Governing Council

The Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 13th February and a new Governing Council was elected.  We would like to welcome all new Governing Council members who have been elected for a period of two years and thank those, who have retired, for their time and commitment, and supporting our school in their role.

WPPS Governing Council Members 2024

Mark Anders – Chairperson

Theo Sasopoulos – Treasurer

Alex Naylor – Secretary (newly elected)

James Telford

Philippa Marsh

Rebekah Hudson

Noralyn Manucat-Tan

Amanda McConnell

Jessica Walkley (newly elected)

Chris Gobbett (newly elected)

Stephen Muir (newly elected)

Marnie Hope

Staff Representatives – Sean and Tilly

Please visit the  School Website to view the Governing Council members’ profiles at https://wbourneps.schoolzineplus.com/governing-council

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Mix and Mingle 2024

Tickets for the 2024 Mix & Mingle fundraising event have officially launched on Qkr! 

Mix & Mingle is a fun and relaxed kid-free evening with drinks available for purchase via the bar to support the school and nibbles provided. 

Grab your tickets now for $15 each (includes your first drink) via Qkr! or at the bar on the night. Each ticket purchased via Qkr! puts you in the draw for this year’s mystery door prize!

This is a night not to be missed, we look forward to seeing you there!

WPPS Fundraising Committee

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Attendance Procedure

All students who arrive after the 8:50am bell must report to the front office student services desk (via yard B entrance), sign in and collect a late card to give to their teacher. It is expected that students who arrive late have a reason from a parent or are accompanied by their parent or caregiver who can provide an explanation. Alternatively a parent may contact the school via phone call, email or Schoolzine app.

Music plays in the yard from 8:48am to give students 2 minutes of preparation time to be at class ready to start at the 8:50am bell. The same process occurs at the end of recess and lunch where music plays for 2 minutes before the end of play/start of lesson bell.

Parents/carers will receive a message before recess time for any student who is absent without explanation.

All students who leave before the end of school bell at 3:10pm must be signed out from the front office before being collected from the classroom. An early departure slip will be given to the parent/carer to give to the class teacher. Students will only be permitted to leave early if communication has been received from the parent and the student is accompanied with the parent or agreed caregiver.

In special circumstances, students may be allowed to leave early unaccompanied provided that the legal parent has provided the school with written and signed consent with the knowledge that once the student leaves the school premises the duty of care is passed back to the parent. The principal has the discretion to deny a student leaving unaccompanied if they feel it is not age appropriate, the consent is not trustworthy or it is unsafe to do so.

Any alternative arrangements for events or circumstances that fall outside this procedure will be communicated with parents and carers. This may include but not limited to sporting events, camps and excursions.

Please be aware that students are to arrive between 8:30am and 8:50am unless accompanied by an adult, attending OSHC or an organised before school activity.

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Auskick 2024


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Canteen News

Our school canteen, Fresh Bites Cafe, is open Monday to Friday for both recess and lunch orders and forms an important part of our school enabling parents to purchase healthy freshly made lunches, or the occasional special treat.  

All orders are to be placed via the Qkr! app and need to be submitted by 9am on the day for which you wish to order.  

  • Recess orders are to be collected from the canteen, if this does not occur the ordered item will be sent to your child's class in the daily lunch tub.
  • Lunch orders are grouped by class, placed into the class lunch tub and collected by the class lunch monitors.

For those new to Qkr! I have included a how to setup Qkr! guide along with instructions on how to cancel or modify an order. Orders can only be cancelled or modified prior to 9am on the day of order, any changes after this time need to be phoned through to the school as soon as possible after 9am. 

Please note: it is important that the Profile you create for your child/children contains the correct 'Year' level and 'Hg' (Home Group Class Id). This information is critical to ensure any ordered food/drink items are correctly dispatched to your child's class. You can maintain this information at any time in the 'Profiles' tab in Qkr! 

The canteen is also open daily at recess and lunch for over the counter cash sales of homemade biscuits, frozen fruit, freshly popped popcorn, ice-blocks and fruit based slushies. Occasionally the canteen may also have recess over the counter specials available - pita pizza slices, mini pancakes, muffins, milk shakes etc. 

Included with this newsletter is a copy of our current Term 1 Canteen Menu, Qkr! will display the daily availability of items listed on the menu. 

Our menu changes to reflect the seasons and incorporates a variety of hot and cold food items that meet the Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards for South Australian schools.

