Principal's Report

Whittlesea Schools Network Conference 

This week, I had the privilege of attending the Whittlesea Schools Network Conference in Sorrento, held over two days with a strong focus on "Teaching Excellence." The event brought together school leaders from across the network to explore the latest research, insights, and practices in education. The keynote speaker, Dr. Ryan Dunn, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, has worked extensively with schools in Australia, the United States, and Canada. His work focuses on teacher professional learning, educational leadership, and school improvement. Dr. Dunn shared valuable insights on the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0), highlighting how it can be adapted to meet the needs of individual school communities. A key focus of his presentation was Explicit Teaching—a structured approach to instruction that involves:

• Breaking content into smaller, manageable parts
• Prioritising concepts that have the most significant impact on student learning
• Active modelling and consistent interaction between the teacher and the student
• Providing regular opportunities for practice to foster independence

It was a timely reminder of the importance of clarity, purpose, and intentionality in our teaching.

We were also fortunate to hear from Dr. Hannah MacDougall, a dual Paralympian, former World Record holder, and PhD graduate in Athlete Wellbeing. Hannah inspired all delegates with her powerful message on wellbeing and inclusion. She spoke passionately about mindfulness, breathwork, and the importance of equipping ourselves and our students with lifelong tools for resilience and mental health. Her story and approach were a moving call to action: to make wellbeing a consistent priority, not just for one day, but every day.

Dr. Ben Palmer led the final session from GENOS International, which explored the topic of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership. This interactive session encouraged us to reflect on how self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation shape the effective leadership of others, both as individuals and in teams (aiming to always be in productive states)

Many of the strategies shared could be easily adapted to support leadership development at WPS - an exciting possibility for the future.

The Conference was a valuable professional learning experience that reinforced the importance of evidence-based teaching, leadership development, and whole-school wellbeing. I look forward to sharing these insights with our community and continuing our collective journey of growth and excellence.

I would also like to thank Rae Gittos and Brad Dupuy, who led the school in my absence. 

Reconciliation Week 

This week, we acknowledged Reconciliation Week. 

Bridging Now to Next encourages us to look ahead and continue moving forward, guided by the lessons of the past. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together. In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, which features native plants known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity, symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together. Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation.  We will continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.  

At WPS, we celebrated the week with our trees full of hearts, featuring many messages of reconciliation and unity. It has been wonderful seeing all the students with their families finding their hearts and reading the messages to one another. 

Enjoy the weekend,

Regards

Kaylene