Leadership updates and reflections

Update from Julie

Beauty and the Beast Jnr Update

There has been great excitement as our Beauty and the Beast Jnr. production starts to take shape. It is going to be an amazing experience for our Grade 5/6 cast and crew and our Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students. Extraordinary demand for tickets has resulted in a decision to add an extra 5:00pm performance on each of the nights - essentially doubling our audience capacity! Families have the opportunity to adjust their current ticket purchases before the Trybooking is reopened to everyone to purchase tickets for all four shows. Thank you for your wonderful support and patience as we found a solution!

Planning for Cup Monday

Traditionally, many of our families take the opportunity to take the day before Cup Day to create a four-day weekend. To assist us with planning, we ask that parents record on Sentral if their child will not be attending on Monday, 2nd November, by Tuesday, 27th October.

An alternative program in cross-age groups will be running on the day for students in attendance.

Thank you for assisting us with our planning.

Planning for 2027

Parents have been invited to email information that they would like considered by the classroom teachers as they begin the process of creating class groupings for 2027. We ask that this information has an educational basis and involves only one request. If it is relation to another student only one student can be listed. This is a non-negotiable criteria and multiple requests cannot be considered. We thank parents for your cooperation and for trusting the professional judgement and extensive knowledge of our teachers as they work hard to consider the needs of all students in this process. Requests are due by November 4th. Please note that teachers are beginning this process shortly and therefore late requests cannobe considered.

Have a great week

Warm regards

Julie

Update from Adele:

In this issue, information is shared about:

Before and After School Supervision - students must not be left unsupervised in the yard prior to 8.40am
Respect for School Staff Policy - Policy update
Disability and Inclusion: Invisible Disabilities Week
Cyber Safety information: When AI becomes a 'Digital Friend'
Child Safety Project: 2026 Webinar series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
eSafety Commissioner: Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)

Before and After School Supervision - additional reminder

We are still noticing that students are arriving early and enjoy time with their friends. A friendly reminder that teacher supervision begins at 8.40 am, and students must not be left unsupervised in the school grounds before this time.

Students who arrive without an adult before 8.40 am will be directed to wait at the office, and an email will be sent home reminding families of our supervision arrangements.

After school, supervision is provided until 3.40 pm. Families requiring care outside these hours are encouraged to use TheirCare’s before and after school care program.

Please read the information below for further details.

Respect for School Staff Policy

The Respect for School Staff Policy has been updated. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that members of our community understand Wonga Park Primary School’s expectations for appropriate interactions with school staff. You can view the policy on our website, it is also shared below.

Disability and Inclusion

Invisible Disabilities Week

Invisible Disabilities Week was held in the last week (19th - 25th October). It reminds us that not all disabilities are visible. Some children and adults experience challenges with learning, communication, hearing, managing sensory information or everyday activities that may not be immediately apparent to others.

We recognise that every child has individual strengths and support needs. Understanding these needs, listening to students and families, and making adjustments helps children participate in learning and feel connected to their school community.

Families can help build this understanding by talking with children about how everyone learns and experiences the world differently. Encouraging kindness, being patient and asking “What might help?” are simple ways we can create a community where everyone feels understood, valued and included.

Visit Invisible Disabilities Australia for more information.

eSafety Commissioner

When AI becomes a 'Digital Friend'

AI chatbots are becoming increasingly common, and some children are using them to ask questions, seek advice or talk about their feelings. While these tools can sound friendly and understanding, they can also provide inaccurate or inappropriate information.

You can help your children develop safe habits by:

Asking whether they have used a chatbot and what they use it for.
Explaining that a chatbot is a computer program, even when it sounds like a person.
Reminding them to keep personal information private, including their name, school, location and photographs.
Checking age requirements and available parental controls before allowing access.
Encouraging them to speak with a trusted adult about worries, friendships or anything online that makes them uncomfortable.

A useful conversation starter is: “If a chatbot gives you advice, how could you check whether it is safe and accurate?”

For more information, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s advice on AI chatbots and companions.

Cyber Safety Project Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)

eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)

The eSafety Commission provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.

Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.

Warm regards,

Adele Brice

Assistant Principal

adele.brice@education.vic.gov.au