March 6th, 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
| March | 2024 |
| Thursday 7th March | Parent Helper Session # 3 - 2.30pm to 3pm |
| Monday 11th | Labour Day Holiday - No students |
| Tuesday 12th | Parent Intervention Training 9.30am to 10.30am |
| Tuesday 12th | Scholastic Book Club closes |
| Friday 15th | Casual Clothes Day - for an Easter themed donation |
| Monday 18th | Foundation 2025 Touring Wandong - 6pm |
| Monday 18th - Friday 22nd | Gratitude Week |
| Thursday 21st | Harmony Day |
| Monday 25th | Second Hand Uniform Sale near Auslan Room |
| Monday 25th | Working Bee - 1/2N, 3/4C & 5/6H 2.30pm - 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| Tuesday 26th | Foundation 2025 Touring Wandong - 10am |
| Tuesday 26th | Easter Raffle Drawn |
| Tuesday 26th | Purple Day - Epilepsy Awareness Day & Zooper Dooper fundraiser $1 each - cash taken in the morning & icy poles delivered at lunch time |
| 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 |
| Friday 26th April | Grade 5 / 6 Interschool Sport - District Winter Sports consent/Payment due |
| May | 2024 |
| Thursday 2nd | Walk for Wellbeing |
| Friday 3rd | Grade 5 / 6 Interschool Sport - District Winter Sports |
| Wednesday 8th | Mother's Day Stall |
| Thursday 9th | Mother's Day Stall - Catch up day 1.30pm -2.30pm |
| Tuesday 14th | District Cross Country 9.30 - 2.30 pm - Selected Students only |
| Friday 17th | Education Week - Science Fair - All Day |
| Friday 17th | Working Bee - 1/2T, 3/4E & 3/4M 2.30pm - 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| June | 2024 |
| Monday 3rd | Curriculum Day - No Students – If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Tuesday 4th | Professional Practice Day - If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Wednesday 5th | Pizza Day - more information to follow |
| Monday 10th | Kings Birthday Holiday |
| Friday 14th | Working Bee - FM, 1/2M & 5/6F 2.30pm - 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| Friday 28th | Last Day Term 2 |
| July | 2024 |
| August | 2024 |
| 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 |
| Wednesday 28th | Father's Day Stall |
| Thursday 29th | Father's Day Stall - Catch up day |
| September | 2024 |
| Friday 13th | Working Bee - FA, 1/2G, 5/6E 2.30pm- 3.30pm Parents welcome |
| October | 2024 |
| November | 2024 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
School Review
This year is an exciting year! It is our school review year, where we get to celebrate all our wonderful achievements over the last four years and begin planning for our next goals. Last year, Wandong moved into the INFLUENCE school performance category in reading, school climate and student attitude. This means that our performance is high to very high and has been maintained consistently over three years and is on a positive improvement trajectory. Wandong is acting as an influencer and system leader.
The Department of Education (DET) conducts reviews of schools every 4-5 years. This rigorous process is conducted by the Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and the evaluation is completed with support from a DET reviewer. As part of our process, we will be seeking multiple perspectives, from our key stakeholders, our kids, to our families, community and staff. We look forward to your insights into our highlights, what is working well and suggestions for the future. https://forms.gle/SW3pMLPRbUKjGFVW7
Traffic Safety and Respectful Behaviour
Last week, we had a number of complaints regarding unsafe parking in the Church carpark. The school obviously has no jurisdiction over road traffic safety, but we urge our families to be aware that there are little people before and after school that could be seriously injured. Please find attached again, a basic map for parking respectfully in the Church carpark.
It is also important to note that there are little ears around the school and upholding respectful and polite behaviour is expected. We are all role models for our children, not only our own, but those in our broader community.
We have also had reports of children not wearing bike helmets when riding to school and riding recklessly in and between cars. If your child is riding independently to school, please ensure that they are always wearing a correctly fitted helmet and riding safely.
Please, if you have concerns regarding traffic safety or illegal parking around the school, it is important that you contact the police.
IMPORTANT – Foundation 2025
In 2025 we need to reduce our Foundation intake, so we are asking that all current families submit their enrolment application form for siblings asap. We are not able to guarantee a position at Wandong after the enrolment closing date if we are not your closest school. Thank you in advance for making this a priority this coming week.
Staffing
Next term, we welcome Ms Rebesco into Education Support team.
TheirCare (Outside of School Hours Care)
Please be aware that if your child is not registered with TheirCare they will be unable to access the program in an emergency. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you register your child/ren with TheirCare in case you may need it one day.
LABOUR DAY — PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Monday 11th of March is the Labour Day Public Holiday. The school will be closed for the day.
A Broken Record – Why does attendance matter?
I know we sound like a broken record at times on this topic… At Wandong we know we have all the best systems in place to ensure children are making learning gains… high teacher effectiveness, evidence-based programs, strong intervention and extension… but this is of little value if children are not at school… we can’t bring children to school every day and on time. We rely on our families to make this a priority. Some key take points from a recent research article I read:
- student absence reduces even the best teacher’s ability to provide learning opportunities
- absenteeism in kindergarten was associated with negative first grade outcomes such as greater absenteeism in subsequent years and lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge
- absentee rates were observed as early as kindergarten, and students who eventually dropped out of high school missed significantly more days of school in first grade than their peers who graduated from high school
- effects of lost school days build up one absence at a time for individual students.
WELLBEING
In SEW, 3/4C have been learning about how we can show gratitude. We have learned that purposefully looking for the good things in our life helps to train our brain to focus on the positives instead of the negatives. We learned that we can show appreciation for really small things and really big things in our life. 3/4C created our own gratitude jars to list some of the things that we are thankful for. Some of the things that we are grateful for are: our families, dogs, having air to breathe, basketball, electricity, trees, butterflies and sunny days!
What are you grateful for today?
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 one & 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.
Parking in the church carpark
PAFA
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
