WHEELERS HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Principal's Report

Michael Ramsey

Welcome Back

Welcome back to everyone in our school community for Term 4! I am very happy and excited to be back at WHPS after spending Term 3 at Malmsbury Primary School. It was quite a different experience, much smaller than our school, with its own unique challenges and work. I was also able to support them by sharing some new ideas and approaches. 

 

I would like to sincerely thank Leasyl Richards for serving as the acting principal during this time, with invaluable support from Virginia Beshara, who stepped up into the assistant principal role. We are incredibly fortunate at this school to have so many capable, knowledgeable, and experienced staff members like Leasyl and Virginia.

 

Term 4 at our wonderful school looks set to be very busy. Over the next few weeks, we have a number of exciting events planned, including the Junior School Concert, Prep Zoo Excursion, Year 6 Camp, Book Fair, Transition Day, and Year 6 Graduation. Alongside these special events, our usual high quality teaching and learning programs will continue every day in our classrooms.

Prep Transition

Earlier this week, we held our first Prep transition session for the year. Over 80 eager, excited, and slightly nervous new Prep students spent the morning in the Prep building, getting to know the school, making new friends, and meeting their teachers. Well done to all of them! We look forward to several more transition sessions throughout the term. A big thank you to Prep teachers, Kathryn and Laura, for organizing such a smooth and successful first session.

Junior School Concert

We are so excited for the Junior School Concert next week, "All abord the Musical Train". Tickets are selling fast and the concert is close to selling out so make sure you buy your tickets soon if you haven't already!

 

Please use this link to book your tickets -  https://www.trybooking.com/1449444

 

Class Placement Requests

Later this term, our teaching staff will begin the process of forming classes for the 2026 school year. When creating these classes, teachers carefully take into account a range of factors including friendship groups, student personalities, academic progress, and overall classroom dynamics. A great deal of thought and planning goes into making sure each class is balanced and set up for success.

 

If you wish to inform me of a request for your child’s class placement in 2026, please email me at michael.ramsey@education.vic.gov.au no later than Friday, 31st October.

 

Please note:

 

  • Requests should only be made for significant reasons, for example, issues related to student wellbeing and must be clearly outlined in your email.

 

  • Requests for specific teachers will not be considered.

 

  • If you have submitted a request in the past that you believe is still relevant, please submit it again this year.

 

We kindly ask that you do not send a list of friends your child would like to be placed with. As part of the class placement process, students will be given the opportunity to list friends they would like to be with (in no particular order), and we will ensure each student is placed with at least one friend from their list.

 

In situations where parent requests are in conflict, teachers will use their professional judgement and understanding of the students to make the most appropriate decision. While we aim to take all requests into account, the complexity of the class formation process means we cannot guarantee every request will be met.

 

Families will be informed of 2026 class placements on the whole school transition day later in Term 4. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Parent Survey

Thank you to the 173 parents that completed the parent survey that was offered last term. Your feedback helps us make improvements around the school, as well as letting us know if our programs, policies and systems around the school and working and successful. The results should be available later in the term when I will be able to share. 

Term 4 Assemblies

Assemblies will continue throughout Term 4 at 2pm on Friday. This term, assemblies will be a mix on online via Webex, and outside on the oval. Please note the dates and types of assemblies below.

 

Week 2 -17th October on OVAL

Week 3 – 24th October via WEBEX

Week 4 – 31st OCTOBER on OVAL

Week 5 – 7th NOVEMBER via WEBEX

Week 6 - 14th NOVEMBER on OVAL

Week 7 - 21st NOVEMBER– no assembly (Yr. 6 camp) 

Week 8 28th NOVEMBER via WEBEX

Week 9- no assembly (planning day)

Week 10 12th DECEMBER via WEBEX

Week 11 – final assembly and farewell to Year 6s,

WEDNESDAY 17th DECEMBER on OVAL

 

If an assembly is online, it will be via my Webex address which is: https://eduvic.webex.com/meet/ramsey.michael.j

Uniform Reminders 

At Wheelers Hill Primary School, we are proud of our great-looking uniform in our distinctive school colours of blue and orange. Having a consistent uniform is an important aspect of school pride and behavioural expectations. It also becomes an important visual aid for when we leave the school grounds and are representing the school in the broader community, such as on an excursion.

 

While most of our students consistently wear the correct uniform, we’ve noticed a few common issues since the start of the term. 

 

  • Black shorts or pants, and blue pants or shorts with stripes, logos or brands 
  • pants should be plain navy blue

 

  • Tights in bright colours (such as pink) and / or with designs
  • tights should be plain navy blue

 

  • Non-uniform jumpers, cardigans or hoodies
  • jumpers / jackets should be from PSW with the school logo

 

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of families who consistently ensure their children come to school dressed in school uniform. If your child is not wearing the correct uniform items, please refer to the reminders above or visit the PSW link below for details. The PSW store is located in Glen Waverley and is open five days a week for uniform needs.

 

https://www.psw.com.au/schools/wheelers-hill-primary-school.html

 

We also hold regular second-hand uniform sales each term. One will be happening next week on Thursday 16th October. See the separate Compass post for details. 

 

Lastly, please ensure all uniform items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. This makes it much easier to return lost items.

 

We are proud of our unique and vibrant school uniform at Wheelers Hill Primary, and we thank you for your ongoing support. 

 

Parking

Just a friendly reminder to please avoid parking over our neighbours’ driveways and to follow parking guidelines when dropping off or picking up your children. We occasionally receive complaints from neighbours around the school, so your cooperation with this would be greatly appreciated.

Student Exits 

We are at that time of the year where we are in the process of planning for 2026. We know that some families unfortunately won’t be with us next year, due to moving to a new house or area etc. If that includes your family, we are sorry to see you leave our community. 

 

Please ensure that you call the school or email to inform us of your plans at your earliest convenience. This supports us with our planning for next year. 

Student Free Days

Please note that we have two student-free days later this term to assist with teacher planning and report writing.

 

Monday 24th November - Report Writing Day

Friday 5th December - Planning Day

Diwali

As we celebrate the joyous festival of Diwali on Monday, October 20, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all our families. May this festival of lights bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to your homes and hearts. Let’s take this opportunity to come together in the spirit of kindness and unity.Wishing you and your families a very Happy Diwali!

 

 

Michael Ramsey

Principal