Leadership updates and reflections
Update from Julie
We had a busy first week back to Term 4, with rehearsals for Beauty and the Beast Jnr getting well underway and the first transition morning for our 2027 Preps. It was so exciting to welcome our new preps and their families and to see how confidently they settled into their new environment. Our Grade 5s are busily making their buddy bags and can't wait to find out who will be their buddy or buddies next year!
Grade 4 Camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort
This week our Grade 4s along with Mrs Sledge, Miss Hayes, Mrs Robb, Clare, Mr O and Miranda are off to camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort! We hope our Grade 4s have an amazing time kayaking, visiting the penguins, trying out archery, accepting the challenge of the giant swing and much more! The weather looks great and everything is set for a wonderful three days making special memories with friends.
Partnering with Warrandyte Community Bank
As part of our partnership with the Bank of Bendigo, Cameron Mackay, the Mobile Lender from Warrandyte Community bank is visiting the school tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13th. He is available to chat with staff or families about home loan rate checks, set up appointments for home loan and insurance reviews or can provide information on term deposits. Please feel free to drop into the school to meet Cameron or phone the office to make an appointment.
Planning for 2027
Just a reminder that parents are invited to email information regarding the 2027 class placement for their child. Please note that only one request can be considered. Information provided by parents will be passed onto classroom teachers to consider as they undertake the process of creating classes for next year. Please email the school at wonga.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au by Friday, 6th November. If your child will not be attending Wonga Park PS in 2027, please contact the office as soon as practicable (this excludes Grade 6 students).
Closure of Edward Road and & Paynes Road, Chirnside Park Intersection
Yarra Ranges Council has advised of a 12 hour closure of the Edward Road and Paynes Road intersection, Chirnside Park, from 6am to 6pm on Wednesday 21 October 2026. Please read the information under the School Community News tab
Have a great week
Warm regards
Julie
An update from Adele:
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Disability and Inclusion: Dyslexia Awareness: Recognising Patterns of Difficulty
- Cyber Safety information:
- Child Safety Project: 2026 Webinar series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
- eSafety Commissioner: Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Disability and Inclusion
Dyslexia Awareness: Recognising Patterns of Difficulty
Last week I shared that October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Families may find it helpful to reflect on patterns they notice when their child is reading and spelling.
The Comprehensive Checklist on the Dyslexia Victoria website includes observations such as:
- ongoing difficulty recognising or accurately reading familiar words
- slow, effortful reading that makes it difficult to follow the meaning of a text
- persistent spelling difficulties, including spelling the same word differently within a piece of writing
- needing additional time for reading tasks
- feeling anxious or reluctant to read aloud
These observations can provide a starting point for a conversation with your child’s teacher. A checklist cannot diagnose dyslexia, and individual signs can occur for many reasons. Your child’s age, learning experiences and progress over time also need to be considered.
If you notice ongoing difficulties, please share your concerns with your child’s classroom teacher. Bringing a few specific examples can help us discuss what you are noticing at home alongside their learning at school, and consider appropriate support.
You can view the Comprehensive Checklist here.
Cyber Safety Project
Social Media Delay: PARENT TOOLKIT
Navigating social media can bring plenty of questions, from managing requests for accounts to helping children stay connected with friends.
The Cyber Safety Project’s Social Media Delay Parent Toolkit, offers practical guidance to help families approach these conversations with confidence. It includes information about Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions, conversation starters, ideas for managing feelings of missing out, and activities that encourage connection and creativity beyond social media.
This resource can help you begin conversations about healthy digital habits, family expectations and seeking help when something online feels uncomfortable.
We encourage you to explore the toolkit together and remind children that they can always turn to a trusted adult for support. For the latest information about age restrictions and affected platforms, visit eSafety.
Cyber Safety Project Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety Commission 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 Term 4 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