Hello Everyone,

As we move into colder months which can predispose anyone to being sick, please bear the following in mind:

Do not send sick students to school.

Students who are sick make other students and staff ill. Students and staff do not share the same degree of immunity and what makes one child  slightly 'off colour' can have significant ramifications for others. At school and/or at home.

HERE is a link to our Student Medical policies

HERE is a link to the School Exclusion table for illnesses

The current recommendation for Primary school children with COVID is to not attend school for 5 days.

Our Students
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.

Mathletics Champion
Congratulations to: 

Emilia W 1B 
who won this week for her 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. 

Year 1 Reading Program with Cameron Close Retirement Village
This week a large number of our Year 1 cohort were filmed by the ‘House of Wellness’ Production crew for an appearance on Channel 7 later next month. The segment is a result of our recent feature in The Age and highlights the academic and intergenerational benefits of our Year 1 Cameron Close reading Program. The following is written by our Year 1 teacher Ms Kathy Skantzos:

The Year One WPPS and Cameron Close reading program with elderly residents is a heartwarming initiative that brings generations together in a meaningful way. By pairing our children with seniors, the program not only cultivates valuable relationships but also allows a unique opportunity for both age groups to learn from each other. The intergenerational bonds formed through this program are so special. It definitely is a highlight of our week being there.

The children benefit immensely from the wisdom, patience, and life experiences shared by their Listeners. In return, the residents feel a sense of purpose and joy as they pass on their knowledge and stories to the younger generation.

The personalised attention provided by the Listeners helps children improve their reading skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. The one-on-one interaction allow the residents to tailor their guidance to each child's needs, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.

Beyond the academic growth, the program fosters a sense of community and belonging for the Year One children and their Listeners.

Through shared activities like our reading sessions, storytelling, and most recently our scarecrow procession, all participants develop meaningful connections and forge friendships that transcend age boundaries. This creates a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

In essence, the Year One reading program with the Cameron Close residents is more than just a literacy initiative—it's a celebration of the power of human connection and the beauty of learning together across generations.

Look out for our House of Wellness TV Segment airing soon on Channel 7.

ICAS
We are delighted to inform you that  we will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year across Years 4 – 6.  

What is ICAS?  
ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling and Digital Technologies.  

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.  

We encourage you to consider entering your child (Year 4-6 only) into ICAS this year.   

How to participate in ICAS  
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here.
2. Read the terms and conditions here.
3. Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here.
4. Enter our school’s access code –  IOQ829  
5. Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to   payment.  

Please note that the ICAS tests shown for selection are at the school’s discretion.   

After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email. Please keep this for your records.  

ICAS Results and Certificates 
We will notify you of the date(s) that we run ICAS at the school and when your child’s ICAS results are ready. You will have until Monday 29th July to make an order, and your child will be sitting the test/s in August. Once we have received your child’s ICAS certificate, we will send it home with your child. The back of the certificate shows ICAS results and the login details, ‘TAP ID and Pin’, that you and your child need to enter on the Results Portal.  

Our Staff

Continuing getting to know our staff at WPPS, we introduce Ms Lily O’Shaughnessy who is currently working in Year 4B with Ms Duong.

Hello Wattle Park Community,

My name is Lily, and I am a student teacher from Deakin University. I am studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Years) and I am in my last year of study! I’m currently on placement in class 4B with Kim Duong which I am thoroughly enjoying. I recently went on the Year 3/4 camp, which was a great opportunity to get to know the children in Years 3 and 4 and the staff. A highlight of the camp was seeing the students on the giant swing and giving it a go myself!

I’m passionate about art and music which is a big part of my personal life and enjoy being fun and creative in my teaching.  I am currently working at a childcare centre in Surrey Hills which has been an important part of my teaching journey for the past 2 years, however I am looking forward to the next chapter of Primary teaching.

 Thank you to the Wattle Park community for making me feel welcomed and I look forward to continuing to get to know everyone! If you see me around the school, please feel free to say hi!

Lily O’Shaughnessy 

Notices
Wattle Park Primary School presents.... 

WPPS Kids Disco! 

Get ready for a night of dancing, singing and entertainment with the famous DJ Jessie J!

Tickets from HERE

Thursday 20 June 2024 

SESSION 1 | Foundation to Year 2 - 5:00pm-5:45pm

SESSION 2 | Year 3 to Year 6 - 6:00pm-7:00pm 

Bookclub
A message from our magnificent book club organiser Jill H who has done a mighty job with Bookclub and is now going to hand over the reigns:

Hello everyone,

Scholastic Book Club happens at the start of each term.

Firstly, you’ll need to stamp the catalogues with the deadline date. (approx. 1hr)

Once the orders are placed online, you will then process the orders on the deadline date.

You will receive an email from Scholastics Book Club letting you know your orders have been dispatched. When the orders have been delivered to the school, the office will email or contact you.

Finally, is the sorting of the orders, this in the fun part. (approx. 1 1/2hrs)

If you are interested in perhaps taking over this role, please contact the office to obtain my details;

Phone: 98082165           Email: wattle.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Uniform Shop

New Uniforms
The Uniform Shop for new uniforms is located off site.

Please click HERE for the location and price list for all our new uniforms.

Uniform orders can be delivered to the school office. 

School Bags and School Beanies
Available from the school office

Second Hand Uniform Shop
Located in the school gymnasium 
Cash only

Last Friday of every month - next opening times
Friday 28th June 8.30 - 9.15am 

• Donations of second hand uniforms are welcome. 
• Clothing must be washed and in very good condition. 
• Please bring donations to the school office.
• Thank you for supporting this initiative!

Assembly

9.15am  Fridays

Chooks
Thank you to Ms Woodhouse and Ms Duong for incorporating the assistance of Team Kids and the Cameron Close residents to populate our feeding schedule so we do not have to appeal so desperately to our school families to attend to the ladies on the weekends.

Click here to visit the Volunteer SignUp page.

Click here to read more about what is required for Chicken Care

Volunteers course

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

Have a great weekend everyone!

Steve Donohue

Principal

Wattle Park Primary School

Thursday 20 June 2024 

Get ready for a night of dancing, singing and entertainment provided by DJ Jessie J! 

There will be two sessions:

SESSION 1 - Foundation to Year 2 - 5:00-5:45pm

SESSION 2 - Year 3 to Year 6 - 6::00-7:00pm

Tickets $15 each 

Tickets via Humanitix here : https://events.humanitix.com/wpps-kids-disco-2024

Parents can sign up to volunteer here : https://signup.com/go/rGjmWvd

Second Hand uniform shop will be in the school gymnasium on 

• Friday, 28th June 8.30 - 9.15am 

• And then - Last Friday of every month, same bat time and same bat station.
                                                 

2. School Beanies

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.

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. 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.

• TeamKids Newsletter 
• Winter Disco
• Winter Holidays