Leadership updates and reflections
An update from Adele
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Curriculum Day: PhOrMeS
- Policy Updates: Afterschool Basketball, Child Safety Code of Conduct Policy + Child Safety Code of Conduct
- Disability and Inclusion: Term 2 SSGs
- Parenting Session: Supporting Students Experiencing ‘School Can’t’
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Tip: Understanding online gaming features
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing and happy Easter break with your families. Julie is on LSL until later this week, we are looking forward to hearing about her adventures in Japan.
We have an action-packed term ahead, with many wonderful opportunities for our students to connect, challenge themselves, and celebrate together. The term will commence with our Grade 3 students heading off to camp, while our Grade 2 students will enjoy their own camp day experience. Our School Captains will be representing WPPS at the Manningham ANZAC service for schools, and we will also hold our annual whole-school ANZAC Day assembly.
There will be plenty of opportunities for students to be active and involved, including our Cross Country event, as well as special community events such as our Mother’s Day Breakfast.
Curriculum Day: PhOrMeS
Our Curriculum Day on the final day of Term 1 was spent working with Shane from PhOrMeS. We have made exciting progress in the Literacy Space. We have embedded our UFLI (Systematic Synthetic Phonics Program) in Prep -2. PhOrMeS will take over from where UFLI finishes and will be implemented in Grades 3-6. PhOrMeS is an evidence-informed approach to teaching reading and spelling, based on the Science of Reading. It provides a structured, whole-school way to build strong literacy foundations for all students.
PhOrMeS stands for:
- Phonology (sounds in words)
- Orthography (spelling patterns)
- Morphology & Etymology (word parts and origins)
- Semantics (word meanings)
Through explicit and systematic teaching, students learn how to:
- decode (read) words
- spell accurately
- understand word meanings
- develop strong phonemic awareness and handwriting skills
PhOrMeS uses a systematic, synthetic phonics approach, where students are taught to connect sounds and letters, then blend them together to read and spell words with increasing complexity.
Importantly, PhOrMeS builds the essential foundations for literacy success. It supports reading and writing development, while working alongside other teaching to strengthen comprehension and written expression.
Policy Updates
The Education Sub Committee and School Council recently reviewed the following policies - they are linked to the policy page on our website, we encourage you to read them.
-Child Safety Code of Conduct Policy
Our Child Safety Code of Conduct sets out the expected behaviour of adults with children and young people in our school.
All Wonga Park Primary School staff, volunteers, contractors, service providers, school council members and any other adult involved in child-connected work must follow the Child Safety Code of Conduct.
The Child Safety Code of Conduct applies to all physical and online environments used by
students. It also applies during or outside of school hours and in other locations provided by the school for student use (for example, a school camp).
- Child Safety Conduct of Conduct
- Afterschool Basketball Policy
The purpose of the Afterschool Basketball Policy is:
•To provide an opportunity for students of all ability levels to participate in an organised
basketball competition supported by the school.
• To enable students to participate in sport with their peers and develop a sense of
belonging.
• To encourage teamwork, commitment, sportsmanship and fair play.
• To promote enjoyment of physical activity and lifelong engagement in sport.
• To prioritise participation, skill development and learning over winning.
• To promote inclusion and ensure all students feel welcome and supported.
Disability and Inclusion
Term 2 SSGs
Term 2 SSGs are currently being scheduled, Term 2 SSGs will be scheduled with one of the following people: Adele Brice (D&I), Liz Penny (Wellbeing), Terri Gioia (Academic Support), and Tim Phillips (Marrung).
Parent Session 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
Online games are a big part of many children’s social lives. Taking an interest in the games your child plays can help you better understand their online world. Ask them to show you how the game works, who they play with, and what they enjoy about it. When children feel comfortable talking about their online experiences, they are more likely to speak up if something goes wrong.
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