Foundation

Dear Families,

Welcome to our school community!

You will notice that your child will be bringing home a school diary. Along with Compass, this diary is an important communication tool between home and school. We encourage you to use it to record any information you feel we should know, such as changes to routines, special events, questions, or messages for the classroom teacher.

For the next few weeks in Literacy, we will be learning how to predict what a text might be about by looking at its title and illustrations. This helps children think carefully about stories and builds early comprehension skills.

You might like to support this learning at home by talking about the title and pictures before reading a story together. The children will be bringing home picture storybooks to share with you, and we encourage you to ask questions such as, “What do you think this story will be about?” or “What clues can you see in the pictures?”

In writing, we are learning to compose (drawing pictures to tell a story, or to teach us about something). This helps children understand that writing is a form of communication and their ‘marks’ on the paper convey a message.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and fun together!

Mrs Tanya, Classroom Teacher

Year 1 & 2B

Mrs Torney, Classroom Teacher

Year 3/4

Welcome to 3/4!

It is fabulous to see all returning and new families in 2026, we are excited for the year ahead with our large class! We have already been terrific at maintaining routines and expectations.

Your child will be bringing home a school diary. Along with Compass, this diary is an important communication tool between home and school. We encourage you to use it to share any relevant information, such as changes to routines, upcoming events, questions, or messages for the classroom teacher. These diaries will also be used to write down each day the book your child has read at home, followed by a parent/guardian signature.

In Literacy, we are focusing on mentor texts each week to build a deeper understanding and enhance our comprehension skills. In Maths we are beginning the year with place value, this is the base we will start with, followed by exploring other maths topics. For inquiry we are learning chemical sciences! We have already started the term with investigating liquid and solid substances, as well as how they melt. Attached below are some photos of students creating ice monsters! These were left in the classroom overnight to identify the changes they have made.

Mr Campbell and Mrs Gleisner, Classroom Teacher

Year 5 & 6

In Grade 5/6 we welcome new students and new teachers. Together, we are working towards having set routines and expectations for our teaching and learning. This will help us with transitions throughout the year.

The Grade 6 students have embraced their Foundation buddy and shown genuine care for the wellbeing and sense of belonging. Another new thing for this year is the introduction of Friday Rotations. Throughout the school year, students will participate in a range of activities from construction, digital technology, health and cooking.

Next week, Grade 5/6 will receive a weekly maths homework sheet. This will be at their point of need as a learner. It is also expected that students read regularly at home.

Have a great week.

Mrs Turnbull and Mr Goggin,Classroom Teachers

Primary Art

Welcome back to 2026

Everyone is looking forward to an exciting year in Art.

In Years 1-4 we will be focussing on Drawing and Painting this term.

5/6 will be creating collages and alcohol ink drawings.

Just a reminder that ALL students require an art shirt/smock.

Old t-shirts or shirts make great art shirts.

Students will need these as soon as possible for painting activities.

If you have any of the following items that could be donated to the art room, it would be greatly appreciated.

*newspapers

*small cardboard boxes (e.g. cereal boxes, shoes boxes, etc)

*egg cartons

*cardboard rolls (NO toilet rolls)

*plastic containers

*plastic lids

Thank you

Sue Prevos, Primary Art Teacher

Year 7

Welcome to our new Year 7s!

What a resilient bunch of Year 7s we have in 2026. We couldn’t be more proud of the way they have started the year!

By the time this newsletter goes to print, students will have had each class at least once. They are starting to wrap their heads around ‘secondary school’ life!

A few reminders for parents and students:

Term 1 is a hat term, students are required to wear hats at both recess and lunch, as well as any outdoor activities
The College Swimming Carnival is just around the corner (Friday 13/2) and Year 7 are striving for the free lunches. This is a great opportunity to build school spirit and have fun. Three things we want you to do: turn up, dress up and participate!!!

Homeroom Competitions - Free College Cafe Lunches

If our homeroom has 100% attendance and everybody is dressed in house colours – our homeroom will receive a free College Café lunch
If our homeroom has 100% attendance, everybody dressed in house colours and 100% participation (every student goes in at least one event) our homeroom will receive another free College Café lunch.

3. AI agreements need to be returned ASAP. Students received this document in Homeroom on Wednesday.

4. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! In Homeroom Monday, we asked the students what they had for breakfast, and about 8 students told us they hadn’t had breakfast! Breakfast is crucial as it break the overnight fast, replenishing glucose for energy, imporving concentration, kickstarting medtabolism, and providing essentail nutrients, which helps manage weight, stabilize blood sugar,and reduce risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Skipping it can lead to sliggishness, overeating later, and missing vital nutrients like calcium and iron. Please give your child the best start to the day, by encouraging them to eat breakfast!

5. Hygiene. With the summer weather, it’s particularly important that your child’s clothing is regularly washed and that your child is practicing good hygiene to avoid odour. Many students are hitting the age of puberty, meaning their sweat glands are kicking in! There are a number of great anti-perspirant deodorants on the market, including aluminum-free, natural and scent-free options.

