Dear Parents/Carers,

SCHOOL LOCKDOWN - THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2023

Yesterday Parents and Carers were alerted via compass that the school went into lockdown for a period of time. This was in response to two parents who were attending a pre-arranged meeting ending up in a physical altercation. Police were called to the school as a result of the correct protocols being followed by office staff, which ensured that no students or staff were impacted. All correct channels of communication have been followed and notifications made.

You may be aware that The Standard has also reported it via Warrnambool Police. We do not know if the Police are taking action against either person and so we won’t be making any further comment. You might feel that it is necessary to speak to your child about this distressing incident and if so, please read the below information which may assist.

The health and wellbeing of all our staff and students will always remain our highest priority and we will always take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

RESPECTFUL CONDUCT WHEN ENTERING THE SCHOOL

A reminder that all Parents and Carers must know that when entering any public building and especially schools that respectful conduct is required at all times. It is not acceptable at any time for staff, students, parents and other visitors to be subjected to behaviour which is inappropriate.

UPDATED SCHOOL POLICIES

Our school is currently reviewing its policies which includes the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and Bullying Prevention Policy. These policies are fundamental to our school operations are now open for feedback from the school community. Please take the time to read each of the policies and if you wish provide feedback to warrnambool.ps@education.vic.gov.au by 4pm Wednesday 8th November.

SWIMMING PROGRAM

Last Friday we finished up our swimming program for 2023. Swimming is such an important life skill for our children and this is why we ensure that we provide the best program possible.

This year students, staff and volunteers made their way down by foot to Aquazone with students participating in 8 lessons spread across 4 weeks.

We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped in walking students to and from the pool and supervising during lessons. These programs aren't possible without your support.

A big thank you to Aquazone who hosted our school this year and worked with us to ensure that we complied with all Department of Education requirements and those of the school. Lastly but certainly not least thank you to Cherine Owen for organising yet again another successful swimming program.

WALK TO SCHOOL DAY

What an amazing effort for ‘Walk to school day’!

We had a record number of students walk, ride and scoot to school. It was fabulous to see so many students being active on their way to school with their parents, friends, siblings and dogs! Thank you to Bendigo Bank for coming along and giving out prizes at the gate.

GOVEMBER

GOvember has started off strongly!

All students have started off strong trying to reach their goal to walk from Warrnambool to Perth. Staff are also clocking up the kms for their goal of walking, running, cycling or swimming from Warrnambool to Darwin.

‘Go Man’ our official GOvember mascot has made many appearances getting all the students motivated to complete more laps of the oval. This is a great month aimed at encouraging students to ditch the devices and become more active while exploring the benefits of regular exercise and how it can assist with our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Also, make sure you check out the video from Steve 'Mona' Moneghetti on Facebook.

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA - THURSDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2023

Please put Thursday 7th December 2023 in your diaries as we are holding our annual Christmas Extravaganza. Festivities will commence at 5.30pm, with performances by all students, plenty of food and drink available and the Monster Raffle will be drawn.

Last year we were amazed with the turn-out of families and with even more attractions this year planned we are very excited.

MONSTER RAFFLE

Our school is excited to launch this year's Monster Raffle. With over 50 prizes worth more than $5,000 you don't want to miss out.

Tickets are $5 each and raffle books have been sent home with students. If you require more books please come to the office.

Online tickets are also available at https://compasstix.com/.../dc6f85f9-ba81-489b-9efc...

Raffle will be drawn at the Christmas Extravaganza on Thursday 7th December.

All funds raised are going towards a new Basketball/Netball Court for the school.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful businesses who have generously donated. So please when you can support them.

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

Once again the very popular Student Art Exhibition will be held on Tuesday 21st to Friday 24th November. Opening night is on Tuesday 21st November from 3.30pm with the official opening by Sherry Johnstone at 4pm. Students artwork is displayed in the school gym for Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles to come along and see. Artwork is available for purchase for a gold coin donation. Students own their artwork regardless of whether it's purchased.

YEAR 3/4 SCIENCE LESSONS

Last week all Year 3/4 classes participated in science lessons from EcoLink, exploring life cycles of living things, and investigated how life cycles can differ between different species.

CLASS GROUPINGS 2024

Organisation for 2024 class groupings is now underway. Thankyou to parents who have made their requests to me regarding placement. These requests will now be considered when we finalise classes.

PUPIL FREE DAYS

For the remainder of the year we have the following pupil free days:

Monday 20th November 2023 - Assessment and Reporting
Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th December 2023 - End of year and preparations for 2024

Have a great weekend!

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays