Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers,
END OF TERM 3
What a busy Term we just had. Two school camps, sporting, social and academic events plus great classroom programs ensured that there was never a dull moment. Undoubtedly the highlight was the Jungle Book performance which was an outstanding celebration of our school’s involvement in the performing Arts. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to rest up over the next two weeks. If you are lucky enough to get away somewhere I hope you have a wonderful and safe time but if you’re at home I hope you all have a restful break. Term 4 commences on Monday 6 October 2025.
FOOTY BREAKFAST - FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
Today we were very excited to have our famous footy breakfast back to complete the term. We cooked over 250 Egg and Bacon rolls and over 150 sausages which was a great result. We must thank all of our volunteers from staff and the parent body. This fantastic event would not have been able to take place without everyone’s support. We also thank our local businesses for supporting our breakfast. I would like to make special mention to Woolworths Central for their support and donations and Baker’s Delight in Norfolk Plaza for their continued support of our school. Also to King Cole Direct Fruit Supply for their donation of fruit and Fresha for the donation of juice.
STUDENT LEADERS CONGRESS NIGHT OF CELEBRATION
Written by Shylo Clarke
On Monday 15th September, the Junior School Council and Community team attended the Student Leaders Congress Night of Celebration at the Lighthouse Theatre. We watched all of the other school’s videos of their projects that they did to improve the health and wellbeing of people at their school. Our project was based on The Jungle Book performance. A highlight of the night was Tom Richardson performing with his friend Jacob at the end of the night. Overall, it was a great experience and we really enjoyed it!
YEAR 6 LITERACY THIS TERM - THE HERITAGE OF ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME
This term in Year 6, students have been immersed in the history of Ancient Greece and Rome during literacy sessions. They have enjoyed learning about a range of rich topics such as the city-states of Athens and Sparta, Greek mythology, The Olympics, as well as several influential figures of the time such as Socrates, Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. Here are some facts that some of the students would like to share:
- The Ancient Greeks developed three kinds of distinctive architectural columns: they were Doric, Ionic & Corinthian (Amaya).
- In Sparta, the voting process involved Spartans yelling and shouting as loud as they could for their preference (Harper).
- Socrates was one of the most famous philosophers of the Ancient Greek period. He didn’t see himself as being wise and believed the only one thing that he did know, was that “he knew nothing” (Sam).
- The month of July was originally named “Quintilis’, but it was renamed after Julius Caesar (Natasha).
- Zeus’ daughter Athena was born by bursting out of his forehead (Nate).
- In the Ancient Greek Olympics, only men were able to compete and the first event created was a 100m run with no clothes on (Shylo).
FIRST NATION LEADERS GATHERING
These photos are of the First Nations Leaders gathering at Tower Hill on Wednesday 10th September. Students gathered for a powerful day of connection, cultural learning, and inspiration.
It was a true privilege to be surrounded by such talented artists, speakers, and educators — each sharing incredible knowledge, stories, and history. Students were privileged to learn from:
Brett Clark – sharing artifacts and stories, Tracy Roach – inspiring through art, and Jess Chatfield – guiding us in basket weaving. The day was filled with moments of pride, reflection, and a deep sense of community.
We are so grateful to Eastern Maar and all those who organised, guided and supported this event. Our young leaders walked away inspired and empowered to continue their journey of leadership.
ART-icle OF THE WEEK
It has been such a joy teaching this wonderfully creative group of students! You have inspired me with your courage to dive into projects without hesitation, to turn happy accidents into new opportunities, to delight in the artistic process and to celebrate each other’s art. I have loved seeing your fabulous ideas come to life. Keep imagining, keep creating!
-Miss Ryan
TERM 4 COMMENCES - MONDAY 6TH OCTOBER
Term 4 commences on Monday 6th October 2025 at 9am. There will not be an assembly on day 1 of the new term.
Assemblies will re-commence on Monday 13th October 2025.
HATS – TERM 4
As part of our sunsmart policy hats are required at school in Term 4. Students and staff will be required to wear hats in Term 4 when outside.
If your child requires a new hat please contact the school office.
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
Each week we will reference the Child Safe standards. There are 11 in all.
Child Safe Standard 2
In complying with Child Safe Standard 2 Warrnambool Primary School ensures:
2.1 The organisation makes a public commitment to child safety.
2.2 A child safe culture is championed and modelled at all levels of the organisation from the top down and bottom up.
2.3 Governance arrangements facilitate implementation of the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy at all levels.
2.4 A Code of Conduct provides guidelines for staff and volunteers on expected behavioural standards and responsibilities.
2.5 Risk management strategies focus on preventing, identifying and mitigating risks to children and young people.
2.6 Staff and volunteers understand their obligations on information sharing and record keeping.
Child Safe Standard 3
In complying with Child Safe Standard 3 Warrnambool Primary School ensures:
3.1 Children and young people are informed about all of their rights, including to safety, information and participation.
3.2 The importance of friendships is recognised and support from peers is encouraged, to help children and young people feel safe and be less isolated.
3.3 Where relevant to the setting or context, children and young people are offered access to sexual abuse prevention programs and to relevant related information in an age-appropriate way.
3.4 Staff and volunteers are attuned to signs of harm and facilitate child-friendly ways for children and young people to express their views, participate in decision-making and raise their concerns.
3.5 Organisations have strategies in place to develop a culture that facilitates participation and is responsive to the input of children and young people.
3.6 Organisations provide opportunities for children and young people to participate and are responsive to their contributions, thereby strengthening confidence and engagement.
STAFFING NEWS Term 4 2025
As we head into Term 4, we would like to share some updates regarding staffing arrangements at Warrnambool Primary School.
We warmly welcome back Donna Dixon to the Art Room. We extend our sincere thanks to Bebe Ryan for her excellent work in this role during Term 2 and Term 3. We are pleased that Bebe will continue to be part of our school community in other capacities.
Jonathon Pollard also returns in Term 4 after taking Long Service Leave throughout Terms 2 and 3. Welcome back, Jonathon. Thank you to Charlotte Johns for her commitment and care in teaching Year 3A during this time. Charlotte will continue at Warrnambool PS in Term 4, this time sharing the teaching of Year 1A with Maggie McMeel, while Gina Mills remains on leave. Thankyou to Lynne Nelson for stepping in and doing a wonderful job working with Year 1A in Term 3.
Brooke Thompson will be returning to Year 3B in Term 4. We thank April Sandri for stepping into this role in Term 3 and supporting the class with great care. April will continue to teach 3B on Mondays and will also resume teaching in Foundation B on Fridays. This will allow Julie Giblin to revert to four days per week. Additionally, April will oversee our Koorie Education program in Term 4.
We welcome Tayla Brown to our Education Support team. Tayla will be supporting students in Foundation B.
On a personal note, I will be on leave for the first four weeks of Term 4 while I recover from a knee operation. During this time, the Principal duties will be shared between Danielle Toone and Tonya Ferguson. Please note that Danielle will then be taking her own period of Long Service Leave during October/early November. During this time, Tim Bourke will step in to assist the Acting Principal. Ryan Bail will teach Year 6A during that time.
We thank all staff for their dedication and flexibility in ensuring continuity for our students, and we look forward to a positive and productive Term 4.
Have a fantastic school holidays.
Peter Lee
Principal