Principal's Message
2025 School Theme - Why Team, Why Team Westbreen
Dear Westbreen PS Families,
We have several events planned to finish off the term, and I can hardly believe we are already in Week 7!
Last week, we had a number of excursions, including trips to the Melbourne Zoo and science workshops at Pascoe Vale Girls College. Looking ahead, we have upcoming excursions and incursions on robotics for Year 1/2, as well as our Year 5/6 camp. These are exciting times and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school values.
I was pleased to receive a lovely email last week from a community member who visited our school for interschool sports. They commented on how our students demonstrated respect, care, and responsibility in their interactions and during the games. Well done, Year 5/6 Team! I look forward to celebrating this achievement at this week’s assembly.
School Hall Update- We have started the works!!
Last week, we finally began work on the ceiling of the School Hall. We removed a large section to investigate the beams that need to be replaced as part of the Department's project. I will continue to keep everyone updated on our progress. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding as we reach this stage to ensure the space is safe. I also want to thank Mr. Simon for setting up a portable music and performing arts program in classrooms throughout the school this year while we complete the work, as well as his flexibility.
Reconciliation Week
Last week, Westbreen Primary School recognised Reconciliation Week, which aligns with the Department of Education's observance from May 27 to June 3. Our students engaged in activities to understand and commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court's Mabo decision.
Our Their Care Program also acknowledged Reconciliation Week by exploring clay work. Students crafted their own boomerangs and indigenous animals using air-dried clay. They also decorated their hands to create a "hand garden," symbolizing a sense of belonging and conducted a yarning circle.
This week, our students will participate in NAIDOC Week, themed "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy." This theme marks a powerful milestone of 50 years dedicated to honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
Rani Carter-Cartwright will be our Murrang Lead at Westbreen Primary School. She will work with staff to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives into our curriculum and participate in professional learning offered by the Department of Education moving forward.
2026 Enrolments- Thank you to all the families that already have submitted their enrolment forms!
We encourage our 2026 Foundation families to visit the office to complete the enrolment process by filling out the school enrolment form and providing evidence of their child's date of birth and immunisation record. To assist with planning, we kindly request that parents finalise their enrolments by the end of this term. This is vital, as we will begin workforce planning in early Term 3. If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the enrolment process, please contact Ms. Kerry Parfett, our Community and Enrolment Facilitator.
We have been overwhelmed by the number of tour requests we are receiving at the moment. Thank you to the community for your kind words about Team Westbreen, which puts students at the centre of everything we do! A big thank you to Ms. Kerry for organising the tours and our staff for their continued dedication to the students.
Student Attitudes to School Survey Years 4-6
Over the past two weeks, we have been completing the Student Attitudes to School Survey for our Year 4 to Year 6 students. I am eager to see the data and determine our next steps. We strive to create inclusive and safe learning environments where every student can thrive. Currently, our school captains and house captains are leading classes on Friday mornings to discuss what student voice and agency looks, sounds, and feels like for them. It has been wonderful to observe and participate in this process with the students - a couple of future teachers in the making.
School Council Sub Committee
Just a reminder if you are wanting to be involved in our sub committees for our school council please reach out to the main office for information on meeting times; it’s a great way to get involved in the school.
The following subcommittees are available:
- Education
- Parent and Friends Group
- Environment & Facilities
King's Birthday Public Holiday
This is a reminder that the upcoming public holiday on Monday, June 9th, celebrates the King's birthday. As a result, there will be no school for students on this day. If you are traveling during the long weekend, we wish you safe travels and hope all members of Team Westbreen enjoy their time with family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy the football on the Monday!
Reporting Day - Term 2
Please note that Reporting Day (Three-Way Conferences) is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1st, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Students are not required to attend school on this day, except during their scheduled conference times. In the coming weeks, we will provide families with more information on how to book a conference. Please remember that during the conferences, students must stay with their families and be supervised.
Early Finish for Term 2
Please note that on Friday, July 4th, we will have an early finish at 2:15pm. Our staff will supervise the gates and grounds until 2:30pm that day.
Before and after school care (provided by Theircare) will be available as usual on the last day, and bookings can be made for this service. If you require Theircare over the holidays, please remember to book in advance.
Wishing you a reflective week of learning!
Justin Lania
Acting Principal
The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.
