Hello Everyone,

Schools are a vital and dynamic place of learning.

Mostly you learn by having an experience and changing your behaviour in response. Sometimes it begins with a question. 

Like this one:

Why do we have so many fishing rods in the foyer of the school?

The office was surprised to receive, late last year, a couple of boxes for fishing rods. It’s only just become apparent what they were for via this article. 

So, if you have a child in Year 6 and you would like a free fishing rod, please come and see the office staff and we will give you one.  If we still have some left in a couple of weeks we’ll open it up to everyone.

Our Students
Foundation - Community Safety
In Foundation, we draw on our community services to help educate the students regarding safety in our community. On Friday we were lucky enough to have Heath and Zara from the local police force visit our classroom so the students could learn about how the police help us. The students had a great time learning about the police uniform, calling 000 and all the different jobs a police officer has. A particular highlight was getting to hold the handcuffs!

Not only do we learn about community safety but this police visit also provides marvellous inspiration for the students to engage in the curriculum including descriptive writing, vocabulary building through role play and endless creative opportunities. 

National Young Leaders Day
Two weeks ago, the year six teachers selected 11 lucky students to go to the National Young Leaders Day. We listened to four well known celebrities talk about their challenges and how they overcame their obstacles. This was a great opportunity for us to learn about the leaders' lives and how we could become leaders ourselves. 

Our first talker was a lady named Anastasia Woolmer, she is an Australian memory champion and a former professional ballet dancer. Anastasia demonstrated her skills by asking a student in the crowd to write 40+ numbers on a whiteboard. She would then look at these numbers for a small amount of time and then repeat the numbers to the crowd without looking. This incredible woman worked extremely hard to get where she is now as an inspiration to people across Australia. The lesson we learnt from Anastasia is that everybody learns differently, don’t compare yourself to others.

The next presenter at National Young Leaders Day was Bryson Klein. He is a 3 time Australian Ninja Warrior champion. During his talk he spoke strongly on the topic of bravery and fear. He gave us a powerful message about one of his past experiences while camping. This one napkin that was accidentally dropped into the fire by his friend did not catch fire at all. After 30 minutes, he and his friends started to cheer for the napkin. After that funny experience, his quote has always been, “Be the napkin!” AKA, don’t give up. Another important message he left us with is that, “It's okay to fear something and be nervous!

Jane Bunn is a highly accomplished meteorologist and shared the experience of being a weather presenter. As always, she brings her positive attitude and her story of how she came to be so passionate about different types of weather. Some of her favourite types of weather are thunderstorms and cyclones. She finds these topics very interesting and now gets to spend her life studying this. During her presentation she introduced us to her book called Storm. Some of us students found this book extremely interesting and wanted to dive deeper into the subject of weather. Jane left us with an important message, to chase your passions and never give up. After her presentation she welcomed anyone who liked a book signed by her. 

Our final speaker was Melissa Barbieri, a former Matildas goalkeeper and captain. She is an Asian Cup 2-time winner, and now plays soccer in Melbourne City. She shares how she grew up with the struggle of playing soccer as a foreign female with no Medicare or passport of Australia. When she was 20, she severely injured her left leg when she was in camp with the Future Matildas in July.  She had no health insurance and was greatly challenged. But, after the injury, she thought she’d have to give up soccer. But she tried to push through and decided to become a goalkeeper. Fast forward a few years, and she’s won two Asian Cups, played 86 games for the Matildas as a goalkeeper and became CAPTAIN of the Matildas team. She will forever be an inspiration to young girls across Australia.

We really enjoyed this experience and will take these messages and use them throughout our lives in leadership. 

Thanks,

Oscar, Zane, Leen, Autumn, James, Flynn, Sophia, June, Issy, Damon, Eric

Year 6 student leaders

 

District  Swimming
On Wednesday this week, 29 students from Years 4-6 who qualified in trials held last year, competed in the District Swimming trials at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Templestowe.

Congratulations to everyone who took part and if working as a team to win the Swimming District Trophy.

4th place and into division! Well done, 11 yr old relay team!

On the 28th of February students from Wattle Park Primary School attended District Swimming. Time trials for each event were held last year. We took a bus to Aquarena where we swam in a 50m length pool. The students competed in various races including relays, medleys and individual events. Depending on the result from the race, the individual or group could potentially get into Division Swimming. This event will be held on the 6th of March at Ringwood Swimming Centre. Everyone was super excited to go to the district and students who got into division are even more excited for a chance to get into regionals! At the end of the day they announced the overall winners which were… WPPS!!! We were awarded with a beautiful gold trophy which made the WPPS community very proud of our achievements.

Thank You to the parent helpers and teachers who came and to all the students who gave it their all. Good luck to all of the students who are going to division!

