Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are now well into Term 2 with some colder days and weather meeting us at school each morning. It’s been pleasing to see many students coming dressed appropriately with warmer clothes.
Curriculum Day
On Monday, while our students were at home on a Curriclulum Day, our teachers were busy working through assessment and moderation to support the completion of Semester 1 Reports. These days are vital in providing staff collaborative time to ensure consistency in assessment and results given to students. A reminder that reports will be released later this Term.
Education Week and Reconciliation Week
This week, we look forward to welcoming families to our Education Week open afternoon. This Thursday, from 2:30pm - 3.30pm, parents are invited to classrooms and then 3.30pm - 4.30pm is open to current and new parents. The theme is "Celebration of Cultures," focusing on the diversity of communities and the importance of making every child feel safe and welcome at school.
This will be followed by Reconciliation Week, where we will be hosting a number of activities for families to join. While we integrate First Nations perspectives, knowledge and history into our curriculum throughout the year, this is an opportunity to learn more about the significance of Reconciliation week and celebrate First Nations culture.
Education Support Staff Day
On Tuesday we held a special morning tea to acknowledge the work our Education Support Staff do across the school. When speaking to staff, I spoke about the often “invisible” work some of these staff provide to support our students or families. Whether it is a simple bandaid at first aid, delivering a lunch box, running a lunchtime club or working intensively with small groups of students all these actions are part of the fabric of our school.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the wonderful ES staff that we have at Whitehorse Primary School. From the office team, (Cheryl, Michelle and Cathie), who ensure the school is welcoming, to the wonderful support staff that we have in the classrooms and running our kitchen and garden programs (Cathie, Ashley, Deb, Carole, Alice, Sarah and Mandy). Your support and care for our community is truly appreciated.
Staffing Updates
Recently we have welcomed a few new and returning staff to Whitehorse PS. Effie Adams has commenced as teacher of 56C in place of Kya Gelb, Ellie Avery has returned to continue supporting PE, Zahabiya has commenced as an ES staff member to work with students and small groups across the school and finally Faith who has been working as a ES placement will be working until the end of June while Carole is on extended leave.
Bailey R - State Team Basketball
This week we were informed that Bailey R (Grade 6) has been selected to represent Victoria in the National School Basketball Championships later this year. Bailey has shown humility and dedication to the sport over many years even giving up his lunchtimes this year to coach our Grade 3/4 Hooptime students. We look forward to hearing more about Bailey's adventures and supporting him in the near future.
Mother’s Day Stall
Thank you to our parents who gave up their time to assist in running the stall and allowing students to purchase gifts for a special person on Mother’s Day. I know the day was a great success with a variety of gifts available for selection.
Soccer Goals
Thank you to Glenn and Steve for putting together our soccer goals for the students to use. They are being well utilised by students across the school.
Kindergarten Open Days
On Saturday both Seedlings and Warekila hosted their open days with some challenging weather not keeping the visitors away. Monica and Beth were ably supported by a number of current kinder parents who shared what makes our kinders great learning environments. Places for both Seedlings and Warekila are filling fast for 2026 so we encourage interested families to submit their enrolments as soon as possible!
2024 Annual Report
Our 2024 Annual Report has been approved by School Council and DET and will now be made publicly available on our website.
School Tours/Enrolments
Just a reminder to families that we are running weekly tours throughout Term 2 for new families and also for any family with a sibling starting school in 2026. We encourage all families to book in and bring their child along to support their understanding of the school and how we continue to grow and build opportunities for our students. Please visit our website for more information on Tours and timelines for enrolment for 2026 https://www.whitehorseps.vic.edu.au/. We will also be hosting a number of open afternoons for children to experience some of our specialist programs across the school. Last week we hosted our second open specialist afternoon. Thank you to the families that attended.
Attitudes to School Survey
Year 4 – 6 students will complete the annual Attitudes to School Survey between May 19th to 30th.
All government schools must participate in AtoSS, providing the opportunity for students from Year 4 to Year 12 to complete the survey. The survey provides data that helps the department understand student perspectives of their school and to improve the schooling experience. Data collected includes how students feel in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general.
AtoSS is aligned with the department’s Framework for Improving Student Outcomes 2.0. Data from the survey is used to inform school improvement and planning, to support student learning and wellbeing.
Kind regards,
Andrew Den Elzen
Principal