WPPS Newsletter 25th February
#75
Principal Report 25th February 2022
Hello Everyone!
The students have been really enjoying the fabulous weather we have been having lately.
High Ability Program
As our students settle back into onsite learning you may be interested in learning more about the learning programs that occur at our school, one of which is the Victorian High Ability Program. This program provides up to 48,000 high-ability students in Years 5 to 8 at government schools the opportunity to participate in 10-week online extension and enrichment programs, in English and Mathematics. This virtual program focuses on extending and developing students' Mathematical and English abilities.
After completing the virtual program, students participate in a face-to-face masterclass with other high-ability students from schools in their local area. All masterclasses will incorporate the latest COVID-19 advice and risk mitigation strategies to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
The Department of Education and Training centrally manages the selection process for the program based on student academic performance. We currently have 4 of our students participating in Literacy and 4 in Mathematics from Year 5 and 6. You can find more out about this program HERE.
COVID 19
We have continued this week to be relatively unaffected directly by Covid infections although we do experience the secondary effects. Several students have been sequestered away in isolation due to family member exposures. These changes are not noted in my daily email to the community.
We are scheduled to give out the RA tests to all students once again this coming Monday and will do so every second Monday till the end of term. They are yet to arrive so we'll play that one by ear and hope they arrive soon.
LOTE and Before and After Care Buildings
These buildings are located very close to Banksia St. and are kindly referred to as being their ‘post fabulous stage’. I have met with a Senior Project Manager from the VSBA (Victorian Schools Building Association) who is submitting a report to say they are beyond their ‘Commercial Life’. Hopefully, the response from higher up the VSBA chain will deem them to be removed or demolished. More on this as reports come to light. I would also like to thank the three parents whom l ambushed after school this week to ask if they could help me remove tables from the LOTE building in preparation for its demise. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Staff Car Park
Thank you to everyone who doesn't use the staff car park as a public student drop-off zone. Having a student drop off zone is a marvelous idea (if we had the money we’d build one into the side of Banksia St!) We limit this to staff because not only is it only for staff but there are safety issues associated with parents who, at times, zoom down the car park to drop off their child or children. Please drop them at the top gate and let them walk. Adding few more steps to one's daily wander around the playground is better than crashing into a student who may have inadvertently wandered off the footpath and onto the driveway.
Gardens
As many of you will be aware, I’m on the lookout for someone/s to volunteer to assist with our school grounds. They would require a Working With Children’s Check and to be triple vaccinated. We have had one lady and a professional gardener volunteer so far. Marvelous! However, perhaps there are more…Who knows… maybe there's a retired horticulturist out there who’d like to manifest their skills - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Shade Sail
I have been assured by the persons creating it is in the act of being made.
School Council
Thank you to our highly active School Council. We have a call for 3 parent nominations. Please note the attachment for further details and ask at the office if you are interested.
Stay safe and well.
Steve Donohue
Principal
Diary 25th February 2022
WPPS Notices 25th February 2022
1. Year 5 families - Contact Details
2. School Photo - 17th March
3. Message from Canteen
4. Banksia Street Parking - Pls avoid driveways!
5. Mask Requirement Years 3-6
6. Second Hand Uniform shop
7. Volunteers Needed for First Aid Room
8. New Hats and Bags for sale from the office
1. Year 5 Student Contact Details
Year 5 families will receive this week an email in regards to updating student contact information. Please look carefully over this email and make any necessary changes and return the forms to the office as soon as possible.
It is important the office has the latest up to date contact information.
2.School Photo - Photo Day 17th March
3. Message from Canteen
1). Canteen is always looking for volunteers to help.....12pm - 1.30pm on Friday. Please register via https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/827030846186224028/false?popup=true#/invitation
2). Please also ensure that you've updated your child's correct class for 2022 in Flexischools to avoid your child's lunch being delivered to the wrong classroom.
4. Carparking, Banksia Street
Parents, out of courtesy to our neighbours please do not park across their driveways in Banksia Street, when dropping off or picking up your children. Whitehorse Traffic Officers will be patrolling during these times.
5. Year 3 - 6 students are required to wear masks at school.
6. Second Hand Uniform Shop - Gymnasium
8.30am - 9am
- Monday, 28th February
- Monday, 21st April
- Monday, 4th April
7. Volunteers needed for First Aid Room
We operate a first aid room at Wattle Park Primary school. In order to keep our First Aid Room clean and tidy, we require parent volunteers to assist us each Friday. We'd love 40 families to help - so you only have to help once a year!
For only around 15 minutes we appreciate you checking the area, changing the sheets, and returned washed sheets the following Monday.
How to assist
- Click on the link below, choose the date you can assist, and sign up.
- You will not require an account or to keep a password.
- If you would prefer not to use your email address, please email the school and your details can be entered manually to include you on the roster.
- To assist with tidying the First Aid room please sign up here:
8. New hats for sale from the office
Please see our office staff to purchase hats and bags.
Hats are $15.00
New bags can also be purchased from the office for $55.00
Parents & Friends Association Update
Community Notices 25th February 2022
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