Leadership updates and reflections
And just like that, we’ve reached the end of another school year and our final message for 2025. This time of year always brings a mix of emotions. It’s a chance to look back on all we’ve shared and achieved together, and there is so much to be proud of. At the same time, it’s a moment for saying goodbye.
Last week, our students enjoyed the excitement of meeting their new class and teacher for 2026 - a special milestone filled with anticipation and smiles. For many of our WPPS families, though, it also marks the completion of their primary school journey. For some, it really is the closing of a much-loved chapter.
We were so proud to celebrate our Grade 6 students at their Graduation ceremony at Discovery Church in Mt Evelyn on Monday night. It was a wonderful occasion that recognised the growth, friendships and unique qualities of our Class of 2025. As they head off to secondary school, we wish them every success and know they leave WPPS ready to embrace new opportunities, challenges and adventures.
Sadly at our final assembly this week we farewelled families who have been part of our school community for many years - some for a short time, others for a longer journey with many siblings! As students and families move on to new places and new beginnings, we want to sincerely thank you for everything you have given to WPPS. We have valued partnering with you and our community has been shaped and strengthened by each and every one of you.
Sadly, we are also farewelling some much-loved staff members as they head off on new adventures. To Nathan Percy, Allison McLaren-Brilli, Ben White, Jenny Barr, Anita Beever and Emily Leydin - we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for everything they have contributed to Wonga Park and wish them all the very best in the future.
Thank You
As the year comes to an end I would like to thank all of the people who help make WPPS such a wonderful learning community.
A special heartfelt thank you goes to our leadership team who work tirelessly to make Wonga Park such a special place to learn and grow. Adele Brice and Terri Gioia are truly exceptional leaders supporting our teachers, ES staff, students and parents every day. From daily organisation, communication, inclusion, curriculum and wellbeing, the scope is enormous and sometimes complex and no day is ever the same! Their commitment, dedication, compassion, vision and care is highly valued and greatly appreciated.
To our exceptional WPPS staff- you are truly amazing, always going the extra mile to put students at the centre of everything we do and ensuring that they have so many wonderful opportunities for our young people to grow and shine. Every day is busy at WPPS but these last few weeks of the year have been so jam packed with events. Without the exceptional teachers, ES staff and parent support, all of these things would not have been possible. In these last couple of weeks we have had the Grade 2 students enjoy their first 'day camp' experience at Mt Evelyn YMCA Camp and had a two day camp for our Grade 3s at the same venue. Bush walking, archery, the crate climb were just some of their favourite activities. And then there was a Christmas Buddy Picnic, a whole school Silent Disco, the Grade 6 Graduation and the Grade 6 Big Day Out at Gumbya Park to top off the list of exciting end-of-year events. We are so fortunate to have staff and parents willingly give their time to ensure these amazing opportunities for our students can happen!
Thank you to Lesley and Kerry for all their wonderful work in the office, keeping our school operations running so smoothly and looking after our students, families and visitors. To Julie E we thank you for looking after our students needing first aid and for running our pop-up canteen days.
To our Their Care staff we thank you for providing such a great service for students and families and a special thank you to Briar and Cathy for keeping our students safe on the school crossings. We are also so, so grateful to our technician Izzy who looks after our ICT so capably and thank Russ, Kim and Peter for keeping our school grounds and buildings safe and attractive.
And to our School Council members - thank you so much for the commitment you have shown to help make our school amazing. Your support and contributions have been greatly appreciated. A very special thank you to Michelle Rose for her dedicated leadership as our School Council President. Michelle led with care, integrity and a genuine commitment to our school community, always keeping the best interests of our students and community at heart. We also extend our sincere thanks to Jodie Winterton for her tireless support in partnerships and fundraising. Jodie has been a driving force behind many of our community events over the years, helping to build the strong connections that make our school such a special place.
With Gratitude and Best Wishes
As we reflect on the year, there is so much to feel proud of at WPPS. We often speak about our school community as one big family, and this is something we can all take great pride in. The sense of connection and belonging within our community is strong, and it will continue to grow as we move into 2026.
As Principal, I feel incredibly fortunate to lead such a dedicated and passionate staff and to be part of a community where support, kindness and collaboration are truly valued. Thank you to our wonderful families — your active involvement enriches our school and helps our WPPS community continue to thrive. I am also immensely proud of our exceptional students, who bring enthusiasm, kindness, curiosity and joy to school each day. Thank you for inspiring us with your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and show initiative, creativity and determination as you learn and grow.
Here’s to a bright year ahead as we continue to grow, connect and thrive together as a community.
I wish everyone a safe, relaxing and joyful Christmas and holiday break spent with family and friends.
Best wishes
Julie
2026 Start of School Year and Curriculum Day
The Department of Education (DET) mandates that all schools use the first day of the school year as a Curriculum Day for teacher planning and preparation. The first Curriculum Day for 2026 is therefore on Tuesday 27th January.
All Grade One to Six students will have their first day of school on Wednesday 28th January.
Our Prep students will attend a book drop off session on Wednesday 28th January at a selected time. All Preps will begin school on Thursday, 30th January for a half day with a sausage sizzle lunch for preps, buddies and prep parents starting at 12:30pm. Full days for preps begin on Friday, 31st January. Prep students will have the first 4 Wednesdays in Term 1 off school as a rest day and for their scheduled 1:1 assessments (beginning on Wednesday, February 5th)