Dear Parents/Carers,

WELLBEING LEADERSHIP TEAM 2024

A key component of our whole school improvement is that we have designated leadership teams in Literacy, Numeracy and Wellbeing.

This week the focus is on our Wellbeing Leadership team and by extension our Wellbeing and Student Counselling team.

Tonya Ferguson is a very experienced teacher. Tonya has taught at Warrnambool Primary School for many years now and is one of the driving forces behind the development of our Wellbeing program. Tonya co-ordinates the Respectful Relationships program and is working through the Disability and Inclusion training in readiness for that funding model to be rolled out in the Wimmera/South West Area.

Lidia Allen has been a key component of Warrnambool Primary School’s desire to ensure our wellbeing practices across the school are consistent and fair. Lidia is a long term Warrnambool Primary School educator and is compassionate in her work with children across the school.

Julie Giblin has also been a long term member of our Teaching and Learning Team. Of more recent times we have been incredibly fortunate to have Julie work in our Foundation area where her experience with younger students and first –time parents comes to the fore.

Each week Tonya, Lidia and Julie meet to discuss our whole school Wellbeing focuses for the coming weeks. They also drive Professional Learning at staff meetings to ensure that we have low variance and consistency in well-being across the school.

At present Tonya, Lidia and Julie are working alongside Jess Arnott focusing on best practice in wellbeing initiatives across the Wimmera/South West Area. Jess also provides an excellent counselling service which includes the Peaceful Kids program. We are noticing the benefits of this program and it has only been running quite recently.

We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled wellbeing team at Warrnambool Primary School. Our students are the beneficiaries.

OPEN NIGHT

Thank-you to everyone who attended our Open night on Wednesday15th May. The students love seeing their parents and families in their school looking at their work and showing interest in their classrooms. It is great to see the displays and activities in classrooms but the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the enjoyment of the students when explaining their activities and work samples to their families. We are very fortunate to have a Science specialist, Stephanie Hann and a great Numeracy team in place to ensure that Maths and Science education is a priority across our school.

It was also fantastic to see so many prospective families coming to see what we do at Warrnambool Primary School. Thank you to all the staff involved on putting together such a wonderful evening. Congratulations to our four lucky door prize winners, I'm sure you will put those vouchers to good use.

EAL MOTHERS DAY CRAFTS

Over the past two weeks our EAL students were very busy preparing Mother's Day gifts.

They asked to share the photos only AFTER Mother’s Day so their mothers wouldn’t see the surprise too early.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

Our school photos are being taken next Tuesday 21st May 2024. It is vital that all students are in full school uniform on this day.

Individual and Class Photos must be ordered prior to the day. Sibling photos must be booked through the school office with orders being placed after photo day.

PUPIL FREE DAYS - FRIDAY 17TH MAY & FRIDAY 7TH JUNE 2024

As mentioned in previous newsletters staff are undertaking wellbeing professional learning this Friday 17th May and Friday 7th June is for assessment and reporting purposes. Please note ‘Their Care’ will operate on Pupil Free Days if you require the service.

KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY - MONDAY 10TH JUNE

There is another Public Holiday this term on Monday 10th June for the King’s Birthday. ‘Their Care’ does not operate on Public Holidays.

WORKING BEE - SATURDAY 18TH MAY 9am-12pm

We are holding a working bee this Saturday 18th May from 9am-12pm. It would be great if you could attend even for a short while. The task will be a general tidy of the whole school including playgrounds and sand pits.

BIOCATS EXCURSION - MONDAY 20TH MAY

On Monday 20th May, some Year 5 and 6 Koorie students will be attending a STEM session at the Geelong Football Club, called BioCats.

Participating students are reminded to meet Jess Arnott at the Flagstaff Hill carpark at 7.15am for departure and 5pm upon return.

YEAR 3 HEADLICE CHECKS BEFORE CAMP

Due to recent cases of head lice in our Year 3 students Parents/Carers are asked to check students now and prior to camp.

If headlice is detected please take the necessary steps to treat your child and let the office know so we can keep track of any outbreak.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays