Dear Parents/Carers,

EXCITING SCHOOL TOURS AT WARRNAMBOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting many new prospective students and families as we showcase our amazing school. We are so proud of what we offer and the vibrant community we've built here. Whether you're a new family or a returning one, we would love to invite you to come and experience our school firsthand. Take a tour, meet our dedicated staff, and discover the many opportunities available for our students. We encourage all parents—new or existing—to come along for a tour and see why Warrnambool Primary is such a great place for your child’s learning journey.

EDUCATION WEEK

During Education Week, all our English as an Additional Language students used their first language to make a ‘welcome’ poster to greet our current and future families. They wrote ‘welcome’ in their first language and drew images that connected to this heartwarming message. People in Taiwan always welcome their visitors with tea and traditional snacks, so a teapot and a mooncake were drawn on the poster to welcome our current and future families. A student greeted the families with dinosaurs on the poster because they were so important to him, and they showed the biggest welcome from his heart. Another student greeted the families with Legos, a soccer game, and apple juice. We currently have more than 40 EAL students.

NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS READING DAY

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, family day cares, childcare centres, bookshops, family homes and many other places around the country.

Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

This years book was 'The Truck Cat' a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found. It is a story to inspire kindness and compassion.

SPECIALIST TEACHERS

At Warrnambool Primary School we are very proud of our Specialist Teachers and Specialist programs. These programs highlight the diverse and comprehensive educational opportunities provided to students at Warrnambool Primary School.

Physical Education - Cherine Owen

Cherine Owen is responsible for the Physical Education program, which is vital for promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits among students.

The PE program includes a variety of sports, physical activities, and fitness challenges designed to improve students' physical abilities and foster a love for active living.

Cherine is a passionate and long-serving teacher, parent and school council member at Warrnambool Primary School.

Art - Donna Dixon -Term 2&3 Bebe Ryan

Donna Dixon leads our Art program, which encourages creativity, self-expression, and appreciation of visual arts.

Students explore different art mediums and techniques, learn about art history, and develop their artistic skills through various projects and exhibitions. The Mural in the breezeway is one of the very best art works that you will see in any school. We also welcome Bebe Ryan back to our school in Term 2&3.

Japanese – Sam Webster

Sam Webster teaches Japanese, offering students the opportunity to learn a new language and gain insights into Japanese culture.

The Japanese program includes language instruction, cultural activities, and events that help students develop their language skills and cultural understanding.

Science - Stephanie Hann

Stephanie Hann oversees the Science program, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for scientific exploration among students.

The Science program includes hands-on experiments, inquiry-based learning, and projects that cover various scientific disciplines, encouraging students to think critically and understand the world around them. Steph has taught for many years at Warrnambool Primary School in classroom roles and as a specialist.

These specialist programs enrich the educational experience at Warrnambool Primary School by providing students with diverse opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain a broader understanding of different subjects. The dedication and expertise of Cherine Owen, Donna Dixon, Sam Webster, and Stephanie Hann play a crucial role in nurturing well-rounded and inquisitive learners.

WINTER SPORTS

Thank you to all the students and staff who participated in and coached the sports teams this week. It was a great day for all involved and the sports were played in good spirits and perfect conditions.

NATIONAL SORRY DAY

National Sorry Day is a special day that occurs in Australia on 26th May every year. It is a day of remembrance for the Stolen Generations, their families, and their communities. The day is an opportunity for all Australians to remember past mistakes and build stronger bridges for a richer, stronger future together.

National Reconciliation Week is held annually from May 27 to June 3. It is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how they can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The theme this year is “Bridging Now to Next," encouraging reflection on the ongoing connection between past, present, and future, and urging Australians to look ahead while continuing to learn from past lessons. At Warrnambool Primary School we remember this day and acknowledge it with a display of purple flowers in breezeway of the school. The five-petal Native Hibiscus (Native Cotton, Desert Rose) is the official national symbol of the Stolen Generations and the colours symbolise compassion and spiritual healing.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK

National Reconciliation Week is an important annual event in Australia, held from May 27th to June 3rd, dedicated to fostering reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It aims to promote understanding, respect, and justice for Indigenous communities.

The week is anchored by two significant dates in Australia's history:

May 27: The anniversary of the 1967 referendum, which saw over 90% of Australians vote to amend the constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the federal government to create laws for them.

June 3: The anniversary of the 1992 Mabo decision, in which the High Court of Australia recognized Native Title and rejected the doctrine of terra nullius (the idea that Australia was "land belonging to no one" before European settlement).

At Warrnambool PS we participate in Reconciliation Week by promoting discussions, and supporting Indigenous voices and initiatives.

National Reconciliation Week plays a crucial role in the ongoing process of healing and building a more equitable and inclusive Australia. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to come together, learn from the past, and work towards a more just future.

BIOCATS EXCURSION

On Monday several of our senior Koorie students attended an excursion to GMHBA stadium in Geelong to participate in a football related Science, Technology and Maths program called BioCats. They got to meet AFL players including Tyson Stengle, Jack Martin, Connor O’Sullivan, Mitchell Edwards and Shaun Mannagh.

The STEM activities included measuring fitness, solving mathematical questions about AFL football and designing a lighting tower for a football oval. Koorie students from other primary schools in the area were also on the excursion. The day was great fun, students got revise their STEM skills and meet people from other schools. Thank you to organiser, Steve Young, Koorie Engagement Officer, and to Sam Delaney for assisting.

PUPIL FREE DAY FRIDAY 6TH JUNE 2025 and KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY MONDAY 9TH JUNE 2025

Please note students are not required at school on the following dates -

PUPIL FREE DAY FRIDAY 6TH JUNE 2025

KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY MONDAY 9TH JUNE 2025.

Their Care will operate on Friday 6th June 2025 but not on the Monday Public Holiday.

COTTAGE BY THE SEA

We have a group of 18 excited students and two staff members - Tonya Ferguson and Lachie Wilde spending next week at the Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff.

The students will enjoy fabulous activities such as surfing, body boarding, beach-combing and the hands-on aquarium.

The Cottage by the Sea is a not for profit organisation whose sole existence is to provide students from all over Victoria with fun-filled activities at one of Victoria’s most picturesque sites.

It is located right at the edge of Port Phillip heads and no large ship can enter or leave the port of Melbourne without passing by. It is quite spectacular.

The students develop their leadership skills and independence on this adventure and we are certainly indebted to the CBTS committee for making this available to us.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays