Principal's Report
As hard as it is to believe, we are already in Week 8 of Term 2 and approaching the halfway point of the school year. Winter has certainly arrived, bringing colder mornings and shorter days. It has been wonderful to see our students arriving each day warm, prepared, and ready for learning.
As we move towards the end of the semester, we look forward to celebrating the many achievements and successes of our students. Families will be able to access Semester 1 reports at the end of Week 10, and further information regarding reporting can be found later in this newsletter.
The upcoming school holidays will provide a valuable opportunity for students and staff to rest, recharge, and prepare for a busy and exciting Term 3. As always, Term 3 is one of the busiest periods of the year, and we are already looking forward to the many learning opportunities, events, and celebrations ahead.
I would also like to remind families of the importance of safe driving practices around the school. Student safety remains our highest priority. Whether you are dropping off or collecting your child, please take extra care during busy times, observe all road rules, and drive slowly around the school grounds to help ensure every student arrives and leaves safely.
You may have noticed some construction work taking place around the school in recent weeks.
After three years of collaboration with the Victorian School Building Authority, we are pleased to be upgrading the door heights of all student-accessible classrooms and specialist learning spaces. These improvements will enhance accessibility and make it easier for students to move safely throughout the school. While there may be some disruption over the next two weeks and during the holiday period, we are hopeful that the work will be completed in time for the beginning of Term 3.
Finally, I would like to remind families that Foundation enrolments for next year are now open. If you have a child commencing school in 2027, please complete an enquiry form via our website and submit your enrolment as early as possible. Early enrolments assist us greatly with planning for student numbers, staffing, and resources. We currently have 112 Foundation enrolments for next year and look forward to welcoming many more students and families to our school community in the months ahead.
Staffing Update
As we approach the end of Term 2 and prepare for the beginning of Term 3, I would like to share some staffing updates with our community.
We are pleased to welcome several new staff members to Wimba. Please join us in welcoming Mr Dean Dray, who will be taking over Grade 2D as we farewell Ms Goodall, who is leaving to take up a position at a school closer to home. We thank Mrs Goodall for her contributions to our school community and wish her every success in her new role.
We are also delighted to welcome Mrs Jessica Gravett, who will join Grade 2E at the beginning of Term 3. Mrs Gravatt will be replacing Mrs Turner, who will commence maternity leave at the start of the term. We wish Mrs Turner all the very best as she prepares for this exciting new chapter with her family.
In addition, we are currently recruiting a replacement teacher for Mrs Crowe, who will also be commencing maternity leave in the near future. Further information will be shared with families once an appointment has been finalised.
We would also like to acknowledge and farewell two of our valued Integration Aides, Lleana and Joelene. We thank them for their dedication, care, and support of our students and wish them every success and happiness in their future endeavours.
Please stay tuned for further staffing updates in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead to Term 3
Term 3 promises to be another busy and exciting term, with many events and activities planned for our students.
One of the highlights will be our annual Book Week Parade, scheduled for Week 7. This is always a wonderful celebration of reading and creativity, and further details will be shared closer to the event.
Later in the term, students will participate in our annual swimming program at the Saltwater Swimming Centre in Truganina. Students in Years 3–6 will attend during Week 8, while students in Years 1–2 will attend during Week 9.
We are currently awaiting final confirmation regarding costs and timetabling and will provide families with further information shortly. At this stage, students will participate in five 45-minute swimming lessons across the week. Classes will have an instructor-to-student ratio of approximately 1:8 or 1:9, with students attending one lesson each day throughout the five-day program.
We look forward to sharing more information with families soon and thank you for your continued support throughout the term.
As we look ahead to the end of the term, a reminder that students will finish school on Friday, 26 June at 1:35 pm. Students will return for the first day of Term 3 on Monday, 13 July.
We hope all families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break over the school holidays. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning.
Paul Schwartz