Leadership updates and reflections
There is always so much happening in Term 3, and it’s hard to believe we’re already at Week 5 and will soon be halfway through the term! Last week there some great highlights across Performing Arts and Sport and it has been fantastic to see our students embracing these opportunities with enthusiasm and energy.
Congratulations to the many Grade 5/6s who auditioned for the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast Jnr. with some returning yesterday for the final call backs. We have so many talented your performers who amaze us with their confidence and talent!. Good luck to everyone who tried out!
And our 2026 Victorian State School Spectacular Mass Dance and Mass Choir groups are attending their final hub rehearsals ahead of the final rehearsals and performances at John Cain arena. Such an exciting experience for nearly 40 of our Grade 4s, 5s and 6s. I can’t wait to see the show on the 29th of August!
Another wonderful highlight from last week was the very successful Grade 3–6 Athletics Sports. Congratulations to all of our students for giving their best, challenging themselves and striving to achieve their personal best throughout the day. Their enthusiasm, encouragement of one another and commitment to earning points for their House made for a fun day of competition and community spirit. Wishing all of the students who have the opportunity to represent Wonga Park at the upcoming District Athletics Sports all the very best.
A special thank you to Mr O for his fantastic organisation and for creating such a positive and enjoyable day for our students. A big thank you also to our teachers, ES staff and parents for their support and encouragement. Days like these wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful support of our school community!
And there is plenty more to look forward to this week, with a range of experiences designed to support our students’ learning, wellbeing and growth. Our P–2 students will continue their Gymnastics, our Grade 5/6 students will begin their Adolescent Health Program, and our Grade 4 students will have the exciting opportunity to visit Warrandyte High School. It’s wonderful to see the breadth of learning experiences our teachers create and the many ways our students continue to learn, connect and thrive.
2027 Prep Enrolments and Storytime
Last week, our Prep 2027 enrolment offers were shared with families, and their acceptances have been rolling in. Could we ask families who are intending to accept their offer to do so online as soon as possible so that the process can be completed. We are already looking forward to welcoming our newest little learners and can’t wait to meet them when they begin their transition program early in Term 4. There is plenty of excitement building with our Grade 5 students as they busily create their very special Buddy Bags in preparation for meeting their new buddies. The anticipation is growing by the day! This is such a special and much-anticipated leadership opportunity for our Grade 6 students each year, and we know they will embrace their role as buddies with care, kindness and joy. It is always a wonderful to see these relationships begin to grow and the way it helps our preps feel safe and connected.
Leading Inclusive Learning
Last week Terri Gioia and I had the opportunity to attend a thought-provoking professional learning program designed to empower school leaders and educators to drive meaningful change and harness technology to create more inclusive learning environments. Hosted by Apple, and facilitated by Professor Martin Bean CBE, the program gave us the opportunity to work with other school leaders to explore tools and strategies to navigate change, seize opportunities and foster resilient teams - all vital in turbulent times.
We were privileged to gain insights, strategies and practical digital tools from Professor Martin Bean, who has previously led two major universities (including RMIT in Melbourne) and is currently a Professor at the University of New South Wales, whose expertise lies in exploring the evolving landscape of work and lifelong learning. We look forward to using these tools to continue to create inclusive learning environments for our students.
Upcoming Events
Over the next few weeks there are some important and exciting events that teachers will be building into their planning including ......
National Science Week – 15th – 23rd August
National Science Week 2026 takes place from Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 23rd August 2026. The official school and event theme is "Seeds of science: Nurturing knowledge for all".
This theme invites students across Australia to explore the power of curiosity, inquiry and shared learning in growing scientific understanding. Just as seeds need the right conditions to grow, knowledge flourishes when it is nurtured, shared and applied to real-world and authentic challenges across all the scientific disciplines.
The theme encourages schools to explore how ideas take root, develop and spread – from the first spark of a question to the sharing of discoveries that benefit the wider community. It’s a celebration of how knowledge grows when tended with care, creativity and collaboration. We look forward to celebrating National Science Week in classrooms next week!
Bullying No Way Week - National Week of Action - August 17th - 21st
Bullying is everyone’s responsibility, and small acts can make a real difference.
This year’s theme reminds us that actions don’t need to be big to change someone’s world.
Small actions – like including someone, speaking up or showing kindness – can create meaningful change.
In our schools and communities, our goal is to build environments where everyone belongs, diversity is celebrated and bullying is never accepted.
During Bullying No Way Week, we will encourage students and families and to engage in small acts that can have a big impact against bullying. We will also highlight this work by inviting students to wear a pop of purple on Friday, August 21st.
Book Week Parade and Author Visit
Book Week is an annual national celebration of children's literature, Australian authors, and illustrators. Organised by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), it will be celebrated from 22nd August to 28th August. This year's theme is "Symphony of Stories".
We will celebrate Book Week through classroom activities, library sessions, and the announcement of the CBCA Book of the Year winners. The highlight of our celebrations will take place on Wednesday 26th August with our Book Week Parade at 9:00am followed by sessions throughout the day with author Nicky Johnston.
Remember there is no need to purchase an expensive costume – try getting creative using items from around the home or making something with cardboard, paint, fabric or even a handmade mask. There is plenty of inspiration available online - have fun creating your costume!
Upcoming Intersection Works on Jumping Creek Road Works and Edward & Paynes Roads
Manningham Council have asked us to communicate with our school community that there will be some changes to the detour routes over the coming weeks. There are now construction works along Jumping Creek Road as well as Edwards Road and Paynes Road that may affect many of our families. Please refer to School Community News page at the bottom of this newsletter for all the latest updates.
Communication
We have recently had some issues with the school not receiving emails that have been sent, particularly if they are from a gmail account. As per our communication process, parents should receive an email acknowledging that we have received your email and if required that it has been passed to the relevant staff member. If you do not receive acknowledgment that we have received your email, please contact the office by phone. Many thanks.
Have a great week
Warm regards
Julie