Principal's Report

 Auslan & Performing Arts @ WPS!

In 2026, we are excited to announce the introduction of two learning areas: Auslan and Performing Arts. Both programs offer students fresh opportunities to express themselves, build confidence and connect with others in creative and meaningful ways. Auslan, the Australian Sign Language, is a visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions, movement and space to communicate. Students will begin exploring basic signs and learning how people in the Deaf community use Auslan in everyday life. This introduction is helping students develop awareness, respect and understanding of different ways people communicate.

At the same time, our Performing Arts program will provide students the chance to experiment with drama, movement, music and storytelling. Through role-play, music, improvisation, and performances, students will be building skills in expression, teamwork, and creativity.

A unique part of next year’s learning has been the way the two programs support each other. Because Auslan is so expressive and visual, it blends naturally with drama and movement. Students will discover how sign language can enhance a performance, add emotion to a story and help communicate ideas without any spoken words. This will make early experiences with both Auslan and Performing Arts engaging, fun and highly interactive.

By introducing these programs together, we are helping students develop strong communication skills, creative confidence and a deeper understanding of inclusion.  

We look forward to watching both areas grow as a part of our school’s learning culture.

I want to acknowledge the work and dedication of Ms Jessie Liu, who has led the school's Mandarin/Chinese Language program for many years. Ms Liu will be taking some leave from next week and will return for a very short time at the start of 2026. After this, Jessie is looking forward to taking a year of leave to explore other options and directions that her teaching may take her. Jessie is always welcome to visit or return to WPS. We wish her all the best for her travels and for the new year. 

Sensory Equipment Grant

We are very excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant from Variety Victoria in collaboration with the Cassandra Gantner Foundation. 

We cannot wait to show you our updated Sensory Space, launching in 2026!  Well done to everyone who supported this process. We will be working with EduSenosory to make this happen.

Supporting Whittlesea Secondary College Raffle 

Feel free to come into our office and purchase a raffle ticket in support of WSC.

All details can be found below.

Have a wonderful weekend - three weeks to go.

Kaylene