Leadership updates and reflections
An update from Julie
We are quickly coming to the end of Term 2 – our half way point in the year! There have been so many exciting learning experiences related to our Big Idea of Country with our Grade 5/6s learning ‘on Country’ at Clifford Park and planning for their upcoming expo, our Grade 3/4s travelling by train to visit the Melbourne Museum and Imax, our Grade 1/2s enjoying a visit from the drama group Toolbox and our Prep – 2s taking part in hands-on art and music activities with First Nations facilitators. In Art students have been exploring Indigenous symbols and totems including Bunjil the eagle and in Performing Arts our preps have loved learning dances and an Acknowledgment of Country song and our Grade 1/2s have practised songs in Woiwurrung language. In the SAKG program our Grade 3/4 students have cooked up a feast using bush tucker ingredients and are about to plant their very own bush tucker garden. With so many opportunities to learn together about Country while ‘on Country’ it is one of our favourite Big Ideas.
Somers Camp
Our 25 Grade 5/6 students and two teachers, Jonah Read and Keely Brindley are nearly at the end of their amazing 9 days at Somers Camp. Parents loved spending Sunday afternoon visiting Somers to hear all about the wonderful experiences that their kids have been having - making new friends, growing in confidence and independence and being willing to step out of their comfort zone. We are very proud of how our 25 students represented WPPS and sincerely thank Jonah and Keely for giving up their time to be part of the wonderful Somers teaching team.
Coffe and Chats
Thank you to the parents who have been able to make it to one our Coffee and Chats this term. We look forward to offering more Coffee and Chat dates next term where parents can catch up informally or come along to hear about a variety of topics including attendance , student leadership, literacy and numeracy. Dates and times will be communicated next we.
Student Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
As we near the end of Term 2, our teachers have been busy preparing Semester One Student Reports. Teachers draw on a range of information, including assessments, classroom observations, and student work samples, to provide a comprehensive picture of each child’s learning and progress. Teachers also work collaboratively to moderate within and across year levels to ensure student outcomes are accurate, consistent, and evidence-based. Due to the Australian Education Union’s industrial action, written comments will not be included in this semester’s reports. Semester One Reports will be available on Sentral next week. Families will receive a notification when reports are published, along with information about how to access and understand the report.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Our Parent Teacher Interviews will take place on the first day of Term 3 - Monday 13th July. These interviews provide an opportunity for families and teachers to discuss student progress, celebrate achievements, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Interviews will be held online and will be scheduled for 15 minutes. Bookings can be made via the Parent Portal of Sentral. If you have any trouble accessing your child's report or booking and interview, please contact Kerry or Lesley in the office.
Just a reminder that it is a 3:30pm dismissal on our final day of term, Friday, June 26th.
Warm regards
Julie
julie.crawford@education.vic.gov.au
An update from Adele
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Policy Update: Acceptable Use Agreement (previously Digital Learning Policy)
- Disability and Inclusion: Child Safe Standard 5: Adjustments That Help Every Child Belong and Succeed
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Tip:What to do if something goes wrong
- Child Safety: Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
- eSafety Commission online workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Policy Update
Acceptable Use Agreement (previously Digital Learning Policy)
The Digital Learning Policy is no longer required by the Department & will be removed from our website. It has been replaced by the Acceptable Use Agreement.
Purpose of Acceptable Use Agreement: We are committed to building a culture of respect and responsibility. We show this in the way we use technology and interact online. We teach our students about responsible digital behaviours, including how to recognise and respond to online dangers and threats. We support students to develop the digital skills they need to make a positive impact in the world. We are intentional and discerning about our integration of digital tools into the curriculum, providing rich, interactive and personalised experiences, while ensuring a balance with offline learning opportunities.
Disability Inclusion
Child Safe Standard 5: Adjustments That Help Every Child Belong and Succeed
Every child has the right to access, participate in and thrive in their education. One way we support this is through the use of reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments are not optional, they are a legal requirement under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 and other state and Commonwealth legislation. Schools must make reasonable adjustments to ensure students with disability can participate in education on the same basis as their peers. These obligations apply to all students with disability, regardless of whether they receive additional funding or support.
A reasonable adjustment is a measure or action that removes barriers to learning, participation and inclusion. Adjustments can be made in classrooms, playgrounds, excursions, camps and across all aspects of school life. They are developed in consultation with students, families and staff and are reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to meet a student's needs.
Many adjustments are embedded in everyday teaching practice and benefit a wide range of learners. Examples include:
- Providing visual schedules and visual supports
- Breaking learning tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Giving additional processing time before expecting a response
- Offering movement or sensory breaks throughout the day
- Providing alternative ways for students to demonstrate their learning
- Using assistive technology such as speech-to-text or text-to-speech tools
- Adjusting seating arrangements to support engagement and focus
- Providing targeted small-group instruction
- Using clear, explicit instructions supported by visual cues
- Allowing flexible assessment conditions or additional time for tasks
Adjustments are about equity, not advantage. By embracing inclusive practices and making thoughtful adjustments, we create a school community where every child feels valued, supported and able to experience success.
Ref: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/students-disability/guidance/making-reasonable-adjustments
Cyber Safety
Cyber Safety Tip: What to do if something goes wrong
If your child experiences something upsetting online, it is important they know they can talk to a trusted adult. You can also block users, report behaviour within the game or platform, and seek support through the eSafety Commissioner if needed.
Learn more:https://www.esafety.gov.au/report
Cyber Safety Project Parent Webinar Series (regular newsletter article)
The Cyber Safety Project offers the Cyber Safe Parents 2026 Webinar Series, a practical, engaging online program designed to help families raise smart, safe, and kind digital kids.
Across four live online sessions, parents will gain clear, realistic strategies to confidently support children at home. Topics include:
Balancing Life & Tech – Reducing conflict and restoring healthy screen balance.
3 August 2026 | 7.30pm AEST (45 mins)
Cyberbullying & Resilience – Supporting young people to manage wellbeing online
27 October 2026 | 7.30pm AEDT (45 mins)
This series provides valuable guidance for navigating device set up, online risks, app safety, screen time, critical thinking and digital wellbeing, all in a supportive and parent-friendly format.
We strongly encourage all families to take part in this important learning opportunity.
If you’re unable to attend on the night, you can still register to receive the recording and resources.
Register via: bit.ly/Parents-2026
eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.
The schedule for 2026 can be accessed via this link .
Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.
Warm regards,
Adele Brice
Assistant Principal