THE LINK

Principal's Report

It has certainly been a positive start to the term and great to see the students re-connect with their teachers, friends and learning. I always love hearing about lots of different holiday adventures, but I am sure many parents and students are just as happy to get back into routine and back to school. I had a lovely time visiting family in Geelong, as well as time at home to just ‘be’.  

We are all looking forward to a great term ahead, please remember to keep an eye on the school calendar so you are well informed about all events across the school. Teachers will be sending out their updates for the term early next week, if you are unsure about anything, please don’t hesitate to contact them. 

The students have warmly welcomed our new staff to WEPS;

  • Mrs Bree Porter/Mrs Katlyn Pitt – 5/6T
  • Mrs Louise McLean – 5/6D
  • Mrs Emma Collishaw (sharing the class with Mrs Georgie Hall)
  • Mr Adrian DeLandre – 1/2F

At the end of the term we also said goodbye to Ms Bree Kavanagh, who accepted a role at Port Fairy Consolidated teaching music. We wish Bree all the best in her new role and welcome Mrs Karen Harradine back to WEPS. Karen will be teaching year 3-6 Humanities in Bree’s absence.

 

Events Committee 

School Council have initiated a WEPS Events Committee, led by Sam Pereira (school council parent rep). We would love to welcome parents to join and support the organisation of a fundraising event for the school before the end of the year, and engage parent voice in exploring how this committee works together. Please complete the survey link below if you are interested in joining. We will publish a date for the meeting in the next LINK update. 

 

https://forms.gle/BqVjQaN9P8U892aW9

 

As per my message on Sunday afternoon, it is always good to revisit school expectations for the whole school community at the beginning of each term. 

When parents, carers and school staff work together as one team, our students do better. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.

Parents, carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of the child. When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn better and feel like they belong in the school.

 

Every member of our school community has a right to feel safe and be protected. 

The Department of Education and Training has released the Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy that describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers, and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.

For more information on how to engage positively with our school, please don’t hesitate to contact me .

Please see further reminders below (as per info sent on Sunday afternoon) …

  • Staff are arriving at school between 8 am and 8.30 am, and officially begin duties at 8.40 am. Please avoid arriving at school before 8.30am (students walking or being dropped off). Parents are welcome to access before school care if parent work hours impact these times.  
  • Teachers must be ready and present for their whole class at 8.50 am sharp.  Please avoid having morning discussions with teachers at this time. Parents are welcome to speak to teachers between 8.40 am and 8.50 am.
  • Teachers have scheduled meetings with their teams/whole staff Monday and Wednesday each week from 3.40pm, therefore are unavailable for parent catch-ups/chats at this time.
  • We strongly encourage communication between teachers and parents, but it is important to do this at the right times. The best way to catch your teachers is to send a message via Seesaw or Compass or make a time to meet.
  • Classes officially begin at 8.50 am, once again, it is important all students are ready for learning and teachers are present for their whole class. Unless your child is on a plan supporting the start of their school day, please refrain from being in the classrooms at this time. If you feel your child needs a morning plan, please discuss this with your classroom teacher.
  • The school day ends at 3.20 pm. Please ensure your child is collected from their designated pick-up point at this time. If your child is not collected from the loop or the school gates by 3.35 pm, they will be asked to wait for you at the office. All staff have after school meetings, and planning commitments, it is important they are ready to fulfill these.
  • Please refrain from riding bikes, scooters etc on the school grounds before and after school when there is a high traffic flow of students and parents moving through the school. It is important we keep everyone safe and do our part to avoid accidents from occurring.
  • If your child arrives late or needs to be collected early, please remember to sign in or out at the office.
  • Please park in designated parking areas only and follow road rules at all times
  • We have noticed a significant number of students out of school uniform - completely understand washing/drying can be challenging during the winter months. Please inform your teacher if that is the reason, otherwise all students are expected to be in school uniform. 

It is important we are all working together to ensure student safety and enable our teachers to focus on the whole class as they start and end the school day. As always, we encourage ongoing communication as required through the recommended communication platforms and appropriate times.