Acting Principal's Report

Hello DPW Community,

School Council 2026

From 2026, parents, carers and community members who would like to join the school council need a working with children (WWC) clearance to nominate. If you are considering nominating for school council, and don’t already have a WWC, I encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC check as soon as possible. This will allow for processing times, which are estimated to be from 3 to 12 weeks. 

Please note that if you do not hold a WWC clearance, you will not be able to nominate for school council, so it is vital that you prepare in advance. Obtaining a WWC clearance is free for volunteers, and you can apply online at Service Victoria. 

When applying for your volunteer WWC check, please nominate the Department of Education as the organisation you are working for.

If you already hold an employee WWC clearance, you do not need to obtain a volunteer WWC clearance to nominate for school council.

Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered teachers and school students who are interested in joining school council are not required to obtain a WWC clearance. 

Current parents and community members of school council do not need to apply for a WWC check immediately. Current members only need a WWC clearance if their term ends and they wish to nominate or be co-opted again. 

For more information, refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.

Volunteering at DPW

To be eligible to volunteer at DPW you will need to complete our school volunteer induction session and hold WWC. Dates for these induction sessions will be in the school newsletter early next year. 

Some ways that you can volunteer with us include assisting with:

• preparation and supervision of our breakfast club program
• supervision of students during excursions or special events
• preparation of whole school events
• listening to students read
• our specialist programs, such as Art, PE and the library
• working with small groups of students e.g. reading a story, playing learning games, publishing writing
• a lunchtime club e.g. gardening, art, sport
• facilitating a lunchtime club around an interest or skill of your own

DPW Upcoming Events

Whole School Concert – Friday, 12 December-  9:05-11:00am

Tomorrow morning is our Whole School Concert—a highlight of the year! Bring along a chair or picnic rug and get ready to be entertained by our fabulous students as they perform their class dances. This year’s theme will take you on a journey through the cinematic universe—from spies and K-pop to mad scientists and Minions (and plenty more surprises!). Clap your hands, tap your feet, and enjoy the show!

Step-Up Morning

The morning will be a very exciting morning for students and teachers! The Years 1–6 Step-Up Morning will be held next Thursday, 18 December 2025, from 9:15 am to 10:45 am. This is an opportunity for students to spend time in their new classrooms with their new teachers and lay the foundations for their classroom community for 2026.

Year 6 Students

Our Year 6 students have had an exciting few weeks ahead as they prepare to take their next big step into secondary school. 

Their final big two events are coming up next week:

• Wednesday, 17 December – Year 6 Graduation

  A very special evening to celebrate our graduates and their incredible journey through primary school.

• Friday, 19 December – Guard of Honour

  On the final day, we’ll farewell our Year 6 students with the traditional Guard of Honour—a heartfelt send-off as they walk through the school one last time.

Friday, 19 December – Last Day of School

The final day of the 2025 school year is Friday, 19 December. Please note that school will finish early at 1:30 pm.

Kindest Regards,

Deanne Scott

Principal