From the Principal & Assistant Principal
The 2026 school year started with warm weather and this has continued across the last 4 weeks. Please be aware that the school does have an emergency management plan in place that guides us through extreme weather events. Our Carlsruhe students have been impacted by the weather over the last few weeks, having to relocate to the main campus a few times this term on Extreme Fire Danger days. I thank the students and the staff for their flexibility on these days. We ask that all students ensure they have a hat to wear outside during play times and bring a water bottle each day. Students are able to bring their own sunscreen if they would like to, please note staff are not allowed to apply the sunscreen for children, children are expected to be able to apply it themselves. Please see our sun protection policy for further details.
Today our Year 5/6 students and staff have headed off for an overnight camp to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. This camp supports the learning they are currently doing around the Gold Rush and how it shaped Australia’s identity. I know many students were looking forward to the opportunity to pan for gold and explore the life and times during that era. We look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return. Our Year 3 students will also be heading off on camp before the end of this term. Our camp program for students in Year 3-6 provides great opportunities for students to develop their independence and explore real life opportunities that link to their learning in the classroom. Camps would not be possible without the willingness of staff to organise and support these activities, we also appreciate the support of parent volunteers who willing give up their time to support our teachers and students.
We hope that parents/guardians have appreciated the opportunity to meet the child’s teacher this week. If you were unable to attend, please contact the office either by phone or email woodend.ps@education.vic.gov.au to organise a time with the teacher. The home school relationship is an important part of your child’s time at school.
Next Friday our students in Year 4-6 will be participating in our Athletics carnival at the Kyneton Show Grounds, thanks to Mrs Connell for her careful organisation of this day. Thanks also to the staff and parents who will be supporting Mrs Connell to ensure this event runs smoothly on the day. We were grateful for the number of parents who volunteered to support this event and while we were not able to give everyone a role, we continue to encourage our community to put your name forward for the many events and opportunities throughout the year. Without your support we would not be able to offer the many opportunities we do.
School Council plays an important role in our school, but it is often a group that many members of our community are unsure about what role they play in our school. The School Council helps to support the schools vision and mission for the learning and wellbeing of all students, they work with the school leadership team to ensure our financial responsibilities are met, support the school review process and bring the parent perspective into school decision making and policies. On Monday 16th March at 7pm we will be presenting our School Annual Report, all members of our school community are welcome to attend. This meeting will also be the first meeting of the new 2026 School Council. Information has been sent out via Compass today regarding 5 open parent member positions we are seeking parent nominations for. If you would like further information about School Council please ask at the school office. Nomination forms can also be collected at the office.
Our new Year 6 Environmental Leaders are looking forward to co-ordinating their first big event for the year. Next Thursday students at both campuses will be participating in Clean Up Australia day. They will be supported to sort and process the rubbish collected by Nicole Middleton, our Community Garden Co-ordinator and local Landcare volunteer. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated volunteer, who despite her children having left Woodend Primary School, continues to support our environmental pursuits, especially our community garden.
We look forward to the ongoing learning opportunities our students will be taking part in over the remainder of this term and hope you are able to share in them with us.
From the Kyneton HS team.....
Last week, Kyneton High School officially welcomed its newest Year 7 students at a special whole-school assembly. In a powerful tradition, the Year 12 students formed a guard of honour to welcome the new Year 7s into secondary school — a moving symbol of connection between the oldest and youngest students.
At Kyneton High, our mascot is the Raven, chosen because ravens are intelligent, curious and look after one another — qualities we encourage in all our students. In this assembly, the Year 12 school captains each introduce a Year 7 student who has volunteered to speak about their hopes for their time at high school on behalf of their homegroup. Slater was chosen to represent 7C.
Many of you will remember Slater from his time at Woodend Primary School. Now in Year 7, he confidently represented his new cohort, introduced by Year 12 leader, Connor. Slater shared a quote from Bram Stoker: “We learn from failure not success.” He spoke about trying different things, staying positive when mistakes happen, and bringing resilience to the KHS community — overcoming challenges and helping guide others through them.
We are incredibly proud of the confidence he showed speaking in front of the entire school and are so happy to be able to share this news with our friends at Woodend PS!
Wishing you all a great school year!
Principal Assistant Principal
Elissa Campbell Adam Sayers