Principal's Report

School Review

This week, the school review report was sent to the school in a draft form. We have provided some feedback for minor adjustments to be made. From this point, the review report will be endorsed by the Department of Education, which we hope will occur soon. As a school, we can then finalise the School Strategic Plan, which will inform the next four years of continuous improvement for Whittlesea Primary School. I am sure this will be a very exciting time. 

Our WPS Students: Helping Others Succeed

As a Principal, I could not be prouder of our students who show the school expectation of 'Helping Others Succeed'. This is being shown not only to their fellow students at Whittlesea Primary School, but also to those who are far less fortunate than we are. 

I would like to acknowledge Cadence, who brought to our attention the situation in Mozambique, where students are not receiving their school lunches. Each $75 donation feeds a child a school lunch for a year. This means our $1032 is going to feed almost 14 children, providing over 5,000 lunches! AMAZING! 

We also have one of our Foundation students who has decided it's time to cut his hair. Abel's 'long-locks' of golden hair will support Kids With Cancer through 'Kid for Wigs'. Please feel free to scan the QR code and support Abel to help others in their fight against cancer.  We cannot wait to see the 'new' Abel.

Promoting Respectful Behaviours & Staff Safety

When parents, carers and school staff work together as one team, our students thrive. Everyone at school, particularly staff, parents and carers, plays a role in making school a better place for learning and work. Parents, carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of your child. When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn more effectively and feel a sense of belonging in the school.

You may have noticed new posters displayed in our school that depict some unacceptable behaviours which can negatively impact our school community. These posters serve as a visual reminder about the behaviour that does not help us create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff, and adults. I trust that you will continue to keep respect at the core of all interactions with school staff. The Department of Education’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.

Update on Suspension and Expulsion Powers

A message from the Department of Education for Principals to share regarding the recent reports in the Media relating to out-of-school behaviours and 'updated' Principal powers:

Our school is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students and staff. You may be aware of recent changes announced to suspension and expulsion powers that will be available to Victorian principals from day one of Term 3, (Monday 21 July 2025). We know that students’ behaviour outside of school, particularly online, can sometimes impact the safety of students and staff at school.

In exceptional circumstances, Principals of Victorian government schools will be able to suspend or expel students for behaviour that occurs outside of school grounds and/or hours, including online, if it poses a significant danger to the safety and wellbeing of students or staff. These powers apply only to serious incidents where there is a clear and close connection to the school and the behaviour of a student outside of school unreasonably impacts the safety and wellbeing of students or staff at school, and their ability to learn or work. 

Please note: 

· They do not apply to behaviours unrelated to the school or school community.

· They only apply to behaviour which occurs from Monday, 21 July 2025 onwards.

Suspension and particularly expulsion will remain serious measures. Our primary approach continues to focus on proactive and positive behaviour support, including working with you to teach students the behaviours we expect of them, both in school and in our community. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kaylene