From the Principal & Assistant Principal
Woodend Primary School
Welcome back for Term 4, we hope that all families were able to enjoy some quality time together over the holiday break. It is lovely to see the spring weather has arrived and the mornings are getting warmer.
Transition for 2027
Term 4 is an important time of year where we prepare our students for transition into new year levels. Throughout the term teachers will be working to support students with this transition. Next week our Year 3 students will be attending the Carlsruhe campus for the first time and will be supported by our current Year 4 students. Year 3 parents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Carlsruhe program on Monday 26th October.
Locally raised funds
Throughout the year our families are incredibly generous and support our PFA and other school fundraising activities, like the Colour Lap-a-thon and the Carlsruhe Fair. Currently we have several items on our lists that we are planning to utilise the raised funds for, the spending of these funds must go through an approval process with our school council.
A list has been devised with input from students, staff and school council and PFA. Currently on our list are new art smocks for the Art room (see photo below of our wondful new smocks), increasing the number of decodable take home readers we have available and new padding for our football goals. The students have also requested we install a roof over the bike storage area, but we have not gone forward with this yet as the school has applied for a capital works grant which includes the installation of the roof. We are currently awaiting an outcome, if the grant application is rejected we will look to get the project approved through the School Council and the roof installed in the near future.
School Mascot poles
Last week a local Macedon woodcarver Paul Hurley (HurleyWood Creations) delivered our newly carved school mascot poles, which are on display in the garden outside the school office. Our Houses acknowledge our local history and Indigenous links. Each House is represented by a local animal and is named in the Dja Dja Wurrung language for that animal. Our Houses have been running since 1978 and are part of the foundation of the school, the poles provide a visual representation for our students and visitors. Thank you to Mrs Minchew for co-ordinating this project.
Peace Pole Competition
A Peace Pole is a hand-crafted monument that displays the universal message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages. Peace Poles are placed in public places (schools, parks, etc.) to celebrate peace and harmony on Earth. At Woodend PS, we will have our very own peace Pole and celebration! Our celebration will be held on Wednesday 18th November.
On our Peace Pole, the four languages will be: French, German, Japanese and English. Each class will decorate a paver in a mosaic style. These will be placed around the peace pole. Our pavers will celebrate peace as well as the main areas on Earth where our families come from.
We are currently running a competition in connection with Woodend Rotary for a chance to win 1 of 7 (1 per year level) $25 Readings vouchers. Please see the poster below for information. All entries need to be handed to Mr Sayers by the end of school on Tuesday 20th October.
Loddon Mallee Region Athletics Carnival
On Monday a group of 8 students in Year 4-6 represented our school at the Loddon Mallee Region Athletics carnival on Monday. Congratulations to these students for making it to this level and thanks to families for your support in getting them to the event. We would like to also congratulate Beau Chapman who has progressed to the next level.
Victorian State Schools Spectacular 2027
The 2027 Victorian State Schools Spectacular is inviting students to participate in the program that starts in February and culminates in a live performance at John Cain Arena on Saturday 28 August 2027.
Students can perform on stage or gain hands-on experience behind the scenes across all creative disciplines, under the guidance of industry professionals. The show provides a rare experience to perform in a world-class arena and for a television broadcast.
To register an expression of interest, and for more information on how to audition or take part, refer to the Victorian State Schools Spectacular – ways to get involved page. Complete the online form by Friday 13 November 2026.
Students are encouraged to register their interest in roles including:
musicians, dancers and singers
acrobats, cheerleaders or circus performers (specialty acts)
audio, lighting vision or stage management crew.
For information, refer to the Victorian State Schools Spectacular webpage.
For further enquiries, contact the department’s Performing Arts unit:
phone: 03 8683 2700
email: performing.arts@education.vic.gov.au
Principal Assistant Principal
Elissa Campbell Adam Sayers