Principal's Message

Well Done Ansett

I must swallow my Jacka pride by congratulating Ansett on winning the annual House Swimming Sports on Friday.  Participation wins championships and Ansett had a high number of students participate in every event.   Unfortunately for myself,  COVID got hold of me last week and I was unable to participate in the day.  I look forward to the opportunity for the Jacka students to train hard for the cross country  in  Term 2!

Leaders Appointed

It was great to be part of our annual badge presentation and student leaders induction ceremony yesterday.  All School Captains, House leaders and SRC members participated in the ceremony and cited the leaders pledges.   More photos will be shared on our schools Facebook page.  We look forward to seeing what  2024 leaders can do for Wedderburn College in 2024. 

Appointments Necessary

We have had a great start to the 2024 school year and as a principal very little to complain about.  Students and staff are now into their regular routine of day to day classes and planning for a successful year.

Unfortunately, I do have to remind the school community that communication whether in person or over the phone be conveyed in a respectful manner.  Everyone must understand that  under the current low staffing levels across education and many industries we cannot simply drop everything to deal with you immediately.  It is imperative that you phone ahead to make appointments as every staff member, including teachers in the principal class have a number of classes to teach this year, more than usual.   Please do not assume we are available if you turn up to school.   We encourage all parents and carers to follow all communication channels available to you starting with your child's home-group teachers.   

School Fete - Easter Extravaganza

We have commenced planning for the annual Easter School Fete.

The fete will be held on the last day of Term 1, Thursday 28th March commencing at 10 a.m. As it is the last day of term school we will finish the fete at 2:00 p.m. with presentations completed by 2:30 p.m.   More details will be released to the community over the next few weeks.   We will be asking for donations, stall holders and volunteers. Our Parents & Friends Association has already started with the annual Mega Easter Raffle.  All friends, family and community members are most welcome to attend.   Due to the upcoming building works we will most likely hold the fete at the front of the school.

Building Project to Commence Shortly

Below is a copy of the letter that has has been sent to the immediate neighbours of Wedderburn College recently outlining the new building project that is expected to start on site in early March.

Nicholson builders from Bendigo have been appointed at the end of the successful tender process.  They have been working recently on major projects in schools at Maryborough, St Arnaud Secondary College and East Loddon.

February 2024 

In the 2022-23 State Budget the Victorian Government invested $12.886 million in Wedderburn College to modernise the school and give students better learning opportunities. We will upgrade Block A classrooms and the school hall.

Upcoming works

A builder has now been appointed and works are due to commence on site in the coming weeks. Works may include installation of site amenities and fencing, demolition works, construction, landscaping and use of heavy machinery at times.

Construction is forecast for completion by Quarter 3, 2025.

Asbestos removal works will take place as part of this project. The health and safety of the school and local community is paramount, and any identified asbestos will be removed in strict accordance with occupational health and safety regulations and will be lodged with WorkSafe Victoria.

A licensed asbestos removalist will remove the materials under the supervision of an independent occupational hygienist, who will also conduct air monitoring. The hygienist will also issue a clearance certificate to ensure the building is safe for general access on completion of the works. No asbestos works will be scheduled for removal while students or staff are on site.

To support upcoming works, we will need to remove several trees on the site to make way for the new facilities. We have worked to keep as many trees as is safely possible. We will plant at least 2 trees of a comparable species for every tree removed, in line with our tree removal and replacement policy.

Construction hours will comply with Loddon Shire Council guidelines and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulations. We will strive to maintain the privacy of all residents and business owners and to minimise potential disruptions throughout the project.

Kind regards

Victorian School Building Authority