Across Oliver's Desk  

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been such a wonderful start to the year and the school is just so settled already. I’m so very impressed with the our new Preps who are already in a routine and doing plenty of work, which is the WYPS way of doing things. 

This week my calendar is full of tours which does demonstrate the interest in our school. Some parents are worried that they won’t be able to get in the school if they live outside our zone. Although our places are shrinking, we are still allowed to accept families from outside our zone as long as we have the space. I do believe there will be space for some families from outside our zone in 2027. Anyone inside our Woori Yallock zone and families that already have a sibling at the school get an automatic place.  

CURRICULUM DAY

We do have a curriculum day planned for Friday 6th March. We know that curriculum days are difficult for parents to navigate. However, these days are essential for us to make sure that our school learning priorities are going to be met. We invest heavily in our teachers, which in turn means that we are investing in our children. All curriculum days are approved by our school council. 

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Our 3 to 6 swimming carnival was of course held on the only cold day for the last month. The students however showed their determination and were up to the challenge. There were many standout performances and around 15 students will now progress to the inter-school level.

WILSON’S PROMONTORY CAMP

Last week our grade 5/6 students were on camp in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Wilsons Promontory. Below are some photos of the week.  You can definitely tell they had a ball. I went for the first three days with the grade 5 students. They were simply amazing getting through all the hiking challenges. The very large wombat that strategically went down every isle of the outdoor movie theatre was a huge hit with the kids. We have always had the moto here that every child needs to go to Wilsons Prom as it will leave a life long memory for them. A big thank you to Jess Banfield and Ben Eaton for organising the camp. And a big shout out to Steve Taylor one of our teacher aides that catered and cooked for the entire week. Without Steve the camp would either, not have gone ahead or would have cost parents a great deal more. Thanks also to all the parent helpers that went on camp.

WOORI YALLOCK PS RECOGNISED AGAIN

There are 1600 government schools across the state. Every year there is a state wide Principal Conference held in the city. Each year around 30 schools are asked to present at the conference, acknowledging that they are doing something special with their students. This year Woori Yallock P.S. has been asked to present at the conference. This is a great honour, and I couldn’t be prouder of our teachers and our school. The conference is at the end of May, at this stage it will be Jess Howe, Rachael Cantwell and I that will be presenting for around 45mins. I’ll let you know how we go after we present. 

Last years conference

JUNIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL

The following students have been elected to our JSC as class representatives and received their badges at assembly last week. JSC is one of the ways we have for students to have a voice in the way their school runs. Elyse Newman and Steph Verhoef are the teachers in charge of JSC this year. I know they are looking forward to collaborating with these wonderful children that can’t wait to change the school and the world. Congratulations to the following students for being elected in their class:

JSC REPS 2026

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice (see our website for the policies).

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use the internet safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using, please contact the school.

This week I will sign off with my normal line but I will also add my favourite moment of last week. While on camp Evelyn Pratt and Hudson Wilk playing in Tidal River for an hour, smiling, counting to 3, falling backwards in the river and then laughing every time! 

And remember when life gets a little difficult escape to the wonderful world of a book! I was too busy to read last week so I can’t wait to start a new book this week.