Westbreen Primary School Newsletter

Principal's Message

2025 School Theme - Why Team, Why Team Westbreen 

 

Dear Westbreen PS Families, 

As we conclude this term, it feels like just yesterday that we welcomed everyone to the 2025 school year. Our students have settled into their new classrooms with new teachers, starting the year with high expectations and challenges. In my personal reflection, I am incredibly proud of what Team Westbreen has achieved so far. With 420 students now acclimated, we have a team and a community that supports our learners and embodies our motto: "Learning together for life."

 

To the staff: Thank you for your ongoing support and passion in creating vibrant learning communities with comprehensive support for our students, grounded in our school values. The hours you dedicate to ensuring the best learning environments allow students to thrive under your care.

 

To our parents and guardians: Thank you for your support and contributions that help make our school a safe and nurturing learning community. Your time and efforts are essential for your child's success as a learner.

 

Lastly, to our students: Congratulations on a successful term! You have shown pride and compassion for our school and have led our community in remarkable ways. As I visit classrooms, I witness the positive atmosphere in our school, which stems from your enthusiasm. Well done for embodying our school values!

 

It is a true privilege to be part of Team Westbreen. As we wrap up Term One, we have accomplished a great deal in the last ten weeks.

 

This year, we’ve accomplished several exciting initiatives and achievements at Westbreen Primary School, including:

  • The establishment of a new double-storey learning building.
  • Welcoming our Foundation students, as well as 66 new students, into Team Westbreen.
  • The launch of a new Specialist Area: Physical Education.
  • Implementing numeracy and literacy intervention programs at WPS.
  • Organising inter-school sports on Fridays.
  • Bringing back the Playgroup at WPS.
  • Continuing our Breakfast Club.
  • Offering Family Time for our community.
  • Allocating student leadership positions throughout the school.
  • Successfully implementing the NAPLAN Testing Program for 2025.
  • Hosting student conferences.
  • Conducting Buddy Program activities.
  • Organising various incursions and excursions throughout the school year.
  • Delivering effective learning programs and activities across the entire school.
  • Holding Student Learning Expos to celebrate our Inquiry and Integrated Studies topics.
  • Providing staff training in Disability Inclusion and School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support.
  • Planning for our 2025 school photos.
  • Establishing our 2025 School Council and Subcommittees.
  • Improving our school grounds.

As I reflect on these programs and achievements, I believe we all deserve a well-earned break. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work in making Team Westbreen exceptional. I wish you all a safe and restful holiday, and I look forward to an active and enjoyable Term Two filled with positive learning experiences.

 

Thank You

I would like to express my gratitude to the families for their support during our recent Working Bee. Their contributions included weeding, mulching various areas of our school, and cleaning the front entrance, playground, and multi-purpose pitch. I hope the drinks and zooper doopers were a small token of appreciation for your time, effort, and spirit in the warm conditions. Thank you once again!

 

Brett Tamburrino, Parent of Harry and Maddie

Andrew McGregor, Parent of Caspian

Nick Maguire, Parent of Ned

Amelia Ballard, Parent of Harriet

Aysel Ilhan- Parent of Pasevic, Meryem, Davud, Asiya Nur and Ahmet

Philip Landvogt, Parent of Campbell and Quintin

Annelies Huls, Parent of Lenny

Kasey Moore, Parent of Tom

Shynade Plant, Parent of Theo

Matthew Cox, Parent of Clementine & Louis

Rebecca Prideaux, Parent of Ayla, Nate & Holland 

Also, another special helper- Kirrily

Megan Loft, Parent of Oliver & James

Qianqian Zhao, Parent of Ryan & Daniel

Filiz Arslan, Parent of Taylan 

Russell Hunter, Parent of Charlie 

Mick Preston, Parent of Leon & Raffy

Edward Cordiner, Parent of Elle

 

Apologies if any names have been missed, the list above was created from the sign in sheet on the day.

 

Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) Term 1

Congratulations to Meryem Pasevic, a Year 5/6 student, for being selected to participate in the Victorian High Ability Program for Literacy in Term 1! 

The Education Department offers placements in this program based on students' outstanding academic achievements, semester reports, and NAPLAN data. Each program runs for one term, and participants will attend an online session each week.

We will notify parents soon regarding their involvement in Term 2. Well done to all students—this is a remarkable acknowledgment of your hard work!

 

Staffing Update

In Term 2, Chris Mahlis will be taking leave. We welcome assistance in the Art program from Bronwyn Collister in working with Ms. Cosner and Ms. Aresti during this time. Additionally, Signora Angela Francavilla will also be on leave during Term 2. Signora Annette Cotroneo will cover for her and will collaborate with Signora Daniela Pegoraro throughout the term.

In other news, Ms. Maria Zarkadoulas will be on leave during the first week of Term 2, and Ms. Aresti will be covering her class. Ms. Aresti is well-known by the students and is already helping with Art one day a week. Mr. Nolan will also be on leave during this time, and we have arranged for a replacement for Physical Education for the first three days of the term.

 

A couple of reminders: 

The last day of term is Friday, April 4th. We kindly ask all families to confirm arrangements for pick-up or walking home with their children to avoid any confusion at the end of the day, noting the earlier finish time of 2:15pm.  

School Council sub-committees will begin meeting in Term 2 and will be open to all members of the Westbreen community. If you are interested in joining one of these sub-committees, please contact the office.

 

Once again, we wish you a lovely break with your loved ones. Stay safe, enjoy a restful holiday, and for our students, remember to keep learning in some way during the break!

 

Kind Regards, 

Justin Lania

 

The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.