Later this term we will hold our first Special Food Day to celebrate Harmony Day - details will be provided closer to the date.

Volunteers play an extremely important role in our school canteen ensuring that we can continue to provide a variety of freshly prepared on-site food items for the children and staff. If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours, once or more per term, please see the School Website or front office for a School Volunteer Pack. It is also a requirement that canteen volunteers, as food handlers, have food safety skills and knowledge in food safety and hygiene - this involves completion of a food safety training course such as Home - DoFoodSafely (health.vic.gov.au)

If you have any feedback on menu items, volunteering or would like to know more about our school canteen please feel free to email me at wpps.canteen286@schools.sa.edu.au or drop by the canteen. 

Pam, Canteen Manager

Fresh Bites Cafe

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Playgroup


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Wakakirri Story Dance Competition

Hi families,

It’s Waki time again! We are once again competing in the Wakakirri Story Dance competition. The theme for this year is ‘Belonging’ and we have chosen to retell the Disney version of the story of Tarzan.

This year 42 students in years 5 and 6 have chosen to be part of our Wakakirri team.  For those who don’t know, the Wakakirri Story-Dance is a 3-7 minute story (orientation, complication, resolution) performed on stage to pre-recorded music, using a blend of creative movement and acting.

Our Wakakirri team will plan, choreograph and rehearse our Story Dance and then perform it at the Norwood Concert Hall in week 3 or 4 of Term 3.

Today many of the students auditioned for our lead roles. Hannah and I were impressed by the number of kids that tried out, and the effort they put into their auditions. Whilst there are only 9 leads, every member of the Wakakirri team is important. Our story doesn’t work without understudies, ensemble members, backstage crew, parent helpers and teaching staff.

We are looking forward to another fantastic year of Westbourne Wakakirri – Our students are headed for the stage!

Anj and Hannah

Wakakirri co-ordinators

Abi (Tarzan), Seb (Terk)

Willa (Tantor), Ethan (Professor Porter), Zara (Kala), Sarah (Jane), Nell (Kerchak),

Abbie (Young Tarzan), Krishil (Clayton)

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Parking Control Around Schools

Please see below brochure from the City of Mitcham Council to inform drivers about public safety and provide for student safety around roadways during schools drop off and pick up times.

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Community News


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Welcome Staff

Please welcome, from left to right, Kim Black, Assistant Principal (Early Years and R-6 Curriculum focus), Emma Polkinghorne, Year 1/2 M3 and Bonnie Fry, Reception/Yr 1 M10.

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Important Dates

Term 1 - 2024

11 March – Adelaide Cup Public Holiday
12 March – Pupil Free Day for Parent Teacher Interviews during day and early evening
25-27 March – Year 5/6 Camp to Mylor
29 March – Good Friday Public holiday
1 April – Easter Monday Public Holiday
12 April – Last day of term 1, 2:10pm dismissal

Term 2 - 2024

29 April – First day of term 2
13-15 May – Year 4 Camp to Woodhouse
7 June – Pupil Free Day for staff curriculum professional development
10 June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
5 July - Last day of term 2, 2:10pm dismissal
6 July – A day in history - 110 year anniversary of the first day for students at WPPS 06/07/1914

Term 3 - 2024

22 July – First day of term 3
23 August - Pupil Free Day for staff curriculum professional development
28 August – A day in history - school officially opened on 28/08/1914
26 September – Sports Day* (confirmation of this date will be made early in 2024)
27 September – Last day of term 3, 2:10 dismissal

Term 4 - 2024

14 October – First day of term 4
8 November – Remembrance Day Ceremony
11 November – School Closure Day (for significance of Remembrance Day to our history)
12 November – Pupil Free Day for yearly review, classes and 2025 planning 
13 December – Last day of term 4, 2:10 dismissal 
*Dates to be confirmed in November/December for School concert, EOY assemblies
and year 6 graduation.

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Congratulations Year 6 Graduates!


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Canteen


I wish to thank all the families who have supported the canteen throughout 2023. It has been an amazingly busy year and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to try new items on the menu.

Thank you also for your support of the various special days held throughout the year; Harmony Day Cupcakes, Showdown Cupcakes & Donuts and most recently Gelato Day. 

As we move into 2024 the canteen menu will continue to focus on food items freshly prepared on-site. 