By Isabella, Zara, Lila and Abby. 5A

Roger, James, Carter, Ned

Students of the week
Well done to all our recipients for actively displaying our school values. Students who are not in attendance to receive their certificate will be awarded at next week's assembly.

Week 5
Class	Student
FA	Miaomiao Z	FB	Kai L
1A	Archie K	1B	Meera D
2A	Claire S	2B	Siena M
3A	Annicka K-R	3B	Cherish C
4A	Zuby J	4B	Destiny C
5A	Siobhan T	5B	Khang T
6A	Lili S	6B	Bobby C

Mathletics Champion
Congratulations to Dhruv from 1B who won this week for his excellent performance and regular participation in Mathletics this week. 

House Points
The House Points have been collected for this week.  The winning house decorates the trophy with their colours and has it displayed in the foyer of the school. 

Our Staff
Our series on our staff proved so popular last year, I have requests for it to return as our parents have different teachers this year.  Reintroducing Ms Robyn Heeps of Foundation/PrepB:

I have been part of the Wattle Park school community for many years.

It has always been a friendly and supportive body, and I have become acquainted with wonderful families and children during this time.

I have worked across the school and watched students grow and develop in preparation for their secondary schooling. It is always delightful when they come back to see you, or you meet by chance, and they relate stories of the fun things we did together.

Foundation is an exciting year to be part of: it is rewarding to follow and observe the transition of these young children as they  become independent and capable students.

Wattle Park is a great place to work. 

Notices
Movie Night
Do you have a business you want to promote?

Please sponsor our WPPS Movie Night on Friday, 15th March 2024.

Simply sponsor our Movie Night via the following link and we will advertise your business on the big screen! Plus our Instagram and school newsletter!

https://events.humanitix.com/wpps-movie-night-or-wonka-2024

Once you have confirmed your sponsorship, please email bebeard@bigpond.com a copy of your company logo.

Any queries, please feel free to contact Em Beard on 0408 887 741. Thank you!

Uniform Shop
Open Monday, 4th March 8.30 - 9.00am in the gym

Free plants
We have a massive clump of Dietes Bicolour that I’d like to remove. If you’d like to get your shovel and dig some out, please let the office know and we can make arrangements.

Assembly
Fridays at 9.15am in the gym

903 Bus Route
Up to 20 of our students were using the 903 until it was removed.

In response to this,  the WPPS School Council met with the State Member for Box Hill, Paul Hamer, to establish what could be done about providing access via public transport to WPPS. 

One of the ideas muted was a bus service that ran for limited hours during pick up and drop off times.

Paul said our energy was best placed accumulating stories from those affected explaining how the absence of the 903 bus affects them personally.

Please email me on steven.donohue@education.vic.gov.au with any comment, narrative, impact statement of how the absence of this service has affected you. 

Please do this by Thursday Feb 29th.

We will collate them and present them to Paul to be taken higher up the governmental tree.

HERE is the petition to sign

Canteen
Welcome to Katrina Longaroux, our new Canteen Manager.
Our Canteen operates on Mondays and Fridays for lunch only.

    Ordering - Full Menu

To place an order, download the free Flexischools App from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have downloaded the app you will order and pay online. 

Orders must be placed by 4pm the day before the order is required.

Monday orders   by 4pm Sunday

Friday orders      by 4pm Thursday

Last Chance Ordering - Reduced Menu

If the normal daily service cut off has been missed.  Items such as pies, nuggets, sausage rolls, popcorn and drinks will be available as part of this service with a cut off time of 8.30am the day of canteen.

Please be aware Flexischools does not automatically change the class of your child to their 2024 class. Please ensure you update this information when you next order.

Canteen - Volunteering
Do you have some time to spare? An hour and a half on a Friday would be great!

Our canteen would not be able to run without the wonderful support of the volunteer Parents and Grandparents in our school. We would love to have you volunteer for us, whether you are an experienced hand or an eager learner. Please see below to sign up.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/login/entry/827030846186224028
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp.com will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Running Club
Running club 8am on Thursdays

Volunteers course
If  you’d  like to volunteer in 2024 please obtain a Working with Children’s Check and complete our Volunteers course:

Hats on in Term 1!
With our emergence from the winter gloom into the glorious springtime sunshine comes the need to be aware of the damage rays can do. As per our Sunsmart Policy WPPS states the following:

From 1 September to 30 April, all students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities. 

‘Hats on in September, off in May’

Students who are not wearing appropriate protective clothing or a hat may be asked to play in the shade or in a suitable area protected from the sun.

 

Have a great weekend!

Steve Donohue

Principal

Wattle Park Primary School

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Do you have a business you want to promote?

Please sponsor our WPPS Movie Night on Friday 15^th March 2024.

