Principal's Column

Just like that its the end of Term 3! As we reflect on the term that was a lot has happened including year level excursions, Parent Teacher Interviews, Book Week Celebrations, Athletics, Art Show, Book Swap, Education Support Staff Appreciation Week and most recently Colour Run. None of these could happen without the ongoing commitment of our staff, engagement of our students and the partnership we have with our families!

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

• Friday 20th September: Last day of Term 3 (students finish at 2.15pm)
• Monday 7th October: Term 4 begins (school starts at 9.00am)
• Monday 4th November: Professional Practice Day (no school for students)
• Tuesday 5th November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday (no school for students)
• Wednesday 27th November: Curriculum Day (no school for students)

MONSTER RUN FOR FUN

Yesterday we had our annual Colour Run and what an event it was! It was great to have our community come together and raise funds for our school. This year we raised in excess of $10,000 which will go to updates in our Sick Bay once our administration building is refurbished. Thank you to Miss. Slaymaker for her organisation and the staff for their support and flexibility to make the event happen!

Here are some pictures from the day:

PRINCIPAL FOR A SESSION

Last week I had the privilege of having five students join me as the Principal for a session. They chose this activity from our Westgroover Acknowledgement Menu as they had received 50 tokens this year for displaying our school values. Here are some pictures of some of the students attending to some important business in my office.

2025 PLANNING

The year keeps on flying by and we are already well into planning for 2025. One of our major planning factors is our student enrolments. Therefore, if you or someone you know are yet to enrol their child/children for next year please contact our office. Additionally, if your family is leaving us next year please also let our office know (this is not required for our Year 6 graduates).

STAFFING UPDATE

Next term we look forward to welcoming back Grace Lawless (Year 6), Nicole Thompson (EAL) and Mary-Jane Remy (ES) back to Westgrove as they have all had periods of extended leave this year. They will return to the roles which they were in prior to their leave, which means that 6G will come together again for Term 4. 

WEARING HATS

A reminder that students are required to be wearing a wide brimmed hat as part of our SunSmart policy. We encourage students to wear a navy hat it does not have to have our school logo on it. Please note: We do not sell hats at the office. 

Here is a link to our SunSmart policy: https://www.westgrps.vic.edu.au/_files/ugd/6dad92_a336bfb9ee6c4145bafd35549f332716.pdf 

SCHOOL SAVINGS BONUS

In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus. The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks.

To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.