March 19th, 2025
'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
| MARCH | 2025 |
| Monday 17th - 23rd | Cultural Diversity Week |
| Thursday 20th | PAFA AGM - Commences 9:15am - All welcome! |
| Thursday 20th | Regional Swimming Championships - Selected Students only |
| Thursday 20th | Icy Pole Thursdays Term 1 - $1 |
| Thursday 20th | Picture Products Plates available |
| Friday 21st | Scholastic Book Club orders close today |
| Friday 21st | Sushi orders close today at 3:30pm |
| Friday 21st | Grade 5/6 Reptile Encounters Incursion - Consent/Payment due |
| Friday 21st | 1/2 Incursion - Wildlife Xposure - Consent/Payment due |
| Friday 21st | Cultural/Harmony Day Dress-up Students can wear cultural attire or orange to represent Harmony Day |
| Monday 24th | Out of uniform - Easter Donation |
| Tuesday 25th | Sushi Day |
| Tuesday 25th | Touring Wandong - 10:00am - 2026 Students |
| Thursday 27th | Grade 5/6 Reptile Encounters Incursion |
| Thursday 27th | Icy Pole Thursdays Term 1 - $1 |
| Friday 28th | Grade 1/2 Incursion - Wildlife Xposure |
| Friday 28th | Working Bee - 1/2N, 3/4F & 5/6H 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
| APRIL | 2025 |
| Wednesday 2nd | AUTISM AWARNESS DAY (All come to school dressed in Blue) - Gold coin donation for Autism Speaks |
| Thursday 3rd | Icy Pole Thursdays Term 1 - $1 |
| Friday 4th | SRC Easter Bonnet (Gold coin to Good Friday Appeal) |
| Friday 4th | Walk For Wellbeing - Wear your house colours - ALL WELCOME |
| Friday 4th | Last day Term 1 |
| Tuesday 22nd | Curriculum Day - If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Wednesday 23rd | First day Term 2 |
| Thursday 24th | ANZAC DAY SERVICE - Flagpole 2:30pm -3:30pm |
| Friday 25th | ANZAC DAY HOLIDAY |
| MAY | 2025 |
| Friday 2nd | Picture Products due today |
| Thursday 8th | Mother's Day Stall |
| Monday 12th - Friday 16th | Education Week |
| Friday 16th | National Walk Safely to School Day |
| Friday 23rd | Working Bee - 1/2A, 3/4C & 5/6T 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
| Friday 30th | Grade 5/6 Interschool Sport Tournament |
| June | 2025 |
| Wednesday 4th | Division Cross Country Championships - Selected students only |
| Monday 9th | Kings Birthday Holiday |
| Friday 27th | Working Bee - 1/2C, 3/4G & 5/6C 2:30pm -3:30pm |
| July | 2025 |
| Wednesday 2nd | Alternate Day - Meet the Teacher Day - (Student Free) - If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Friday 4th | Last Day Term 2 |
| Monday 21st | First Day Term 3 |
| August | 2025 |
| Friday 22nd | Working Bee - 1/2G, FS, 5/6L 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
| September | 2025 |
| Friday 5th | District Athletics Championships - Selected Students only |
| Friday 12th | Working Bee - 1/2W, FM 5/6B 2:30 - 3:30pm |
| Tuesday 16th | Division Athletics Championships - Selected Students only |
| Friday 19th | Footy Colours Day |
| Friday 19th | Last Day Term 3 |
| October | 2025 |
| Monday 6th | First Day Term 4 |
| Monday 6th | Down Syndrome Awareness Month / National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) |
| Friday 10th | Wear Bright Long Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness |
| Wednesday 15th | Regional Athletic Championships & NMR Regional Track and Field - Selected Students only |
| November | 2025 |
| Friday 7th | Working Bee - 1/2H, 3/4B & 3/4E 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
| December | 2025 |
| Friday 5th | Working Bee - 3/4K, FD & 1/2M 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
| Friday 19th | Last Day Term 4 |
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Did You Know?
As we all work together to make Wandong Primary School a place of excellence, it’s important to recognise the immense value of the limited student free days we are provided. These days are critical for our teachers and support staff to engage in insurmountable professional development needs, collaborative planning, assessment, moderation, and to fulfill the numerous administrative and compliance requirements that are part of ensuring a high-quality education for our students.
