Woodend Primary School Newsletter

From the  Principal 

Diana Ellis

Whole school Cross Country

Last week we had our whole school cross country. The school was a sea of colour with our students wearing their house colours. The level of excitement and enthusiasm was wonderful to see along with the great sportsmanship. Our students demonstrated their support for their peers on so many levels and it was heartwarming to see students encouraging one another but also celebrating the achievements of their peers.

Thank you to the many parents/grandparents that were in attendance to cheer on our students. 

Bunnings BBQ

This weekend our Parents and Friends Team are running a fundraiser in the form of a Bunnings BBQ. We will be at Bunnings from 8.00 am until 4.00 pm on Sunday. Come along and support us and buy a sausage or ten. All funds raised go towards our school and the projects PFA are supporting this year such as:

  • Our memorial garden

  • A roof over the bike shed

  • Air Conditioners in the classrooms

PFA Annual General Meeting

Last week I had the pleasure of being part of the Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting. It was great to welcome some new members to this valued and valuable team of parent volunteers who work so well together to raise funds for our programs, resources and facilities.

We had the elections and have our newly elected office bearers (further information in the PFA section of the newsletter).

Our Parents and Friends Group currently has around 15 members and a fairly even spread of mums and dads. The group meets around 10 times a year to plan fundraising opportunities for our school with a lot of fun during the planning and implementation of the events. 

 

School Council Annual General Meeting

Next week we have our Annual General Meeting for School Council. School Council is the body that is responsible for governance of our school with responsibilities such as:

  • ensuring that school finances are expended for proper purposes relating to the school and the school maintains a healthy financial position.

  • taking into account any views of the school community for the purpose of making decisions in regard to the school and the students at the school

  • promoting the school and stimulating interest in the school in the wider community

  • endorsing the School Strategic Plan and review the Annual Implementation Plan — to be signed by the President and the Principal

  • managing the hire, licence and shared use of school facilities

  • determining the dates for the school’s student-free days

  • developing and implementing policies 

  • endorsing and tracking the school’s financial position

School Policies

At School Council next week, it is hoped we will endorse the draft copy of our Homework Policy. In consultation with parents and DET guidelines, we have been reviewing and updating our policy since August 2024. Once the policy is endorsed we will communicate it in our next newsletter and it will placed on our school website with all of our other policies. 

 

Principal Recruitment

In light of my impending retirement many people are asking who the next Principal of Woodend Primary will be.

There is a rigorous process that is followed for the recruitment and appointment of all Principals.

The staff and School Council will first be addressed by a Senior Education Improvement Leader from DET Regional Office, prior to the end of the term. The process will be explained in detail and then the position will be advertised on the DET recruitment portal. 

Led by a Senior Education Improvement Leader, a panel will be selected that is comprised of the Senior Education Improvement Leader, the School Council President, a staff member and another School Council member. It is mandatory that the panel receives training prior to the commencement of the selection process. Once the application period closes, the panel will then short list the applicants and interview. 

It is likely that this process will occur in Term 2.

 

Term 1 School Events

As we head towards the end of the term, we always like to reflect on the events that have happened during the term and planned events. We are proud of the many opportunities that are provided for our students.

  • Cobaw Tennis 

  • Clean Up Australia Day

  • WPS Cross Country

  • NAPLAN

  • Foundation Testing

  • School Nurse (Foundation)

  • Carlsruhe Yelka Trail (history walk)

  • Student Leadership Conference 

  • Excursion to Cook’s Cottage (Year 4)

  • Water Safety (Year 1-2)

  • Local excursion to Neighbourhood House (Year 3/4/5)

  • Emergency Drill – week 8

  • Harmony Week

  • Colour Run/Lap-a-thon

  • Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

  • Year 5/6 Canberra Camp

  • Year 4- 6 Athletics (Kyneton) 

  • School tours (Foundation 2026)

School Crossing & Bike Safety

As our annual Ride 2 School Day approaches, it is timely to remind families of the need to stay safe on the roads and around school. Parents are the best role models for the behaviour expected of our students and as such we remind all parents to also please dismount from bikes, prior to walking across the School Crossing. 

Principal

Diana Ellis