Thank you also to the Year 6 students who have volunteered in the canteen assisting with recess and lunch service during the year. It has been a pleasure to have their company and having known most of them for the past 7 years I will certainly miss them and their banter. I wish them every success as they move to High School.

As I farewell the Year 6 students I also farewell some of their parents who have been involved with the canteen, and school, for many years. Thank you for your support and friendship. 

I certainly could not have made it through this year without an amazing group of volunteers who have worked alongside me to keep the canteen running during 2023. Your assistance and friendship has been invaluable. If anyone is interested in volunteering in 2024 please contact the school to check the volunteer requirements.

Our search for a canteen assistant continues, details of the position can be obtained from the school.

I hope the children enjoy their gelato treat to wrap up the school year and I wish everyone a happy & safe festive season. 

Pam

Fresh Bites Canteen Manager

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Scholastic Book Clubs

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Student Leaders 2024

Responsible for the running of the Student Council and assisting their fellow school leaders.  

Congratulations to Abi, Seb, Yunxi and Hannah

Responsible for assistance in hosting school assemblies, school tours and representing the whole school in various other roles. 

Congratulations to Viraj, Poppy, Zara and Senouk on being elected School Leaders for 2024.

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Autism Inclusion Teacher Role – 2023

2023 marked the appointing of an Autism Inclusion Teacher (AIT) in every South Australian primary and special school.

In term 1 (and most of 2023) there was a focus on capacity building with a total of three professional training days for the role, ongoing studies and networking. The term involved establishing the role and responsibilities. Information was disseminated to teachers about a way of universally designing for student diversity using the Positive Partnerships diversity wheel.

During term 2, parents and teachers were very helpful as site data was gathered via surveys and the results were analysed in order to establish the footprint of autism / neurodiversity within the school.  This successfully led to the development of a teaching resource addressing neurodiversity and linked to The Department for Education’s indicators of quality including: ‘Designing and Differentiating for Learning’ as well as ‘Creating Conditions for Optimal Learning’. Teachers were encouraged to engage with the resource in their daily practice. Staff were also surveyed on what training they desired and some professional learning was delivered on social and communication skills and autism.

In term 3, the AIT received training on managing classroom / school environmental factors for anxiety and autism. This information was disseminated to all staff. Importantly, student voice surveys were also conducted that addressed their strengths, needs and interests. This helpful data was collated and analysed.

The student survey informed a small action research study in term 4 which was conducted in response to student comments made about sensitivity to classroom noise. Results showed that students felt more positive and regulated in break out spaces.

Throughout the year within the AIT role, I worked with teachers, SSOs and parents to help develop One Plans that established SMARTA goals to address student individual differentiation; I also assisted leadership in funding applications.

In addition to this work, the school has established an interoception room for assisting students with self-regulation.

I am very excited to be continuing in the autism inclusion teacher role in 2024 and look forward to working with the new leadership, parents, teachers, and students in order to continue encouraging neuro-affirming practices within Westbourne Park Primary School.

Tim Thornton
Autism Inclusion Teacher

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Christmas Pageant Floats

Year 3/4 students in J1 embarked on a STEM Project to create a Christmas Pageant Float. From their initial sketches and notes, through countless iterations, each student contributed unique designs and themes showcasing their innovation and creativity. M11 and a number of J1 parents enjoyed viewing the final products and were amazed by the diversity of ideas!

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A note from Jenn Symonds

Dear WPPS families,

I am writing to share with you the news that I am retiring from my teaching career this year after serving children in the public sector of education for 41 years.

Over this span of time, I have taught in 8 schools on the Eyre Peninsula and 10 Adelaide metropolitan schools.

I began teaching dance and drama in several schools for hearing impaired students and then moved on to teaching Junior Primary aged children.

I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful children, their families and staff at WPPS over a period of 25 years.

I was initially appointed to WPPS in 1989 and completed my 10 year tenure in 1999.

I then took time off to parent my child until he began school, also at WPPS.

I returned to work at 3 different southern area schools over the next 3 years.

In 2008 I was VERY fortunate to be offered a job back at WPPS.

I worked in a tandem teaching arrangement with Jenny Holliday for 13 years which was a lot of fun. We had Ying /Yang, chalk and cheese personalities which worked extremely well in making a colourful and most enjoyable partnership.

Jenny and I, along with Linley Griffin and Kelley Watson, initiated the development of ‘The Pod’ influenced by the environment of Reggio Emilia schools. Setting up the spaces was immense fun and we felt extremely happy with the impact that the environment had on our young learners.