However, the reality is that there are far too few hours in the year to accomplish everything that is required. With an ever-growing list of expectations, from curriculum planning and implementing additional support programs, to meeting OHS compliance and mandatory training, the time available always falls short. Our staff are stretched thin, and without student free days it becomes an impossible feat to prioritise what has to be ‘let go’ from all these demands, whilst always working to support teachers in continuing to improve their practice.
It’s also important to note that these minimal student free hours are just the start. Beyond the regular 38-hour work week, our teachers frequently volunteer additional time away from their own families for school camps, after school activities, weekend events, provision of three-way conferences, parent meetings, as well as providing extra programs to ensure the holistic development of our students and prioritising student and family engagement. The time they spend going above and beyond is invaluable and indicative of the selfless, giving, and grateful culture we have built at Wandong.
Supporting our teachers and staff through critical student free days, ensures they have the time to focus on their professional growth and other mandated duties; ensuring the quality of education at Wandong Primary remains strong and continues to grow. Our teachers are committed to your child’s success, but they need sanctioned and prioritised time and support to be able to do this effectively.
A positive school culture, one that values and supports our teachers’ well-being, is at the heart of providing the best learning environment for our students. When our teachers and support staff are given the time they need to grow and plan, it directly impacts the positive, student-centred programs we deliver every day.
Did you know… We so value our home/school partnerships and are eternally grateful to be working together to ensure our Wandong staff have the resources and time they need to help your children thrive.
ARE YOU UP TO DATE? Outstanding Payments
We are currently finalising our Term One accounts and would appreciate it if you could please make payment for any outstanding expenses. Thank you to all who have paid their parent payment for 2025. This money is used to provide the best possible learning experiences and resources for your children. Please remember you can pay in instalments, just contact Marg, or myself in the office to make arrangement. Your child’s curriculum consumable items are purchased by the school, so our children are able to start their programs, learning and activities from day one.
Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day
Victoria’s annual Cultural Diversity Week recognises our rich multicultural heritage and is being celebrated from March 17 to 23. Cultural Diversity Week is a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate the cultures within and around our school.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Embrace the Journey, Shape Our Future’ and highlights the unique and shared cultural journeys that define our diverse communities, encouraging us to honour our own cultural stories and those of others, fostering understanding, belonging and connection.
Across our school, the students and staff are recognising this important celebration by sharing and reflecting on our multicultural heritages and stories while strengthening cultural inclusion within our school and community.
NAPLAN
Well done to our Year Three and Five students who have been participating in NAPLAN. The tests ran smoothly with the oversight of our very organised and diligent staff. It was pleasing to see students working hard and ensuring they were giving it their best shot.
Easter Raffle
Thank you to all our wonderful families who are organising their Easter Raffle donations. Remember to ensure you buy a raffle ticket or ten, as there are always amazingly huge hampers on offer. I know that the children will enjoy their free dress day. There will no doubt be some members of our school community who have sore bellies after indulging in their winnings! However, I know these prizes have always been a welcomed supply of gifts.
Mobile Phone Policy and Other ‘Wearable’ Devices
Please remember that there are strict policies in place regarding students bringing devices to school. Any device that can make a call and/or send a message and/or take pictures and/or take video is NOT permitted in school. Any device of this nature must be sent to the school office at the beginning of the day and will be able to be collected at the end of the day. Our student’s privacy is of the utmost importance and students are not always aware of the consequences of their actions. This policy has been put in place by the Department of Education and is there to protect all students at school. Smart watches and the like fall under the category of ‘Personal Mobile Device’.
SEW
SEW in 5/6B
This week in SEW we have been focusing on goal setting and creating a positive attitude towards challenging ourselves in our learning.
5/6B discussed the importance of being able to challenge ourselves in our learning and how we can achieve that.
“We grow when we challenge ourselves” – Riley
“We can learn more if we challenge ourselves” – Leo
“If we challenge ourselves, we can live our dreams and feel accomplished!” – Millie
Setting SMART goals helps us make our objectives clear and specific, ensuring we fully understand them. By defining measurable criteria, we can track our progress and determine when and how we will achieve them. This approach enhances accountability and boosts motivation, increasing our chances of success.
“I would like to improve my subtraction show me result” – Declan
“I would like to improve my narrative writing and enter the Narrative Writing Competition” – Charlie
“I would like to reach 200 nights of reading by Term 3” – Dilena
PAFA
Next Meeting is the AGM: Thursday 20th March 9:15am in the staffroom
2025 Plate Fundraiser
After several requests from the school community, we have Picture Products involved in our fundraising this year. It is completely optional! The templates will be available from the school office from March 20th. It’s a great school holiday project!
SUSHI DAY
Sushi Day is Tuesday March 25th, orders close Friday 21st at 3:30pm.
Sushi handrolls $4.50
Teriyaki Chicken GF DF EF
Chicken cooked in teriyaki marinade, cucumber
Crispy Chicken DF EF
Crumbed pan-fried chicken, cucumber, lettuce
Tuna GF DF
Cooked tuna, cucumber, mayonnaise
Avocado V VG GF DF EF
Fresh avocado slices
California DF
Cooked seafood, cucumber, mayonnaise
Rice Paper Rolls $4.50
Vegetable V VG GF DF EF
Carrot, shredded red/white cabbage, fried tofu, mint,
vermicelli rice noodles, sweet chilli sauce
Chicken GF DF EF
Carrot, shredded red/white cabbage, cooked marinated
chicken, mint, vermicelli rice noodles, sweet chilli sauce
Juice Box $1.50
Apple or Orange
ZOOPER DOOPER DAYS
Zooper Doopers will be sold every THURSDAY this term, finishing 27th March. Just two more weeks!
Limit of 2 per student.
Correct money appreciated.
OFFICE NOTICES
Office Hours : - 8:30am until 3:55pm
Picking Up Children – Please help our admin team!
In exceptional circumstances and emergencies, at times children need to be collected from school early. Please help our wonderful administration team by ensuring that this is not done during the break times of 11:00-11:30am and 1:45-2:30pm. When children are outside playing with their friends, they do not hear the announcements and it is difficult to have a staff member unlock classrooms to collect bags and belongings. Please help support our classroom programs by waiting until 3:30pm to collect children. The admin area is growing quite hectic in the afternoons with families collecting children early. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
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.
Reminder: –
Hats must be worn throughout Term one & Term four outside. If they don’t have a hat, they can only play in a shaded area.
**Kids can get messy, please be organised & keep an extra set of clothes in your child’s bag for emergencies.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
UNIFORM
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.
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.
COMPASS CANTEEN ORDERING
Log into the Compass App.
On home screen select Canteen or select the more button and then Canteen.
Click on the Canteen button.
Select Get started.
Select Student and then next.
Select Sitting—Select next date if current date is cut off for uniform or select date given for ordering e.g. Pizza Day.
Select sitting e.g. Uniform, Team shirt, Pizza Day etc.
Select next.
Click on item you require e.g. Bomber Jacket, pizza etc.
Add item.
Repeat for other items e.g. Short sleeve polo, drink.
Proceed to review order.
Select Customise when ordering Uniform or Team shirt.
Select Sizes.
Select Add to order button.
Note: If ordering Team shirt put Number in Special instructions.
Select Add order.
Add another order or select Confirm and Pay and follow the steps for payment.
CHURCH CARPARK MAP
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Social, enjoyable & fun experiences for children
Develop creativity, life skills & confidence through play
Qualified, caring & engaged staff
Exciting & thoughtfully develop programs
Healthy & Yummy food provided each day
Bookings now open!
| Monday - Friday Hours of Operation | Fees before Child Care Subsidy* | Out-of-pocket fees after Child Care Subsidy** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before School Care (BSC) | 6:30 AM to 8:45 AM | $24.10 | $2.41 |
| After School Care (ASC) | 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM | $26.40 | $2.64 |
| Pupil Free Day | 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM | $118.20 | $11.82 |
| Holiday Program*** | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM | $112.79 | $11.28 |
*Standard fee costs before Child Care Subsidy/ **Standard fee costs after maximum Child Care Subsidy / *** Standard fee costs excluding incursions/excursions
Cancellation Fees
(No Child Care Subsidy applied to Cancellation Fees)
BSC/ASC within 48 hours of session start time: $5.00
Holiday Program within 5 days of session start time: $10.00
Same day cancellation fee is out-of-pocket session fee.
Late Booking Fees
(Child Care Subsidy is applied to Late Booking Fees)
BSC/ASC within 48 hours of session start time: $5.00
Holiday Program: book less than 5 days from the session start time fee is $10.00
Late Pick-up Fees
(Child Care Subsidy does not apply to Late Pickup Fees)
$1 per minute after service close time
To register visit theircare.com.au
TheirCare support team is available between 6.30am – 9am weekdays (Eastern Standard Time) on 1300 072 410 or info@theircare.com.au
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.
We look forward to welcoming you into our school.
All enquires can be made to the General Office 035784 1200 or email broadford.sc@education.vic.gov.au
https://www.trybooking.com/CZGYV
