An update from Julie

It is hard to believe that we are already in the final week of term. The past few weeks have been very busy, with students enjoying a range of exciting experiences including incursions, excursions, Somers Camp and the final Gala Day for our Grade 5/6 students.

What has stood out most throughout all of these opportunities has been the enthusiasm, positivity and engagement of our students. Whether trying something new, supporting one another or representing our school in the wider community, our students have embraced every experience with energy and pride, and we are proud of the way they have represented WPPS.

A wonderful example of this came recently when we received a phone call from a member of the public who wanted to congratulate our Grade 3/4 students. She had travelled on the train with our students on their excursion to the Melbourne Museum and was impressed by the respectful, considerate, and kind way they conducted themselves throughout the journey.

We are always very proud to receive such positive feedback from teachers, parents, and members of our wider community. It is a reflection of the way our students continue to demonstrate our core values of responsibility, respect, and kindness.

A Special Visit from Aunty Janet

An absolute highlight last Friday was a visit from one of our grandparents, Aunty Janet Turpie-Johnston, a distinguished Aboriginal artist, scholar and Elder. Aunty Janet was delighted by the beautiful ‘Deadly Doors’ created by each class to reflect this year’s theme Reconciliation Week theme of ‘All In Together.’ Students have learnt so much about the importance of connection to Country through their inquiry this term and have loved incorporating this knowledge into their Deadly Door designs.

Students thoroughly enjoyed learning from Aunty Janet about the importance of Country and the value of connecting with the natural world. A group of students were also inspired by the way Aunty Janet captures the beauty and wonder of the ocean through her distinctive artwork. They loved the opportunity to create their own pieces, drawing Wonga Park from the perspective of Bunjil the eagle.

I wonder how many of our students have taken up Aunty Janet’s challenge to feel the ebb and flow of the sea beneath their bare feet, sense the energy of trees, or gaze up at the stars on a clear night. Perhaps the upcoming holidays will provide the perfect opportunity!

A heartfelt thank you to Aunty Janet for so generously sharing her wisdom, knowledge and creativity with our school community and inspiring us to think carefully about how we can appreciate and care for Country.

Showcasing our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

This week, we are excited to showcase our wonderful Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) program as we welcome the CEO of the SAKG Foundation, Rob Rees, along with Nicole Werner, Member for Warrandyte, and the Shadow Minister for Education, Brad Rowswell, to our school.

As part of the visit, our Grade 3/4C students will prepare a delicious Mexican feast for our guests and lead a tour of our kitchen garden and chicken coop. It is always a pleasure to see students proudly sharing their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm, and we know they will do a fantastic job representing WPPS.

The Kitchen Garden program is a much-loved part of life at our school, giving students opportunities to learn, collaborate and connect while preparing delicious healthy seasonal food! We love what our students achieve through the program and look forward to them sharing their learning, confidence, passion and creativity with our visitors.

Planning Week

This week, our teachers will come together in Level and Specialist Teams to design rich and engaging learning experiences for next term’s Big Idea of ‘Power’. Students will explore this concept from a range of perspectives, with some year levels investigating power through science, while others will do a deep dive into areas such as financial literacy, design and technology.

A key part of our planning process is listening to our students. By capturing their questions, ideas and wonderings, teachers can shape learning that is meaningful, challenging, relevant and fun. We look forward to creating opportunities for students to think deeply, explore new possibilities and develop a greater understanding of the many ways power influences our world.

Socceroo Fun Day – Friday, June 26th Grade 6 fundraiser

What a fun way to celebrate the last day of Term 2 with a Socceroo Fun Day. This Grade 6 Graduation fundraiser has the option of a pop-up canteen lunch along with soccer activities, free dress in soccer colours and the chance to watch the Socceroos VS Paraguay on the big screen! Lunch orders close on Wednesday!

End of Term – 3:30pm dismissal

Please remember that dismissal on the final day of Term 2 is the regular time of 3:30pm.

Curriculum Day – Monday July 13th

Just a reminder that the first day of Term 3 is a pupil-free day. Online parent-teacher interviews will be running on the day from 9:00am- 7:00pm. Parents will receive information about how to book a time through the Sentral parent portal.

As well as interviews with classroom teachers, parents may also wish to book an interview with the following specialist teachers – Mrs Salisbury (Art), Tim Phillips (Performing Arts) or Michael O’Dwyer (Physical Education). Specialist teachers may also reach out to families to organise an interview.

Thank you and happy holidays!

Thank you to all of our families for partnering with us to support your children. We greatly appreciate the many ways that families support tprograms, events and our learning community. A huge thank you also to the leadership team, teachers, support staff and Kerry and Lesley in the office for the care, passion and commitment they make every day for our students and families.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable term break. Fingers crossed for some sunny weather and the chance to relax, recharge and have special time with family and friends.

We look forward to seeing you all back at school on Tuesday, July 14th.

Warm regards

Julie

An update from Adele

In this issue, information is shared about:

Policy Update: Inclusion and Diversity Policy
OHS / Staffcarpark
Child Safety: Cyber Safety Tip: Stay Curious and Keep the Conversation Going
Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)

Policy Update

Inclusion and Diversity Policy

The Inclusion and Diversity Policy has been updated, the policy can be viewed here.

The purpose of this policy is to explain how Wonga Park Primary School works to make sure every member of our school community is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or personal attributes. The policy should be read alongside the following department policies:

• Equal Opportunity and Human Rights - Students

• For staff, the Respectful Workplaces policies (including Equal Opportunity – Employees, Sexual Harassment – Employees and Workplace Bullying

OHS / Staff Carpark

5 km/h speed limit signs have recently been installed in the staff car park. While this area is designated for staff parking, it is also used for student drop-off in the mornings and pick-up in the afternoons.

We have noticed that some students are running through the car park on their way to basketball training before school. As there is significant vehicle movement in the car park during this time, we ask that parents and carers please support their child to cross the car park safely and carefully in the mornings.

Cyber Safety

Cyber Safety Tip: Stay Curious and Keep the Conversation Going

Technology changes quickly, but one of the most effective ways to support children online is ongoing conversation. Ask questions, stay curious and let your child know you are interested in their online world. Strong communication helps children feel supported and safe.

Explore more parent resources:https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular newsletter article)

The Cyber Safety Project offers the Cyber Safe Parents 2026 Webinar Series, a practical, engaging online program designed to help families raise smart, safe, and kind digital kids.

Across four live online sessions, parents will gain clear, realistic strategies to confidently support children at home. Topics include:

Balancing Life & Tech – Reducing conflict and restoring healthy screen balance.
3 August 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Cyberbullying & Resilience – Supporting young people to manage wellbeing online
27 October 2026 | 7.30pm AEDT (45 mins)

This series provides valuable guidance for navigating device set up, online risks, app safety, screen time, critical thinking and digital wellbeing, all in a supportive and parent-friendly format.

We strongly encourage all families to take part in this important learning opportunity.

If you’re unable to attend on the night, you can still register to receive the recording and resources.

Register via: bit.ly/Parents-2026

eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)

The eSafety 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 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.

I trust that families have a lovely Term 2 break - I look forward to reconnecting with everyone in Term 3Warm regards,

Adele Brice

Assistant Principal

adele.brice@education.vic.gov.au

Wellbeing Hub