I am wondering where our Spring weather is, after seeing a very small glimpse of it earlier this week. Fingers crossed we have more sunny days ahead.

I congratulate all our students on all their hard work during Term 3. They are all looking forward to celebrating their achievements with you all during our student led celebration on Monday in their classrooms from 3.30-4.30pm.

The Marrung Regional Partnership Forum was held in Warrnambool today and we were very fortunate to have about 20 dignitaries from South West Victoria visit Warrnambool East PS. Marrung is a strategy to ensure that all Indigenous Victorians achieve their learning aspirations. The Marrung education plan is aimed at improving performance and success of Indigenous students in Victoria and close the gap in their educational outcomes.

Our Koorie Leaders - Henry and Lennox did an outstanding job of explaining how we integrate First Nations Perspectives at WEPS and our school captains – Ollie, Mabel, Lily and Lexie outlined our wellbeing and learning programs and why WEPS is a great school. They left quite an impression on our visitors who commended them on how articulate and passionate they are about our school. The visitors then had a tour of our school and it made me extremely proud to show off each learning space.

More celebrations this week, our Busking for change assembly. Busking For Change, is a new annual fundraising activity developed by ILF Ambassador Josh Pyke to engage primary students in a joyful multi-literacy activity incorporating song, music, movement and language. Simply put, schools learn a song and raise funds for the ILF.

Here's how it works:

Students commit to learning to play, sing, or dance to a song
Students gather support/donations from their friends and family
Once students master the song, they ‘busk’ or perform their rendition collectively or individually to their friends, family, school, or post a video online.

The 2023 song is Words Make the World Go Around. We were thrilled to have so many parents come along and support our foundation to year 2 busking performance. The community spirit came alive as the children sang then parent walking up and placing their contributions to the busking money box. We raised a grand total of $575 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

I was also very proud to present about 110 merit certificates at assembly on Tuesday morning. Congratulations to all students who received a certificate for either 25 or 50 merits – consistent demonstration of our school values is definitely strong.

A reminder the Parent Opinion Survey closes on Friday. It is important we have everyone contribute, so that we can target areas for improvement and continue to make positive changes at WEPS, as well as celebrate what is working well.

Early next term we will be starting to prepare for classes and staff for 2024. If you know you are leaving our school at the end of the year, please make contact with the office.

It is time to get the hats and sunscreen out this weekend. As UV rays are high, hats must be worn by students during break times as of Monday. We strongly encourage parents apply sunscreen each morning, our teachers/ES staff will remind students to reapply around midday. We have a school supply of sunscreen, however students are welcome to have their worn (particularly if there are any known allergies). We reviewed our Sunsmart Policy at School Council this week and the policy actually states hats and sunscreen should be worn from mid August. We will get this right for next year. See policy attachment for more information.

I am also pleased to share, after over 18 months, the shade structure (middle of the 5/6 classrooms) will be replaced. We have received approval from the Victorian School Building Authority and works will begin during the school holiday, then completed over the Summer break, with minimal disruption to learning during the school term.

Congratulations Mrs Hannah Davis (3/4 teacher) on the arrival of Ollie a couple of weeks ago. We wish Hannah and her family well.

Congratulations Mrs Dwyer who was recognised by the Department of Education for 35 years of service. Mrs Dwyer has been teaching at Warrnambool East PS for the past 18 years across various year levels, predominantly year 5 and 6 and has a wealth of knowledge across all curriculum areas, particularly mathematics. She has also had a number of leadership roles at WEPS, and is now the Assistant Principal and supports me in my role, works with our families to ensure the best learning and wellbeing outcomes for all students. Congratulations Mrs Dwyer, a well deserved celebration! On behalf of the school community I thank Mrs Dwyer for her hard work and dedication to Warrnambool East PS (and I know she loves the school very much).

Reminders

It is Footy/All sports colours day next Friday. Hot Dog orders were due today. If you forgot or missed it, please send them in no later than Monday.

I will be sending out an RSVP attendance survey in Week 1 for our Parent Forum, held on Tuesday 10th August at 7pm. We strongly encourage at least one parent from each family to attend. We are looking forward to celebrating 2023 with you all and seeking feedback for improvements in 2024.

I wish everyone a happy and safe upcoming term break. Enjoy not having to make lunches or organise school uniforms and after school activities, rather take time to reset and enjoy just being. Travel safe if you are heading away.

It's OK not to be OK