Principal's Report

Dear families,

It is great to be back at school after a busy Easter holiday. Much of my time was spent with family, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather. We even managed a swim while visiting Warrnambool, which is unusual for this time of year! We also went on the paddle boats at Lake Pertobe—I think they’re the same ones we went on 20 years ago!

Students and staff have settled back in and it is focused learning as usual.

STAFFING

As mentioned last term, Dani Watt has accepted an Assistant Principal position at Wilmot Road Primary School. Dani will commence her new role on the 12th of May. We are currently in the process of advertising her position.

In the interim, Filippa will continue in the class on her usual days, with Erin Osmond teaching on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Maria Serra on Fridays. Through strategic team planning, we will endeavour to make this transition as smooth as possible for both the children and staff.

We are fortunate, particularly in the current climate, to be able to backfill the position.

PARENTS & FRIENDS

Yesterday afternoon we had our first P&F meeting for the term. Items discussed were the Mother’s Day Stall and an upcoming pie drive. It is fantastic to have so many new faces attending the meetings. Congratulations on the very successful Easter Raffle. Proceeds from the fundraiser, $1,106 will go towards the purchase of new Phonics Hero program which the students have been thoroughly enjoying. 

Phonics Hero is an interactive, online program designed to support children in learning to read and spell through systematic phonics instruction. It follows a structured sequence of synthetic phonics lessons, helping students build skills in sound recognition, blending, segmenting, and spelling. With engaging games and activities, Phonics Hero reinforces key literacy skills in a fun and motivating way.

SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS

Our school-wide Positive Behaviour focus this week is playing by the rules. 

This will be reinforced through discussions and activities both in the classroom and out in the yard.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Our meeting is scheduled for Monday 28th April commencing at 6.30pm. Finance will be at 6pm.

MOTHERS DAY STALL

Our annual stall will be held on Wednesday 7th of May commencing at 9am. Please ensure that if students are bringing money to school, it is in a clearly marked container/wallet. EFTPOS facilities will be available. Items will range in price from $1  to $10. 

MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST

Plans are underway for the breakfast which is on Thursday 8th May commencing at 7:30am. To assist with catering please log onto Xuno and select your preference from the menu and the number of adults and children attending. 

SAFE BUS TRAVEL PROGRAM

On Wednesday 30th students who travel to school on one of our buses will have the opportunity to participate in a Safe Bus Travel session. BusVic, in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport & Planning, offers a free Safe Bus Travel program for primary schools. The session runs for under an hour and includes a safety video, Q&A, and a visit to the school bus with the driver. It is typically held first thing in the morning and comes with student handouts. The presenter is Stuart Dawson.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY

This morning our ANZAC Day ceremony was respectfully led by our Grade 6 students, who honoured the occasion with a reading and laying of a wreath to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Our school captains will represent our school at the Toolamba ANZAC Day ceremony tomorrow at 10am. Due to another commitment I am unable to attend but Mrs Watt will be there to represent the school. 

LUNCH TIME ACTIVITIES 

This term we commenced Lunch Time activities which the students have thoroughly enjoyed. These activities will continue in Term 2. 

TERM 2 FOOD

Have a lovely weekend, 

Regards Heather