Dear Parents/Carers,

STAFFING NEWS

We are very sad to announce that Mr John Papadopoulos, our very popular teacher of Japanese, will be leaving at the end of Term 2, 2024. Whilst we are sad that John is leaving we are very happy for him as he is retiring after a highly successful and wonderful teaching career spanning more than 35 years. He commenced at Warrnambool Primary School in 2001 and has been a mainstay of our teaching and learning program since that time. We wish John all the very best in the next exciting phase of his life, which will include travel.

We are incredibly fortunate to have secured the services of Mrs Samantha Webster, who is currently a Japanese teacher at Emmanuel College. Sam is a very well-credentialed teacher of Japanese. We warmly welcome Sam, who will be joining us at the beginning of Term 3, 2024.

YEAR 3 - CAMP KANGAROOBIE

We had a wonderful time at Camp Kangaroobie!

The weather could not have been any better for the Year 3 camp! Staff and students had an absolutely wonderful time and the camp was a huge success with fun and education achieved by all involved. Kangaroobie staff made several comments on our student behaviour, which was very impressive and the students should be very proud of themselves! Our students were kind and respectful, helping to achieve such a pleasing camp for all involved.

For many, it was their first time away. For others, it was their first experience of being on a farm.

The first stop was the Hopkins Falls, followed by the 12 Apostles. The farm tour was a popular activity. Students learned a lot about the farm animals, including pigs and sheep. Only a lucky few children got to kiss the pig although most wanted to try! Students loved the bush chasey game. Free time at camp was also popular. The ga-ga pit had plenty of use and Echo, the Kelpie, was one of the main players.

The obstacle course was challenging and lots of fun. It is also the reason the students brought home so much dirty washing, as they needed to make their way through muddy puddles and over obstacles as they tackled the course through the bush. It was exhausting! Bush cooking allowed children to learn how to make a fire and also how to cook damper on a stick in the fire. Plenty of butter and jam meant that the damper was a hit and tasted like a lovely warm scone. The children really enjoyed hut building. This activity gave them the chance to work as a group and use their skills and organisation to work together to build impressive huts. After an amazing sunset we were treated to a spectacular night sky, perfect for the night walk. Matt, from Kangaroobie, pointed out several stars and constellations as we walked around the property with torches. The food on camp was delicious and students were never hungry. Fresh fruit was available all the time. On the second night students were treated to a singalong concert, performed by Jane McMeel and Pat Kluver, before a movie on the big screen. After such a huge day many children fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows!

On the way home we enjoyed our lunch at the wonderful playground in Port Campbell.

A big thank you to Jonathon Pollard, Jane McMeel, Gina Mills, and Pat Kluver for their dedication and support.

We also extend our gratitude to the parents for supporting our fantastic camping program.

YEAR 1 NIGHT WALK

As part of our school camp program Year 1 students enjoyed a delightful evening at the school. The event began with tabloid sports in the gym, a play on the playground, a much-welcomed sausage sizzle dinner, followed by an extended walk around the school. Unfortunately due to the weather the walk to the Botanic Gardens wasn't able to go ahead. The students did however enjoy walking around the school.

A big thank you to the staff who organised and helped with this event: Edwina Medro, Bebe Ryan, Dave Cashin, and Danielle Toone. Well done to all the children for their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour.

YEAR 6 SWIMMING

Year 6 students have wrapped up their swimming lessons at Aquazone. Being a town surrounded by water these lessons a important to teach students how to swim and about water safety. In their last lesson students had to tread water for 2 minutes in clothing, perform rescues and learn about CPR to obtain their water safety certificates.

Thank you to all our parent volunteers and to staff for ensuring that these important lessons occur.

YEAR 5/6 DEBATING

On Friday 19th April a select group of Year 5/6 students attended Mozart Hall for the 2024 Debating. It was an outstanding effort by all participants and they were presented with a certificate at assembly a couple of weeks ago.

PEACEFUL KIDS PROGRAM

Last week the wellbeing team began implementing the Peaceful Kids program in Foundation A, Foundation B, 1A and 1/2C. The students are improving their emotional literacy, recognising and acknowledging feelings, building empathy and regulating emotions through mindfulness and meditation skills.

The program is 5 x 1 hour sessions, with each session focusing on a new skill. The students have responded well to the program and are learning lifelong skills to help manage stress and anxiety.

LIONS CLUB EYESIGHT TESTING

Recently several Lions Club members completed sight testing on selected students. The testing covered visual accuracy, colour vision, depth perception and the spot screener covered myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, anisometropia, binocular vision and anisocoria. Parents will receive a letter providing the results. Testing picked up a few students who have been recommended for some further assessment. If you have concerns about your child’s sight and they were not tested at school, it would be worth following up with an optometrist appointment.

PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 7TH JUNE & PUBLIC HOLIDAY MONDAY 10TH JUNE

A reminder that Friday 7th June is a Pupil Free Day. Teachers will be completing assessment and reporting duties so students are not required at school.

‘Their Care’ will be operating on Friday 7th June 2024 if you are seeking their services.

Monday 10th June is the Kings Birthday Public holiday, the school is closed and ‘Their Care’ will not be operating.

SCHOOL COUNCIL/SUB COMMITTEES DATE CHANGE - TUESDAY 11TH JUNE

School Council and the associated sub-committee meeting are being held a week later than previously scheduled.

They will now run at the normal times but on Tuesday 11th June 2024.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

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