Hello Everyone,

Today is the last day of term 2 and what a term it has been!

Firstly, thank you to our volunteers this term. We have many people who donate their time and skills and several of our programs could not run as well as they do without the dedication of our volunteers. These include:

The many others across the school who come on the weekends for chicken care!

Academically WPPS has continued to embed the EDI (Explicit Direct approach to learning) which you will note is evident across all year levels in literacy and numeracy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW7Hf46gz14

EDI is a highly structured teaching approach focused on clear explanations and modeling of skills and concepts. It involves breaking down complex information into smaller, manageable steps, and providing guided practice with immediate feedback to ensure students understand the material thoroughly. 

The Department of Education explains it in greater detail HERE

Apart from a variety of incursions and excursions this term, other notable events have included:

ANZAC Day Ceremony

House Cross Country

Wattle Hill Kinder and Year 5 reading program

https://youtube.com/shorts/Fo6NViVO-NU?feature=share

WPPS Instagram launched

MΦMED - Maths Open Day Morning Extravaganza Day

John Monash Science School

Yr 34 Camp to Phillip Island Adventure Resort

4 year School Review

Every school has a School Review every 4 years. Ours was this term. This was quite an involved process that took 4 weeks to complete and involved many people volunteering their time. 

I’d particularly like to acknowledge the dedication and sophisticated insight of our School Council President Alicia Rennie, who was on the ground over many of the review. 

I’d also like to mention all the class reps who volunteered their time to be part of the Parent Forum that was held:

The purpose of the review is to set out our goals for our next 4 years. 

In summary the findings are are:

• Positive Student Outcomes:

• Notable improvements in literacy and numeracy, with many NAPLAN measures at or above similar schools.

• Increased student engagement and motivation, supported by evidence-based teaching approaches and curriculum reforms.

• Strong, respectful relationships within the school and community, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

• High levels of student connectedness, leadership, and participation, particularly through student voice and leadership programs.

• Active parent and community engagement, with successful events such as fetes, productions, and volunteering opportunities.

• School Practices and Enablers:

• Effective implementation of explicit, research-based teaching strategies and assessment practices.

• Supportive relationships among staff, students, and families contributing to positive wellbeing and learning environments.

• Transparent communication systems and strong community partnerships enhancing school operation and engagement.

• Strategic Goals for the Next Plan:

• Prioritise further development in literacy and numeracy to achieve targeted growth.

• Strengthen curriculum development and assessment practices, utilising data to monitor and support student growth.

• Enhance responsive teaching and differentiated learning approaches to meet diverse student needs.

• Implement a school-wide positive behaviour support system (SWPBS) and multi-tiered supports for learning and wellbeing.

Many other people have contributed their time and effort including our volunteers for the canteen and Teneille Kost who not only runs our Vintage Uniform Shop but has also pioneered the very popular Sushi lunches of late.

Which brings me to going on Long Service Leave.

I am going on LSL for the first two weeks of term 3. Ascending the corporate ladder is Mr Abell who will be Acting Principal for that time. Mr Feather will be Acting Assistant Principal.

WPPS is in very capable hands.

Our Students

2025.06. 23 Yr 5 & 6 Gala Day
On the 23rd of June 2025, the year 5/6 gala day was held

On the 23rd of June, the Year Fives and Sixes attended the Winter Gala Day to play other schools in sports we had practised at school. We split up into our chosen sport groups and headed by bus to our allocated venues. The sports we could choose from were: Soccer, AFL, Netball and T-ball. We travelled by bus to three different venues. Soccer was at Terrara Park. AFL and Tee-ball were at Elgar Park and Netball was at Sportslink. We were ready for an exciting day ahead. 

Soccer
In Soccer, we had so much fun playing against other schools and we won three games! We cheered each other on and at one point, the soccer team was just one point away from being in the semifinals. 

AFL
There was just one AFL team. Though they had a great day and scored lots of points at the start, they unfortunately didn't make it to the finals as they didn’t win enough games.  

Netball
Unfortunately none of our teams made it into the finals, even though we tried our hardest and put in a huge effort. During our mini breaks, some of the players chose to umpire the continuing games which was a lot of fun. All of the training the teams did was so worthwhile and helped us improve our netball skills. On the way back to school on the bus everyone was so tired from a long day of sport. 

Tee Ball
The Tee ball players had a fabulous time and showed amazing teamwork in all the games. They enjoyed great weather and played against different schools with differing abilities but always encouraged each other. After their three games were finished they watched a little of the AFL match and then went back to WPPS.

Students of the Week!

Mathematics Champion

A round of applause for: 

who has excelled in Mathematics this week through consistent participation and impressive performance. Well done!

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 Mr James Feather, who teaches 4B. 

Hello Everyone! It is an absolute pleasure to see the students of Year 4B each week. I have been teaching for over 10 years now, and I am passionate about helping kids grow and developing their skills. I love supporting each child to reach their full potential and enjoy seeing their progress throughout the year. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing and watching many sports (Go Bombers!), as well as spending time by the water, which helps me relax and recharge. 

Fun Fact: As much as I love my job, I enjoy hiding from students on the school holidays…

Notices

2026 Foundation/Prep Enrolments

There are two ways.

Hard copy enrolment

Simply fill in a paper enrolment form available at our office or download HERE and email to:  wattle.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au

School Tours

School tours occur most Fridays at 10am and take approximately 45 minutes . 

Tours can be booked by calling the school office on 9808 2165 or you can book online HERE

Further details regarding enrolment can be found on our school website HERE 

Deakin Uni & Wattle Park Primary School Counselling Opportunity

Wattle Park Primary School continues its valued partnership with Deakin University’s Counselling Unit to offer student counsellors the opportunity to work with students from Wattle Park Primary School. 

The purpose of this engagement is to provide short-term counselling to support students in achieving physical, social, emotional, academic, and psychological well being.

Prior to undertaking placement, students have completed core subjects required to equip them with sufficient counselling skills and the ability to apply these to a range of clients as required.

Counselling support is only effective when those taking part are willing participants. 

If you wish for your child/ren to participate in the Deakin University Counselling Opportunity, please email either steven.donohue@education.vic.gov.au or richard.abell@education.vic.gov.au.

WPPS will select which students participate in the program based upon the parameters of the counselling provided and the needs of the specific child. As you will understand, medical privacy is of the utmost importance, and as such the basis upon which students are chosen will only be discussed with relevant parties.

ICAS
We are delighted to inform you that we will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS competition again 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.  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 Test Dates, Results and Certificates 

There will be a make up day for the ICAS Science and Spelling Bee assessments for Year 5 & 6 students due to 5/6 camp on Thursday 21st August.

We will notify you when your child’s ICAS results are ready. You will have until Monday 28th July to make an order. 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.  

We are proud to offer ICAS and look forward to some fantastic results later in the year.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or send me an email at james.feather@education.vic.gov.au.

Kind regards,  

James Feather - Learning Specialist

Have a great weekend everyone.

Steve Donohue

Principal

Wattle Park Primary School

Hi mums, dads, carers, and friends! 

Save the date – our legendary Bogan Bingo Parents Night is here! 
Mark your calendars for a night of laughs, mullets, music, and mayhem.
Saturday 2 August | WPPS Gym | 7.00pm 

Start planning your best bogan outfit now! We can't wait to see you there!

Please find the ticket link here.

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