Across Oliver's Desk 

150th Celebration and Official Opening

It was an amazing day at our 150th and I thank the whole community for getting behind our big occasion. We had double the attendance than we had predicted; which was fantastic. There were staff, students and parents from different generations which, all basically commented on similar things:

• That the school was drastically different to when they were here
• That they wish we would have been able to keep some of the old school like the old sandpit building
• That the new building and grounds looked amazing

I did like that what Paul Rowe (Builder or the project) said. ‘Out of all of the school buildings we have built, this one is our favourite, as it is functionally well thought out but still looks aesthetically pleasing. It was really well planned.’ 

The school did well out of the fundraising activities and we think we will clear a profit of around $14,000 which is a lot of money for any school. Congratulations again to Rachael Cantwell, Jaz Maloney, Amy Burton, Mary Menta and Kaeli Haines that drove most of the fundraising efforts. And I must also thank the Turner family that made up the beautiful signposts for the day. 

We will make sure the money will directly benefit the students. School Council have already had some discussions that we would like to use the money to beautify the outdoor learning space at the back of the 5/6 portables, as well as having something better to house our sporting equipment. 

More Building Works

We are having the top ramp from the carpark to the kiss and drop replaced as it isn’t compliant with current standards. The work should start in about three weeks. I am hoping and planning for minimum disruption. I’ll keep you posted with updates. 

Staffing for 2025 

I can now announce our staffing for 2025. Because of our long list of teachers on maternity leave we have had to hire two teachers for 2025, while being lucky that Jess Howe and Mel Erickson are returning from maternity leave. 

Greg Malone comes to us with a lot of experience and has taught in the Dandenong Ranges, country Victoria and even Queensland. 

Maddie Holmes has been teaching at Chirnside Park Primary School and we are just very lucky that she lives in the Valley and wanted to work closer to home. 

It is fantastic to look down this list and see what wonderful and talented staff we have. As I said in my last newsletter, there is no need for anyone at Woori to request a teacher because they are all outstanding. 

Prep                                                                         

A         Elyse Newman

B         Tess Fraser

C     Rach Cantwell (4 days) (Team Leader) - (Tuesday - Libby Bemrose)                                               

Grade 1

A         Jess Lowe

B         Casey Runco                                  

C    Mel Erickson (4 days) (Team Leader) –Thursday (Jess Howe)

Grade 2 

A   Penny Fredricks                                                       

B    Jess Riley (3 days)/Libby Bemrose (2 days) 

C  Victoria Barnard (4 days) (Team Leader) - Wednesday (Jess Howe)                                                             

3/4                                                                                      A     Zena Earsman (3 days)/Meagan Mallison (2 days)       

B   Steph Verhoef (4 days) - Wednesday (Meagan Mallison)

C     Katherine Clark (4 days) Wednesday (Bonnie McKercher) 

D      Jess Wallace (4 days) (Team Leader) Tuesday (Bonnie McKercher)

E             Greg Malone

5/6

A         Maddie Holmes                    

C    Lucy Derix (4 days) (Monday - Danielle Marnock)                                             

D         Ben Eaton                                                  

B   Lisa Syme (4 days) (Team Leader) (Wednesday - Amy Cleary)         

LLI

Mary Menta 

Coaching (Leading Teachers)

Rachel Ward (3 days)

Jess Howe (1 day) – 

Jess Wallace (1 day)

Rachael Cantwell (1 day)

Tutoring 

Danielle Marnock (Wednesday, Friday)

German

Sandy Walter 

Art

Katie Thatcher (3 days) Craig Hall (1 day)

P/E

Ash Gibbons

Science

Fiona Eckhardt 

Welfare Team

Andre Campbell

Libby Martin (3 days) 

Amy Cleary (Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader) (3 days per week)

Chaplain 

Sally Marshall (2 days)

Teachers Aides for 2025

Carol Gerrard 

Shelly Holt

Robyn McMurray

Steve Schaak-Taylor

Cheryl Sinclair

Trudy Bond

Kylie Brandenberger

Tracey Whitehouse

Sukey Russell 

Administration Staff

Business Manager            Natalie Potter

Administration Officers    Ellen Largue

                                                 De Tesoriero

School Nurse                       Maddie Brooks RN

Regional Athletics Final

Last week our students that won their district athletics events competed at the regional finals. The following students represented the school in the following events:

Aiden Malcolm –      100m, 200m

Cade Bond –               High Jump

Jobe Ormsby –           Shotput

Cozy Dunlop –           1500m

Judd Curnow –           100m, 200m

All of the students made an outstanding effort and all finished with great results.  Judd Curnow came 2nd overall in the 100m, receiving a medal. This means Judd gets to compete in the State Championship. This is the furthest any student has ever achieved in my time at the school. Well done Juddy and good luck at State. Hopefully now your mum will buy you proper running shoes?? 

World Teaching Day

Last week was world teachers’ day, the great thing about world teachers day is that it reminds us to send a message of gratitude. I’m sure our teachers would be very grateful for any messages of appreciation.

Please remember that we are open on Monday and it isn’t a curriculum day. If you’re going away for the cup weekend, I wish you a safe and happy trip. I also hope you find a winner if you have a flutter. My tip is ‘Vauban’ but considering I think I’ve picked about 5 winners in my life, probably best to escape to the wonderful world of a book instead. 

See you around the school soon!