Principal's Message
Julie Crawford
It’s been a big first three weeks at WPPS! There is always so much going on and Term Four always seems to happen so quickly! Who can believe there are only eight weeks till we are finished again for another year?! This week alone we have some wonderful PE and Stem Expressions programs, Grandparents Day for our preps, our 1/2 Drumming Incursion program starting and a Police In Schools visit for our Grade 6s. So much learning happening in such a variety of ways!
We have also started an exciting term of Challenge Based Learning as students explore the Big Idea: Curiosity! We recognise how vital curiosity is for children, as it encourages them to discover new things and opens up all kinds of adventures. When children are curious, they gain the confidence to try new activities and ideas, which can spark their creativity and strengthen connections with others.
Curiosity is something that naturally develops from a young age, and it plays a key role in making learning enjoyable. It inspires children to ask questions, deepens their understanding of the world, and enhances their love of learning. Research shows that when children are curious, their brains are primed for learning, making it easier for them to absorb new information and solve problems.
By nurturing curiosity, we empower our students to develop critical thinking skills and creativity, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. We look forward to seeing how our curious learners apply their new knowledge and skills! So, when you hear those endless “why?” questions at home, remember that curiosity is a wonderful gift that can lead to incredible discoveries!
World Teachers Day
Last Friday we celebrated the amazing teachers we have at WPPS with a World Teachers Day morning tea. We wanted to say a huge thank you for everything our teachers do to shape the lives of our young people. Our students are so lucky to have teachers who guide and inspire them every day! Their impact goes way beyond the classroom. They play a huge role in helping every child grow and thrive. Our teachers are incredible, and we truly appreciate their dedication, kindness and the gifts that they bring, as they shape our next generation!
And it was lovely to hear from one of our families who sent this email on Friday. I know they speak for many families who appreciate all that our teachers do ….
‘We have said it before, and we will say it again and again.
THANK YOU!
For all that you do and have done for our boys over their time at Wonga Park.
You are all gems and we adore you!
Happy World Teachers Day. We see all that you do and appreciate you greatly!’
Transitions
We are now well into our preparing for the 2025 school year. Last week we had our new 2025 preps come along for their second transition session. It is such a great opportunity for them to get to know their teachers, make new friends and find out what school is all about. Our Grade 5s have made beautiful buddy bags and can’t wait to share them with their prep buddy at the final orientation session.
Students from Grades Prep to Grade 5 have also begun transition sessions, visiting the classrooms that they will be in next year. The initial sessions focus on noticing what is the same and different about their new classroom and talking about what exciting things they can look forward to next year. There will be further sessions over the coming weeks to ensure students feel comfortable and confident about their transition to a new class next year!
Partnerships - thank you!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our recent Spring Soiree event at the Vue On Halcyon such a success. It was wonderful to see so many of our families, including many new prep parents, come along to enjoy a fun night. A special thank you to Dean and Rennae Rackley for their generous support of our school over many years at their beautiful venue. We greatly appreciate their kindness and generosity.
With the $3,400 raised at the Soiree, $8,000 through our pop up canteens and Prep BBQ and a very generous parent donation on the night, we are very excited to say that we have reached our goal of raising $21,000. Together with the amazing Community Bank Warrandyte grant of $21,000 we now have the funds needed to build the new playground at the front of the school! What a super effort from our school community!! Our students are going to enjoy this new addition to our playground for years to come!
Upcoming Working Bee - Saturday, November 16th
Our final working bee for the year will be held on Saturday, November 16th. We have lots of maintenance jobs around the school and would really appreciate if families could even spare an hour to help. For catering purposes please register your interest at the following link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2SFBD3M
We are currently trying to set up some colour-coded cubby building materials as timber is always in hot demand! We have secured some fence palings but need some help pulling out nails in readiness for our eager cubby builders. If you could spare some time to help us out either at the working bee or anytime before, please contact the office. Thank you!
2025 Planning
A reminder that we ask that if you and your family are planning on leaving WPPS at the end of 2024, please let the school office know as soon as you are in a position to do so. (This excludes Grade 6 students.)
The final date for any information regarding class placements for 2025 is this Friday, 1st November.
Cup Monday
Traditionally many of our families take an extended weekend which includes Cup Monday. For this reason, an alternative program will be running on that day. To assist with planning, could parents please record the planned absence on Sentral prior to the day.
Hoping our families have a chance to enjoy the extra day's holiday next week. I will also be taking some extra time, with a few weeks of long service leave to travel to Japan, a place Peter and I have always wanted to visit! A big thank you to Adele Brice and Terri Gioia who will be in the acting Principal and AP roles in my absence.
Best wishes
Julie