THE LINK

Principal's Report

Warrnambool City Council is ready to consult with our school community, following approval to share their proposal for anticipated road and safety improvements in the Warrnambool East precinct. These changes will directly impact areas around our school. Please see the Draft LATM plan attached for your information.

Draft East Warrnambool LATM Plan.pdf

You are invited to attend one of the three consultation sessions being held next week. Sessions will be offered both online and face-to-face to suit a range of availabilities.

Session Options:

  • Monday 8th September, 7:30pm – 8:30pm (Online via Microsoft Teams) 

Link for online meeting - Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 418 359 362 724 0

Passcode: YT6W8GH2

 

  • Wednesday 10th September, 2:30pm – 3:30pm (Face-to-face) Held in the school staff room.
  • Friday 12th September, 9:00am – 10:00am (Face-to-face) Held in the school staff room.

No registration is required. Please choose the session that best suits you and either attend in person or join online.

We appreciate your understanding around the short notice—these timelines have been set by Warrnambool City Council and are outside our control.

We would like to thank the majority of our families who continue to observe and support our safety expectations. Your cooperation plays a key role in ensuring the safety of all students.

 

However, we are still encountering some misunderstandings regarding our guidelines. We would like to stress:

  • Please do not park in ‘No Standing’ areas.
  • Do not turn right when exiting the loop.
  • Collect your children from safe, designated locations. (This does not include the shared entry/exit to the school loop and service lane.)

 

Unfortunately, we have experienced some disrespectful responses when school leaders politely remind families of these rules. This is both disappointing and unacceptable, especially considering these measures are in place solely for the safety of your children. Thankfully, this behaviour is limited to a very small number of parents.

 

Once again, thank you to the 98% of our families who are consistently respectful and supportive. Your cooperation is both noticed and appreciated.

 

 

On Thursday 14th August, a pupil-free day, our staff came together to focus on an important milestone in our school’s improvement journey — preparing for our upcoming School Review. The school review process occurs once every 4 years and establishes the next 4 year Strategic Plan.

 

A key part of this process is the development of a Pre-Review Self-Evaluation (PRSE) — a comprehensive document that allows schools to reflect on their performance, practices, and progress over the past four years. Throughout the day, staff worked collaboratively to review evidence, analyse data, and contribute their insights and perspectives. It was a valuable opportunity to celebrate our school’s achievements and identify areas for future growth and improvement.

 

The PRSE involves detailed analysis and planning across several key areas:

  • Summary of School Context and PRSE Approach: A snapshot of our school’s unique characteristics and an outline of how we approached the self-evaluation process.
  • Analysis of Learning and Wellbeing Outcomes: A review of progress against our School Strategic Plan (SSP) goals, including outcomes for all students and priority cohorts. This also includes self-evaluation against the FISO 2.0 continua of practice.
  • Evaluation of Practices Across Five Core FISO 2.0 Elements: Reflection on current teaching and learning practices, identifying strengths, and recognising opportunities for further improvement aligned with the FISO 2.0 framework.
  • Compliance Self-Assessment: A review of our alignment with the Curriculum and Student Learning Minimum Standard and relevant Department of Education policies.

 

This process supports us in creating an accurate and honest picture of our school’s progress and sets the foundation for future planning. We are proud of the collective efforts of our staff and look forward to engaging further with our school community as the review process continues. We will also include parent feedback collated form our annual parent forums over the past 4 years and annual Parent Opinion Survey feedback. We will provide a copy for you to read, once it is finalised.

 

The Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 is a tool used by all Victorian government schools to help improve teaching and learning.

FISO 2.0 provides a clear structure for schools to reflect on how they are going, what they are doing well, and where they can improve.

 

There are five core areas that schools focus on under FISO 2.0:

1. Learning and Wellbeing - Making sure every student feels safe, supported, and challenged in their learning.

2. Leadership - Ensuring school leaders are guiding the school effectively and supporting staff and students.

3. Teaching and Learning - Supporting teachers to use best practices so that every student can achieve their best.

4. Assessment - Using assessment tools and data to understand each student’s progress and needs.

5. Engagement - Building strong connections between students, families, and the wider school community.

 

FISO 2.0 helps schools stay focused on what really makes a difference for students. When schools use this framework effectively, it leads to:

  • Improved learning and wellbeing outcomes
  • Positive school experiences
  • Stronger school-family partnerships
  • A safe and inclusive school environment

 

Our school review is scheduled for Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd October, followed by a final review day on Monday 27th October. We will be providing parents with further information regarding how you can also be involved. Please click on the link below for a comprehensive outline of what happens during a school review every 4 years. 

School Review: 4. What happens during a school review | VIC.GOV.AU | Policy and Advisory Library

 

 

Congratulations to our incredible Parents and Friends Group for organising a fantastic movie fundraiser over the weekend!

 

The event brought together 104 members of our school community to enjoy the stunning documentary Ocean with Sir David Attenborough. The spirit of the afternoon was truly special, with some amazing ocean-themed costumes on display — including a spearfisher, jellyfish, pirate, mermaid, scuba diver, shark, and even the ocean itself! (See photo attached!)

We are so grateful to the local businesses and organisations that generously supported the event with prizes and treats:

  • Prizes donated by: Kelp Magazine, Stoked and Port Fairy Surf School, Aquazone, and Collins
  • Snacks and drinks supplied by: SDL Distributors and The Dutch Café

 

The film was thought-provoking, sparking meaningful conversations about how we care for our oceans — and concern about the impact of human actions on marine life.

We're proud to share that the event raised $676, a wonderful effort that will go directly towards supporting our school.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed — and most of all, thank you to our Parents and Friends Group. Your work not only helps raise funds but also strengthens the sense of community that makes our school so special.

 

 

Our Grade 4 students had a fabulous time away earlier this week at Kangaroobie Camp! From team-building challenges to outdoor adventures, it was a memorable experience full of fun, learning, and personal growth.

 

A huge thank you to Ms Gleeson and the Grade 4 team for their incredible organisation and care in making this camp such a valuable experience for all students.

 

We are also extremely grateful to the staff who gave their time and energy to support the students throughout the camp:

· Ms Flynn Gleeson

· Mrs Suzanne Seniore

· Ms Jorja Sharp

· Mrs Nicole Farrelly

· Mrs Lisa Kearns

· Mrs Jaquie Durbidge

· Mr Wil Brennan

 

Overnight camps require a big commitment, and we sincerely thank our staff for going above and beyond to provide these rich learning opportunities for our students.

 

We wish all our fathers and father figures a fabulous day this Sunday!

We also look forward to celebrating with many of you at our special Father’s Day celebration in classrooms on Friday morning. It’s a great opportunity to come together and recognise the important role you play in the lives of your children – please join us, so we can celebrate you together.

 

A reminder, if your child is not returning to WEPS next year, please complete the google form - https://forms.gle/aU7EHnymud3ZSVXTA

 

And one last acknowledgement to finish …

 

GO CATS!!! 💙🤍💙