Principal's Report

Remembrance Day 

This week, we celebrated Remembrance Day to honour and remember the soldiers and service members who have fought and died in wars and conflicts to protect our freedom and peace. It marks the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, when the fighting stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. On this day, we pause for a minute of silence to show respect and gratitude for their courage and sacrifice.  

It was lovely to see so many students and members of our community wearing a poppy. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and hope. It represents the soldiers who died in wars, as red poppies grew on the battlefields after World War I. Wearing a poppy shows respect for those who served and a commitment to remembering their sacrifice and striving for peace. I was very fortunate to attend the local ceremony at Whittlesea Secondary College because of the weather on the day. Thank you to our school captains, River, Sarah, Isla and Charlotte, who represented the school with pride. 

Cultural Action Tool @ WPS 

Earlier this week, Ms Amy Cater and I met with our Koorie Education Support Officer (KESO). Ms Talina Ellis regarding the completion of a cultural action tool to help us continue building on our current culturally inclusive practices. This tool, developed by the Department of Education, is an excellent resource for celebrating our school’s strengths and identifying areas we can continue to build on and improve. 

Safety First

This week, we have been updating our playground to ensure that it is compliant and safe for all of our community to enjoy.  This has also included the systematic installation of safety (OHS) signs around the school. In addition, the lift has had a bit of a safety update, with Keep Clear zones added at both the top and the bottom.

Free Public Transport

From 1 January 2026, people aged under 18 can travel free on all Victorian public transport services. This includes trams, trains, buses and coach services. To access free travel, they must use a new youth myki card and tap the card on and off each time they travel. For areas that do not use myki cards, they must show their myki card to travel for free. More information about the youth myki card will be available later in Term 4, 2025 – refer to the myki types webpage on the Transport Victoria website.

School Bus Program

The School Bus Program provides eligible students in regional and rural Victoria with access to free school bus services.  From 1 January 2026, we will remove the School Bus Program term fare for students who are ineligible for transport assistance. The youth Myki card cannot be used to travel on the School Bus Program.  Eligibility for the School Bus Program has not changed. Victorian government school students will still be eligible if they attend their designated neighbourhood zoned school and live 4.8 km or more from their campus. We will continue to assess applications for ineligible students in accordance with the School Bus Program policy. Ineligible students may be able to access a bus seat where one is available, after all eligible students have been accommodated.

If you have any questions about this, don't hesitate to contact Whittlesea Secondary College, the coordinating school for buses. 

Enjoy your weekends

Kaylene