Inclusion Network

Another successful Disability Inclusion Network meeting was held at the Academy of Teaching and Leadership. The day focused on key topics, including feedback from the Disability Inclusion Facilitator Service, the use of the ROSI and IEPs to inform planning documents, the communication domain, SSG minutes and using the ASIST tool for your school context. There were also opportunities for networking between local primary and secondary schools.

June, 2025

Linton Primary School - Robots!

Senior students at Linton Primary School have been working with Lego Spike kits in Digitech. They made ‘break dancers’ and have been practicing programming them to dance in time with a song. Meanwhile, the junior students have been working with Edison bots – a highlight was battling them against each other with the ‘sumo wrestle’ program.

June, 2025

Woady Yaloak Primary School - Art Show

Every second year our whole Woady Yaloak Primary School school community unites to showcase our wonderful Visual Arts program. Specialist teachers start preparations in Semester Two and continue the work in Semester One. The artworks are collated and displayed for our whole community to come and view.

The show not only allows families to see how creative their students are, it is an example of how our teachers collaborate and work together to run an extremely well attended event.

Each teacher has autonomy when deciding on different representations of art and this year we used the theme of ‘WELLNESS’ to inspire the show.

June, 2025

Cape Clear Primary School - Responding to Colour and Abstract Art

Abbie from the Art Gallery of Ballarat visited students at Cape Clear Primary School this week. As part of the Artlink program ‘Responding to Colour & Abstract Art’, students analysed and discussed artworks on display at the gallery and then created their own “mini” exhibitions on a theme of their choice.

June, 2025

Avoca Primary School - Education Week & ANZAC Day

Avoca PS School Leaders School leaders attended the ANZAC Legacy Service in Melbourne.

Avoca PS celebrated Education Week by hosting an open night for their school community. Over 80 attendees showed up to support the teaching and learning at Avoca PS and celebrate education with students, families, teachers and the broader community.

April/May, 2025

Clunes Primary School - Happy 150th Birthday

150 cupcakes

July, 2025

A new time capsule filled with students' writing and memorabilia

Happy birthday Clunes Primary School

150 claps is quite a lot after singing happy birthday

Maroona Primary School - ANZAC Day ceremony

Maroona PS and community commemorating ANZAC Day 2025

Students acknowledging and learning about the Honour Roll

Memorabilia and relics in the Community Hall

So much to see and learn about in the Maroona district

North Network discovering Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS)

North Network schools were invited to a Professional Learning Day tailored for Year Level Leaders, Middle Leaders, and Principals. Throughout the day, participants engaged with the new PCMS resources, gaining insights on how to effectively support staff in implementing them within the classroom. Attendees also had the opportunity to evaluate current Tier 1 school practices related to PCMS and collaborate on developing actionable plans for implementation at their respective schools.

May, 2025

City Network - Middle Leaders Professional Learning - Ryan Dunn

May and June 2025

Federation Uni - Passion Project

Students from Phoenix P-12 Community College, Mount Clear College, Mount Rowan Secondary College and Woodmans Hill Secondary College participated in a Year 9 Schools Visit pilot ran by the Department of Education's Schools Portfolio Communication Team. We were lucky to be the only regional location to secure access to the program, which provided a fantastic chance for our Year 9 students to interact in a range of VET tasters with Federation TAFE, to build aspirations and gain exposure to a variety of VET opportunities. It also helped students with their selection of VETs as they move into senior school.

To see a short video of the day, click here.

December, 2024

Delacombe Primary School - Fete and Phoenix P-12 Community College Band

Delacombe Primary School had a successful school fete, including a performance by Phoenix P-12 Community College band which added to the atmosphere. Here are some photos of just a few of the exciting things that the community enjoyed.

March, 2025.

Meredith Primary School - Earth Ed Incursion

The Grade 3/4s at Meredith Primary School investigated aquatic macro-invertebrates during an Earth Ed incursion.

March, 2025.

Click this link to book Earth Ed in 2025: Earth Ed | Specialist STEM Centre.

Cape Clear Primary School - Mural

Cape Clear Primary School were excited to welcome Brett (Cardy) Cardwell from ‘Cardytoons’ out to Cape Clear earlier in the term.

Brett worked with the students to plan and create the updated mural which highlights the school values and all the amazing things you would see on a visit to area.

March, 2025.

Central Highlands Disability Inclusion Network

The first Central Highlands Disability Inclusion Network Day for 2025 was held at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership in Ballarat.

The day focussed on key topics, including the purpose behind various plans (such as health, safety, and behaviour support plans), work programs that outline adjustments, and the processes schools follow leading up to a profile meeting. Participants also discussed programs that support higher levels of adjustment across the six domains, as well as engaging in networking between local primary and secondary schools.

March, 2025.

Lethbridge Primary School - Sharing Culture

Earlier this term, Year 1/2 students at Lethbridge Primary School were treated to a visit from our wonderful KESOs Carmen and Zeta. They engaged in sharing of culture and jewellery making using beads and emu feathers. It was an enjoyable and educational experience for all involved.

March, 2025.

Check out the Koorie Education Workforce website: https://sites.google.com/education.vic.gov.au/kewteamsite/home

Creswick North Primary School - Monster Line Art

Students in Year 1 at Creswick North Primary School were super excited to share their work this term in the Arts.

They have been working creatively on their 'Monster' line pieces incorporating various mediums whilst learning about the elements of line.

March, 2025.

Maroona Primary School - Square Dancing

Students at Maroona Primary School have kicked of the year with some dance lessons. They have enjoyed learning traditional square dances and adding some of their own moves to the original 'Do- Si- Do'.

February, 2025.

Hepburn Primary School - Reading

The F-2 Reading approach and Phonics block has well and truly started with rigour at Hepburn Primary School. Foundation students were only 4 weeks into learning when these photos were taken. Their organisation and understanding of the structures of the classroom and Literacy block were exceptional. 👏👏👏Well done Hepburn Primary School.

February, 2025.

Trawalla Primary School - Kitchen Garden

Students at Trawalla Primary School have been making the most of the beautiful autumn days by propagating their own cucumber seeds. Students participate in a Kitchen-Garden program and have installed a new greenhouse to assist in the growing of their 'local produce'. I am looking forward to some cucumber and cheese sandwiches on my next visit!

March, 2025.

Black Hill Primary School - ReCranked!

As part of National Ride2School Day on Friday 21 March, the Y’s ReCranked in Schools (RiS) team was at Black Hill Primary School, with children involved in the program lending a hand to their peers, providing tips, bike repairs and pumping up plenty of tyres. The rain held off while 110 Grade 5 and 6 students took part in their Bike Challenge Day, enthusiastically riding laps around their oval in the first few hours of their school day. The ReCranked team set up in the middle of the event, with a steady stream of bikes and their riders coming in for assistance or information. The day provided an opportunity for the ReCranked in Schools’ students to apply their knowledge and help their classmates, with their increased confidence and skills shining.

Sebastopol Primary School - Harmony Week

Culturally Responsive Mathematics - Professor Chris Matthews

Professor Chris Matthews, from the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA), led teachers from across the Central Highlands Area through a full day of exploring the link between Teaching Culture and Deep Learning in a culturally responsive approach to understanding Mathematics.

The Goompi model, developed by Chris and Department endorsed, can be used by teachers in their classroom to connect mathematics and reality through the lens of creative, symbolic and cultural bias.

Following the success of this session, we will be developing a community of practice (CoP) to continue this work in our schools. Please reach out to Deb Clark if you would like further information.

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