Dear Parents/Carers,

FUNKY HAIR FOR KIDS IN CARE DAY

Last Friday in support of those children living in Foster, Kinship and Residential Care our school participated in Funky Hair for Kids in Care Day. Students and staff came with their most funkiest hair on display and donated a gold coin.

We're pleased to share that we raised $323.50 which will be donated to Brophy.

CONGRATULATIONS MASON CLARKE

During the holidays, while most of us were relaxing and taking a well-deserved break from school, one Warrnambool Primary School student was honing his ninja warrior skills and competing at the state championships in Melbourne. Mason, from 1/2C came 2nd in his age group and is now training for the national titles in Sydney. Mason will be competing in Sydney next month. Good luck Mason, we wish you well and are so proud of what you’ve achieved.

GOVEMBER

November is fast approaching and we at Warrnambool Primary School are setting ourselves up for the inaugural GOvember fitness challenge.

The main aim is to get everyone running/walking/moving and to record their efforts for the month of November.

Students and staff will be involved and we encourage parents to do likewise.

Our challenge is to achieve 14,000 km as a combined total amongst students and staff. I know we can do it if we all work together on it.

The Fundraising Committee are organising a super Monster Raffle which will be drawn at the Christmas Extravaganza on Thursday 5th December 2024.

So please stay tuned for more information about the exciting month ahead.

SCHOOL SAVING BONUS- IMPORTANT!

As shared with you previously, parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025 will receive the one-off School Saving Bonus $400 support.

In the coming months, the Department of Education will send you 2 email communications for each of your children enrolled in Victorian Government schools.

The 2 emails from the Department of Education will be:

1. Confirm your email address between mid-October and late-November.

2. Provide you with your unique $400 School Saving Bonus code by the end of November.

If you do not receive a confirmation email from the department by late-November, please check your spam or junk folders and contact the school if needed.

You can read more about the School Saving Bonus on the Department of Education website, with key information now available in 14 different languages.

WALK TO SCHOOL DAY - FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER

To get kids in the habit of walking to school young to help them feel great now, and lead healthy, active lives into the future.

That’s what VicHealth’s Walk to School initiative is all about.

Being active every day is great for kids. Why? It helps:

Mental wellbeing
Mood and self-esteem
Confidence and life skills
Connection with family, friends and neighbours

Moving commutes from the roads to the footpath also helps:

Make school streets safer
Reduce traffic congestion
Contribute to a healthier environment

There are some great maps of the Safest Routes to School so please be sure to check it out https://healthymoves.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/resources-routes-and-maps

So join us in walking to school on Friday 25th October.

SCHOOL VANDALISM

Unfortunately, we have had three known acts of vandalism at our school this year. In each case there has been damage inflicted on school buildings, facilities and contractor equipment.

From CCTV footage we know that they are not children and we have reported them and their images to police.

To damage property such as this, including a new air conditioner on the Gym roof which is brand new, is incredibly heart breaking and frustrating for our community.

Many hours of lobbying, grant submission, fund-raising and hard work goes into providing improved facilities for our school. If anyone has any ideas about who may be behind these incidents please let us or the Warrnambool Police know.

CONDOLENCES

We send our deepest condolences to Brendan Wilkinson and family on the passing of his father, Mick.

Brendan has been a long-standing member of our Buildings/ Grounds sub-committee as a parent and contractor.

CLASS SEPARATIONS/ REQUESTS 2025

As we start creating classes for 2025 we invite you to submit the names of three students you believe your child would benefit from being in a class with in 2025.

Teachers will consider this information in addition to several other parameters that create successful classes. While all information is carefully considered placements are at the discretion of school staff and friendship choices can’t be guaranteed.

Please email or write to your child’s teacher with your child’s three preferences by Tuesday 5th November 2024. Where no names are received your child’s teacher will make suitable selections on your behalf.

Any separations or other specific requests should be sent directly to warrnambool.ps@education.vic.gov.auand marked Attention Principal and not sent to the classroom teacher.

YEAR 4 CAMP - ROSES GAP

We are preparing for the Year 4 camp to Roses Gap. The forecast is perfect over the next few days and so we head off with optimism and excitement.

The children will no doubt have many tales to tell on their return. Thank you to all staff for organising and participating in this camp and to all parents for supporting our camping program.

STUDENTS ARRIVING IN THE MORNING

A friendly reminder that students shouldn't be arriving at school before 8.30am. The grounds aren't supervised at this time.

TheirCare is available if you require the service, please contact them directly for bookings.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays