Principal's Message

Deputy Premier of Victoria - James Merlino Visit

Wedderburn College was lucky enough to host the Deputy Premier of Victoria Mr James Merlino the Minister for Education & Mental Health last Thursday.  Mr Merlino was very giving of his time and spent over two hours in Wedderburn.   We were able to share Mr Merlino's story starting with his career as a 'brickies labourer' and working his way through life to become our Deputy Premier.  Mr Merlino made a commitment to work with our school making the most of the $12.9 million dollar building budget, to modernise our KLC and Block A. In addition, we are also working with the VSBA have some of the funding released early to have the secondary toilet block refurbished.  Mr Merlino held a long question and answer session with our students, which was quite amusing at times. A number of  students put forth some very well thought out questions.  Our junior students would like to see a large swimming pool and playground as the main items constructed!   On a positive note, Mr Merlino thanked us for the visit and commented on the very noticeable positive culture he could feel at Wedderburn College. 

New School Buildings

If any students  or parents have any ideas for new modern learning spaces at Wedderburn College, please share your ideas with us.  We are writing a report for DET and would love your thoughts about how to best renovate the classroom and specialist spaces at our College.  Our report is due in  early June.  

Year 7/8 Camp

All information will be sent out on Wednesday. We have been waiting for the provider to finalise all details.   The most important news is All students will participate free of charge, as we have received a Positive School Grant for  the Melbourne Camp.   Parents will only have to provide spending money.    Please note that while we are in Melbourne students, MUST wear a face mask while on public transport.    Students can be fined for not wearing a face mask on public transport.   

Curriculum Day 

A reminder that Friday 10th June is a curriculum day for all students.  

Please enjoy the Queens Birthday extra long weekend. 

Staffing Issues

Unfortunately we are currently experiencing a large number of staffing shortages and absences with the main concern being COVID and other related illnesses.   We share your frustrations, however we can only do what we can do.   Across the state and in-particular rural areas all schools are finding it difficult to replace staff who are ill.  With the flu season upon us, we all need to practice patience and be understanding of the situation we are in. Students will always have a teacher supervising Prep - Year 10 classes.  We are very lucky to have staff who are willing to teach in both Primary and Secondary settings, so that classes are always covered.  We have been close to rolling class shutdowns for a day, however we hope that the worst is behind us and the normal timetable can resume ASAP. 

College Cafe Up & Running

Without any offical Opening as yet the new College Cafe has commenced trading as of last week.  The students and staff are enjoying our new cafe.  We have a few more minor things to do before we can have our offical Opening later in the term.   All primary students have been lucky enough to have a home made jelly cup  as an opening week special.  

Rat Testing Continues

Early childhood education and care services will continue to be provided with the same weekly quantity of RATs.  However, from Monday 23 May 2022, the use of RATs will only be required where staff and children are close contacts (household contacts) or they have symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or a runny nose).

Children and staff will therefore no longer be recommended to conduct RATs twice a week if they have no symptoms. Close contacts will need 5 negative tests over a 7-day period to attend a service.

Face masks can also can continue to be used by any staff or children who wish to do so, including those who are medically at-risk. 

Thank you for your ongoing support for, and implementation of, these COVIDSafe measures.  Please contact the school office if you require further information.