Primary Post

Assistant Principals' Report

Rae Gittos & Matt Kirkright 

Compass 

Compass continues to be our primary method for communicating with parents and carers, and we would ask that you check your Compass details and confirm the following:

  • Email addresses - ensure we have your preferred email, and that it is correct
  • Phone numbers and addresses are up-to-date
  • That you have an emergency contact on your list that has a current driver's license

We acknowledge that at times there may be a lot of communication via Compass, however, we will try and limit communication to specific year levels where possible.

 

It is essential that payment and consent are provided via Compass for events to ensure that your child does not miss out. This week, we have been working through some teething problems associated with the School Saving Bonus (SSB). Please note that events will either require payment and consent via the Compass Event or they will require an email to be sent to the office stating you would like to use your SSB. We have started linking this email option within the Compass post/email that your recieve to make it easier. Using the SSB will take up to 2 business days to be processed in Compass in so that the event shows paid/consented. 

English 2.0

The English 2.0 Victorian Curriculum is the updated version of the English curriculum used in Victorian schools. It outlines what students from Foundation (Prep) to Year 10 should learn in English to develop strong literacy skills. This includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

 

What’s New in English 2.0?

The updated curriculum keeps many of the same skills but places a stronger focus on:

  • Digital literacy – understanding how to read and evaluate online information
  • Critical thinking – questioning and analyzing texts more deeply
  • Indigenous perspectives – incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and voices
  • Multimodal texts – engaging with images, videos, and digital media alongside written texts
  • Grammar and punctuation – reinforcing foundational language skills.

How can Parents Support Learning?

Whittlesea Primary School will be re-launching Home Learning later this term (Years 1-6) and Foundation in Term 2. We will provide a Home Learning guide as to how you can help support your child at home to help strengthen their love of learning.

 

In the meantime, those wanting to make a start on Home Learning can:

  • Read regularly together
    • discuss books and news articles
  • Encourage writing
    • get your child to write stories, journals and/or shopping lists
  • Talk about language
    • help build their vocabulary by discussing new words
  • Engage with digital content
    • help them assess online sources for credible, age-appropriate content. Kidsnews is a great resource.

Little Learners Love Literacy - Year 2 Curriculum

LLLL introduced a new Year 2 teaching sequence at the start of February, and we have purchased new resources to support our Year 2 students, which are linked directly to the Year 2 curriculum. 

 

This week, Year 2 has focused on learning new vocabulary and answering comprehension questions based on texts they have read with a partner. 

 

Year 5/6 CYC Camp

We have posted the Year 5/6 camp to Compass this afternoon. CYC City Camp will be held from Monday, 16th June, to Wednesday, 18th June 2025. The total cost of the camp is $400 per student.

 

CYC City Camp offers students a blend of cultural, educational and recreational experiences, all designed to broaden their horizons and foster growth in multiple areas. Through engaging activities such as exploring Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, learning about history and art, and participating in fun group challenges, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.  These experiences help develop key life skills such as teamwork, leadership, critical thinking and social connection.  

 

While attending the camp, students will have the opportunity to visit many local attractions, providing them with a range of experiences, including:

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground & National Sports Museum Tour
  • Shrine of Remembrance Tour
  • Movie at Village Cinemas Crown
  • Melbourne Museum Tour
  • ACMI: Story of a Moving Image Exhibit
  • National Gallery of Victoria Tour
  • Bowling/Arcade Games at Kingpin Crown
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Walks through various City of Melbourne parks, gardens and laneways
  • Utilising public transport

To secure your child's place at this camp, we require you to make a payment intention by Monday, March 10th, 2025 (Week 7, Term 1). To do this, you must either commence the payment plan listed in the event or contact the office via email to use your School Savings Bonus/CSEF/School Credit.

 

Further details regarding transport, arrival and departure times, dietary requirements, required clothing, personal items, and camp medical will be communicated closer to camp, both on Compass and at our Year 5/6 Camp Information Night on Tuesday, March 18th (5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.).