As always, parents are more than welcome to reach out to us if they have any questions.

Miss Graham and Mrs Braybrook, Homeroom Teachers

Year 10

Our Year 10 students have had a fantastic start to the new school year, settling in well and showing great energy and maturity across the board. Students have been engaging in elective classes this year which has been a fantastic addition to their schooling.

This Thursday marks the beginning of their TAFE course, a major milestone in their Year 10 journey as they begin exploring hands-on learning pathways. Students are also busy preparing for Work Experience in Week 7, completing pre-placement modules and workplace readiness tasks as part of their Careers program.

And of course, there's plenty of excitement building for the Swimming Sports—with Ansett House already rallying strong support! We’re proud of the way our Year 10s have launched into 2026 and look forward to a positive and productive term ahead.

Michael Watson, Rachelle Mclean, Kushla Rose, Homeroom Teachers

Year 11

Welcome Back to 2026!

A big welcome back to everyone as we begin another exciting year at Wedderburn College. It’s been a warm start to the term, and well done to all students for managing the hot conditions so well. A special thank you to Mr Forrest, Mr Lockhart and Mr Iser for providing the much-appreciated Zooper Doopers — they were certainly a welcome treat in the heat!

Our Year 11 students have settled into VCE seamlessly, showing strong organisation and maturity from day one. Thank you for the effort you’ve put into being prepared, organised and ready to learn — it sets a great tone for the year ahead.

Our VM class has also been busy organising work placements, with the support of Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year, Robyn Vella. It’s fantastic to see Robyn recognised for the incredible work she does in our community, and we’re very proud of her achievements. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students.

There are some big activities coming up over the next week. We’ll be finalising SRC Representative and House Captain nominations, and of course, Swimming Sports in Week 3 — always a highlight of the term. Remember Mr Lockhart’s famous call: “Turn up, dress up and participate!” It’s a great opportunity to get involved, represent your house with pride, and live out our school values.

Looking ahead, Week 7 brings our beach camp, which is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity to connect, challenge ourselves and set some goals for the year ahead. More details about the exact location and itinerary will be shared soon.

It’s been a strong start to 2026 — let’s keep the momentum going!

Mr G’s Study Tip — Start Strong

The first few weeks of the year set the tone for everything that follows.

✔️ Get your folders and digital files organised now.✔️ Write key dates (SACs, camps and events) in a planner.✔️ Spend 15–20 minutes each night reviewing what you learned that day.

Small habits early make a massive difference later in the year.

Start organised. Stay consistent. Thank yourself later.

Mr Gretgrix , Homeroom Teacher

Year 12

Year 12s Off to a Strong Start

Our Year 12 students have settled in well to the start of the year, showing a positive and focused attitude as they step into their final year of schooling. Classrooms have been busy and productive, with students reconnecting with routines, setting goals, and embracing the responsibilities that come with being the school’s senior cohort. It’s been great to see their maturity, cooperation, and enthusiasm already on display.

The coming weeks promise plenty of opportunities for involvement and connection. Swimming Sports are just around the corner, offering students a chance to participate, support their house, and enjoy a fun and energetic day together. We also look forward to welcoming families to the upcoming informal Parent/Teacher Night, which will provide a valuable opportunity for conversations about progress, expectations, and the year ahead.

Adding to the excitement is the three-day Year 12 camp to Torquay. This experience will allow students to strengthen friendships, build teamwork, and create lasting memories as they begin this important year together. With a busy and engaging term ahead, the Year 12s are well on their way to making the most of their final year.

During Huddles we will be able to cover a lot more of the strategies for study and decisions about Career Pathways in a lot more depth, along with being involved in the Regional Pathways program.

Mrs Postle, Mrs Barker and Mrs Woodman, Homeroom Teachers

Family Maths Problem

The following problems require some critical and creative thinking. Can you solve them?

Below are three sequences of letters. Each sequence follows some sort of rule. Can you figure out the next three letters in the sequence?

Sequence 1:

O T T F F S S E __ __ __

Rule: ______________

Sequence 2:

A D C F E H G __ __ __

Rule: ______________

Sequence 3:

D N O S A J J __ __ __

Rule: ______________

Answer in the next newsletter, or you can check in with a maths teacher with your answer.

Mr Fowles

Date	Day	Event
03 February	Wednesday	Foundation Rest Day
03 - 05 Feb	Tues - Wed	Yr 9 Duke of Ed Camp
09 Feb	Monday	VCE Information Evening
10 Feb	Tues	Whole School Assembly - Leadership Investiture
11 Feb	Wed	Foundation Rest Day
13 Feb	Friday	House Swimming Sports
16 Feb	Monday	School Council Meeting
18 Feb	Wednesday	Foundation Rest Day
24 Feb	Tuesday	NCD Swimming Sports
25 Feb	Wednesday	Foundation Rest Day
27 February	Friday	School Photos

Important Dates & Events