Dear Parents and Carers,

As I sit down to write this week’s message I am able to reflect on another wonderful community event that was held in our Whole School Cross Country. It was inspiring to see all students F-6 (including our Kindergarten students) participate in a positive, fun and supportive event. I was fortunate to be able to spend some time talking to different families and seeing students not only encourage their peers but also students younger and older across different cohorts. I’d like to thank the staff for their dedication and support and the parents who gave up their time to stand on course, put down marquees and cheer on the students throughout the morning. We look forward to announcing the winner at Friday’s assembly.

Another event that brought our community together was our Harmony Day Celebration where the many different cultures across our school were celebrated. The students were able to enjoy a special lunch and a dancing performance in the afternoon by Melbourne Fang Hua Arts Performance Club. Thank you again to the parent volunteers that assisted on the day and enable us to provide great experiences for our students.

Finally I just wanted to mention our parent helpers who again assisted with a Freezer Angels cook up. The program continues to become stronger and stronger which is a credit to our parents who give up time to assist. I know these meals are valued by many different members of our community and make a difference in what can be challenging times that people face.

School Tours/Enrolments

Just a reminder to families that we are running weekly tours throughout Term 2 for new families and also for any family with a sibling starting school in 2026. We encourage all families to book in and bring their child along to support their understanding of the school and how we continue to grow and build opportunities for our students. Please visit our website for more information on Tours and timelines for enrolment for 2026 https://www.whitehorseps.vic.edu.au/. We will also be hosting a number of open afternoons for children to experience some of our specialist programs across the school

Staffing Updates

I would like to inform the community that our Assistant Principal Ms Majdan has taken some extended leave and the school is currently in the process of hiring an Acting Assistant Principal for Term 2. We would also like to acknowledge that Ms Kya Gelb will be going on leave in early Term 2 as she looks forward to welcoming her first child into the world. In her place we look forward to having Ms Effie Adams join us for the remainder of 2025. Ms Adams is well known to all students at Whitehorse and will support us in providing consistency for the students. Finally, we will have Ms Avery continue to take Grade 2 and Grade 5/6 PE, Mr Merriweather continue to take Grade 3/4 PE and Ms Cousins take Prep and Grade 1 PE whilst Mr Scarfo is on leave throughout Term 2. We look forward to welcoming Ms Majdan, Mr Scarfo and Ms Gelb back again in the future.

Holiday Building Works

Over next few days and into the holidays we will have some restoration work commence on our school gymnasium as well as the commencement of a new playground for our Seedlings Kindergarten. Families can still utilise the outdoor spaces within the school over the break as the impacted areas will be fenced off for safety.

Holiday Program - Rocketeers - Camp Australia

These holidays Camp Australia will be running a holiday program from 7:00am - 6:30pm each day (except Good Friday). Families can book at https://campaustralia.com.au/school/?accessCode=763D. Please note our Kindergarten students are unable to attend on excursion days. The program will also be running on Tuesday 22nd of April as a full day due to a school curriculum day. If families need any assistance please call 1300 105 343.

End of Term - 2:30 Finish - 2:00 Assembly

This Friday we will wrap up the term with a final assembly from 2:00pm and school finishes at 2:30pm. We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday 23rd of April (Tuesday 22nd is a curriculum day)

Enjoy a well deserved break!

Andrew Den Elzen

Principal

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