Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a challenging week weatherwise with a day or two of outdoor play at break times but then indoor all day due to the persistent rain.

However, we are so lucky at Wattle Park Primary to have flexible spaces even in the main administration building with corridors being able to be used as teaching and learning spaces. The students do have considerable space indoors and outdoors.

Today I am a participant in a virtual Principal’s forum for the North Eastern Victorian Region led by our Deputy Secretary, Dr. David Howes.  David is a most positive inspiring leader who understandably has a great insight into the journey that schools, students, teachers and parents have undergone the past two years. David clearly stated today that schools’ foci are primarily student learning and wellbeing entwined. He also congratulated Principals on the work schools had done throughout remote learning and showed data on how Victoria was the top state in Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN in all subject areas for 2021; Reading, Writing, Grammar and Punctuation and Numeracy. The one exception being Writing in Year 9.

Phenomenal data considering the year we have experienced. My personal opinion is that parents were incredibly involved in their children’s learning, and this had a direct positive impact on the high results across Victoria. 

On Tuesday the staff were able to have their first face to face staff meeting outside in beautiful sunshine. The first time for many months. This forum is where issues are raised and discussed with decisions usually made at the next day’s team meetings. The issues at the forefront are Year 6 Graduation, Transition program for our 2022 Foundation students, student health and wellbeing (always), the whole school swimming program, student reports, updated covid-19 protocols and procedures as well as planning for 2022.

Today there was definitely an air of anticipation with our canteen providing lunch orders for the first time this term. Thank you so much to the parents who have so kindly offered their time to volunteer in the canteen. Just a reminder that all parent volunteers must be double vaccinated and provide a paper copy of their certification to the school office. 

Yesterday the school held a commemorative service for Remembrance Day led by our Year 6 Humanities Leaders: Austin L, Ben B and Ruby C. They spoke so well and even prepared a back-up visual presentation to utilise in classrooms if the weather was inclement. Fortunately, the sun shone and it was wonderful to see each and every one of our students listen to the history of Remembrance Day and show their respect with a minute’s silence. Thank you to all the families that bought poppies and supported the RSL. They are very appreciative of the level of support they receive from Wattle Park Primary School.

A reminder that on Sunday- rain, hail or shine we have a scheduled working bee for Sunday morning 9:00-11:00a.m.  If you can only spare a half hour that would be appreciated too. The school has vast playing spaces and expansive gardens, but they do require upkeep. We were able to have our lawns mowed during the lockdowns and our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen gardener Niki Browne and chef Carolina Trantino worked tirelessly through lockdowns to maintain and develop garden spaces. However, the weeds grew and are still growing! Hence your help would certainly be appreciated on Sunday.

I’m thinking it’s a weekend to curl up with a good book. I have recently been given two great books to read: ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’ by Eddie Jaku. (This should be a compulsory read for every adult) and ‘Love Stories’ by Trent Dalton.

See you at the wet working bee on Sunday!

Warm Regards Gayle

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