Dear Parents/Carers,

WELCOME BACK

I sincerely hope that all students, parents and staff had an enjoyable holiday break. Term 4 is traditionally a very busy term with excursions and camps rapidly approaching. I would like to welcome Patrick Kluver to Warrnambool Primary School. Pat is working in LOTE this term and we wish him all the best. Welcome back to Jonathon Pollard, Tonya Ferguson, Pil Kim and Thom Fraser after enjoying extended leave. It is great to have them all back.

CAMPS

Term 4 is always a very busy time with many exciting activities planned.

Next week the Year 3/4 students and staff will be attending Roses Gap school camp. There are great outdoor activities planned such as bush walking, swing activities, flying fox and many more. The activities chosen will be tailored for students in the in terms of complexity and challenge. If you would like further information, please click on the below link.

https://www.rosesgap.com.au

Many thanks must go to the Year 3/ 4 teaching team for organising this wonderful activity and to the parents for supporting this program.

Year 5/6 students will be attending their camp the following week in Ballarat. Please ensure all notes and payments are completed. This is also a fantastic experience for our students.

SWIMMING

Swimming is well underway. We understand the importance of water awareness, safety and skill acquisition for our students. Swimming like most things requires practice for confidence and skills to improve. I encourage all parents to access swimming programs outside of school if possible. We have so many swimming options in and around Warrnambool it’s incredibly important that our children access them safely.

GEELONG AFLW VISIT

We are very fortunate that the Geelong AFLW is playing in Warrnambool over the weekend. The Geelong AFLW team will have some members attend our school on Friday afternoon to run a clinic on the school oval. Students from Years 4-6 will participate with the key message being participation in football for all students but particularly a drive for girls who may be interested in getting involved in the future. We have also been provided with a link for complimentary tickets for this weekends game on Sunday. Visit https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/13005D01D2B928E1?did=community

and use the code: W7COMMUNITY

INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE

During Term 4, each class with have a one-hour introduction to local Indigenous language, taught by Mel Steffenson and her father, Uncle Locky Eccles. We are fortunate to have Mel and Locky in our school as both are highly respected and experienced educators across our community.

If you would like to learn more about local language, there is a link on the Moyjil site below. Joel Wright is a Gunditjmara man and researcher for the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, the peak body for Aboriginal language research and reclamation in Victoria. On this site he discusses the languages of the Gunditjmara: http://www.moyjil.com.au/gunditjmara-language

SUN SMART REMINDER

As part of our Sun Smart policy, it is compulsory for all students to wear a hat during Terms 1 and 4. If your child requires a new hat please contact or visit the school office to purchase one.

REGIONAL ATHLETICS

Tomorrow a group of students will be representing Warrnambool Primary at Regional Athletics in Ballarat. There will be students from across the Greater Western Region competing. We wish Asher Dawe, Luke Farley, Jack Griffiths, Quinn Hussey, Josh Lilley, Starla Lilley and Brooklyn Maddocks all the best.

END OF TERM DATES

Students will finish school on Friday 16 December 2022. Staff will return for curriculum and planning purposes on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December 2022 but there will be no students required. This was approved at School Council last term. Their Care will be operating in the week before Christmas. The program will run from Mon 19- Thursday 22 December 2022 inclusive. Please note that Their Care is not operating on Friday 23 December 2022 so please factor that into your planning.

Enjoy your weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

Student Birthdays