Principal Message
As we move into the middle of Term 3 we are finding each week seems to go faster than the week before. Schools are busy communities. Last Friday was Principal Day and I usually try to let it fly under the radar. Thank you to the staff for the lovely morning tea they put on and to the students who made me cards and posters to show their appreciation. I am grateful to be part of such a great school community.
WPS Snack Bar Continues to Thrive
Our WPS Snack Bar continues to be a big success and has become a favourite time of the week for students across all ages. Each Wednesday they look forward to the Snack Bar, not only for the treats on offer but also for the sense of community it creates.
This fantastic initiative would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our families, who donate their time, baking and supervising to keep the program running so smoothly. Their willingness to contribute each week is a wonderful example of the strong partnership between home and school that makes Warrandyte Primary School such a special place.
A special congratulations also goes to our Junior School Council, who continue to lead the Snack Bar with enthusiasm, responsibility and pride. From organising and serving to managing sales and working together as a team, our student leaders are developing valuable leadership, communication and organisational skills while making a positive contribution to our school community.
The Snack Bar is much more than a fundraiser as it brings our community together while providing authentic opportunities for students to develop leadership and service. Thank you to everyone who continues to support this much-loved initiative.
Author, Andrew Beck, to visit WPS
Book Week is one of the most exciting events on our school calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading, the power of storytelling and the imagination that books inspire in children.
At Warrandyte Primary School, we believe that developing a love of literature is one of the greatest gifts we can give our students. Children who read widely build not only their vocabulary and comprehension, but also their curiosity, creativity, empathy and understanding of the world around them. Reading or listening to books opens doors to new ideas, different perspectives and limitless possibilities, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
This year's Book Week celebrations will be made even more special with a visit from acclaimed children's author Andrew Beck. Andrew has written a range of engaging novels that have captivated young readers across Australia, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Warrandyte Primary School.
Meeting a published author gives students a unique insight into the creative process behind writing. Andrew will share how stories begin as simple ideas before being developed through planning, drafting, editing and perseverance into published books. His visit will reinforce an important message for our students. Great writing doesn't happen by chance. It grows through imagination, practice, feedback and resilience.
Andrew's workshops will be delivered to each year level and will complement the work already happening in classrooms through our writing program. Students will see authentic examples of the writing process in action and be encouraged to view themselves as authors with stories worth telling. We hope his visit inspires our young writers to take risks, develop their craft and discover the satisfaction that comes from creating something meaningful for others to read.
We look forward to a fantastic week of reading, storytelling, author talks and, of course, our annual Book Week Parade on Monday 24th August at 9:15am.
eSafety Commissionerreleases a report on AI and young people
This link popped up in my inbox recently and I was alarmed at the statistics in relation ot young people and their experiences with AI. Recent research released by the Australian eSafety Commissioner highlights just how quickly generative artificial intelligence has become part of young people's everyday lives. The report, Talking to Machines: Children's Experiences with AI Assistants and Companions, surveyed 1,950 Australian children aged 10–17 and provides valuable insights into how students are engaging with AI technologies.
The findings show that almost four in five children have used an AI assistant such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot, while a smaller number have interacted with AI companion platforms designed for ongoing conversations. More than half of the children surveyed reported using AI for personal reasons, including seeking advice about friendships, emotions, health and general wellbeing.
The report also raises some important safety considerations. Around one in five children said they had experienced concerning or inappropriate content while using AI, including harmful advice, offensive language or other unsuitable interactions. In addition, approximately one-third of respondents reported sharing personal or sensitive information with an AI tool.
These findings provide a timely reminder of the importance of teaching children to use AI safely, critically and responsibly. Families may wish to read the full report to better understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with these rapidly evolving technologies.
Read the full eSafety Commissioner report below.
Grade 3-6 Camp
As the term continues to fly by, excitement is building as our Years 3–6 students prepare for camp in the final week of term. This year, students will be heading to Camp Dewar in Baccus March from 14th September for a two-night outdoor adventure filled with new experiences, challenges and fun.
To help every student feel confident and prepared, our Years 3–6 classes have been meeting regularly throughout the term to learn all about camp. Together, they have explored the activities they will participate in, what the accommodation looks like, the menu, daily routines and many of the questions students commonly have before heading away from home. By gradually building familiarity over the course of the term, we hope to reduce uncertainty and help students approach camp with confidence and excitement.
We know that for some children, the thought of camp can bring feelings of worry or anxiety. If your child has concerns about attending, we encourage you to speak with their classroom teacher as early as possible. We have a range of strategies and support available to help students participate successfully, and in many cases, children who initially feel anxious leave camp with a tremendous sense of achievement and pride.
Where appropriate, we can also work with families to make reasonable adjustments, including adapting the length of a student's stay if needed. Our goal is for every child to have the opportunity to experience the friendships, resilience and personal growth that camp provides. We look forward to sharing this memorable experience with our Years 3–6 students.
We hope you have a great week!
Nieta