Principal's Message

Welcome to 2023 

It was great to welcome over 190 students and staff last week.  It was fantastic to see so many happy and smiling faces.  We all look forward to having an amazing year in education at Wedderburn College in 2023.

Welcome New Staff

It was great to welcome three new primary teachers to Wedderburn College.  They have all made a great start to their time at Wedderburn College and we wish them all the very best in the future.   Welcome  (left-right) Hannah Douglas, Mel Anderson and Rebbecca Torney.

Our school slogan for 2023 is 'EFFORT is EVERYTHING'. We will be explaining this slogan to students over the coming weeks and you will see it on the back of our new staff shirts along with the yellow happy face to remind us that we can have a good day  and that we should be grateful for the opportunities and support we have.  So please smile, be happy and enjoy what 2023 brings.  We have survived three tough years so lets work hard together and enjoy the journey.

Staff Changes in 2023

It was great to finalise our staffing for the 2023 before Christmas.  We unfortunately are an Indonesian teacher down at the moment, however we have been able to make a sixth primary classroom meaning that all year levels are under 20 students.  

PRIMARY STRUCTURE 2023

Year P/1 -  Mrs TANYA  CHALMERS  

Year 1/2 -  Mrs DEIRDRE MCKENZIE &  Miss JULIE MARTIN

Year 3 -  Mrs REBBECCA TORNEY

Year 4  - Miss MEL ANDERSON

YEAR 5/6  B - Mrs CARLIE TURNBULL/Mrs MADDI POSTLE

YEAR 5/6  A -  Miss HANNAH DOUGLAS

Dont Forget - All Welcome

• Welcome morning tea this Friday at 9 a.m. in the College Cafe. All parents, carers and especially new families most welcome.
• Next Tuesday 14 February - 2B Leaders Induction Investiture Ceremony.   All Welcome.
• Swimming Sports Next Week Friday 17th. All Welcome.

School Camps

An important part of our well-rounded school program is offering overnight experiences for our students.  I was privileged to spend three days last week with the Year 9's on their Hopetoun Adventure Camp.  We all had a great time making some fantastic memories and I’m sure the students will share details with us all in the not-too-distant future. The sand duning, canoeing and the amazing desserts were some of my favourite activities.   Thanks to Miss Herrington, Miss Van de Wetering and Miss Jaques for being awesome on the camp.  A huge thanks to the students for putting in the effort and having a go at everything despite the rough weather late Thursday and Friday.  A report on the VCE camp will be in the next newsletter.

Swimming Sports Next Week

We all look forward to our first House event next Friday the 17th of February when the rivalry between Ansett and Jacka continues.  Will Ansett swim well to win back to back titles or will Jacka  seek revenge for a controversial  loss in 2022.   I encourage parents, carers and interested community members to pop in and say hello during the day.  Go Jacka!!

Important Information for 2023

• Preps do not attend every Wednesday in Term 1. Check dates under 'Important Dates and Events' in this newsletter.  

OHSC 

Thanks to everyone who has supported the first year of Out of Hours School Care.  

It has been a very successful program and will continue next year. 

We are now open for business again.  Please book via the front office.

Out of Hours Before & After School Care Staffing 2023

Childcare Coordinator:  Reana Butterworth.

Childcare Assistants: Melinda Springthorpe, Trina Vaughan, Annette Hunt. 

Childcare Administration:  Errin Leach.

Other School Changes Reminders 

'My Nine'  - Year 9 in 2023

This year all Year 9 students will participate in a more engaging program.  Students will participate in approximately a day of Duke of Edinburgh training at Bronze level each Monday, a day at the Charlton College each Wednesday and a school camp each term.     A huge thanks to everyone for the great turn out for the presentation held at school this week.   Any families who were not able to attend will have all information sent home today. 

The 'Huddle' Each Tuesday 2B (P-12)

'Huddle Time' is a protected period of time that will be used weekly to schedule assemblies, guest speakers, careers education for older students, respectful relationship activities, SWPBS and wellbeing sessions. This will keep interruptions down to a minimum across the week as it has been planned in the timetable for all classes across the school. 

VCE - Major Changes Senior Secondary Reforms

Senior Secondary Education in Victoria is changing. Commencing this year  the new VCE Vocational Major is replacing VCAL, so whatever a student’s talent may be, they can now pursue it under one VCE. Moving to an integrated Senior Secondary Certificate will give all students the learning opportunities to develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life. From this year, enrolment options for Year 11 and 12 students will include:

• the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major
• the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

For more information on the certificates visit:

• Many Talents One VCE
• Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority website

At Wedderburn College we have actively encouraged students in Year 10 to try out VCE subjects. Our key staff members in this space Carol Woodman, Mark Gretgrix & Ben Pettifer if you have any questions. 

Deeper Strategic Careers Focus/Lessons  for Year 5 - 12

Robyn Vella will be continuing in her role as Careers Education Support Officer this year.  Carol Woodman (Careers Education/VCE coordinator) and Robyn will operate in a new dedicated space.  We also welcome back Lauren Barker who has assisted in planning for Careers Education across each year level.