Hello Everyone!

Teaching and Learning - around the school this week

NAPLAN Online

This week the National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) concluded for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia. This year all schools conducted NAPLAN online. WPPS was an early adopter of this technology and has many staff experienced with its delivery. 

This year also marks the last time the assessments will be completed in May; from 2023 onwards, the assessments will move to the earlier time of March to provide more time for schools to make constructive and productive use of NAPLAN data. 

Given the happenings of COVID in 2020, this is the first time both year levels participated in these assessments. Congratulations to our Level 3 and 5 students for trying their very best at each of the NAPLAN tests over the testing period. Whenever I visited the classrooms before and during these assessments, the students were calm and focused. 

I would like to acknowledge all the Levels 3 and 5 teachers for their efforts in the preparation and administration of NAPLAN this year. Thanks to their thorough preparation, the process proceeded smoothly. Schools are expected to receive the results in November, which will then be passed on to families.

School Council

The School Council met on Tuesday evening via Zoom to discuss many issues. School Councils are very important to schools as they comprise parent representatives and Department of Education and Training (DET) employees who support the Principal to provide the best educational outcomes for students. 

Removal of old LOTE and Before/After Care Building

One issue we did discuss was the removal of the old LOTE and Before/After Care Buildings, where we were joined by Damian Handwright (Manager - NEV- School Improvement Directorate) and Erika Bienert (Senior Education Improvement Leader NEV). 

Our School Council meeting was very productive with the decision made to approve the demolition of the old LOTE and Before/After Care building in the coming months. These buildings have been assessed to be at the end of their commercial life. 

Professional Practice Day - Friday 10th June

Professional Practice Days (PPD) have once again been reinstated to teachers. PPDs are an opportunity for teachers to undertake administrative, curriculum planning and organisational tasks both individually and with their colleagues. Usually these days are spread throughout the term, however due to the current difficulties schools are experiencing with finding replacement teachers, DET has recommended that schools hold one common PPD for all staff. 

WPPS has scheduled our Term 2 Professional Practice Day for Friday 10th June and this was approved by the School Council on Tuesday night. Please note that this will be a student-free day and therefore students will not attend school this day. 

To assist families, TeamKids will operate. Please contact TeamKids directly to make bookings. Bookings will be available in the coming days. 

Education Week & Open Day (Saturday 28th May)

Education Week takes place this term from Sunday 22nd and Saturday 28th of May with particular significance as the theme for this year is celebrating the 150th anniversary of public education. Education Week 2022 is an opportunity to commemorate the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future of education in Victoria.

During Education Week we will hold our Open Day on Saturday 28th May from 9am to 11am for prospective families to view our school as well as providing the opportunity for current community members to come visit their child’s classroom. 

Student Attitudes to School Survey

Each year in term two WPPS participates in the Department of Education’s Student Attitudes to School Survey. The overall objective of the annual Attitudes to School Survey is to collect data about the opinions of students to assist schools with planning, developing curriculum and improving student outcomes.

The survey assists schools to gain an understanding of students’ perceptions and their experience of school. It provides schools with valuable data on students’ views of their wellbeing, teaching, learning and school in general. Students will complete the survey online before the end of the term. 

Go HERE for all the information about the Student Attitudes to School Survey.

COVID 19

Rapid Antigen Testing - Update 

The Victorian Government has announced it is extending the rapid antigen test (RAT) screening program until the end of term two (the week ending 24 June 2022). 

RAT screening for students and staff is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Mainstream schools are recommended to test at home twice a week. We recommend testing before school on Monday and Wednesday prior to school.

Infections

COVID positive results must be reported to school by phone or written notification and remain in 7-day isolation.

More information about the management of COVID 19 at WPPS can be found HERE. 

FLU SEASON

With international borders open and the arrival of colder weather, cases of influenza (the flu) are increasing throughout Victoria. It is imperative to ensure the health of all of our community that you keep your child home if they display the symptoms of a cold; sneezing, coughing and a runny nose.

Thank you for your assistance in keeping our school community safe. 

EVENTS

Go HERE for event details on our website’s calendar.

Warm regards,

Emma Tan

Acting Assistant Principal 

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Families of Foundation students 2023, are invited to our Open Day, on Saturday 28th May, 9am - 11am. Bookings not necessary, just join a tour once you arrive at the main office. Meet the staff, learn more about our wonderful programs, stay for morning tea and chat with parents of current students.

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The weather has turned a little chilly the last week and the FLU bug has started to affect our community. Stay safe and rugged up over the weekend.

Mothers & Special Persons Afternoon Tea - Tomorrow at Wattle Park Chalet, Burwood. 

A great job by the organising committee on a great job, and 50+ of our community will enjoy the afternoon getting to know each other better.

 

Bunnings BBQ, Box Hill - 29th May

The team are ready for Sunday week's BBQ fundraiser and if you can spare a couple of hours we still have a couple of spots available.

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/10770469804/true#/invitation

 

How can YOU help?

If you would like to get involved in supporting these events, join the committee or would like to help organise a particular event, please contact Anthony Hall, PFA President, on pfawattleparkps@gmail.com

 

 

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Please scroll through to see all of our latest notices!



1. Second Hand Uniform Shop
2. Message from Canteen 
3. School Council Dates for 2022
4. Student Free Day
5. Banksia Street Parking - Please avoid driveways!
6. Volunteers Needed for First Aid Room
7. Mobile School  Dental Van Visit
8. Hats are not required to be worn May to August

 

1. Second Hand Uniform Shop - Gymnasium
    8.30 - 9am

• Monday, 23rd May, Items for sale range between $2-$5

2. 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

3. School Council Dates for 2022
Tuesday, 21st June, 7pm
Tuesday, 26th July, 7pm
Tuesday, 23rd August, 7pm
Tuesday, 18th October, 7pm
Tuesday, 13th December, 7pm

5. Car Parking, 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.

6. 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: 

  https://signup.com/go/bpUzddO

7. Mobile School Dental Van Visit
The dental van will be visiting school on the week from Tuesday, 8th August. Form to be returned to the classroom teacher, no later than 3rd June. Forms were sent home this week, spare forms can be collected outside the Office.

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Support our local business!!!

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