Principal's Report  

It only feels like yesterday that we were beginning Term 3, and now here we are already at the cusp of its conclusion. This term has flown by quickly, but not without many wonderful highlights and celebrations across our school community.

One of the most special moments was celebrating our Foundation students reaching their 100 Days of School—a huge milestone for both the children and their families. We’ve also been fortunate to enjoy a variety of sporting events, along with engaging incursions and excursions, all of which have enriched student learning and school life.

Looking ahead, we’re especially excited about our Grade 3–4 camp to Sunnystones taking place in the coming weeks. Camps are always such a valuable opportunity for students to build independence, teamwork, and resilience, while also creating some unforgettable memories. We wish our students and staff all the very best as they prepare for this adventure.

I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to Mrs. Yonca Kuslucali and Mrs. Kellie Allen, who have recently joined our school as Assistant Principals. You’ll find a more detailed introduction in this newsletter, but I encourage you to make them feel at home here at Wimba—they are already bringing wonderful energy and expertise to our leadership team.

As we approach the end of term, a reminder that school will finish at 1.30pm on Friday, 19th September. I hope you are able to take this upcoming break as a chance to spend time with family and friends, recharge, and enjoy the start of spring.

Hats

As we move into the warmer months, a reminder that from Wednesday 10th September through to 30th April, all students are required to wear a sun-protective hat that shades the face, neck, and ears during all outdoor activities, including both break times.

Families are encouraged to start preparing hats now to ensure children are ready for this date. Students who do not have a hat will be asked to play in undercover areas for their safety. Thank you for supporting us in keeping our students sun smart.

Staying Healthy

A friendly reminder to please keep children at home if they are unwell. Recently, we have had several staff (myself included!) needing time away to recover, and we are so grateful for the understanding and support of our school community. By working together, we can help minimise the spread of illness and keep our school environment as healthy as possible.

Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Survey

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Survey is still open, and we warmly encourage you to participate if you haven’t already. Your feedback is invaluable—it directly informs our planning and improvement priorities as a school.

So far, we have a small number of families who have responded. To ensure the data is meaningful, we are aiming for at least 40% participation. If you can spare a few minutes, please complete the survey—your voice truly makes a difference.

ICAS Results

Families who registered for ICAS will receive an email directly from ICAS, using the address you provided at registration. This email will include a link to the Results Portal, along with your TAP ID and PIN.

Using these details, you’ll be able to log on and view your child’s results. Hard copy certificates will also be provided; however, please note that ICAS now sends all certificates together at the conclusion of all competitions, so they may arrive later than in past years.

Smile Squad Free Oral Health Packs

We are pleased to share that our students will soon receive their free Smile Squad oral health packs. Each pack contains a toothbrush, full-sized toothpaste, and an oral health brochure. Please take a few moments to go through the brochure with your family—it’s filled with practical tips on eating well, drinking well, and cleaning well to maintain healthy smiles for life.

Important notes about toothpaste:

• The toothpaste provided is standard strength fluoride, generally recommended for children aged six and above (unless otherwise advised by a dental or health professional).
• If your child is under six, please seek professional advice before use. You may wish to store the toothpaste until they are older, or alternatively, pass it on to another family member.

About Smile Squad:Smile Squad is a Victorian Government initiative providing free dental care to all government primary, secondary, and specialist school students. To learn more, or to access free dental care for your child, you can contact your local community dental clinic through the Better Health Network and request a Smile Squad appointment. More information is available at: www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au.

As always, I want to thank our staff, students, and families for the ongoing support, positivity, and commitment you bring to our school. Term 3 has been filled with achievements, learning, and community spirit, and I’m so proud of everything we have accomplished together.