Leadership updates and reflections
An Update from Julie
Wonga Weekly – Week 2, Term2 2026
Welcome back to Term 2! It was lovely returning from LSL late last week to see the smiling, refreshed faces of our students and staff. We are looking forward to a wonderful term of learning with our Big Idea of Country underpinning our inquiry. Congratulations to our Grade 2 students who had a wonderful one day camp experience and our Grade 3s who had their first overnight camp experience at Mt Evelyn last week. Teachers were very impressed with the resilience, independence and teamwork that students displayed. Camps are such a great opportunity to build important life skills beyond the classroom - well done to our Grade 2 and 3 students!
ANZAC day Assembly
What a special ANZAC Day assembly we shared this morning. It was lovely to see so many parents and grandparents join us, and to witness the beautiful tributes so thoughtfully prepared by Tim, Mrs Salisbury, Miranda and our students.
Our school captains spoke with confidence and respect, reflecting on the significance of ANZAC day and warmly thanking our special guest, Mr Peter Fallon. Peter’s service in the Australian Army, and his ongoing commitment to supporting the veteran community through his volunteer work at the Austin Repatriation Hospital, were both inspiring and deeply appreciated. His reflections on teamwork, courage, service, kindness and the importance of “lifting others” offered a powerful and lasting message for our students.
Thank you to Emmy for her moving reading of In Flanders Fields, and to Matilda and Lachlan, Phoenix and Georgia, and Eliza and Theo for representing their classes in laying the commemorative wreaths. Our soloists Zahli, Victoria and Tiarra sang When the War Is Over beautifully, and Violet gave an outstanding flute performance of Waltzing Matilda. The assembly concluded with our talented choir singing Lest We Forget.
My sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this important occasion so meaningful. Each year, our special assembly is an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and respect. It is a time to learn about courage, resilience and mateship – values that defined our ANZACs and all service men and women and helped shape what it means to be Australian.
Whole School Cross Country
We are looking forward to our annual Whole School Cross Country this Friday which will be held at the school. Although it will look a little different this year with our usual venue unavailable due to significant works being undertaken, we are sure it will still be just a special! We warmly invite all parents to come along to cheer along our young athletes. The weather looks perfect and we are looking forward to a great day.
Parent/Teacher Progress Interviews
Just a quick reminder that our Term 1 Progress interviews are being held online this Wednesday, April 29th. If you have not had a chance to book a time, please go to the parent portal and make a booking. Online bookings close at 9:00pm tomorrow (Tuesday, April 28th). If you are having difficulties accessing the site, please phone the office for assistance. This is an important opportunity to touch base with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss your child’s progress so we would encourage all families to book an interview time.
Have a great week
Warm regards
Julie
An update from Adele
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Disability and Inclusion: Understanding Learning Difficulties + Hoodie Up Day
- Parenting Session: Supporting Students Experiencing ‘School Can’t’
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Tip: Talking About In-Game Purchases
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
- eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Disability Inclusion
Understanding Learning Difficulties
Learning difficulties are quite common and can affect how a child progresses at school. They may arise for a range of reasons, including interrupted learning, health issues, limited early language exposure, or family circumstances. In many cases, these challenges can be temporary and improve significantly when students receive targeted support and effective teaching.
It’s important to understand the difference between learning difficulties and learning disabilities. Learning difficulties often respond well to intervention and support, whereas learning disabilities (such as dyslexia) are lifelong and linked to differences in how the brain processes information. Students with learning disabilities may require more time and ongoing support to develop key skills.
Every child with a learning difficulty is unique. While they may face challenges in areas such as reading, writing or mathematics, they often demonstrate strengths and talents in other areas such as sport, creativity, problem-solving or practical skills.
With the right support, all students can learn, grow and thrive. Schools and families play an important role in working together to identify needs early, provide targeted support, and celebrate each child’s strengths and progress.
This information is summarised from content from: The Victorian Governments Education page Information for parents.
Hoodie Up Day
On Friday our school community proudly participated in Hoodie Up Day, to support Autistic people, celebrate neurodiversity, and promote understanding, inclusion and belonging. Run by Amaze, Hoodie Up encourages us to wear a hoodie as a visible sign of support and a way of starting important conversations about acceptance and inclusion.
For many Autistic people, hoodies can represent comfort, regulation and a sense of safety, making this a meaningful symbol for the day. Through our participation, students had the opportunity to reflect on the value of diversity in our community and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels understood, respected and able to thrive. Days such as Hoodie Up Day connect strongly with our commitment to inclusion, empathy and belonging. Thank you to our students, staff and families for supporting this important initiative and helping celebrate the many ways people think, learn and experience the world. Our Student Voice team worked hard to promote this day in our community.
Parent Session 'School Can't' opportunity
Supporting Students Experiencing ‘School Can’t'
Maroondah City Council (in conjunction with several other councils) is hosting a free online parenting session to support families of children who experience difficulty attending school, often referred to as “school can’t” (previously known as school refusal).
This session will provide practical strategies to help parents and carers recognise early signs of distress, understand the impact of stress and the nervous system, and support children who feel unable to attend school. It also emphasises the importance of reframing this experience as a wellbeing response rather than behaviour, and offers guidance on supporting both your child and yourself.
The webinar will be presented by School Can’t Australia and is designed to build confidence, understanding and practical tools for families.
Date: Tuesday 12 May
Time: 7:00–8:30pm
Format: Online (recording available for registered participants)
Bookings: via this link
Cyber Safety
Cyber Safety Tip: Talking About In-Game Purchases
Some games allow players to buy extra items, upgrades or new content. These purchases can sometimes happen quickly and without children realising the cost. Checking game settings and discussing family expectations around spending can help prevent unexpected charges.
You are encouraged to refer to the eSafety Commissioner's information about issues and advice for gaming for more information.
Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series
The Cyber Safety Project offers the Cyber Safe Parents 2026 Webinar Series, a practical, engaging online program designed to help families raise smart, safe, and kind digital kids.
Across four live online sessions, parents will gain clear, realistic strategies to confidently support children at home. Topics include:
AI & Critical Thinking – Understanding what AI really is (and isn’t) and why it matters for your family
20 May 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Balancing Life & Tech – Reducing conflict and restoring healthy screen balance.
3 August 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Cyberbullying & Resilience – Supporting young people to manage wellbeing online
27 October 2026 | 7.30pm AEDT (45 mins)
This series provides valuable guidance for navigating device set up, online risks, app safety, screen time, critical thinking and digital wellbeing, all in a supportive and parent-friendly format.
We strongly encourage all families to take part in this important learning opportunity.
If you’re unable to attend on the night, you can still register to receive the recording and resources.
Register via: bit.ly/Parents-2026
eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.
The schedule for 2026 can be accessed via this link .
Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.
Warm regards,
Adele Brice
Assistant Principal