February 7th, 2024
'The Puggle Post'
OUR SCHOOL VISION:
"Wandong Primary School...Making a difference by developing confident, independent and resilient learners who strive for personal excellence."
What's on What's Due
| February | 2024 |
| Friday 9th | Swimming trials in Seymour - Selected students only |
| Friday 9th | Young Leaders Day - Selected Students only - Consent due |
| Thursday 15th | Dental forms due today |
| Friday 16th | Young Leaders Day - Selected Students only |
| Monday 19th | School photo day - Whole school |
| Wednesday 21st | Alternate day - Meet the teacher 2pm - 7pm - If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Monday 26th | Foundation 2025 Touring Wandong - 6pm |
| March | 2024 |
| Monday 4th | Foundation - start full time |
| Monday 4th | Smile Squad Dental Van Onsite |
| Monday 4th | School photo catch up day |
| Monday 5th | School photo catch up day again! |
| Monday 11th | Labour Day Holiday - No students |
| Monday 18th | Foundation 2025 Touring Wandong - 6pm |
| Tuesday 26th | Foundation 2025 Touring Wandong - 10am |
| Tuesday 26th | Purple Day - Epilepsy Awareness Day - More information to follow |
| Wednesday 27th | Curriculum Day - No Students – If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Thursday 28th | End of Term 1 - 2.30pm dismissal |
| April | 2024 |
| Monday 15th | First Day Term 2 |
| Monday 15th | Foundation 2025 enrolment applications can be accepted |
| Thursday 25th | Anzac Day Holiday |
| May | 2024 |
| Tuesday 14th | District Cross Country 9.30 - 2.30 pm Selected Students only |
| June | 2024 |
| Monday 10th | Kings Birthday Holiday |
| Friday 28th | Last Day Term 2 |
| July | 2024 |
| August | 2024 |
| Monday 19th | Launch Pad Program For Parents - Special evening for those with a submitted application 6pm - 7pm |
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2024 school year and it is going to be a better than fabulous year. 
To our new and returning families, WELCOME! Mrs Woods and I have visited all our rooms and every single one of our classes are looking so very settled and excited about learning. The partnership and collaborative culture already established in our rooms, between the two educators is heart-warming. What fills my bucket most, is seeing how this unbelievable consistency is supporting every child across the school.
I’m really not sure that we’ve experienced ‘real summer’ these holidays. We were warned about this year being the hottest and driest summer, only to have winter one day and humid the next.
I’m pleased that we still have some green grass, but some warm 25-degree days, all in a row would be wonderful. I’m back in winter tights this week! With hubby continuing to ‘keep the country going’ as we like to call it, we spent the holidays at home. We are looking forward to heading away to Vietnam mid-year though.
My highlights of holidays included, sleeping in till 8.00am, breakfast and Netflix on the couch, before heading outside for a busy day horse riding, hiking or hitting the gym, or all of the above. I enjoyed a few days camping with my horse and dogs, having lessons and catching up with friends. Little Ms Miracle is now somewhat huge and has learnt to self-load onto the float.
We have had many recounts of holidays, from camping expeditions to trips interstate to some memorable family outings. As we continue to focus on our academic rigour and social/emotional support of our learners, we thank you in advance for your support as we work together to help our children be the best grown up versions of themselves. After 27 years in education, what I know so well and what research tells us, is that the partnership between home and school is paramount in any child’s development. Having a united approach to behaviour, support and learning is key to improvement.
Welcome to our new students who have enrolled from other schools and to those who have returned to Wandong after being away. This year we welcomed 84 little people who began their learning journey this week. We also welcome a number of new staff members this year – Teaching Staff: Chloe Gerada and Eliza Galea (3/4G) Caitlin Brideson (5/6B), Laura Ryan (5/6C with Mrs Cook) Olivia Aquilina (Foundation A), Kirsten Burchfield (3/4B), Jade Guy (1/2G), Zoe Hall (1/2H). Rima Fahd and welcome officially back to Ms Blakis (5/6F). Education Support Staff: Rachael Jordan, Matilda Smith, Maddy Curtis, Paige Donoghue, Kunie Yoshimoto, Jemma Douthwaite, Lisa Neelands, Katie-Jo Brooks, Marg Milner and Rylie Reid
Badge Presentation
Next week, on Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm, we will present our 2024 student leaders with their official badges. This ceremony will be up on the block and I know our leaders will be very excited to begin their official duties. Good luck to our students who are currently going through the process of applying for Student Council Representative.
Meet the Teacher Conferences – Wednesday 21st February
On Wednesday 21st February, teachers will conduct 15 minute ‘Meet the Teacher Conferences’ between 9:00am and 7:00pm at Wandong P.S. in your child’s classroom (specialist teachers conducting meetings in specialist spaces). This day will run as an alternate day. This means your child will only be required to attend school for their 15-minute conference with their teacher. Your child will be marked as ‘Present’ when they attend their personalised meeting with you, your child and the teacher. This meeting will take the form of a conversation between the student, their parents and their teacher. This gives students an opportunity to share with their parents/carers who they are as a learner, their goals and struggles, which they are always excited to do! They accept accountability and responsibility for their goals and learning, demonstrating a growing understanding of their development as independent learners.
Specialists will also be conducting appointments for those parents who would like to meet with these teachers. Please note that Specialist Conferences are likely to fill up quickly as many of our specialist teachers work with 480 students from across the school. It is not expected that parents see these teachers, unless this is a subject your child is perhaps struggling with or you’d like support with.
Families of children involved in Learning Support this year will be notified over the coming weeks. Our Intervention staff will also be available to book in with, if your child is receiving Learning Support. You will need to email the Learning Support Teacher separately as they are unable to be tagged in Compass. Please note that all staff can be contacted on email through Compass, if you are unsure of their direct education email.
Online bookings will open 9.00am Wednesday 14th and close on Monday 19th February at 3.30pm. Please ensure you have made your appointment/s by this time as the compass bookings will close.
Reminder to Wear Hats
Parents are reminded that all children need to have the correct school hat to wear and that it needs to be clearly named. Hats must be worn from September 1 through to April 30. Parents are also asked to encourage their children to use sunscreen, with a quick lesson of how to apply this themselves (roll-on types are much easier for children to use). Wandong is a SUNSMART school and we encourage all children to develop safe practices with regard to being out in the sun.
Important Notices
Please ensure that you are checking Compass and consenting and/or paying for events promptly. It is extremely difficult to reopen events and change the due date, so please be organised and action as a priority.
Personal Property at School
Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. Please note that the Department of Education and Training does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property. I have been requested to remind staff, students and parents/guardians of this and to discourage anyone from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school.
Annual privacy reminder
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy. Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, which can be found on our website. For more information about privacy, see: Schools’ Privacy Policy – information for parents. This information also available in nine community languages.
School Council Elections
This year we will have four, two year in the parent category, one Department of Education and Training positions. Information about School Council Elections is attached. Nomination forms will be available through the school office. Council members attend a night meeting at school, held on two Mondays in each term at 5pm, and participate on one of our subcommittees as required, including Education, Buildings and Grounds. School Council members who have completed their current term of office or no longer at Wandong are Emma Brancatisano, Yvette Curlis, Jennifer McKeown, Susan Peake and Danielle Luciani.
Curriculum Contributions – payment due ASAP
Please remember that the Curriculum Contributions should be paid prior to any Extra Curricula activities, including camps and special events. This is the same as buying your fruit and vegetables before you buy kids chocolate and chips or bakery treats. The Curriculum Contributions are items that your child/ren take temporary or permanent possession of and amounts to less than $4.00 a week- less than a cup of coffee… Thank you to everyone who has already prioritised this and made some or all of this payment promptly to ensure our program leaders are able to purchase the required resources for 2024. Thank you to everyone who have already paid this in full.
Government funding is received for some school costs such as staff salaries, utilities and some maintenance costs. Various other grants are made available for specific purposes. However, much of the operational costs including provision of computers (including laptops), high quality school resources, extra sports equipment, library/ICT support and equipment, quality art and science supplies and maintenance, along with the provision of new curriculum initiatives are supported solely from local fundraising, including parent payments. Wandong provides far greater access to Science, Performing Arts, online learning and ICT than is funded through DET. We strongly believe we are offering high quality education at a minimal cost to our families. Fundraising and parent payments lifts the quality of our programs significantly across the school.
We understand you may not be able to pay the total amount at the requested time so we can offer a confidential payment plan for you if you wish (See Ros in the office).
Alternative payment arrangements are also available through the school and if you are facing any financial difficulties, please contact Ros on 57871232
Pizza in the Park 2024 – 200 nights of reading
A major encouragement for students to complete home reading at Wandong Primary School is the opportunity to share Pizza at the Park with their friends and teachers.
This is celebrated in the last week of school and this year the children will do this in cohorts. Doing this as a whole school is no longer logistically feasible. Later this year, we will announce what day each cohort will be doing this activity and the families of students attending will be notified on Compass and consent will be required, along with the child’s pizza choice. Each cohort on their day, will leave school at 1:00 p.m. and walk to L.B. Davern Reserve.
Once there, the children will enjoy pizza together. All students will then have the opportunity to play on the play equipment, or with some sports equipment, before they head back to school at 2:00 p.m. (If it is raining, we will eat pizza at school).
Friends on Facebook
Please note that staff are advised by DET not to accept friend requests from students or current parents. Please respect this, by not sending friend requests to staff.
If you have not joined with us on our schools official Facebook group, you can find us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/3619617971385556/
Compass
This is our main communication platform and it is absolutely paramount that any information sent out is read and actioned. Being informed is important for our families and our children. All newsletters, alerts, event consents/payments and information will only be sent out through this platform. You will be notified on your phone/device via email and a notification when a news item is uploaded.
Does your child have Asthma? We need their Asthma Action Plan please
As part of our commitment to meeting our legislative requirements and the Schools Policy Advisory Guide, we require you to provide us with an updated Asthma Action Plan for your child. Asthma Action Plans should be reviewed annually.
Please follow the link below to the new Asthma Action Plan for Victorians Schools, which has been specifically designed for schools to identify asthma signs and symptoms, and respond accordingly using the asthma medication device your child currently has at school.
Once completed please return it to us as soon as possible with the appropriate medication and any other device aid i.e. spacer device. Please make sure the medication is in date and items are labelled with your child’s name.
If your medical practitioner has informed you that your child has grown out of their asthma, they will need to provide a letter, on the practice letterhead to the school stating such.
Please do not hesitate to contact Leanne in the Office if you need any further information.
Staffing
We are excited to announce that Mrs Goldsworthy is expecting her first child in Term Two this year. I’m sure you join with me in sending her every happiness and joy as she prepares for this wonderful arrival and growing her family from four legged hairy children to her very own two-legged version. Congratulations Mrs Goldsworthy. We are excited to announce that Mrs Goldsworthy teaching partner, Matilda Smith, who already works in this classroom, will take this position on as the main classroom teacher. This is obviously a wonderful luxury for our students who will have a whole term with both teachers to ensure a solid and long transition.
Camps, Sports Excursion Fund
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student misses out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their achievements. CSEF will be provided to eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student is: $150 for primary school students.
Please find attached application form. Alternatively, contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from the CSEF website.
School preparedness and pre-emptive actions for the bushfire season
Fire danger ratings indicate how dangerous a fire would be if one started in those conditions and provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life. They can be a trigger for action in community and for school and household level fire plans.
Schools and children’s services listed on the Department of Education and Training’s Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) and those at some lower risk of bushfire or grassfire on the Category 4 list will be closed when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast in their Bureau of Meteorology district.
Schools and early childhood services listed on the Department of Education and Training’s Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) and those at lower risk of bushfire or grassfire on the Category 4 list take pre-emptive actions on elevated fire danger days to minimise the risk of being caught in a fire in these conditions. The category of risk (per the BARR or Category 4 list) determines the actions that the school or early childhood service will need to take on days of elevated fire danger.
Our school has been identified as being one of these schools at high bushfire or grassfire risk, and is listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR) / a category 3 school.
Our school will close on a day forecasted as Catastrophic fire danger rating in North Central – Murrindindi fire district.
The department will advise our school of the potential for a Catastrophic fire danger rating as information becomes available, however the pre-emptive closure will be confirmed by 1pm the day prior to Catastrophic fire danger day.
Fire danger ratings are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology up to four days in advance. Should a Catastrophic day be forecast, we will notify you of the potential closure by an email or hard copy letter and Compass Push Notification. Closure of the school due to a forecast Catastrophic day will be confirmed on the day prior and we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.
Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child. It is also important to note that:
- No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Catastrophic day.
- Out-of-school-hours care will also be cancelled on these days.
- School camps will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located, or if the travel involves passing through areas that have Catastrophic fire danger.
- All bus routes that travel through the Catastrophic area will be cancelled.
- Depending on which fire weather district is impacted, bus route cancellations may affect our school.
Families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan on Catastrophic fire danger rating days. On such days, children should never be left at home alone or in the care of older children.
For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises that when Catastrophic days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Catastrophic day.
As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan and i.e. reprioritised any maintenance works that may assist in preparing for the threat of fire and cleared our facility’s grounds and gutters].
What can parents do?
- Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is relocated / undertaking remote and flexible learning and/or closed due to elevated fire danger or a Catastrophic fire forecast. Further information can be found on the CFA’s website.
- Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our emergency management plan.
- Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.
- If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s Bushfire Survival Plan.
- You can access current information about school and early childhood services closures, including those due to elevated fire danger, on the Department of Education and Training’s website – see
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx
Multiple sources that offer information on emergencies are listed below:
- VicEmergency app – that can be downloaded on your android and iOS mobile devices
- VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)
- Website https://emergency.vic.gov.au
- Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vicemergency)
- Twitter (https://twitter.com/vicemergency)
- ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters
NOTICES
Office Hours
New : Please note the school office hours are 8:30am until 3.55pm
Picking Up Children – Please help our admin team!
IMPORTANT – Mobile Phone/Watch/Device Policy
In 2020, DET introduced strict restrictions on the use of any device with access to a cellular system, with or without a physical connection to a network. Where students bring a device of this type to school, it MUST be placed in secure storage at the office.
IMPORTANT – Student Information
It is very important we have up-to-date information for all students. Please check Compass and update current home & email addresses, phone numbers & medical details.
Reminder:
Hats must be worn throughout Term Four outside. If your child has taken their hat home, please make sure it’s brought back to school.
Uniform Orders
****Please remember to order a bag for smaller orders & for larger orders select two.
If you order a bag, the order can be placed in your child’s or siblings’ tub for convenience. If not, you will need to supply a bag or make arrangements to collect your order.
COMPASS – CANTEEN UNIFORM ORDERING
When ordering uniforms through Compass, use Canteen. See below for how to order
Going paperless will reduce waste & conserve our natural resources.
Please Note:
Select the following day as your order date if the current date is closed, even if it’s a weekend!
Log into the Compass App.
Select more at bottom of screen.
Click on the Canteen button.
Select Place Order at bottom of screen.
Select Student.
Select Date. (Will have to select next date if current date is cut off)
Select sitting e.g. Uniform
Click on item you require e.g Short Sleeve Polo.
Select how many you want and then select the size.
Add to cart.
Repeat for other items e.g. Bomber Jacket.
View Cart
Proceed to Checkout or create another order.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INFORMATION
Wandong Primary is pleased to offer instrumental lessons for students from Foundation to grade 6.
Thank you for your interest in the Instrumental Music Program at Wandong
Primary School.
Our program provides students with the opportunity to develop musicianship
skills, build confidence and collaborate with others to deliver performances.
Above all, we aim to foster peoples love of music, have fun and stay creative.
Please find below, the conditions of our program and Enrolment form.
| Fee Description 2023 | Term 1 (10 Weeks) | Term 2 (10 weeks) | Term 3 (10 weeks) | Term 4 (10 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Lessons | $390 | $390 | $390 | $390 |
Please read carefully to ensure your child’s maximum involvement and development.
In order to continue and develop their skills, students are encouraged to
show evidence of regular practice. Below is a recommended guide for weekly
practice times:
Beginners: 15-20 minutes, 3 days a week
After one year: 30 minutes, 4 days a week
After two years: 40 minutes, 5-6 days a week
Payment Terms & Withdrawal from the Instrumental Music Program
1. An invoice will be sent at the beginning of each term and is to be paid,
in full, via Direct Deposit.
2. Fees must be paid by the due date. Failure to do so will result in lessons
being stooped until payment has been made.
3. Unless notified, the instrumental teacher assumes all students in the
program will automatically continue lessons each term. A verbal or written
notification to the instrumental teacher is required to withdraw students
from the program. Notice needs to be received 2 weeks prior to the end
of the term, to avoid incurring the next term’s fees.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
About the program
TheirCare provides adventurous and stimulating Before & After School Care Programs in a safe environment for all children. During sessions children develop life skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play.
Wandong Primary School has partnered with TheirCare to provide this service to your school which includes quality care, booking flexibility, amazing programming for your children and commitment to deliver on our promise to your school community.
| Operation Times | Fees* | Out of Pocket | Average^ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School Care | 6:30am - 8:45am | $21.00 | $3.15 - $21.00 | $4.83 |
| After School Care | 3:30pm - 6:30pm | $23.00 | $3.45 - $23.00 | $5.29 |
| Pupil Free Day | 6:30am - 6.30pm | $103.00 | $15.45 - $103.00 | $23.69 |
| Holiday Program | 6:30am - 6.30pm | $103.00 | $15.45 - $103.00 | $23.69 |
| Late Booking Cancellation Fee | Within 48 hours | $5.00 | ||
| Cancellation Fee | Same Day | Full Fee | See BSC/ASC |
Service Phone Number: 0497 877 771 Your Service coordinator will be available during sessions times. TheirCare support is available during office hours if required on 1300 072 410
How to Enrol
Visit Theircare website: www.theircare.com.au and click on ‘Book Now’ in the top right hand corner to register your child’s details
*Standard fees excluding incursions/excursion costs
^Based on ABS published average family income for the suburb the school is located
WANDONG PRIMARY SCHOOL FETE SPONSORS
