Leadership updates and reflections
Update from Julie
Term 4 is off to a wonderful start, with plenty of excitement and activity across our school! Students are gathering their wonderings for our Term 4 CBL Big Ideas of Survival, Systems & Service while rehearsals, set designs and preparations for Beauty and the Beast Jr. are gathering momentum. We’ve also had students proudly representing Wonga Park at Division Athletics and at the Gr 5/6 Future Stars Girls Hooptime finals. It’s been a busy and inspiring start to the term, with so many opportunities for our students to explore, create, challenge themselves and shine!
Grade 4 Camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort
An absolute highlight last week was our Grade 4 camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort which was full of adventure, laughter and wonderful opportunities for growth! From canoeing and the giant swing, trying archery to spotting penguins, students challenged themselves, stepped outside their comfort zones, built confidence and made special memories with their friends and teachers. We are so proud of our camps program, which gently builds students’ independence and resilience, from a day camp in Grade 2 through to a week away in Grade 5/6, with experiences across bush, coastal and adventure-based settings. A huge thank you to our wonderful teachers who gave their time, energy and care to make this experience so special for our students. These are the moments and memories that students will always remember!
Beauty and the Beast Jnr.
Excitement is building as rehearsals and preparations for Beauty and the Beast Jr. really ramp up ahead of showtime in Week 6! An all-day Sunday rehearsal and set-building working bee saw our enthusiastic and dedicated students throw their hearts and souls into their first full run-through of the show and a team of teachers and parents create some amazing sets. It’s wonderful to see such passion, talent and confidence shining through as the production comes to life. Tickets go on sale this week and are sure to be in high demand! A heartfelt thank you to the many parents and teachers generously giving their time, energy and expertise to make this incredible opportunity possible. We love seeing our students growing in confidence, having fun and bringing their love of performing arts to life on stage. We can’t wait to see them shine!
Breakfast Club
Just a reminder that Breakfast Club is starting again this week – Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays from 8:25am to 8:45am. Come along for fruit, toast and cereal. All welcome!
Courage To Care
This week, our Grade 5/6 students will take part in the Courage to Care program, exploring the importance of empathy, kindness and standing up for others. Through discussions and activities, students will be encouraged to think about identity, difference and belonging, and how our words and actions can make a real difference to those around us. The program helps students build the confidence to be Upstanders - people who show courage, speak up when something isn’t right and take positive action to support others. These are important conversations that help nurture a caring, inclusive school community where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging.
Have a great week
Warm regards
Julie
Update from Adele:
In this issue, information is shared about:
- Before and After School Supervision
- Emergency Management Drill this week
- Disability and Inclusion: Student Support Group meetings
- Cyber Safety information: Mighty Heroes online safety adventures
- Child Safety Project: 2026 Webinar series (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
- eSafety Commissioner: Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
Before and After School Supervision
With beautiful weather ahead, students may be keen to arrive early and enjoy time with their friends. A friendly reminder that teacher supervision begins at 8.40 am, and students must not be left unsupervised in the school grounds before this time.
Students who arrive without an adult before 8.40 am will be directed to wait at the office, and an email will be sent home reminding families of our supervision arrangements.
After school, supervision is provided until 3.40 pm. Families requiring care outside these hours are encouraged to use TheirCare’s before and after school care program.
Please read the information below for further details.
Emergency Management Drill notification: Code Red
We will have an Emergency Management drill on Thursday 22nd October.
The Department of Education requires us to rehearse drills throughout the year to ensure staff and students are prepared in the event of an emergency. This drill will be a Code Red: the school will practise what to do if there is an external fire.
Disability and Inclusion
SSGs: Student Support Group Meetings
Our Term 4 Student Support Group (SSG) meetings commence this week.
Strong partnerships between families and schools can make a significant difference to a child’s experience at school. SSG meetings provide a valuable opportunity for families, teachers and relevant professionals to share insights, celebrate progress and plan together to support a child’s learning and wellbeing.
These conversations help us develop a shared understanding of each child’s strengths, needs and goals, review their Individual Education Plan and consider adjustments that support their participation and success. This term, preparing for changes and transitions into the coming school year will also be an important focus.
We value the knowledge families bring and the importance of ensuring each student’s voice is heard. By communicating openly, setting achievable goals and keeping the child at the centre of our conversations, we can work together to help every student feel supported, connected and ready to learn.
eSafety Commissioner
Mighty Heroes online safety adventures
The eSafety Commissioner’s Mighty Heroes resources help primary-aged children learn about protecting personal information, treating others with kindness, questioning what they see online and asking for help when something doesn’t feel right.
With short animated videos for younger children, an interactive adventure game for older children and conversation starters for families, there are plenty of ways to explore these important messages together.
Why not watch a video or play alongside your child? It’s a lovely opportunity to hear about their online experiences and remind them they can always come to you for support - you can access the Mighty Heroes online safety adventures here.
Cyber Safety Project Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
eSafety Commission Online Workshops (regular Wonga Weekly entry)
The eSafety Commission provides free webinars that provide parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe, positive online experiences.
Sign up for the eSafety Newsletter to receive the latest online safety news, resources, and advice.
Warm regards,
Adele Brice
Assistant Principal
adele.brice@education.vic.gov.au