Dear Parents/Carers,

BASKETBALL/NETBALL COURT CONSTRUCTION

We have commenced the long-awaited construction of the new Basketball/Netball Court at Warrnambool Primary School.

We undertook a long tender process and Department of Education approval and ultimately the successful contractor was Mugavin Construction and Civil.

The expected timeline for completion is during the school holidays ready for play at the commencement of Term 4 2024.

This is an outstanding outcome for our community and especially our students.

We thank Cliton Brown for his hard work and dedication to this project along with the many and varied Philanthropic Groups across Warrnambool and District who contributed funds for this to be completed.

We will hold an official opening in Term 4 and we will invite representatives of these groups to attend to show our pride and offer our thanks.

STUDENT LEADERS CONGRESS MEETING OF SCHOOLS- BUDDY BENCH

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, we proudly celebrated the unveiling of our new Buddy Bench, a wonderful initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and friendship among our F-2 students.

A big thank you to our dedicated Student Leaders for their hard work and enthusiasm: Quinn Hussey, Calvin Traill, Willow Jolly, Frankie Brown, Ella Sharpe, Jack Bryant, and Matthew Stagoll. Their leadership and commitment to this project is commendable.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dan Jolly from Warrnambool College, Brendan Wilkinson, Kaley Grayson, and Donna Dixon for their exceptional design and detail when constructing the Buddy Bench. Their contribution has created a space where every child can feel welcomed and valued.

Special thanks are due to Jarryd Lewis and Lidia Allen for guiding our students through this meaningful project. Their support has been also been invaluable in ensuring that our younger students have a place where they can connect and feel included.

Together, we are making a difference in our school community, and this Buddy Bench stands as a testament to our collective efforts and dedication.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this project a success.

R U OK? DAY

Yesterday our school recognised R U OK? Day which is a National Day of Action where everyone is encouraged to ask people R U OK?

The message yesterday was: ‘We all have a role to play’. A role to play in staying connected, supporting those we care about and helping those struggling access to the help they need.

Today - and every day - let the people around you know you are there for them by asking ‘are you ok?’ A conversation can change a life.

Our Wellbeing Leaders put together a video explaining the 4 steps of asking a friend; R U OK? This video was shared with each of the classes across the school.

SOCIAL MEDIA

You may be aware that State and Federal Governments across Australia are drawing up bills to enshrine legal age restrictions on Social Media accounts.

There have always been age-appropriate warnings and restrictions but these were never properly policed. This is about to change.

In Australia, the legal age requirements to open accounts on major social media platforms generally align with international standards:

Facebook including Messenger: Users must be at least 13 years old.

TikTok: The minimum age is 13 years old.

Snapchat: Users need to be at least 13 years old.

Instagram: The minimum age is 13 years old.

In all but only a few isolated cases this means that Primary School students are not legally permitted to register any of the above accounts.

These platforms adhere to guidelines that align with both international and Australian laws regarding online privacy and the protection of minors. However, parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise their children's online activities to ensure their safety and well-being.

PARENT ROUNDTABLE WITH DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

In partnership with Parents Victoria, the Department of Education is seeking your feedback on the next phase of education priorities.This is an opportunity for you to share your ideas in achieving better learning and wellbeing outcomes for Victorian students.

FOSTER CARE WEEK

MacKillop Family Services is calling for the community to understand the urgency for foster carers across the state and highlighting the positive impact foster carers make to a child’s life.

Battling the ongoing decline in foster carer numbers, MacKillop is urging the community to better understand the role of foster carers, the impact they have on their community, and the support that’s available.

Rachael and Matthew Buck are two carers who provide a loving home to children in care. Carers for over six years Rachael and Matthew have provided respite and emergency care to over 100 children and young people.

With three children of their own, the Bucks chose respite and emergency care as it provided them with the flexibility they needed. As the Carlton AFLW Coach, Matthew Buck is busy, particularly during football season.

There are many different types of foster care including: emergency care, respite care, long-term care. Foster carers come from all walks of life and from every culture and religion. They can be single, married, in same sex relationships, work, be retired or study, have children of their own or not. The most important thing is that they want to give a child or young person safety and security.

If you think this is a role that you and your family are ready for or know someone who may be interested to support their community, visit mackillop.org.au/fostercare for more information.

ART EXHIBITION- ON HOLD 2024

Our great yearly Art exhibition will not be proceeding in 2024 due to the Building/ Grounds operations being undertaken this and next Term. Simply there is not enough space for Donna Dixon and the students to proceed.

However, at the Warrnambool Art Gallery there are many Warrnambool Primary School student’s Art pieces currently displayed. We envisage our Art exhibition to continue in 2025.

BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE - SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2024

We are very fortunate that we have been allocated the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle on Sunday 15th September 2024. The fundraising committee is calling for volunteers to assist with the cooking, serving and money-collection.

If you are able to spare an hour please register at the following link https://compasstix.com/event/7ef41524-cc08-4b6b-b3bb-b8c016b4430e or contact Skye Nichols in the office on 5561 5955.

If you can’t help and you’re in the area drop in and buy some lunch.

Every little bit helps and we hope that this event raises much needed funds for our great school.

FOOTY BREAKFAST 2024 - NOW BBQ/SAUSAGE SIZZLE LUNCH

FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Due to the Gym refurbishment the Fundraising committee at it's meeting on Tuesday night decided to make it a footy lunch - BBQ/ Sausage Sizzle for students on the last day of Term 3. Unfortuantely it won't be the big event we're used to but we will still make it an enjoyable day for our students.

Students are encouraged to where they can wear their favourite colours.

We do however wish to revert back to a breakfast in the future.

Thank you for your understanding.

More information on how to order will be provided closer to the date.

LAST DAY TERM 3 - FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2024 - 2.3PM FINISH

Next Friday 20th September is the last day of Term 3. Students will finish at the earlier time of 2.30pm. Theircare will be operating from this time, please contact them for bookings.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

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