Principal's Message

Dear Families

Since that last newsletter we have enjoyed an extra-long weekend and some fabulous warmer weather – giving us an indication that we are moving towards summer, although unfortunately this week has been anything but summer-like in so far as the temperature goes!  

Year two sleepover

Last Thursday night was the year two sleepover and we had close to 130 students spend the night at school.  Needless to say, the classrooms were very quiet on Friday as many young people found the excitement too much – and did not get as much sleep as had been anticipated.  For some of our students this was a particularly brave step as it was their first time ever staying away from their parents.  An enormous thanks to the staff who opted to stay the night so that we could offer this experience to the students, and a particular thank you to Kelsey Matheson who facilitated the whole event: she was, of course, well supported by the rest of the team.  We have some photos later in the newsletter to share with you under the School News tab.

Robotics team

A study of, and involvement in, robotics is certainly setting students up for a future in the rapidly changing technology that is a hallmark of the 21st century.  Congratulations to our years five and six robotic teams who both did very well in the competition held at Wyndham Tech School recently.  The year five team were one of the top five teams and now progress to the next round which is being held in Tasmania in mid-December.  The year six group were so close to going on as well, coming in at sixth place.   Well done to everyone involved – and an extra thank you to Mr Laird who was the organiser not only of our team, but of the whole event for 20 Wyndham schools, as well as Mr Godel who supported Mr Laird and the students.

School Council Meeting

Next Thursday, November 23 is our final school council meeting for the year.  At this meeting the budgets will be presented for 2024, and further work on school policy discussed.  School council meetings are open forums, and you are welcome to attend should that be your wish.  Contact the office for further details.  

Voluntary parent payments, 2024

Our school council has once again set the voluntary parent contribution at $180 per student for 2024. This is the same cost as it has been for the past two years.  Further details about this and what your payment contributes to, are contained later in the newsletter.  A big thank you to those who paid this this year (it is still not too late!).  Your money has enabled us to not only pay our bills but has enhanced the numbers of library books we have been able to purchase, as well as assisting with improvements to the school grounds.  Payment of this money can be made from late January next year. Forms are under the School News tab. 

Hats

A reminder that all students will need a hat when working or playing outside during terms one and four.  Can we ask that you encourage your child to leave this at school in their locker tub so that they will always have it when they need it?  

Foundation class of 2024

School transition visits will be commencing for these children NEXT MONDAY.  If your child is attending foundation at WVPS in 2024 they need to be enrolled to participate in these sessions.  If we have yet to receive an enrolment application from you unfortunately your son or daughter will not be able to come next week.  However, there is still time to get them into the following sessions.  Collect an enrolment pack from the front office TODAY – or enrol via the link on our website.  

Year six graduation

This event is planned for Monday, December 18.  Further details will be coming home with students soon.  Please note that tickets are restricted to two additional adults plus the graduating student, per family.    

Reminder: Early finish at the end of the year

The last day of school for students is Wednesday, December 20 and school will finish at 1.15pm on this day.  This will be a casual dress day, there will be no lunch break (children will need to eat when they get home) and NO SCHOOL BAGS are to be brought to school.  School will be dismissed at 1.15pm following our traditional 1.15pm assembly whereby we say goodbye to our current year six cohort.  

The end of the year is approaching…

….but students still need to come to school each day the school is open. We are not slowing down our teaching and learning program because it is nearly the end of the year, in fact we will continue to introduce new subject matter.  Please ensure that your young person is at school and on time every day.  

This is week seven of a twelve-week term.  The end of the year will be here before we know it.  We are well underway with our plans for 2024 – and would appreciate you letting us know if your young person is NOT going to be with us next year.  Then we can factor this into our planning.  But beyond that the end of the year also means the festive season is nearly here. I’m not sure about you, but I have yet to do any planning or shopping in relation                                                                                     to that!  

Have a fabulous weekend everyone.

Kind regards

Sue Seneviratne

Principal