Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

MEET THE TEACHER PART 2 - Edward Hargreaves Year 5 Teacher

What are your initial thoughts about Warrnambool Primary School?

Having some background as a teacher here I’ve always found the school supportive. My initial thoughts are that the staff are very caring and want the best for the students.

What were you doing before you came to Warrnambool Primary School?

Before teaching here I was the grade two home room teacher at the European School of Copenhagen. I was a part of a founding group of teachers that developed the school in 2015 and I returned there post COVID. I was astounded by how much the school has grown. The Nordic approach to education is something we can learn a lot from.

What do you like doing outside of your work life?

I enjoy cooking, travel and the outdoors - walking, hiking, camping and spending time at the beach. 

I also enjoy doing DIY work, yoga, listening to some podcasts and completing some short courses. At the moment I’m listening to some legal podcasts based on right to disconnect and reformed defamation laws.

What are you hoping to achieve this year?

I want to implement a range of strategies in my teaching that supports students both academically and socially. I want to enjoy coming to work every day and for the students to also feel this way about coming to school.

FOUNDATION TOURS FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS -  TUESDAY 26TH MARCH 2024 - 10AM and 6PM

On Tuesday 26th March 2024 at 10am and 6pm we are holding tours for prospective parents of students intending to enrol their child in Foundation in 2025.

It will be a great opportunity for new and established families to learn more about our great school. 

There will also be a Foundation 2025 information evening on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at 6pm.

If you know someone who is interested in attending either of these sessions or if you wish to know more please contact the school office.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Emergency drills are crucial for preparing our staff and students for various scenarios and ensuring a quick and organised response. There are four drills that occur throughout the year which include to the Oval, Lock-in, Lockdown, and Off-site.

Our first drill occurred today, and while our staff do prepare students it may assist if you help to prepare your children as well. 

Below is our scheduling and procedures: 

1. Oval Drill: Friday 1 March 2024 

Purpose: To practice and familiarise students, staff and visitors with evacuation procedures in an open area, such as a sports field or playground.

Procedure: 

- Sound the alarm or use a designated signal to indicate the start of the drill.

- In an organized manner, guide individuals to designated assembly points on the oval or open area.

- Ensure that everyone is accounted for and at the specified location.

- Practice any additional procedures, such as roll call or headcounts.

2. Lock-in Drill, School Gym: Tuesday 27th August 2024 

Purpose: To simulate securing a facility or room due to external threats, such as severe weather or nearby incidents.

Procedure:

- Announce the lock-in scenario and provide clear instructions.

- Secure all entrances and exits.

- Gather individuals in designated safe areas within the building.

- Communicate any additional safety measures or information.

3. Lockdown Drill, remain in classrooms: Monday 3rd June 2024

Purpose: To practice securing a facility in response to an immediate threat, such as an intruder or dangerous situation.

Procedure:

- Activate the alarm or notification system.

- Direct everyone to move quickly to secure locations.

- Lock doors, turn off lights, and remain quiet.

- Follow established communication protocols and wait for further instructions.

4. Off-site Evacuation, Botanic Gardens: Thursday 14th Nov 2024

Purpose: To practice evacuating a facility and relocating individuals to a predetermined off-site location.

Procedure:

- Sound the alarm or provide clear evacuation instructions.

- Guide individuals to predetermined assembly points for off-site evacuation. 

- Ensure safe and orderly movement to the off-site location. 

- Conduct roll calls and account for everyone at the off-site location.

CYBER SAFETY

Cyber safety is crucial for students and parents in today's digital age. Here are some key pieces of advice for both students and parents:

For Students:

1. Strong Passwords:
   • Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
   • Include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
   • Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdates or names.
2. Social Media Awareness:
   • Be mindful of the information you share online, including personal details, location, and plans.
   • Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts and information.
3. Cyberbullying Awareness:
   • Report any instances of cyberbullying to a trusted adult.
   • Think before you post or comment, and treat others online as you would in person.
4. Phishing Awareness:
   • Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
   • Verify the legitimacy of emails or messages before sharing personal information.
5. Device Security:
   • Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
   • Use reputable security software and keep it up to date.
6. Online Gaming Safety:
   • Only interact with people you know in real life.
   • Be cautious about sharing personal information or engaging in voice chats with strangers.
7. Digital Etiquette:
   • Be respectful and considerate in online interactions.
   • Understand that online actions have real-world consequences.

For Parents: 

1. Open Communication:
   • Establish open communication with your child about their online activities.
   • Encourage them to share their experiences and concerns.
2. Educate about Online Risks:
   • Teach your child about online dangers such as cyberbullying, phishing, and inappropriate content.
   • Discuss the importance of privacy and responsible online behaviour.
3. Set Boundaries:
   • Establish rules for screen time and device usage.
   • Monitor the apps and websites your child uses.
4. Install Parental Controls:
   • Use parental control tools to limit access to inappropriate content.
   • Monitor your child's online activities without invading their privacy.
5. Encourage Critical Thinking:
   • Teach your child to think critically about the information they encounter online.
   • Help them develop a healthy scepticism and verify information from reliable sources.
6. Model Healthy Online Behaviour:
   • Demonstrate responsible online behaviour and etiquette.
   • Show your child how to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
7. Be Aware of Friend Requests:
   • Advise your child to only connect with people they know in real life.
   • Monitor their friends and connections on social media.

By staying informed and fostering open communication, both students and parents can contribute to creating a safer online environment. 

Regularly updating cybersecurity knowledge is also essential to adapt to evolving online threats. 

For more information please check the link below.

Parents | eSafety Commissioner

NAPLAN 2024 YEAR 3 AND 5

Students in Years 3 and 5 are required to sit the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests in March.

This is an important program to assess the consistency of student outcomes across our state and the country. 

The schedule for this year is as follows:

Ideally we would encourage your children to participate and be in attendance on these sitting days. 

Where students are unwell or unable to be at school on those days, they will be made up where possible in the following week.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s participation in these tests please contact your child’s class teacher. 

Parents are able to withdraw their children if required. Please see the Parent/Carers information below.

COLOUR RUN - FRIDAY 22ND MARCH

The fundraising committee are well underway with the organisation of this years’ Colour Run which on Friday 22 March.

It’s expected to be another fun-filled event at Warrnambool Primary School and a great fundraiser for our school. We are keen to raise money to put towards much needed facilities at our great school. 

There will be helpers required so please get on board and help where you can. It’s also incredibly important that we raise as many funds as we can to upgrade our outdoor play spaces. Donations can be made through Compass Tix, using the sponsorship form or at the school office. Sponsorship forms will be sent home with students on Monday.

HOT CROSS BUN DRIVE

Believe it or not Easter is fast approaching. Bakers Delight Norfolk Plaza have been incredibly generous sponsors of Warrnambool Primary School in the past and we are keen to support their business as part of our annual Hot X Bun drive. The forms will be distributed very soon so please support our school and fundraising committee by purchasing Hot X buns through this activity. We know that you will enjoy them.

EASTER RAFFLE

The Easter Raffle is back again this year! 

Tickets will be sent home very soon and are $1 each. Hamper donations can be made to the school office by Friday 22nd March. The raffle will be drawn at assembly on Monday 25th March.

Have a great weekend!

Peter Lee

Principal