Leadership updates and reflections

Update from Julie

The weeks are flying by and teachers are busy working together to create grades for 2026.  Information provided by parents is taken into consideration where possible, along with all the other factors that are taken into account including friendships, positive learning partnerships and academic, social and emotional needs.  It is a complex and time-consuming task for teachers as they ensure that the needs of every child is carefully considered.  Thank you for your understanding that the window for providing information regarding grades has closed.

Student Leaders for 2026

Congratulations to our Grade 5 students, who today took their first exciting step in the process of trying out for the School Captain and Ambassador roles for 2026. The journey begins with presenting a speech to their peers in Grades 3–6, who then vote for the student leaders they would like to represent them next year. Staff also have the opportunity to vote, and once all votes are combined, 12 students are shortlisted.

The final stage is an interview with myself, Mrs Brice, the Grade 5 teachers, our current school captains, and a school council representative, who together form the selection panel. It is a rigorous and thoughtful process that ensures everyone has a voice.

We are so proud of our wonderful Grade 5 students. They have put in a tremendous effort preparing their speeches and have shown great courage, enthusiasm, and confidence in stepping up for these important leadership roles. Other key student leadership positions will be decided through peer selection and teacher interviews in the coming weeks.  

We look forward to seeing all of Grade 5s being amazing student leaders  and role models in our school next year as they become buddies for our new preps and facilitate our fortnightly Connection Groups.  

Transition - Stepping Up

The first transition session for our Grade 1-5 students was held last week with students exploring what their classrooms for next year look and feel like.  It is an important way for students to build their confidence and anticipation about the year ahead.  There will be another transition session in Week 9 where they will spend more time in their new classrooms with some of the teachers that are currently in their new level, ahead of a 'Step Up' day in Week 10 when they will spend time with their new class and classroom teacher for 2026.

We also look forward to welcoming our 2026 preps as they attend their 3rd transition session.  They too are becoming very familiar with what school is all about ahead of their final transition session in two weeks when they will meet their classroom teacher and buddy for next year - a very exciting time!

Thank you for your patience and understanding in regard to the local roadworks. We are receiving more positive feedback that traffic flow is improving as families and local residents adjust to the changes.

Have a great week everyone

Warm regards

Julie

Update from Adele

Road Safety Reminder – Please Chat With Your child/ren

We had a concerning incident reported to us this afternoon. A parent driving along Dudley Road had a group of older students (girls) run directly across the road in front of her car. 

We will be speaking with students at school to remind them about safe travel to and from school, including using the designated crossing points and always stopping, looking, and listening before stepping onto the road.

We kindly ask all families to have a conversation at home about road safety.

 Disability Inclusion

Introducing the I CAN Network: 

We are committed to creating a learning environment where every child feels valued, supported and confident to be themselves. We wanted to share the incredible work of the I CAN Network, Australia’s largest autistic-led organisation dedicated to mentoring, advocacy and building a culture that empowers neurodivergent young people.

What is the I CAN Network?

The I CAN Network provides strengths-based mentoring for autistic and neurodivergent students aged 6–22. Their programs are designed and led by autistic adults, creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can connect, share their interests, and build social confidence. You can learn more at: https://icannetwork.online

Why we value the I CAN approach

The I CAN Network aligns strongly with our school’s inclusive education practices. Their programs:

• Celebrate strengths and identity, rather than focusing on “fixing” challenges
• Build confidence and belonging through supportive group mentoring
• Support key transitions (such as Grade 6 to Year 7) with dedicated programs
• Provide resources and professional learning for families and educators
• Help young people say, “I CAN,” and believe it

Want to learn more?

Families are encouraged to visit the I CAN Network website to explore mentoring options, transition support, and a wide range of free resources: https://icannetwork.online

Together in Tech Workshop: Apple Tools for Families - Presented by the Cyber Safety Project

We had a small, yet enthusiastic group of families attend the workshop presented by Trent from the Cyber Safety Project. 

Trent covered aspects such as:

• Online risks
• Device setup
• App safety
• Family sharing
• Screen time
• Starting the chat

We have had inquiries regarding whether the workshop could be recorded. On this occasion, the workshop was a live, hands-on workshop.

eSafety – Office of the eSafety Commissioner 

Social media age restrictions webinars (this post will continue in all Wonga Weeklies for the remainder of 2025)

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Join our information sessions for parents and carers; educators and youth-serving professionals to understand the changes, their purpose and implications.

Parents and carers

The 30-minute webinar will help parents and carers understand the upcoming changes to social media access for children under 16.

Join our information session to:

• understand the purpose of the new age restrictions and how they aim to protect young Australians
• understand which platforms will require users to be 16+ and what platforms they can still access
• get tips and resources to support your child’s online safety and wellbeing through the transition.

 Parents and carers will gain:

• a clear understanding of the new rules and their implications
• confidence in guiding their child through these changes
• access to trusted resources to support safe and positive online engagement.

Wednesday 19 November, 7:00pm (AEDT) REGISTER NOW

Tuesday 2 December, 7:00pm (AEDT) REGISTER NOW

Monday 8 December, 3:30pm (AEDT) REGISTER NOW

Monday 15 December, 1:00pm(AEDT) REGISTER NOW

Thursday 20 November, 12:30pm (AEDT) REGISTER NOW

Term 4 eSafety Commissioner online workshops

The eSafety Commissioner provides free webinars to parents and carers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences. Remaining Term 4 webinars are listed below:

1.Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into secondary school

This 45-minute webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into secondary school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences. It's suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7. Learn more about this webinar.

18 November, 12:30 pm

2. Social media age restrictions explained – a guide for parents and carers

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account. Join our 30-minute information session to understand the changes. Learn more about this webinar.

20 November, 12:30 pm

Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.

Warm Regards,

Adele