Simply sponsor our Movie Night via the following link and we will advertise your business on the big screen! Plus our Instagram and school newsletter!

https://events.humanitix.com/wpps-movie-night-or-wonka-2024

Once you have confirmed your sponsorship, please email bebeard@bigpond.com a copy of your company logo.

Any queries, please feel free to contact Em Beard on 0408 887 741. Thank you!

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Please scroll through to see all of our latest notices!

1. Requests for Donations
    - Movie Night and Easter Eggtacular
2. CSEF
3. Student Update Information - Year 4
4. Volunteer Needed for the First Aid Room
5. School Photo
6. School Hat - Remember September to May - No Hat No Play
7. Late Students
8. Second Uniform Shop



1. Requests for Donations

Easter Eggtacular – will be drawn on Friday 22^nd March 2024.

2. CSEF
Welcome, all new families to Wattle Park Primary School for 2024.

If you are the holder of a Govt Concession Card or Health Care Card, you are eligible for Government assistance called CSEF, (Camps, Sports, Excursions Fund).

This payment of $150 is for any school activity including camps.

Please fill out the form HERE along with a copy of your concession card, and hand into the office.

This procedure should also be followed for eligible existing families, for 2024 payment.

If you have  any enquiries, please contact the office on 9808 2165.

3. Student Update Information

Today, Year 4 Parents/Carers will receive an email requesting parents to check over contact details for their child.

It is imperative we have the latest contact information, along with emergency contact details.

Please print off the sheets with any changes to be clearly marked, and return to the office for amendment.

The office will send out emails to each year level, week by week.

Thank you for taking time to read through contact information.

4. Volunteer Needed for the First Aid Room
Much appriciated if any one can help us clean the sheets in First Aid Room. Your help can make the First Aid room a more safer and cleaner enviroments.We have had no one since mid last term. Please sign up HERE.

5. School Photo
Ordering school photos for 2024 is on line and easy. It is the preferred payment option. Please following the above steps for ordering on-line.

Should you prefer to pay by cash, envelopes can be collected from the office.  Please return these envelopes TO THE OFFICE, not the classroom, and preferably ON PHOTO DAY.

Should you have any questions about ordering please contact Advanced Photography direct on 9852 1133.

6. Remember September to May - No Hat No Play
 

It’s that time of year - September, when all students are required to have on a hat for outside play.  Children will be required to play in the shade if no hat is worn, and being a Sun Smart School its important to have sun protection from now till May.
New hats are available from the office $15.

7. Late Students
All late students MUST report to office before heading to class, to receive a late slip.  Otherwise, your child will be reported as absent and parents will receive an sms notification that their child in an unexplained absence.

8. Second Uniform Shop
Second Hand uniform shop will be in the school gymnasium.

Monday 4^th March - 8:30am – 9:00am.

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Support your local businesses.








The 2024 Dragons Classic

Dear Local Schools,

Hope this email finds you well.

We are the Camberwell Dragons. We are hosting a Primary School tournament for Grade 3/4s and 5/6s in term 2 this year. Due to popular demand and a very successful and enjoyable day last year we have brought it back!

We are holding 2 full tournament days at Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC).

Grade 3/4 Game day – Tuesday 11^th June.
Grade 5/6 Game day – Tuesday 18^th June.

If your school is interested in being part of the Dragons Classic please click on the link below and fill out the Expression of Interest form.

EOI - https://www.cognitoforms.com/CamberwellBasketball/TheDRAGONSCLASSIC24ExpressionOfInterestForm

As the tournament dates are fast approaching we encourage you to try to show your interest as quickly as possible – registrations will be opening soon.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind Regards,

Ben.

Ben Crowe  Community Development Officer at Camberwell District Basketball Assiocation. Phone 03 7300 6228    Mobile 04 2052 0559 Email Ben.Crowe@camberwellbasketball.com  Office 606 High Street KEW VIC 3101  www.camberwellbasketball.com

Wattle Park Primary School : NAB AFL Term 1 Auskick Information

Dear Parent/ Guardian, Welcome to Footy! Thank you so much for registering at Wattle Park P.S Auskick Centre. We can't wait to run this program! Due to low registrations for this program, we will be pushing back the start date by a week. We strongly encourage you to share the registration link: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/5abcb2 to parent class groups/WhatsApp/Facebook/ other school groups to increase participants for this program. The new start date will be Thursday the 7th of March! The NAB AFL Auskick program will run from 3:45-4:45pm Thursdays on the following dates:  March 7th March 14th March 21st  March 28th April 18th Byes: 4th & 11th April – School Holidays   What to Wear & Bring: Comfortable active wear or school uniform Runners Bring a water bottle We look forward to seeing you soon! Kind Regards, Jamie

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