Dear Parents/Carers,

YEAR 2 CAMP WARRA GNAN

The Year 2 students had the best time this week at the Warra Gnan Camp in Warrnambool.

They enjoyed safe, introductory adventure activities, nature exploration and teamwork games. The main focuses are fun, confidence, and trying new things.

Well done to the students who had their first night away with the school group and thankyou to the teachers and staff who organised and attended the camp.

Mrs Marris, Mrs Ferguson, Mr Kluver, Mrs McMeel and Ebony Van Der Starre ensured a very safe and enjoyable environment for the students.

KOORIE GARDEN INVIGORATION AND ART PROJECT

Week 2 of the Koorie Garden invigoration project saw selected students from Year 2-6 work enthusiastically alongside Luke McInerney, from Warrnambool College, and some of his Clontarf students. Students set pavers into the grass, working collaboratively to prepare the ground and lay out the pavers. Artist, Bec Clayton, showed some of our students how she paints rocks with significant patterns and symbols and students had a go at painting their own, which will be sealed to preserve their work.

Week 3 involved further preparation of the garden for planting with many hands making for light work, spreading the soil and mulch. Dominique and Tanya brought along ten Brauer students from the Stars program and they told our students three traditional stories about emus. They then supported some of our younger students to paint symbols on small rocks to retell the stories in order of events. These will go into the garden.

Thank you to Anthea and Chantal, from GreenPrint Projects, for continuing to assist with the garden rejuvenation. We are very happy with how it is looking so far and with the level of cooperation and enthusiasm shown by the students involved. Thank you also to Tanya, Dominique. and the girls from Brauer Stars, and to Bec Clayton, for sharing her artistic expertise.

TOILET BLOCK - OPEN

After many months waiting for practical completion the new toilet block is now open for business. All classes were led on an introductory tour and a run down of expectations before they were officially opened at recess.

We had a not so formal ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony as a fun way to open the brand new facility. They look very good and the children all agree that they are a huge improvement on the old toilet block.

Much time and effort went into securing the funding and following the planning, demolition and construction process from start to finish. It is a relief that they are open and being well-used.

HARMONY DAY ASSEMBLY

It was my privilege to host our Harmony Day ceremony on Monday at assembly. The Warrnambool Primary School Community is much enriched by all of our students but on this day we celebrated our students who were born overseas.

We have 18 countries represented by students that were born overseas and each of them have their flags flying proudly in the gym.

We are proud of them all.

CROSS COUNTRY - YEARS 3-6

Students in Years 3-6 will be competing in the House Cross Country on Wednesday 1st April to earn points for their House and to try and qualify for the District Cross Country. Students are encouraged to wear their House Colours.

The course is run throughout Albert Park with South Rover's Football/Netball Club area as the starting and finishing area.

Classes will be walking to and from the venue, leaving school just after 9am and returning at approximately 1pm.

Each class will require a Parent helper on the day.

If you are able to assist on the day on a checkpoint please contact the office or email Cherine Owen. A coffee van will be visiting at approximately 10.30-11am.

CROSS COUNTRY - FOUNDATION TO YEAR 2

Students in Foundation to Year 2 will be competing in their Cross Country event on Thursday 2nd April.

Students are encouraged to come dressed in their House Colours for the day.

The course will take place on the school grounds beginning just after 9am. Parents/Carers are welcome to come and cheer the students on.

STAFFING NEWS UPDATE YEAR 1A and YEAR 2A

We are delighted to welcome Mrs Gina Mills back in Term 2 after a period of extended leave.

She will resume teaching on Friday’s in Year 1A taking over from Jess Arnott who has done a wonderful job in Term 1.

Gina will also co-ordinate our much-loved Koorie Education program one day per week.

Jess will continue in her wellbeing role on Fridays.

Mrs Kim Wines will continue to teach the Year 1A class from Monday - Thursday at this point in time.

Ms Brooke Thompson is taking extended leave for the remainder of the year. We wish Brooke all the best.

Mr Josh Hay (Tuesday-Thursday) has been appointed to share teaching with Mrs McMeel (Monday and Friday) in 2A. This will remain in place for the remainder of 2026.

We formally welcome Josh to our staff.

NATIONAL RIDE 2 SCHOOL DAY

On Friday 20th March, our school proudly took part in National Ride to School Day, with an impressive 72 students choosing to ride, walk or scoot their way to school. It was fantastic to see so many students getting active, enjoying the fresh air and making healthy travel choices.

A big congratulations to the winners of our lucky draw prizes:

Ruby Williams
Liam Taverna-James
Boris
Kyden Els
Acacia Brown

Thank you to Warrnambool City Council for generously providing the prizes and supporting this wonderful initiative.

Well done to all students who participated!

CHILD SAFE STANDARD 2: A CHILD SAFE POLICY OR STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY

Child Safe Standard 2 focuses on the creation and implementation of a comprehensive Child Safe Policy or Statement of Commitment to Child Safety within organisations.

This standard is part of a broader framework aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of children in all environments, particularly in educational and care settings.

At our school, we have adopted a clear and well-defined Child Safe Policy, which outlines our commitment to protecting children from harm and ensuring their safety at all times.

This policy is more than just a set of guidelines—it's a reflection of our school’s core values of respect, care, and responsibility toward every child in our care.

It serves as a public declaration that the safety and well-being of children are always our top priority.

The policy includes specific actions and protocols for preventing, identifying, and responding to child safety concerns.

It also establishes a clear commitment to creating an inclusive environment where children are empowered to speak up and where their voices are heard.

Our commitment to child safety is regularly communicated to staff, students, and the wider school community, ensuring that everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe environment for all.

In line with Child Safe Standard 2, we also engage in ongoing training and education for staff to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and respond to signs of abuse or neglect.

This helps to build a culture of vigilance, trust, and accountability within our school community.

By adhering to Child Safe Standard 2, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all children, where they can learn and grow with confidence.

EVACUATION DRILL MONDAY 30TH MARCH 2026 - 10:45am

Our first evacuation drill is occurring on Monday 30th March 2026 at 10:45am. It is an on-site evacuation to the oval.

Please discuss this with your children as it can be confronting if it’s their first one or where language barriers exist.

Teachers will explain this to their students.

SAUSAGE SIZZLE - THURSDAY 2ND APRIL 2026

We will be holding a whole school sausage sizzle on Thursday 2nd April to celebrate our last day of Term 1. Sausages must be pre-ordered by returning your form and money to the office or online https://compasstix.com/event/f11b7dba-a732-4a4c-ab1c-a1a0253945f9 please follow on Compass to purchase your orders. We don’t want anyone missing out.

EARLY DISMISSAL- THURSDAY 2ND APRIL 2026 2:30pm.

As is the custom on the last day of term please note that the school is dismissed one hour earlier at 2:30pm. TheirCare will be operating from the earlier time.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

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