Principal's Report
It is hard to believe I am writing my final Principal’s report for the year. It was wonderful to see so many parents attend our final assembly yesterday and join us in celebrating our students, staff, and wider school community.
We have had a big couple of weeks and are incredibly proud of all our students as they embraced their transition into their 2026 classes. Our F–2 students did a marvellous job having a go at all the activities during Sports Day, and we were equally impressed with our senior students who supported and encouraged them throughout the day.
A big thank you to Karl Burton for coordinating such a successful event, and to Mary Lee, Ben Wormald, Billy Gardner, and Michael Keane for running a delicious sausage sizzle and handing out refreshing Zooper Doopers. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised just over $1,000 towards our school playgrounds plan.
Last week we celebrated Tyson Leonard’s release from hospital and were delighted to welcome him back for a visit to his class. It was heart-warming to see how excited the students were to see him and to spend some special time together.
As I reflect on the year, we have certainly achieved a great deal. We have completed many important projects and implemented essential improvements in both learning and wellbeing. We continue our journey with Structured Literacy, School-Wide Positive Behaviour, and our commitment to ensuring all students are engaged in every opportunity to learn, play, and grow.
This year also marked the completion of our School Review, allowing us to celebrate our achievements, identify priorities for improvement, and set the direction for the next four years. Parent, staff, and student voice informed the development of our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which we look forward to sharing with you in Term 1 next year.
Thank you to all parents who have generously volunteered their time to support our school programs and fundraising events throughout the year. Your involvement makes a real difference to our school community. A special thank you to Jodie Taylor for coordinating the School Breakfast Program, and to the following parents and staff who coordinated our fundraising events.
- Elisia Nichol – Bunnings BBQ and Science Night Bake Stall
- Justine Rogers – Science Night Bake Stall
- Alex Deal – Science Night bake stall
- Shell Lyons - Pearson's Nursery Plant Drive, Trivia Night and Silent Auction
- Amy Creek - Graphics designs - Trivia night and Silent Auction
- Emily Lanman - Graphics designs - Trivia night andSilent Auction
- Emma Charlton – Capitol Cinema Fundraiser
- Karina Burdess – Trivia Night and Silent Auction
- Lara Hunter – Trivia Night and Silent Auction
- Anna Hoekstra – Picture Plates fundraiser
- Cassie Holland – Basketball Tournament Cake Stall
- Mary Lee and Grade 6 leaders – Zooper Dooper Fridays
Thank you to our School Council: Dave Long (President), Clinton Hill (Treasurer), members – Shell Lyons, Elisia Nicol, Emma Charlton, Billy Gardner, Kerrie Hendarto, Rachael James and DET members Ann Dwyer, Mary Lee and Ali Smith, Nicholas Richardson for their time, dedication, and commitment to our school community. We sincerely appreciate their work on key projects, including road improvements in collaboration with Warrnambool City Council, support with the management and decision-making around our school grounds, and the development of plans for future playground improvements. Their contribution plays an important role in shaping a safe and welcoming environment for our students and families.
A special thank you also goes to Allesha Gardner, our Hands on Learning and Kitchen Garden coordinator. Allesha consistently goes above and beyond for our school -maintaining the garden, preparing delicious Tuesday morning teas for staff with the Hands on Learning team, and running her incredible stalls to raise funds for the Kitchen Garden program. Families who tour our school are always in awe of our garden space, and Allesha’s dedication and care make a real difference to our whole school community.
We also want to celebrate our wonderful staff member, Rowdy, our school therapy dog. Rowdy brings so much joy and comfort to our students and families, supporting school engagement in his gentle, caring way. Every day he is here, he works hard to help our community feel happy and safe - and in return, he is showered with love, pats and affection from our students. He truly has a special place in the hearts of everyone at Warrnambool East. Thank you to staff member Meredith Anderson for sharing her precious dog Rowdy with us.
A special thanks also goes to Jimmy Boxer for looking after our beautiful school grounds. His hard work and care help make our school a welcoming and vibrant place for students, staff, and the whole community.
We are incredibly proud of our student leaders who have taken the initiative to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy. A special thank you to our Koorie Leaders Chayce Grinter, Lincoln Clarke, Lukah Harris, Trinity Johnson, Narlah Lanigan, Maddi McKay, Jasper McLeod and Tamara Stennett– on the completion of their Legacy Project, led by Warrnambool College student Jailon Jenkins.
Congratulations also to our Community Project Leaders, Kaan Torun, Scarlett Pereira and Jasper McLeod who worked alongside our School Captains – Izzy Dart, Hugh Faris, Isla Seebeck and Adele Pinkerton to launch the Yes to Inclusion, No to Racism campaign.
I encourage you to take some time to read more about these wonderful projects under the following tabs:
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff for their unwavering dedication and care for our students. Our 55 staff members at Warrnambool East Primary School go above and beyond every day to support the wellbeing and learning of every child, always guided by a see something, do something approach. They listen, they learn, and they care deeply about your children, creating a school community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Warrnambool East truly is a special place because of them, and I wish each of our staff a relaxing and well-deserved break.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our wonderful parents and carers for your continued support throughout the year. Your partnership with the school, your encouragement at home, and your involvement in our community make a significant difference to our students’ learning, wellbeing, and success. We truly value the trust you place in us and appreciate the many ways you support Warrnambool East Primary School. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community.
This year we farewell Ms Ellie Coulahan who is expecting her first baby in the new year and we also farewell Jorja Sharp. We thank them both for the contributions they have made to our school. We wish both Ellie and Jorja all the best.
And I will now sign off for 2025. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.