From the Principal & Assistant Principal
Welcome back for Term 2, Autumn has definitely arrived at Woodend Primary School, our students have been enjoying playing with the autumn leaves that are continuing to fall every day. Thanks to our Year 5/6 students and Sue Turner who have been helping to clear our paths of the leaves where possible.
Road Safety
Unfortunately in the last fortnight our school community has been affected by two road accidents involving students on their way home from school. Thankfully both students are now recovering from any injuries they received. Please be aware, we are working with authorities to attempt to improve the road conditions at the High Street/Romsey Road intersection. Our teachers have also been having ongoing conversations about road safety with all students from Foundation to Year 6. This is important in the lead up to National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 22nd May, which we will be supporting as we do each year. As I mentioned in my Compass notification on Tuesday, it is an important reminder for parents about modelling safe practices around the school grounds at pick up and drop off times, please ensure you encourage your children to cross the road at designated places and to be aware of their surroundings when they get in and out of cars.
ANZAC Day
Last Thursday students in Year 3 and Year 5/6 received a visit from a local author, Fiona White, who shared her picture story book ‘Wear a Purple Poppy.’ The book focuses on the role animals have played in conflict around the world and the purple poppies signify this. At Woodend Primary School we have a purple poppy seat in our memorial garden.
On Saturday our School Captains and a group of our students represented Woodend Primary School in the Woodend RSL ANZAC Day service. This year the service paid homage to local community members who have taken part in War and Peacekeeping around the world, told through the lens of the new mural that was launched on the day. The personal stories shared, helped to make connections between the past and present day Woodend. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the mural I would highly recommend it.
Cross Country
Last Thursday our students in Foundation to Year 6 participated in our annual whole school Cross Country, the conditions for the run were ideal. Thanks to Mrs Connell for her careful organisation of this event and Ms Smith for co-ordinating the F-2 students. Thanks also to our staff and parent helpers who supported students around the course. Next Tuesday our students in Year 3-6 who met the qualifying conditions, will be competing in the CDSSA Cross Country at Hanging Rock. We wish them all the best of luck and hope the weather continues to be fine.
eSmart Day
Next Wednesday we will be welcoming back the Alannah and Madeline Foundation eSmart team who will be delivering workshops to our students, staff and families throughout the day. Information has been sent out via Compass, we are hoping parents/guardians may be able to attend one of the parent sessions, to help support you to ensure your child continues to be safe online. For those who have attended previously, the workshop will cover different topics this year. If you are interested in attending please ensure you register.
Industrial Action
As you will be aware Victorian Government School employees are currently negotiating pay and conditions with the Victorian Government. Unfortunately an agreement has yet to be reached and a half day stop work is currently planned for Wednesday 13th May, unless an agreement is reached before this day. We will continue to keep families informed of the classes that will be affected on this day. Please be aware this notification may not occur until 48 hours before the proposed date. We are anticipating a larger disruption to operations than the industrial action in Term 1. Student reports may also look a little different this semester as a result of the industrial action. You will still have the opportunity to meet with classroom teachers during Parent Teacher Interviews in the final week of this term.
Foundation Enrolment 2027
Tours for Foundation enrolment for 2027 commenced at the end of last term, we will also be holding a Parent Information evening on Wednesday 13th May. If you have a child who will be starting school next year please contact the office for an enrolment form.
Foodbank
We are fortunate to have been accepted into Foodbank Victoria’s ‘Breakfast Club’ program. In partnership with the Victorian Government, Foodbank is delivering breakfast club programs to government schools all across Victoria. Our orders will help provide fresh fruit and other goodies to all our students, supporting their wellbeing.
Principal Assistant Principal
Elissa Campbell Adam Sayers