Across Oliver's Desk  

Dear Parents,

As this is the final newsletter of the term, I’d like to thank everyone; parents, students and staff for all working together to make the school the best it can be. Our attitudes to school survey results conducted by our grade 4’s, 5’s and 6’s this term demonstrate that our students love their school and their teachers and most importantly feel proud that they come to Woori. Once we get results comparing other schools, I will let you know by publishing in the newsletter. I can tell already that the results will be extremely high against state benchmarks.

It has been a great semester with some wonderful highlights including our best grandparents/special friends’ day ever and for me recognition in education circles that we are a high performing school, many Principals have contacted me after we present at the statewide conference.

Probably the only low light is that teachers will not be making comments for the students in their reports. It is also a shame that it looks like AEU industrial action will continue next term. I do hope however, that support for teachers and school staff continues from parents and our community. As I have said before it is ridiculous that ‘The Education State’ which gets the best outcomes in the country, pays its staff the least in the country, puts the least amount of money into education and has the worst conditions. Although I want an agreement to be reached, I wasn’t surprised that teachers’ and school staff rejected the current offer. It sounded good up front, but the devil was in the detail, and it was a particularly bad deal for our education support staff, who work with our must demanding students and are paid very poorly. I really hope the State Government moves quickly to come up with a better offer, so that students and parents are not inconvenienced through the next half year. 

GERMAN DAY

It has been a long time since we had a German Day. A big thanks to Frau Walter for organising the day and working so hard to make sure there was a bit of German culture sprinkled over the school. The following is a report from Abby our cultural leader and Layla our German leader. 

MINDFUL MONKEYS PREP INCURSION

Our Prep students recently participated in a fantastic workshop facilitated by Donna at Mindful Monkey Education. Through engaging activities, games, and discussions, students explored what mindfulness is and how it can help them manage their emotions. They learnt simple techniques to use when they are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or a little too silly, such as taking deep breaths, noticing how their bodies feel, and taking a moment to pause before reacting. The workshop was entertaining and the students left with some valuable strategies they can continue to use at school and at home. A big thank you to Donna from Mindful Monkey Education!

THE WOORI EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Woori Excellence Award is the highest honour a student can achieve in their grade each term. Teacher’s judge who they believe has strived for excellence academically, socially and upheld our values of high expectations and respect.

The recipients of this award will have their award (and their picture) displayed in a frame in the office area until the following term. They will also receive a special pin to be worn with pride on their uniform. Pin colours are determined on how many previous excellence awards a child has received. Winning one of these awards is a major achievement. The colours for this award are:

1st –    White

2nd –   Green

3rd –    Pink

4th -     Yellow

5th -     Orange

6th -     Blue

Congratulations to this term’s winners

STEPS WINNERS FOR THE TERM

The following students received the most “step ups” in their classrooms this term and therefore will be invited to have sumptuous morning tea with me first week back in term 3.

Steps Winners Term 1

PRINCIPAL NETWORK TOUR OF WOORI YALLOCK P.S.

Last week the Principals of Wandin North P.S. Lilydale P.S. and Rolling Hills P.S. conducted a learning walk of our school. The feedback was gracious but centred around the committed, focused and whole school teaching they observed. They also commented on the students, who were more than happy to share their work and tell them what they loved about their school. It was very successful with some of the Principals wanting to send teaching staff as a next step.

I hope you all have a wonderful winter break, I can’t leave you without saying that the Blues are now 5 in a row and the lid is well and truly off. I’m going this weekend to watch them dismantle West Coast at Marvel stadium. 

I hope that your team wins for you as well. 

I’m looking forward to some quiet reading over the break. Remember when the world gets tough, just escape to the wonderful world of a good book. 

Thanks again for a brilliant semester.

Oliver Thockloth

Principal