Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

NAPLAN GROWTH

Have you ever wondered how WPS compares in NAPLAN Growth to similar, network and all Victorian Schools? 

The evidence below says incredibly well! 

ATTENDANCE

We have also spent much time on our Well-being programs to ensure students attend school and are engaged when they are here.

Many more of our students attend school 95%+ than compared similar, network and all Victorian Schools?

This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff but equally the determination of our students to achieve the best they possibly can.

The staff, students and parents at Warrnambool Primary should be proud of these achievements but we must always search and strive for improvement.

YEAR 4A SCRATCH CODING

Students in 4A have been learning how to create their own games using Scratch. 

In Term 1, students created a maze game where they programmed characters to move through different challenges. 

In Term 2, students designed a dodge game, using coding blocks to create movement, obstacles, and scoring systems.

Coding is the process of giving instructions to a computer so a computer knows what to do. By learning to code, students develop important skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and logical thinking. It has been fantastic to see students giving it a go and learning a new skill. There are definitely some future game designers amongst us!

BOTTLE BOYS

River, Sonny, Declan and Fletcher are… THE BOTTLE BOYS!

The Bottle Boys have been collecting 10c eligible cans, bottles, and containers around our school to help raise money for new equipment at Warrnambool Primary School. Their goal is to raise $100 — that’s 1,000 containers!

Students and families can help by placing any eligible 10c containers into the collection tub in their classroom/year level area. The Bottle Boys will collect the tubs every Friday.

It has been wonderful to see students showing initiative, teamwork, and community spirit while working towards a great cause. Keep up the fantastic work, Bottle Boys!

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

At our school, we value strong partnerships with families to support every child’s learning, wellbeing and success. We ask Parents and Carers to:

• Ensure regular attendance and punctuality. Children should attend school every day unless unwell and arrive on time, ready to learn. Consistent attendance has a significant impact on academic progress and social connections. 
• Notify the school of any absences via the Compass platform. 
• Complete permission forms and respond to requests on the Compass platform within the required timeframes. 
• Support learning at home through regular reading and completion of homework tasks.  
• Communicate openly with school staff about any changes, concerns or relevant information affecting your child. 
• Work in partnership with the school to support positive behaviour and student wellbeing. 
• Reinforce our school values of respect, inclusion and active learning. 
• Ensure your child is prepared for each school day, including adequate rest, correct uniform, and healthy food (including fruit). 
• Interact respectfully with all members of the school community. 
• Follow appropriate communication channels (e.g. speak with your child’s classroom teacher as the first point of contact). 
• Attend school events, information sessions and meetings when possible, demonstrating the importance of education to your child. 
• Engage with the school and work collaboratively with staff to resolve any issues that may arise. 

By working together, we can create a supportive and positive learning environment for all students.

REINVIGORATED CULTURAL GARDEN CELEBRATION - MONDAY 18TH MAY

To celebrate our newly invigorated Cultural Garden we will have a special mention at assembly on Monday 18th May at 9am. Following the assembly there will be an informal ribbon cutting ceremony. Parents and Carers are welcome to attend.

OPEN NIGHT

Thank-you to everyone who attended our Open night on Tuesday evening. 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 an English as Additional Language (EAL) program operating at our school. Wei-Lin Mai contributes much to the safe and happy transition of our EAL students at Warrnambool Primary School. We are always celebrating our Diverse Cultures at 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 raffle winners. I'm sure you will put those vouchers to good use.

MOTHER'S DAY AFTERNOON TEA

The Foundation students held a special afternoon last Friday with their mum/nan/special people.

They shared all the amazing learning they've been doing and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. Thank you to everyone who came along and Mrs Matters, Mrs Giblin and Ms Hann for organising.

WORKING BEE - SATURDAY 23RD MAY 9AM TO 12PM

Families and community members are invitied to join us for our School Working Bee on Saturday 23rd May from 9am to12pm. This is a great opportunity to come together and help keep our school looking its best with a range of general tidy up jobs planned across the school grounds.

If you are able to lend a hand, please sign up via: volunteersignup.org/CMYRQ

Please bring along:

• Gloves
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow

We appreciate all support and look forward to seeing many families there!

WELLBEING LEADERSHIP TEAM 2026

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 Mental Health in Primary Schools program and is working through the Disability and Inclusion training. The Wellbeing team have extended Big Life and School Wide Positive Behaviours to our school this year. These are Department of Education promoted programs designed to be self-positivity and resilience for our students.

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. 

Jess Arnott is our well-being officer as well as part-time class teacher and does a fantastic job working alongside classroom teachers to ensure that students’ well-being is prioritised.

Each week Tonya, Jess 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, Jess and Julie are focusing on best practice in wellbeing initiatives across the Wimmera/Southwest Area. Jess also provides an excellent counselling service which includes the Peaceful Kids program. 

We are noticing the benefits of this program and the students involved love being part of it. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled wellbeing team at Warrnambool Primary School. Our students are the beneficiaries.

BIOCATS EXCURSION - MONDAY 25TH MAY 2026

On Monday 25th May 2026, 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 Mrs Gina Mills at the Flagstaff Hill carpark at 7.15am for departure and 5pm upon return.

YEAR 1 NIGHT WALK - WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE 2026

As part of of Camp program and to complement their recent studies on Astronomy the Year 1 students will have the opportunity to go on a night walk on Wednesday 3rd June.

Students will stay after school and get changed into casual clothing and having a snack before participating in group activities and eating dinner together (snack and BBQ dinner provided). 

They will then go on a walk to the Botanical Gardens (weather permitting). While at the Botanical Gardens they will explore the night sky and observe the stars. There is no cost for this activity, however students must have permission on Compass to attend.

PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 5TH JUNE 2026

Staff are undertaking a Pupil Free Day on Friday 5th June 2026 for assessment and reporting purposes. Students will not be required at school. Please note ‘Their Care’ will operate on Pupil Free Days if you require the service.

KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY - MONDAY 8TH JUNE 2026

There is another Public Holiday this term on Monday 8th June 2026 for the King’s Birthday. ‘Their Care’ does not operate on Public Holidays.

CAMPS 2026

We have some amazing camps still to come. They include:

Year 3 KANGAROOBIE - Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th June 2026

Year 6 MELBOURNE - Monday 16th to Wednesday 17th June 2026

Year 5 BALLARAT - Monday 3rd to Wednesday 5th August 2026

Year 4 ROSES GAP - Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st October 2026

COTTAGE BY THE SEA Queenscliff - Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October 2026 

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal