First, I would like to thank Mrs Ann Dwyer who stepped into the acting principal role over the past 3 weeks, when I suddenly fell ill. I am so happy to be back on deck this week, but working in a slightly modified capacity over the next couple of weeks as I get back into flow.

The cooler weather is definitely setting in (although we have been very lucky to have some lovely days) and we are all hoping for some solid rain!!! It is that time of year that we start to get the winter chills, colds and flus. As we approach winter next week, I would like to send out a gentle reminder about how important it is to prioritise sunlight exposure, exercise, and social interaction during the winter. Regular outdoor walks and incorporating activities that boost your mood, such as engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones are highly recommended. And, maintaining a healthy diet, including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, can also help. It is also important to keep your children home if they are unwell to not only support recovery but also reduce the spread of illness.

Last Monday night our wellbeing team presented the School Wide Positive Behaviour Matrix (expected behaviours) and revised Behaviour Response Flow Chart (how we respond when something goes wrong). These have been created as part of our work with School Wide Positive behaviour with all staff. Student voice has also been considered and teachers have inducted students into this way of being at school. Thank you Nicole Farrelly, Ann Dwyer and Kerry McCarthy for launching this to parents during our online session last Monday night. We had approximately 9 families link in (we understand families are busy), but hope to continue working with you to engage in such events. Please see the Wellbeing section of the LINK to review these documents with an opportunity to offer what you notice and wonder through a google survey link.

We have had a wonderful time meeting lots of new families during our scheduled school tours for Foundation 2026. Our school captains – Izzy, Hugh, Adele and Isla are doing a fabulous job taking families through our school and explaining how we work at WEPS (with a school leader in tow). Enrolments for Foundation 2026 are coming in. A reminder to all our families, if you have a little one starting school next year, please submit your enrolment form. Enrolments are due on the 25th July and finalised by the beginning of August, so that we can begin planning for classes and transition.

This week our grade 4, 5 and 6 families will receive information about the Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS) for students. All government schools must participate in AtoSS, providing the opportunity for students from Year 4 to Year 12 to complete the survey. The survey provides data that helps the department understand student perspectives of their school and to improve the schooling experience. Data collected includes how students feel in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general. Student Voice data from the survey is used to inform school improvement and planning to support student learning and wellbeing.

This week is Education Week. The theme for this year is "Celebration of Cultures," highlighting the diversity within communities and the importance of every child feeling safe and welcome at school. Our school leaders have launched their community project this afternoon at assembly. Please view their promotion clip and read how you can get involved in our ‘Flavours of the World’ event on Wednesday 30th June. Celebrating and embracing all cultures is just the way we do things at WEPS, and we will continue to work hard each day to make sure we engage that way. Tonight we are hosting our first family night for families with English as an Additional Language (EAL). We are looking forward to strengthening our connections and hearing how we can authentically continue to support inclusion and a stronger sense of belonging with our school and wider community.

https://forms.gle/ABJHmhri2Pd6ofHH6

And, next week is Reconciliation Week. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Ms Nikki Calderwood, Mrs Karen Harradine and Mrs Melissa Fisher have been working hard on planning

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are 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.

Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.

At WEPS we commit to continuing to explore ways to connect with Indigenous culture, strengthening partnerships with our First Nations families and continuing to educate our school community on all aspects of Indigenous culture.

THE LINK

KINDNESS, RESPECT, INCLUSION, PERSEVERANCE

Issue 15 · 22 May 2025

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