THE LINK

Principal's Report

It is hard to believe week 7 is coming to an end, leaving only 4 weeks of the term, and a very busy time ahead. 

Teachers and leaders have been working on preparing class groups for 2024. I want to emphasise the deep analysis that goes into working out class groups, honouring social and academic connections, as well as considering opportunities for new connections to develop, so that we are supporting every student at WEPS to flourish. 

We understand your desire to send in various parent requests and the anxiety this time of year can impose on students and parents. Please know, we have worked hard to meet all student needs, and our goal is to support every student to engage in a smooth and positive transition into their future classes. Some requests may not be met, but please be assured we have taken a considered approach in allocating every student in the school to their 2024 class. We appreciate the trust you have in us and hope that there is also excitement for 2024 and new classes. Students will not necessarily have the same teacher they have had this year. 

Please note the last date for sending through parent requests was Monday 30th October. We are now in the process of forming class groups for next year, so it is much more challenging to meet additional parent requests from this week onwards. 

 

Class structure 2024

After much consideration, deliberation, research and hearing the voices of our students and staff, we have made the informed decision to move into 2024 with a redesign of our class structures. Our classes will be grouped as straight grades;

  • X3 foundation classes (approx. 22 in each class)
  • X3 grade 1 classes (approx. 22 students in each class)
  • X3 grade 2 classes (approx. 24 students in each class)
  • X3 grade 3 classes (approx. 23 students in each class)
  • X3 grade 4 classes (approx. 22 students in each class)
  • X3 grade 5 classes (approx. 24 students in each class)
  • X3 grade 6 classes (approx. 23 students in each class)

We are looking forward to the positive impact straight grades will have on;

  • Teacher collaboration (planning and assessment in teams of 3) – we know that when teachers work together, students learn more!
  • Teachers strengthening collective responsibility for all students in their year level with increased opportunity to ‘know’ all the students and how they learn and socially/emotionally connect
  • Enhancing student academic and social connections with peers in their year level 
  • Flexibility and opportunity to still work beyond the year level to support students working beyond and below the expected learning level

On Tuesday 12th December all students at WEPS will be working in their new classes. We will send home classroom teacher and instructions for this day on Monday 11th December with your child.  Students will be working in their new classes all day on this day. 

 

Buildings and grounds update

We are still waiting on a permit for the grade 5/6 shelter to come through. This should be approved in the very near future, after which we can begin planning works over the summer period. We are looking forward to the completion of these works, after such a long process for approval. 

 

Classroom soundproof dividers

We are in the process of exploring the most economical and effective way to separate learning spaces in Foundation, year ½ and year ¾ buildings in support of minimising distractions during focused learning time. School council approved soundproof portable room dividers this week. We will order 1 panel to begin with, to make sure it fits our purpose, then follow through with the best options for all classrooms listed. Our intention is to have all dividers in place for the beginning of next year. 

 

Crazy Hair Day this Friday

A reminder tomorrow is Crazy Hair Day. Jimmy Boxer and his team (William and Jonah)

have organised crazy hair day in lieu of raising funds for the Heart Foundation and the WEPS Wellbeing programs (2 areas very close to Jimmy’s heart). About 15 years ago

Jimmy Boxer had a health scare, resulting in triple bypass surgery, which put him out of action for about 5 weeks. Since then he has come back stronger and fitter (and of course, ensures he has regular check ups). The intention of this day is to raise awareness of ‘heart disease’ (for young and old). For more information please click on the link below. Jimmy’s message to our school community is to be aware of the onset of heart disease as it could impact anyone. 

https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/

 

Family night – Thursday 30th November 5-7pm

We are really looking forward to bringing everyone together to celebrate 2023. We have some fantastic activities and entertainment planned, but are still looking for parent helpers to support the BBQ and cake stall. Please register your help using the link below. 

https://forms.gle/P3XspBLfM2KXVTf89

 

Parent Payments 2023

It is time to finalist parent payments and contributions for 2023 if you haven’t already done so. Please contact the office if you need more information regarding your account. Please note, the school does not receive additional funding for student requisites. Outstanding payments will impact on the schools program and facilities budget.