Dear Parents/Carers,

SCHOOL PHOTOS

This years School Photos will be held on Friday 20th March 2026.

Photos need to be ordered online via the following steps:

1. Go to www.leadingimage.com.au

2. Click on Order Your School Photos

3. Enter your Access Key: K6WD87T9

Individual and family photos can be ordered with the same access key.

Family photos must be ordered before 4.30pm on Thursday 19th March 2026 (the night before photo day). Please make sure your orders are placed before this time.

If you have any questions or require assistance please contact the school office.

AEU STOP WORK TUESDAY 24TH MARCH 2026

As I have mentioned in previous correspondence, the Australian Education Union Victorian Branch and the Victorian Government have not reached a suitable agreement. The previous agreement expired in December 2025 and there has been little movement in negotiations. I have on recent newsletters outlined the discrepancies in funding across

government schools in Australia. Victoria is by far the lowest funded government sector in Australia. Figures released by the AEU Federal branch shows that on average Victorian Government Schools are underfunded in comparison to NSW government schools to the tune of $3206 per child per year. At our school that is approximately $1.1M per year. It is unfathomable how this has been allowed to stand.

Vic Branch AEU Members have elected to stop work on this day and it will have effect on the operations at Warrnambool Primary School.

Parents are required to find alternative arrangements for students in the following classes as they will not be proceeding on Tuesday 24th March 2026.

Foundation A - Jacqui Matters, Foundation B - Julie Giblin, 1B - Edwina Medro, 3A - April Sandri, 3B - Charlotte Johns, 4B - Ella Haugh and 5A - Lidia Allen.

In addition there will be no specialist classes in; Japanese, Science or Arts.

Several Education Support Programs will not be operating.

The office administration will also be affected.

If you have no alternative for your child in these affected classes on Tuesday 24th March 2026 and you must send them to school they will be supervised by school leadership but no regular class work will be covered.

As part of the STOP WORK negotiations students will not be re-assigned to classes that are operating normally on this day.

The following classes will proceed as normal 1A - Kim Wines, 2A - Maggie McMeel and 2B - Nikki Marris (Camp), 4A - Patrick Kluver, 5B - Julie Versteegh, 6A - Tim Bourke, 6B - Jarryd Lewis, 6C - & PE.

Thankyou for your understanding through this challenging period.

SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The School Athletics Days this week have been fantastic events that brought together students, staff, and the school community for days filled with energy, excitement, and sportsmanship. The weather couldn’t have been better – sunny and mild temperatures made for a perfect day of outdoor activities.

As the students gathered on the oval, the air was buzzing with anticipation. The day kicked off with the usual cheer and enthusiasm, with everyone eager to participate in the various athletic events. Whether it was the sprint races, the long jump, the relay, or the shot put, each event saw students giving their all while also encouraging their peers along the way. It was inspiring to see such a high level of sportsmanship from all the students. They not only competed fiercely but also supported one another, cheering for their classmates, regardless of the outcome. The true spirit of teamwork was evident all day long.

The success of the day was thanks to the hard work of the school staff, who provided invaluable assistance in ensuring everything ran smoothly. From managing the event logistics to keeping everything on track, their support was instrumental. A special thank you goes to Cherine Owen, whose exceptional organisation played a key role in the day’s success. Cherine’s careful planning, attention to detail, and ability to keep everything running on time were remarkable. Her dedication helped create a seamless experience for everyone involved, making sure each event was well organised and that the students had a memorable and enjoyable time.

Overall, the School Athletics Days were a huge success. The students’ enthusiasm and sportsmanship, paired with the great weather and impeccable organisation, made for a truly special occasion. We are grateful to all who participated, volunteered, and supported the event, and we look forward to future events where we can continue celebrating the spirit of sports and community.

SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT (SWPBS) - BLUE

The SWPBS Awards celebrate excellence in the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support to improve student outcomes. These recognise schools that demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating positive, inclusive learning environments through the effective use of systems, data, and evidence-based practices. They recognise schools that not only adopt the SWPBS framework but embed it with fidelity to build a culture where every student can thrive.

We're pleased to share that our school has recieved a Blue Award this year. The Blue Award recognises school in the early stages of SWPBS implementation, establishing leadership structures and foundational practices.

CHILD SAFE STANDARD 1

Child Safe Standard 1 is part of a set of standards aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of children within organizations, particularly in educational and community settings. Standard 1 focuses on "Creating a child-safe environment" and emphasizes the importance of establishing an environment where children are protected, respected, and supported.

Key Aspects of Standard 1:

Cultural Safety for Children:

It ensures that children, particularly those from diverse backgrounds (such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children, children with disabilities, and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds), feel safe and included within the organization.

Leadership and Commitment:

Leaders, including school leadership, staff, and volunteers, must actively demonstrate a commitment to the child-safe practices. This includes prioritizing child safety at all levels and leading by example.

Child-Centered Policies:

Organisations are required to implement policies and procedures that promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for children. These policies should focus on the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of children, promoting a climate of respect, trust, and transparency.

Clear Expectations for Behaviour:

It is essential to have clear codes of conduct and expectations for staff, volunteers, and any adults interacting with children. These should outline appropriate behaviours to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing.

Safe Recruitment and Training:

Organisations must establish recruitment processes to screen staff, volunteers, and others who come into contact with children. This may include background checks and training to ensure they understand their responsibilities for child safety and can identify potential risks.

Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation:

The organisation must regularly evaluate its child-safe practices to ensure they are working effectively and take necessary steps for improvement. Regular monitoring helps ensure that child safety measures are continually upheld.

By adhering to Child Safe Standard 1, organizations can foster a safe and supportive environment for children, helping them feel valued and protected while engaging in various activities, whether at school, in the community, or elsewhere.

Child Safe Standard 1

CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSITY - HARMONY WEEK

At Warrnambool Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates the rich diversity of our school community. To honour this diversity, we will be hosting a special assembly on Monday 23 March 2026 at 9am to showcase the vibrant cultural backgrounds of our students, parents and carers are welcome to attend. The event will feature the 2026 Cultural Walk with Flags, where students will proudly represent their countries and cultures. Below is a list of students and which country they represent.

This event is an opportunity for us all to learn from each other, celebrate our differences, and embrace the richness that each cultural background brings to our school community.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays