Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers,
OPEN NIGHT
Thank-you to everyone who attended our Open night on Wednesday 14th May. The students love seeing their parents and families in their school looking at their work and showing interest in their classrooms. It is great to see the displays and activities in classrooms but the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the enjoyment of the students when explaining their activities and work samples to their families. We are very fortunate to have an English as Additional Language (EAL) program operating at our school. Wei-Lin Mai contributes much to the safe and happy transition of our EAL students at Warrnambool Primary School. We are always celebrating our Diverse Cultures at School.
It was also fantastic to see so many prospective families coming to see what we do at Warrnambool Primary School. Thank you to all the staff involved on putting together such a wonderful evening. Congratulations to our five lucky door prize winners. I'm sure you will put those vouchers to good use.
EDUCATION SUPPORT DAY
Today, we celebrated and acknowledged the incredible work of our Education Support staff.
From supporting our most vulnerable students, assisting teachers in their work, administering first aid, managing finances, contacting families, organising events, and co-ordinating facility repairs — is there anything they can’t do?
Our school runs smoother, safer, and stronger thanks to their dedication, compassion, and professionalism.
We thank them for everything they bring to our school community.
Our teaching staff and leadership were delighted to show our appreciation by enjoying morning tea together.
MOTHER'S DAY AFTERNOON TEA
The Foundation students held a special afternoon last Friday with their mum/nan/special people.
They shared all the amzing learning they've been doing and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. Thank you to everyone who came along and Mrs Matters and Mrs Giblin for organising.
RIVER PROJECT 4B
Year 4s in 4B created their own 3D model of a river. Students used recycled materials to represent the key features of rivers. This included their source, mouth, tributaries, waterfalls, rapids, deltas and waterfalls. All students appreciated the challenge and the creative edge towards learning.
PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 6TH JUNE 2025
Staff are undertaking a Pupil Free Day on Friday 6th June 2025 for assessment and reporting purposes. Students will not be required at school. Please note ‘Their Care’ will operate on Pupil Free Days if you require the service.
KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY - MONDAY 9TH JUNE 2025
There is another Public Holiday this term on Monday 9th June 2025 for the King’s Birthday. ‘Their Care’ does not operate on Public Holidays.
NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY
National Walk Safely to School Day took place today, marking its 26th year. This annual event encouraged primary school-aged children across Australia to walk and commute safely to school, promoting road safety, health, public transport, and environmental awareness. It was great seeing so many students walk, ride and scoot to school in safety.
BIOCATS EXCURSION - MONDAY 19TH MAY 2025
On Monday 19th May 2025, some Year 5 and 6 Koorie students will be attending a STEM session at the Geelong Football Club, called BioCats.
Participating students are reminded to meet Mrs Gina Mills at the Flagstaff Hill carpark at 7.15am for departure and 5pm upon return.
WELLBEING LEADERSHIP TEAM 2025
A key component of our whole school improvement is that we have designated leadership teams in Literacy, Numeracy and Wellbeing.
This week the focus is on our Wellbeing Leadership team and by extension our Wellbeing and Student Counselling team.
Tonya Ferguson is a very experienced teacher. Tonya has taught at Warrnambool Primary School for many years now and is one of the driving forces behind the development of our Wellbeing program. Tonya co-ordinates the Mental Health in Primary Schools program and is working through the Disability and Inclusion training. The Wellbeing team have introduced Big Life and School Wide Positive Behaviours to our school this year. These are Department of Education promoted programs designed to be self-positivity and resilience for our students.
Lidia Allen has been a key component of Warrnambool Primary School’s desire to ensure our wellbeing practices across the school are consistent and fair. Lidia is a long term Warrnambool Primary School educator and is compassionate in her work with children across the school.
Julie Giblin has also been a long term member of our Teaching and Learning Team. Of more recent times we have been incredibly fortunate to have Julie work in our Foundation area where her experience with younger students and first –time parents comes to the fore.
Each week Tonya, Lidia and Julie meet to discuss our whole school Wellbeing focuses for the coming weeks. They also drive Professional Learning at staff meetings to ensure that we have low variance and consistency in well-being across the school.
At present Tonya, Lidia and Julie are working alongside Jess Arnott focusing on best practice in wellbeing initiatives across the Wimmera/South West Area. Jess also provides an excellent counselling service which includes the Peaceful Kids program.
We are noticing the benefits of this program and the students involved love being part of it. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled wellbeing team at Warrnambool Primary School. Our students are the beneficiaries.
CAMPS 2025
We have some amazing camps still to come. They include:
- COTTAGE BY THE SEA Queenscliff - Monday 26th to Friday 30th May 2025
- YEAR 6 MELBOURNE - Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th June 2025
- YEAR 5 BALLARAT - Monday 28th to Wednesday 30th July 2025
- YEAR 3 KANGAROOBIE - Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd August 2025
- YEAR 4 ROSES GAP - Monday 20th to Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Have a great weekend.
Peter Lee
Principal