Dear Parents/Carers,

ANZAC CEREMONIES

ANZAC Day is a significant national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. It specifically honours those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. ANZAC Day is observed annually on April 25th, the anniversary of the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. It is marked by ceremonies such as dawn services, marches, and memorial services, as well as by wearing red poppies, a symbol of remembrance. ANZAC Day holds great significance in the national consciousness of both Australia and New Zealand, and it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and honouring the sacrifice of those who served their countries.

This week we commemorated ANZAC Day at school with our own ceremony on Wednesday. It was led by our student leaders who practised their roles during the past week. We are very fortunate to have capable and confident leaders such as Willow, Frankie, Calvin and Quinn.

We were also well represented at the mid-morning march and wreath laying ceremony by our student leaders on Thursday. Our students proudly recall the sacrifices that those who served and currently serve have made on our behalf.

Anzac Cove - Poem by Leon Gellert

There’s a lonely stretch of hillocks:

There’s a beach asleep and drear:

There’s a battered broken fort beside the sea.

There are sunken trampled graves:

And a little rotting pier:

And winding paths that wind unceasingly.

There’s a torn and silent valley:

There’s a tiny rivulet

With some blood upon the stones beside its mouth.

There are lines of buried bones:

There’s an unpaid waiting debt :

There’s a sound of gentle sobbing in the South.

FOUNDATION ENROLMENTS 2025

We had a pleasing turn-out at our Foundation information session on Tuesday evening. The prospective parents were given a very informative overview about the Foundation year at Warrnambool Primary School. Once again we were treated to a students’ perspective by our student leaders which was as entertaining as it was informative. We're holding tours at school for prospective parents over the coming weeks. We look forward to meeting our new and prospective parents.

EDUCATION WEEK MONDAY 13TH - FRIDAY 17TH MAY 2023

Education Week is an annual celebration of education in Victoria. This year Victoria will celebrate Education Week from Monday 13th May to Friday 17th May 2024.

This year’s theme is ‘Spotlight on STEM.’ It is a chance for schools to celebrate how they bring science, technology, engineering and maths into the classroom.

As part of the fun we are holding our Open Night on Wednesday 15th May 2024 from 5pm. There will be a sausage sizzle run by the WPPA, Lucky Door Prizes and the launch of the Scholastic Book Fair.

The best part of the evening will be to visit your child’s classroom and catch up with the staff and other school community members. The children love seeing their parents and families in their school.

All families and friends are welcome to attend including any prospective new families.

SCHOLASTIC NATIONAL FAMILY READING MONTH - MAY 2024

National Reading Month focusses on families reading aloud together. Research shows that regular reading aloud for just 10 minutes a day with family members is a powerful predictor that children will become frequent readers. Children learn to read and understand stories when storybooks or factual books are read to them regularly. They also begin to imagine the scenes described and make connections about our world. The result is that they develop reading and writing skills, and build their vocabulary. We also know that the majority of children love it! So, students, get borrowing from our great school library! Families, take a visit to our wonderful local library! Read your favourite stories and books together.

Warrnambool Primary School Celebrations

Family Reading Challenge

We will be holding a Family Reading Challenge throughout the month of May where families read one book a day together (chapter reading from a novel is also encouraged). Complete the reading log and return to the school office by Tuesday 4th June for your family to go in the draw to win one of two book packs. Prizes will be drawn on Wednesday 5th June.

Reading logs will be sent home on Monday 29th April with students.

Scholastic Book Fair

To celebrate all things reading, we will be hosting a Scholastic “Blizzard” Book Fair from Monday 13th to Wednesday 22nd May. It will be in the breezeway next to the front office and will be open for browsing and sales before and after school on those dates and at the Whole School Open Night on Wednesday 15th May. There will be many fabulous books on sale. Everyone is welcome!

NEW STUDENTS

We have been delighted with the continued influx of new students from across the area, state, country and overseas. We are very fortunate to meet our new community members and they are all making new friends Welcoming new students from the local area, state, and overseas is a testament to the diversity and inclusivity of our school. Each new student brings unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that enrich the school community. We are committed to embracing diversity and fostering a supportive environment where all students can thrive. Our students’ priority is to make every student feel valued and appreciated.

FOUNDATION - YEAR 2 CROSS COUNTRY

On Thursday the Foundation to Year 2 students participated in the annual cross country. It was a beautiful warm day. It was so pleasing to see all the students participating and giving it their best. Thank you to Mrs Owen for once again organising a great event. A big thank you to Wooloworths for coming along as part of their Community Program. They handed out fruit, water and popcorn for the students to enjoy after competing. Congratulations to all the students who placed.

YEARS 3-6 CROSS COUNTRY

On Friday students from Years 3-6 braved the cooler weather for the annual Cross Country event. It was fantastic to see all the students participating and giving it their best. Congratulations to all the winners and those who have qualified for Districts on Friday 10th May 2024. We wish them all the best.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY - THURSDAY 2ND MAY

Next Thursday 2nd May is a Public Holiday for Warrnambool Race Day.

There is no school and ‘Their Care’ will not be operating on this day.

PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 17TH MAY 2024

A reminder that School Council approved Friday 17th May 2024 as a dedicated Pupil Free Day for Wellbeing Professional Learning.

Children are not required at school on Friday 17th May 2024.

Their Care will be offering their program for those families who require the service.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays