July 17th, 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
| JULY | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Monday 15th - Friday 19th | NAIDOC Week |
| Friday 19th | Grade 5/6 Interschool Sport - Summer Tournament |
| Monday 22nd | Spare Change Challange starts |
| Monday 22nd | Whittlesea Division: BOYS AFL FINALS -Selected Students only |
| Wednesday 24th | Whittlesea Division: GIRLS AFL FINALS -Selected Students only |
| Wednesday 31st | PAFA meeting - 9:15am |
| AUGUST | 2024 |
| Thursday 1st | Foundation 100 Days |
| Thursday 1st | 1/2 Grades Friends With Honey Incursion - Consent due |
| Friday 9th | Billie G's Cookie Dough DRIVE - orders are now open |
| Friday 9th | Spare Change Challenge closes |
| Friday 16th | Curriculum Day - No Students – If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Monday 12th - Friday 16th | National Science Week in 2024 |
| Tuesday 13th | 1/2 Grades Friends With Honey Incursion |
| Thursday 15th | Working Bee - FS, 1/2H & 5/6C 2.30pm - 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| Monday 19th | Launch Pad Program For Parents - Special evening for those with a submitted application 6pm - 7pm |
| Monday 19th - 23rd | Book Week 2024 - Reading is Magic |
| Tuesday 20th | Foundation Excursion - Animal Land - Consent/Payment due |
| Thursday 22nd | Celebrating Writing: 8:40am - 9:10am (Classrooms) |
| Thursday 22nd | Book Character Dress Up Parade: 9:30am - 10:00am (Basketball court) |
| Thursday 22nd - Monday 26th | Book Fair: 8:30am - 9:00am & 3:30pm - 4:00pm (Library) |
| Wednesday 28th | Father's Day Stall |
| Thursday 29th | Father's Day Stall - Catch up day |
| Friday 30th | Billie G's Cookie Dough DRIVE orders closes today |
| SEPTEMBER | 2024 |
| Sunday 1st | Pizza Day orders close today |
| Tuesday 3rd | Foundation Excursion - Animal Land |
| Wednesday 4th | Foundation Water Safety Program - Consent due |
| Thursday 5th | Pizza Day |
| Monday 9th - Friday 13th | Foundation Water Safety Program |
| Friday 13th | Working Bee - FA, 1/2G, 5/6E 2.30pm- 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| Friday 13th | Billie G's Cookie Dough pick up from AUSLAN room |
| Friday 20th | Last Day Term 3 |
| Saturday 21st | World Gratitude Day |
| OCTOBER | 2024 |
| Monday 7th | First Day Term 4 |
| NOVEMBER | 2024 |
| Friday 1st | Foundation Day Camp - Consent and payment due today |
| Friday 1st | Grade 1/2 Camp - Consent and payment due today |
| Friday 1st | Grade 3/4 Camp - Consent and payment due today |
| Friday 1st | Grade 5/6 Camp - Consent and payment due today |
| Monday 4th | Curriculum Day - No Students – If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Friday 8th | Working Bee - FC, 1/2W & 5/6B 2.30pm- 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| Monday 18th - Wednesday 20th | Grade 3/4 Camp - Log Cabin Camp |
| Friday 22nd | Foundation Day Camp |
| Monday 25th -Tuesday 26th | Grade 1/2 Camp - Overnight Camp "Camp Weekaway" |
| Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th | Grade 5/6 Camp - The Ranch |
| DECEMBER | 2024 |
| Monday 2nd | Professional Practice Day (Student Free) - If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Tuesday 3rd | Whole School Colour Run Day @ L B Davern |
| Friday 6th | Working Bee - 1/2L, 3/4G & 3/4B 2.30pm- 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| Friday 20th | Last Day Term 4 |
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Welcome to Term 3
I spent the entire two weeks of our holidays in Vietnam. Flying back the day prior to starting back at school, probably wasn’t ideal… but I’ve certainly hit the ground running and playing catch up. I’m eternally grateful to Jess Woods and Ros Hulett for supporting the onsite work that was all systems go during this period.
It was my second visit to Vietnam, but this was so very different. This was a family affair with sister, brother in law, nephew and his wife, as well as four very close friends. My nephew Max is married to a Vietnamese lady and they have a 7 month old daughter, so we were blessed in having Emi coordinate all our travel, accommodation, experiences and all daily arrangements for our trip that went from North Vietnam, to South Vietnam. We began in Hanoi with train street being a highlight. We then moved onto Danang with a cable car ride to Bana Hills at 1487m from sea level. I can only liken this to Disney Land with a French/Vietnamese flavour, with it’s very own golden hand bridge. From here we made our way to Hoian for a magical island show at the Lune Theatre. A definite wow for us was our visit to Nhatrang Mia Resort. They certainly know how to make people feel special with the most amazing service and food ever. We finished our flying trip in Hochiminh which was crazy fast passed and crossing the road was like playing the old school game of ‘Frogger’. Nuts! This snapshot doesn’t encapsulate all the amazing experiences we had, but there are too many to share here. From overnight train rides, shopping in markets, bargaining, eating, walking, roof top pools, eating, boat trips, mountain climbing, water buffalo rides and did I mention eating? But, above all else, I reflect and am so very thankful for family and friends and the times were able to share.
This term has a number of activities and excursions for the students to participate in. Make sure you read the newsletter regularly and keep your eyes open for notes about upcoming events on Compass. Please ensure that you consent and pay promptly to ensure your child does not miss out.
Winter is certainly here with cold and wet conditions, which may mean a few extra wet day timetables. We try where possible to allow the children outside during Recess and Lunch so please make sure children have warm clothes to wear outside.
Staffing Update
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Mrs Beer, a much loved and valued member of our school community for over two decades. As many of you know, Mrs Beer has been a cornerstone of Wandong’s educational journey, touching the lives of countless students with her passion for teaching and unwavering dedication.
Mrs Beer has always brought with her a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for the Arts. Throughout the years, she has taught in all the year levels, as well as being a specialist in Art over recent years.
Beyond her role as a teacher, Mrs Beer has been a mentor, and a source of encouragement for many of our children. Her ability to inspire and challenge students while creating an engaging environment has left an indelible mark on our Wandong school community.
As Mrs Beer embarks on this new chapter of her life, we reflect on the countless memories she has created with us. From the joyous moments of choir events, art shows and specialist achievements, Mrs Beer’s impact extends far beyond the classroom walls.
While we will miss Mrs Beer dearly, we take comfort in knowing that her influence will continue to shape the lives of our students for years to come. We wish her nothing but happiness, good health, and relaxation in her well-deserved retirement. However, we do hope to see you back at Wandong, but perhaps with a slightly different hat.
Thank you, Mrs Beer for your years of service, your unwavering commitment, and the profound impact you have had on our children and our community. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
We are currently finalising our enrolments for 2025
Over the coming weeks the school will commence planning for 2025. We are looking at the number of students enrolled and considering our structure and the number of classes we will need to best support the learning programs that are provided for students. This planning takes into account the budget that will be available for staffing. This budget is determined by student numbers; therefore, it is important to have the best possible information when we are making our decisions.
If you have a child who will be commencing in Foundation next year, you should have already submitted your enrolment form. Please note that we are at capacity in most grade levels for 2025, with three Foundation classes being confirmed for next year.
Conversely, any parents who know their children will not be continuing at Wandong 2025, could you please let me know in writing as soon as possible.
Even if you are not sure at this moment, a note about the possibility that this may occur is always helpful. As enrolment numbers affect our staffing decisions and the number of classes we have, it is important that we are able to predict as closely as possible what our expected enrolment will be in 2025.
REMINDER: Victorian Attendance Legislation
As required by the Department of Education, Wandong closely tracks, monitors and follows up all student absences across the school. Term Two was unprecedented with the number of explained and approved absences due to significant illness. However, we are still required by legislation to communicate this to families and follow all required processes for compulsary school age children. If a school age child is absent from school for five days within a school year, we are required to meet the requirements of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.
Please find attached, absences that are approved and not approved. During Semester One this year we had 109 students who fell below the 90% attendance threshold, approximately 40 of these students had at least one stint of being significantly unwell, however many students across the school are still arriving late and also missing a number of days that aren’t approved.
We are so looking forward to a ‘healthier’ Term Three and please, if you require any support with school attendance, Jess Woods and myself are always happy to chat.
WELLBEING
Grades 3 and 4 SEW- 3/4B
For the last fortnight of Term 2, in Grades 3 and 4 SEW lessons, our students have been learning about solving peer conflicts in respectful ways and developing on their ability to demonstrate self-control. Firstly, students were introduced to the choice wheel and discussed solutions to solve peer conflicts in a respectful way. We spoke about the importance of demonstrating self-control and not reacting. The class was challenged when they were requested to control their urges and not pop bubbles in an activity.
In our final session we discussed anger and that it is normal to feel angry. When we are angry our body gives us clues: our heart beats faster, breathing gets shorter, muscles feel tight, we may start to sweat or get an upset tummy. Anger can lead to poor behaviour choices! It can be a problem when you cope with anger in a way that hurts you or others. During challenging times, we need to show self-control to stop ourselves from retaliating in a negative way.
Finally, we put our understandings into practice. After lunch we had a board game session with our class. Our teacher explained that there will be conflicts and that we need to be mindful to use the Choice Wheel to assist us to solve problems. We were able to discuss and reflect upon our challenges. Moving forward 3/4B can now have the option of playing board games during wet day timetables due to how successful the students were.
NOTICES
Office Hours :- 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 address, phone numbers & medical details.
Wet Weather
We would like to request parents/guardians of students to pack a set of spare uniform items in their child’s bag, including a waterproof bag. We have limited spare uniform at the office. If your child has recently needed to borrow items from our sick bay, please wash and return them to the office as soon as possible.
Thanks Administration Team
Uniform Orders
IMPORTANT
**Please remember to put your child’s full name on their uniform. Please don’t use initials, as this makes it harder for us to find the owner.
**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.
Parking in the church carpark
PAFA
Next Meeting: 31st July 2024 @ 9.15am
Look what PAFA is up to in term 3.
We will send out information as it becomes available on each of these events and let you know how you can participate!
If there is anyone who’d like to help at the Father’s Day stall or sorting and delivering cookie orders or pizza please don’t hesitate to get in contact. stephanie.domino@education.vic.gov.au
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
MUSIC
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!
Students may choose from the following
Please find below, the conditions of our program and Enrolment form.
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.
WANDONG PRIMARY SCHOOL FETE SPONSORS
