Principal's Message
2026 School Theme - Coherence
Dear Westbreen PS Families,
Can you believe it is already week 3 of Term 1!
Student voice
I have been so inspired by the way that our students have engaged in the Start Up program at the beginning of the term, engaging with our school values in such meaningful ways. I wanted to share this outstanding poem written by Emilia in 5/6Z.
The Westbreen values of responsibility, respect, achievement, care and compassion, and co-operation describe the behaviours and actions valued by our school community. These values are taught explicitly in classrooms and are utilised to reflect on our behaviour. Did you know that we award house points to acknowledge students who demonstrate these values? Points are collated and added to the tally by our House Captains each week.
The challenge of learning
I have been enjoying watching the 2026 Winter Olympics and it reminded me of when I learnt to snowboard about 10 years ago. I had never seen snow before and I was so excited to give it a go. I remember falling down many times and watching all of the young people zoom past with relative ease. I thought to myself...why is this so hard? Will I ever be able to learn how to do this? As adults, we don't often put ourselves in the position of being a complete novice at a new skill - but it was a great reminder for me of the challenges of learning. We ask our students to do this every day - to keep trying, even when it is difficult. To show resilience, determination and persistence as well as manage the feelings of frustration when things are not easy at first.
The new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0) identifies the key elements of learning and teaching based on research and evidence-based practices. Throughout 2026, our teachers will undertake significant professional learning as we explore together how we can apply the VTLM 2.0 to help our students learn best.
P.S I did eventually learn to snowboard after a few lessons and many hours of practise just in case you were wondering! Which elements of the VTLM 2.0 do you think I applied to my own learning experience!
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day (SID) is a global campaign celebrated each year to promote safer and positive use of the internet, especially for young people. SID brings together schools, families, organisations and communities to raise awareness of topics such as cyberbullying, digital well-being, online safety, and digital identity.
As WPS, we teach a range of cyber safety concepts to support our students to use the internet safely and responsibly. Parents can find out more information about how to support their children at home by visiting Parents | eSafety Commissioner website. There are lots of resources to support parents on contemporary issues such as online gaming and the new social media age restrictions.
School Council Elections
Victorian government school councils are legally formed bodies that provide strategic governance, overseeing school finances, policy development, and facilities, while ensuring the best interests of students are prioritized. Key responsibilities include endorsing the School Strategic Plan, approving annual budgets, monitoring expenditure, and contributing to school policies. The council meets 8 times per year on a Monday evening.
Each year we hold elections for school council members. The number of positions vacant depends on the tenure of current members, with each member serving for a two year period. This year we have 6 parent vacancies and 3 staff vacancies. More information and nomination forms will be sent out via Xuno today. A reminder that all applicants must hold a Working with Children Clearance when nominating. If there are more nominations than positions, then an election is held. If you are interested in nominating, or would like to find out more about School Council, you are welcome to contact me in the office or speak to our Community Facilitator Kerry Parfett.
Annual Privacy Reminder for our school community
Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.
Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.
We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use ICT safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. You can read our Digital Technology Student Acceptable Use Agreement here. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using educational platforms such as the Google or Microsoft suites, please contact the school. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in 10 community languages:
· Amharic
· Arabic
· Chinese
· Dari
· Gujarati
· Mandarin
· Somali
· Sudanese
· Turkish
· Urdu
· Vietnamese
Wishing everyone a positive and productive week.
Megan Ganter
Acting Principal
The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.
