As I write my final newsletter, I am filled with pride and gratitude. Since arriving at Woodend Primary School in October 2016, we have achieved so much. I leave the school knowing that the school is in such a great place. The school looks amazing, we have the most wonderful staff and we do our best every day to know our students and their families and provide for each of their students and their needs.

As I walk out the gates for the last time today and the end my 40 year career I have so much to be thankful for and have the greatest gratitude to the students, parents and staff who have supported me, taught me so much and enriched my time in schools. I have made some wonderful friendships.

I will miss interacting with so many wonderful people but will hopefully meet new people in my travels and as I pursue my interests.

At assembly yesterday, students read letters to me about the lessons I have taught them and I was gifted an exquisite elephant made by our students during Art.

My heart is full and my final thankyou is to each and every person who has been on the journey with me.

On my way home from the Easter holidays I stopped at Wedderburn Primary School where I began my career. My husband took photos of me standing outside my very first classroom. It was hard to believe 40 years has gone by since I started as a 20 year old.

Thank you

Anzac Day

This year we have been able to promote Anzac Day even more with the near completion of our memorial garden. I have planted some rosemary in the garden and our students have made red and purple poppies and have placed them in the garden. Our teachers have read books about the Lone Pine and other Anzac Day related books. We would love you to come and have a look at our garden and sit and reflect about the sacrifices of our men, woman and animals, and the many families who have lost a loved one in war.

Whilst visiting Wedderburn on the weekend I also visited their war memorial in the grounds of the R.S.L where new plaques had been erected. I found out that a very famous soldier, Albert Jacka had gone to Wedderburn Primary, the same school where I taught. Born in 1893, he attended Wedderburn Primary in the early 1900’s. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 18 September 1914 as a private in the 14th Battalion. After training in Egypt Jacka's battalion landed at Gallipoli on 26 April 1915. For his gallant efforts, he was awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross of the First World War.

Assembly

Yesterday at assembly our students sang a beautiful song for Anzac Day. I have attached the link below so that you can watch it at home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjFJ2axUSrE&list=OLAK5uy_nCOSv6JymwUO6EkSjLh8UzxfveDW4Qhqk&index=4

Carlsruhe

At the end of term 1 I visited Carlsruhe with our school reviewer. He was super impressed with the Carlsruhe experience and our students delighted in explaining the program to him and introducing him to the chooks and guinea pigs.

Colour Run

In the last term of week 1 we had our Lapathon/colour run. A big thankyou to the PFA for driving the colour run component and to all of our staff for expertly juggling the logistics. It was the most enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to doing it again. A huge thankyou to Adam for cooking the BBQ.

Our memorial garden

Today the final part of the garden arrived – the seating pod. We are thrilled with the garden and the amazing design and work done by Corey (the landscape gardener).

Lake School

Over the holidays I visited a primary school called the Lake School, just out of Mildura. I love visiting other schools and seeing their ideas and innovations. I loved their Kiss and Drop zone, something we have been trying to get the shire to do for a long time and I particularly loved their memorial garden.

Miss Quinn

Although you might have seen Miss Quinn at school this week, she is now officially on family leave with only a few weeks until her baby is due. At the end of term we had a staff celebration for Miss Quinn. We wish her and her partner Alex all the best for the safe arrival of their little girl.

Mr. Condon

Congratulations to Mr. Condon and his wife on the birth of their beautiful little daughter named Bonnie. We enjoy hearing Mr, Condon’s stories about his treasured little girl.

Professional Learning

On Tuesday all of our staff attended professional learning at school provided by Miss Tobin, Mrs. Minchew and Mrs. Campbell. The training focussed on mental health and building relationships and the strategies we can use to best support our students. It was a highly engaging and informative day.

School grounds

At this time of the year, our school looks more beautiful than ever. When I was in over the holidays, I took the opportunity to take some photos of our large Oak tree in its full Autumn glory.

School Maintenance

Around the school we have continued to have facility upgrades taking place. Contractors for the Victorian Schools Building Authority have been upgrading and installing our ramps and railings to meet current regulations and standards.

Acting Principal

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Campbell as Acting Principal for Term 2. The substantive position is currently advertised, and the process will be carried out this term with shortlisting and interviews. The interview panel will be led by Stehen Brain from the region (the Senior Education Improvement Officer). Also on the panel will be our School Council President, another member from School Council and a teaching staff member. The appointed substantive Principal will start in Term 3.

Principal

Diana Ellis

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