Across Oliver's Desk 

Dear Parents,

I have a very positive newsletter for you this week, as it seems we have had a great start to the school year. 

LONG SERVICE LEAVE

I would like to let the community know, that I have had just over three weeks of long service leave approved. I will be on leave from March 6th until March 28th.

Felicity Curnow has been approved to be Acting Principal in my absence. Flick’s Assistant Principal position will be filled by Jess Howe. I congratulate them both on their short term promotions. 

I am going on a family holiday to Bali during that time. For me it will be impossible not to think about the school while I’m away, but I do know the school will be in good hands with Flick and Jess at the wheel. 

CITY CAMP

Last week our grade 5/6’s students went on our biannual camp to the city. Students were dropped at Lilydale station and caught public transport everywhere they went. Events included a tour of the MCG, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Science Works, MSAC, the Zoo and lots more. I’m very proud of the way the students represented the school and I would like to thank all the staff that went for giving our students an experience they will not forget. 

FEEDBACK LETTERS

This week we were given two feedback letters, one from a prep parent and one from a parent about the 5/6 camp. From our survey results we are sure most parents are advocates for the school and what we do here. However, we often only hear things when people are unhappy so it was really nice to receive these letters of gratitude through the week. 

Hey Jess,

Yay it’s Friday, the end of another amazing week (thanks to your legendary skills).

I have been meaning to send you (and the incredible prep team) an email since day one.

Basically we are blown away by what a fantastic start to the year you have created for Andi and all the children.

The whole transition process, starting from last year has made her feel so comfortable, excited and ready for school, not to mention the video from her gorgeous buddy Asha (which she watched about 50 times over the holidays haha). 

Then on day one, your warm welcome as she arrived gave her that extra confidence boost to walk straight in. So thank you so much :). 

On that note I personally loved that you met the kids out the front and took them to class on their own, best way to curb the separation anxiety and they knew what to expect from day one :). 

Everyday since she has come home so excited to tell us all about her day (she loves a chat haha). But I really just wanted to say how grateful we are for you and your team. Your hard work, preparation, strategies and genuine care for all the kids has not gone unnoticed, and I can only imagine how exhausted you all must feel right now with the effort you continually put in.

Again thank you so, so much for the most incredible start to her schooling. You guys rock :). 

Enjoy your well deserved weekend (hopefully child free haha).

Dear 5/6 Teachers,

You guys offer the kids many great experiences at this camp and it is really appreciated. 

I also just wanted to mention that from a parents perspective we all know just how much the students love the teaching staff but seeing it away from the school environment is something else. 

They have so much fun with you all (high school teachers might be a bit of a shock for them haha) and obviously feel incredibly safe to be themselves. This is such a testament to you all! 

Anyhow I just wanted to let you know how much I loved camp and thank you.

OUR SCHOOL BEING RECOGNISED AGAIN

I received a call from the department for Jess Howe and Flick to present to Early Childhood Educators and other Prep teachers in the North Eastern Region around how we transition and start teaching our Prep students. 

As a school we understand that we need to do the best that we can to help the wider education system as a whole. But it is also nice to know that DET recognises and values the work we are doing at WYPS. 

This week we hosted teachers from Guthrie Street Primary School which is in Shepparton. The teachers were here to watch and see how our junior school teachers set up the school year and what our daily practice looks like. The feedback from them was very generous and I’m sure they have a lot to take back to Shepparton. 

JUNIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL

The following students have been selected to be our JSC as class representatives and will receive their badges very soon. JSC is one of the ways we have for students to have a voice in the way their school runs. Congratulations to the following students:

JSC REPS 2023

CHANGE TO DISMISSAL TIME

We have decided to go back to our pre-COVID dismissal time of 3:10pm for every class and every student.  This will mean an extra ten minutes of teaching time will be available to teachers. It will also stop our current issue of students in the second dismissal not being at the Kiss & Drop in time.  When you need to collect your child from school early, you must come into the office to sign your child out.  If you are Covid positive please call the office to make an alternative arrangement.

DUE DATES FOR ALL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

All activities that require permission forms, medical forms or payments will be advised via Compass and the noted "due date" will be a strict cut off for all students.   We need to organise excursions, incursions and sporting activities well in advance and can not accept late replies.  No exceptions. 

DISABLED PARKING

I am totally aware that we have a lack of parking around the school, particularly at the moment while the teachers do not have a staff carpark. Therefore, I do know that parking is difficult even in the best of times. However, can I please ask that you do not park in the designated disabled parking areas at the front of the school, unless you have a disabled parking permit. We do have parents that need to use the disabled parking, it is very distressing for them if the parking is taken up by parents that do not have a permit. 

Have a great week!

And remember when life gets a little difficult escape to the wonderful world of a book! My current read is: The Huntress by Kate Quinn