After Jenny retired, I was fortunate enough to tandem teach with Athina Vlahos.

This was also a very satisfying partnership, where we worked harmoniously together thoroughly enjoying the children and families in our care.

Over the past  3 years I have held the title of Literacy Support teacher for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children. I have particularly enjoyed the role, working mainly with small groups of children.

I have seen many physical changes within the school, including the filling in of 2 pools, the removal of a large outdoor wooden stage used for assemblies and concerts in Yard B, the felling of many enormous gum trees and the forever changing building structures, required to accomodate the ever evolving needs of the school and the curriculum.

Despite these changes and many more, the heart and warmth of the school has always remained solidly supported by its beautiful community members including the staff, students and their families.

It is now time for me to move on to new ventures, possibly working with children and adults with special needs on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula, where I live.

I would sincerely like to thank the WPPS community for their kindness and support over these years. You will always have a special place in my heart.💗

It is with mixed feelings that I move on, yet I have many many fond memories of teaching and working with amazing children in partnership with their families.

A HUGE hug to you all and endless thanks.

I wish you abundant happiness and health in the coming years.

Warmest regards

Jenn Symonds x💕

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Retirements






We have 3 staff who have been a major part of Westbourne Park Primary School for a long period of time, who have decided to retire to enjoy the next chapter of their lives. Each has contributed significantly to the students, staff and community in the many years at Westbourne Park. I acknowledge the enormous contribution each has made and wish them all the best in the years ahead. Congratulations and a huge thank you to Simone Gawel, Jenn Symonds and Barb Breavington.
 
Jenn has a long and decorated teaching career and has taught many students at WPPS and other schools. Jenn has made a positive impact on their schooling and their lives as well as those she has worked alongside. 

Barb started in 2006 and has worked in the resource centre, administration, finance, WHS and student services. Her knowledge and processes will be hard to replace but the connections she has made at Westbourne Park will continue. 

Simone has been part of the staff since 2010 and has supported students in classes and individually, helping them to engage in their learning and providing important life skills. Simone’s work in this area has been of the highest quality and I know the students will miss her influence around the school as will the staff. 

To Jenn, Barb and Simone I sincerely wish all the best in your retirement and future ventures, you will be missed by the Westbourne Park Primary School community, but your legacy and legend will live on at the school.

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Thank you from the WPPS Fundraising Committee

And just like that, the 2023 school year is done!

Term 4 is always a hectic one, and it was especially so this year with regards to fundraising events - so we sincerely thank you all for your support during this busy time of year!

As winners of the Colour Run, M4 enjoyed a class pizza lunch and yummy fairy floss PLUS got to cover Jason in silly string! Coming in second, M11 also got a pizza lunch with fairy floss, and third place M6 getting fairy floss. Thank you again to everyone for supporting this fundraising event, it was a huge success and raised over $13,000 which will go towards further upgrades to our outdoor learning space.

Our second Wine Drive for the year proved extremely popular in the lead up to the silly season, raising over $1,650 that will also go towards our school’s outdoor learning spaces. It was a great selection of wine, beer and gin that we are sure will be enjoyed by many over the coming weeks!

Throughout 2023, the Fundraising Committee has been raising funds for some major school projects, such as upgrades to the School Hall and our outdoor learning spaces. At the same time, we have also been able to purchase the following resources for use by our students and staff:

  • Free Play Toys

  • Numeracy Resources for Upper Primary

  • Literacy Resources for Lower Primary

  • Guillotine and Laminators

  • Basketball Backboards

  • Sports Banners

  • Outdoor Marquee

  • Future Spending Proposals – Recycling Bins, Golf Umbrellas, Yard A Drink Fountains, Netball Rings, Resources for new Library

Our overall fundraising goal for 2023 was $27,000 and we are so pleased to announce that we have raised more than $36,000. This is an incredible achievement, and we would like to thank you all for your generosity and continued support of the fundraising events that took place at WPPS throughout the year. All the money raised goes back into our school, benefiting our children and our children’s teachers, leadership team and support staff. So again, THANK YOU!

 

Take care over the school break everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all next year!

The WPPS Fundraising Committee

WWPS Casual Day Donations

Our Casual Day donations supported the Cancer Council SA, Hutt St Centre and the Australian Childhood Foundation.  Thank you for your valuable contributions.

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