Across Oliver's Desk 

Dear Parents,

As this is the final newsletter of the term, I would like to congratulate our whole school community on a brilliant start to the year. We have again endured the noise of construction, but I think we can finally start to see the beginning of the end. I have been told that almost everything will be finished in the next six weeks. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. 

Our school review has been very positive and has validated our status as a high performing school. A big thanks to Flick Curnow (lots of work for her) and our new school council President, Kieran Cantwell for all their help and assistance with the review.

Last year students did seem to be more susceptible to bugs and we had a lot of issues with attendance. This term has been better but I would like to remind you that every day is important at school. Of course if students are sick they can’t be at school but random days off for kids do mean they miss important learning. 

STAFFING

It hasn’t been an easy term for us in terms of staffing but we know we are still better off than a lot of schools who actually cannot hire staff due to the teacher shortage.

We say a big final farewell to Deeon Toogood, who has worked with us for seven years. There are so many students here that have had the joy of being taught by Mrs Toogood. She has touched many lives in her time at Woori. We were so lucky to have her here during this term when we really needed her. We wish her all the best with her move to South Australia and we thank her for everything she has done for us. Please keep in touch Mrs Toogood. Thank you Mrs Toogood for everything. 

3/4E will next term have Steph Verhoef (3 days) job sharing the grade with Meagan Mallison (2 days). Meagan comes to us with lots of experience working at Manchester Primary School. We are very excited to have her working at Woori. Therefore, a big Woori welcome to Meagan first day of term 2.

Because we have had to move Steph to 3/4E her two days working in the junior school have to change. Meagan will do Thursday’s in Prep C and Libby Bemrose will do Friday’s in 1C.

Last year we saved a little bit of money on staffing and therefore we have been able to hire a registered nurse (three days a week) starting next term. Maddy Brooks was the successful candidate and will work Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Her role will be to work in our sick bay from 10:30am until 3pm. Maddy will take over as our first aid supremo giving Mrs Menta more time to teach and have her lunch while actually sitting down. 

LONG SERVICE LEAVE

Both Flick and I are taking some long service leave this year. Flick has just had two weeks long service and will take another few weeks later on in the year. I’m taking the first four weeks of term 2 as long service leave. Flick will be Acting Principal in my absence. Rachel Ward will take over as Assistant Principal while either Flick or I am away. I would already like to thank her for the great job she did while Flick was away.

DISTRICT ATHLETICS

On Wednesday our grade 3-6 children went and competed in the district athletics carnival. Although we didn’t win the carnival we were winners on the day as I had a number of teachers/parents comment to me about how wonderful our students’ manners were. Something I love to hear. Every year I love seeing our kids in the Woori sports tops which I always think makes us look wonderful. 

It was fantastic to see our students doing their best and striving hard. Thank you as always to Mr Gibbons who does and outstanding job organising all the sporting events for the school. 

Go Woori!

THE WOORI EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Woori Excellence Award is the highest honour a student can achieve in their grade each term. Teacher’s judge who they believe has strived for excellence academically, socially and upheld our values of high expectations and respect.

The recipients of this award will have their award (and their picture) displayed in a frame in the office area until the following term. They will also receive a special pin to be worn with pride on their uniform. Pin colours are determined on how many previous excellence awards a child has received. Winning one of these awards is a major achievement. The colours for this award are:

1st –    White

2nd –   Green

3rd –    Pink

4th -     Yellow

5th -     Orange

Congratulations to this terms winners:

STEPS WINNERS FOR THE TERM

The following students received the most “step ups” in their classrooms this term and therefore will be invited to have sumptuous morning tea with Principal Flick first week back in term 2.

ANZAC DAY - 2024

This year ANZAC day falls on what will be the second Thursday after the holidays.

This year the Upper Yarra RSL will again stage their very child friendly ceremony. Students are encouraged to March down the main street of Yarra Junction to the cenotaph where a service will be held.

I would like to invite students of all age groups to participate. Please join Flick, Mrs Menta and some of our other teachers on Tuesday the 25th of April at 10:15am in front of the Commonwealth Bank in Yarra Junction. We will march behind our Woori Yallock Primary School flag. Children are encouraged to wear medals belonging to grandparents or other relatives. 

OUR CROSSING SUPERVISOR, DAWN

Congratulations to our much loved crossing supervisor Dawn. Dawn has been our crossing supervisor for 25 years. We celebrated this wonderful milestone at a special assembly on Wednesday morning. Dawn told us that she won’t do another 25 years but she will do another 10. Thanks Dawn for looking after the Woori Yallock children for so long. We look forward to our long association continuing. 

I wish you all a very safe and happy Easter, I hope you all get time to read and relax. During my extended break I am having a Bali holiday but I will also immerse myself in many books. I just bought, ‘where the crawdads sing’ I know they made it into a movie but I heard the book was a great read. 

I also hope to see Carlton continue to win lots of games, which brings me so much joy! Did I mention that Carlton were undefeated??? And I’m sorry Ellen but we have had nothing but cold pies.   Editorial Note:  Pies are still hungover :-)

Oliver Thockloth

Principal