Leadership updates and reflections
An update from Julie
It has been a busy few weeks with NAPLAN assessments for our Grade 3s and 5s and Gala Sports Days for our Grade 5s and 6s, and preparations underway for this week's Grade 6 excursion to the Dream and Lead Conference and the upcoming Colour Run! Always lots of opportunities to learn and grow.
We warmly welcome Maree Durkin to our ES staff, who will be working alongside Dimi Mioni in the SAKG program and filling in next term while Dimi takes LSL. Our SAKG program is such a highlight for our Grade 3/4s and we are very fortunate to have Dimi and Maree as such great facilitators of the program and so many committed volunteers to help make the experience possible for our students.
Student Enrolment Information
Parents will have received a copy of their child/children's student enrolment information this week to check for accuracy. Please check the all of the details carefully, including the Parent Occupation Code and Emergency Contacts and let us know if there are any updates required. Enrolment information is used by the Department of Education to determine levels of funding and our Similar School profile. It is also essential that we have accurate information on our system in order to make contact with families, particularly as we are a BARR (Bushfire At Risk) school. Thank you for attending to this as soon as possible.
NAPLAN Update
NAPLAN commenced last Wednesday with the Writing assessment, during which our Grade 5 students did encounter connectivity disruptions that were reported in many other locations across the state. Our Grade 3 students were able to successfully complete the assessment with pencil and paper on the day, with our Grade 5s completing the test the next day. Our Year 3 and Year 5 students have also completed the Reading test and will undertake their Language Conventions and Numeracy assessments by Friday. Congratulations to our Grade 3 and 5 students who have shown confidence and resilience and put in their best effort. We sincerely thank Terri Gioia and our Grade 3 and Grade 5 teachers for their thoughtful support of students throughout the NAPLAN period.
Changes to Term 1 Progress Reports
In line with the Department of Education's shift to ensure reporting of student progress is more streamlined and sustainable in terms of teacher workload, there will a change to the way we do the Term 1 Progress Reports. This year parents will be invited to discuss their child's progress via an online interview rather than a written report and interview which has been done previously. We are confident that parents will still receive important information regarding how their child's learning is tracking and discuss ways to support their learning at home. More information will be communicated shortly regarding how to book in an interview time.
E-Scooters and E-Bikes
Last week the Police Liaison Officer and two highway patrol officers visited our school as part of our Big Idea of Community. Their presentation for our Grade 3-6 students regarding the safe usage and legal requirements of e-bikes and e-scooters was timely given the increasing popularity of these over recent years. Some students were surprised to learn that e-bikes and e-scooters can only legally ridden in a public space by people who are over 16 years of age. They are not allowed to be ridden on footpaths, only one rider is permitted, there is a speed limit of 20km/h and the rider must be wearing a helmet. We have also reinforced this message with signs that ban the use of e-scooters and e-bikes on school property, including the staff carpark. Sadly, our new sign on the fence in the carpark was stolen over the weekend - if anyone has any information about this please contact the school and this will be passed onto the police.
We appreciate the support of families providing consistent messages in order to keep our young people and others safe.
Upcoming Stop Work Action - Tuesday, 24th March
As you may be aware the Australian Education Union has called on its members to take strike action Tuesday, 24th March 2026. Please be aware that a significant number of WPPS leadership and teaching staff are participating in this action next Tuesday, 24th March and will NOT be at school. We ask that you consider care arrangements for your child/children on this day in advance. Further updates will be communicated to parents as appropriate. We appreciate your support.
Hoping you to see you all at next week's Colour Run! Always such a fun community event!
Have a great week
Julie
An update from Adele
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Disability and Inclusion: Supporting Children to Develop Problem-Solving Skills
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Tip: Take an Interest in Your Child’s Games
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Disability and Inclusion
Supporting Children to Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Learning how to work through problems is an important part of growing up. Whether it’s navigating friendship challenges, taking turns, or managing big feelings, developing problem-solving skills helps children build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships.
The information below offers a practical approach families can use to support children when challenges arise. This information supports parents to walk children through a clear process of identifying the problem, thinking about possible solutions, and considering what might happen next. Shared language around problem-solving can help children feel supported while also encouraging independence as they learn to think through situations themselves.
https://www.allplaylearn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Problem-Solving-Guide-Early.pdf
Cyber Safety
Cyber Safety Tip: Take an Interest in Your Child’s Games
Online games are a big part of many children’s social lives. Taking an interest in the games your child plays can help you better understand their online world. Ask them to show you how the game works, who they play with, and what they enjoy about it. When children feel comfortable talking about their online experiences, they are more likely to speak up if something goes wrong.
You are encouraged to refer to the eSafety Commissioner's information about issues and advice for gaming for more information.
Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series
The Cyber Safety Project offers the Cyber Safe Parents 2026 Webinar Series, a practical, engaging online program designed to help families raise smart, safe, and kind digital kids.
Across four live online sessions, parents will gain clear, realistic strategies to confidently support children at home. Topics include:
AI & Critical Thinking – Understanding what AI really is (and isn’t) and why it matters for your family
20 May 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Balancing Life & Tech – Reducing conflict and restoring healthy screen balance.
3 August 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Cyberbullying & Resilience – Supporting young people to manage wellbeing online
27 October 2026 | 7.30pm AEDT (45 mins)
This series provides valuable guidance for navigating device set up, online risks, app safety, screen time, critical thinking and digital wellbeing, all in a supportive and parent-friendly format.
We strongly encourage all families to take part in this important learning opportunity.
If you’re unable to attend on the night, you can still register to receive the recording and resources.
Register via: bit.ly/Parents-2026
eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.
The schedule for 2026 can be accessed via this link .
Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.
Warm regards,
Adele Brice
Assistant Principal