A warm welcome to our community

I hope that you all had a great day on Cup Day and took advantage of the curriculum day on Monday thus potentially creating a long weekend for your family! Our staff were busy at school working deepening their understanding of the new Victorian Teaching Model 2.0 and then worked together to analyse and moderating student assessments and begin student reports. It was an extremely productive day and most beneficial for everyone.

We are very busy at school at the moment writing school reports and completing preparations for 2026. Thank-you to the families that did let me know about their arrangements for next year. Unfortunately, a few parents did not and it has now made a negative impact on the school’s budget. It has made it incredibly challenging for me as I did ask several times last term to let me know so there were no surprises. I am however looking forward to a wonderful 2026. With the predicted student enrolment numbers, based on parent information at the end of term 3, I decided to create an extra grade next year which enables all classes to be on the smaller side. This will be a massive positive for all of the Weeden Heights PS students. I am now hoping that we will have a few more families move into the area, to change this into a ‘financial positive’ for our school.

It is time to wear our Summer Uniform..... reminder

Students should now be wearing their summer uniform as our weather is beginning to change. Unfortunately I often see a few ‘unapproved changes’ to our Weeden Heights PS uniform. Please remember that students are expected to wear the approved polo t shirt with the specialised banding and the school logo. This has been made especially for our school and we should not see plain pale blue polo shirts.

Also please remember that leggings are not to be worn under our summer girl’s school dress. The only jewellery worn at school is a watch and plain stud or sleeper earrings. Long hair needs to be tied back and any hair attachments (hair ties, clips – no large bows) need to be in school colours which are blue, maroon or white.

If you have any questions then I am happy to provide you with a copy of the school’s uniform policy developed by School Council in consultation with the community. As a reminder, the following uniform is expected to be worn:

Please look out for the second-hand uniform shop that operates from school and they may be able to assist you in supplying some of the summer uniform.

Remembrance Day

Our Year 6 student leaders conducted a Remembrance Day Assembly on Tuesday over the PA as we did have a big ceremony for Anzac Day. Thank you to our school leaders and Ms Crookes for organising this. It is incredibly important that the school honours and acknowledges the day. Our service acknowledges the heroic people who served their countries and gave themselves to the war effort so that we could live in our amazing country, Australia. We cannot forget our past and I am very proud that Weeden Heights honours these very important days.

Bright Beginnings Transition and Student Handovers

We had another terrific transition session with all of the kinder students last week. They are starting to find their way around the school and they are meeting all of the staff along the way. The students are settling at the school and have their final session on 19 November to prepare them for their start in 2026. Our Year 4’s will be allocated their buddies soon and will be ready to build strong relationships and connections with our new students.

We also have our Prep Information Night online on Thursday. It is another way that we introduce families to our great learning programs, teaches and wonderful community members like our students and Gavin, our School Council President.

All students across the whole school will go through a transition process as they move into their 2026 grades. The sessions will run at school in weeks 9 and 10 (on 5 and 9 December) and students will meet with their new class and potentially their new teacher. New students joining us next year will hopefully be able to participate as well as part of the transition program. It is important for them to make a connection with one/some of our students.

Please be reassured that teachers participate in a hand over process so that new class teachers will be prepared and will be able to challenge students along with the information you provide at the 2026 ‘getting to know you’ interviews at the beginning of the year.

Finally.....

I hope that everyone is signed up for the PFA Sports Blitz. This is a fundraiser for the school but the real objective is for our families to come and have some fun together. It also gives you the chance to meet more of our wonderful community. A big thanks to the PFA in advance and I really appreciate the assistance that School Council is providing as well. THANK YOU!

I am really looking forward to next week as we are interviewing our Year 5 students for their Year 6 leadership roles (which will be announced at our Christmas Concert). It is always a great privilege to listen to the students explaining how they would like to give back to the school and what they would personally like to achieve from being given the opportunity to lead an area. It’s a nervous but exciting time for our future student leadership team.

Don’t forget, futures are bright at Weeden Heights PS! Until next time……

Kylie Campbell

Proud Principal

OSHC - AFTER THE BELL