A Word from the Principal 

A Warm Welcome to our Weeden Heights Community

A warm welcome to our community

Brrr....welcome to Winter everyone!  We are definitely experiencing a 'cold snap' right now.  We have spent a few of our breaks inside due to the rain but this is a timely reminder that it is time for our winter uniform.  There are still a few students out there with their tee-shirts on.  Don't forget that we have jackets and sleeveless vests for extra warmth in our uniform collection.  I'm loving looking out of the windows at breaks and seeing many students in their Weeden Heights beanies.  This is a new addition  to the uniform along with a very warm maroon spray jacket.  It looks very classy. 

Education Week

Last week was sensational as every day of Education Week gave us something to celebrate. We posted photos of all the events on Facebook so I hope that you have taken a moment to go up and take a look. The open night and grandparents’ morning were well attended and it was just incredible to finally run these events for our students and their families.  It has been a while! A huge thanks to our PFA for running the highly successful Lego competition as well. 

The dressing through the decades parade was fun with all decades from the 1800’s represented. Great work on the student’s costumes everyone!  The simultaneous reading event was well received and there were a handful of kinder students from Birralee Pre School who joined in sessions with our prep class on the Friday. It was terrific to see them.

Capital Works Update

The plans for the capital works have been finalised and the build is currently being costed. This means the tender process will be occurring soon. The commencement date for the works will be in the September holidays at the moment so we will have one more term in our present state. I continue to remain optimistic but I am hoping that in the current climate, the future builders of the works will be able to source all of the materials they require and at a reasonable price. We are expecting that the current market will affect the build to some degree. Unfortunately that is out of our control.

In the meantime, the gum trees causing all of the issues to our buildings have been removed in preparation for the building works. The students were fascinated with the removal process and watched on during their breaks. 

Changes to the Child Safety Policies

Our school is currently reviewing all of the policies attached to our Child Safety practices and procedures at Weeden Heights Primary School. Last year, three more safety standards were introduced and they come into effect in July. Schools are currently being briefed around the changes to schools. We have several policies that we are seeking feedback from in this newsletter and there will be a few more policies to review via the next newsletter. Please see the relevant policies under the  School Council Section of the newsletter as the Education Sub Committee (a part of School Council) usually will see feedback for policies. 

Attitudes to School Survey

We value student voice at Weeden Heights because it is a means to improving student engagement, wellbeing and quality instruction. Students in years 4 and 5 completed the Attitudes to School Survey a couple of weeks ago and year 6 will complete the survey this week. By completing the survey, the school is able to identify what students think, believe and how they feel about their learning, peers, teachers and Weeden Heights PS. 

The Attitudes to School survey is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education and Training to assist schools in gaining an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. Our school will use the survey results to plan programs and activities to improve your child's schooling experience.

The survey is completed online during school hours and all responses from each student are confidential. 

Aussie of the Month Award

A big congratulations to our junior school Aussie of the Month, Liam from Prep and Sahra from Year 6. We are really proud of both of you! Don’t forget to have a look at their photograph hanging up in the hallway soon. 

For our new parents, just a reminder about this very prestigious award: 

Aussie of the Month is a primary school recognition program which has been in operation for over twenty years. The program recognises personal endeavour, achievement and contribution to the community and reflects some of the values we share, such as fair go, mateship, respect and inclusion.

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Aussie of the Month is delivered by the same network that presents the Australian of the Year Awards nationally. The Australian of the Year Awards profile leading citizens who are role models for us all, who inspire us through their achievements and community participation, and challenge us to make our own contribution to the community.

Aussie of the Month reflects similar values and aims to encourage an appreciation of the diversity and depth of personal contribution and achievement possible within your school and bring about increased concern and consideration for all members of the school community.

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At Weeden Heights PS, students nominate their peers for recognition based on the values of being a great citizen demonstrating Australian Values. Every student in the school is eligible for the award and the term ‘Aussie’ actually refers to our Australian values. Teachers then also have a say in the nominated students. 

If you have any further questions then please take a look at the appropriate website: https://www.aussieofthemonth.org.au/

Enrolments for 2023 

For the first time,  the Department of Education has introduced a new deadline for pre-school parents to enrol students in primary schools. That date in August is approaching fast and our numbers are lower than they usually are at this time of the year. I have heard from a few visiting families through Education Week, that they were unaware and had not been told by their pre-schools, so I am wondering if some families are a little confused with enrolment procedures in schools. 

Can you help us out? If you are an existing family, can you please put your enrolment form in as soon as possible. If you have neighbours or extended family starting school next year, can you please remind them that the deadline for enrolment is 30 AUGUST. 

Schools do have zones  however, Weeden Heights is in a position to take students from out of our zoned area as we sit on a very large school site. If you know of anyone who has not enrolled at a school, please encourage them to take a tour of our wonderful school. Our highly successful Bright Beginnings transition program commences at the end of term 3  and we do not want our future students to miss the opportunity to attend.  Please contact either Kerryn or Cindy in the office and collect an enrolment form for your pre-schooler. The enrolment form is also available from the website. Thank you. 

Until next time……

Kylie Campbell

Principal

Futures are Bright at Weeden Heights!