Newsletter Term 4 Week 9
2025 Event Dates
Acquaintance Night Schedule – 11th February
Rec – Yr 2 Classes – 5:30pm to 6:00pm
Yr 3 & Yr 4 Classes – 6:00pm to 6:30pm
Yr 5 & Yr 6 Classes – 6:30pm to 7:00pm
School Interviews – 11th March
As we did in 2024, we will hold school interviews with families throughout a pupil free day. We will have available interviews in the morning, staff will engage in professional development activities in the middle part of the day and interviews will again be available after lunch through to early evening. More information and booking details will be sent out in term 1.
Student Learning Expo Schedule – 9th September
An evening where classrooms are open and students showcase their learning, including
specialist classrooms.
Rec - Yr 2 Classes – 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Yr 3 - Yr 6 Classes – 5:30pm to 6:30pm
End Of Year Events 2025
End of Year Concert time is scheduled to be 6pm – 7:30pm on 25th November, any change to the starting time will be communicated in advance.
Year 6 Graduation times will be confirmed early in the year and will be communicated to families.
The End of Year Assembly date and time will be confirmed in 2025 once other events are finalised.
Governing Council
The AGM will be held on Tuesday 11th February immediately after Acquaintance night concludes (7:15pm). Any new member nominations will be accepted and/or voted on, nomination forms will be distributed during the first week of the school year. Council dates have been set to align with expected release dates of departmental monthly financial
reports. Associated committees will set their own schedule and dates.
Grandparent / Special Person Morning – 7th November
We will be inviting grandparents/special persons, to a morning which will also incorporate our schools Remembrance Day Ceremony on 7th November.
Early Dismissal Days
We have 5 early dismissal days planned for 2025. The last day of each term and sports day will all conclude 1 hour earlier than usual and have a dismissal time of 2:10pm.
Casual Days
The main casual days planned for 2025 will be held on Thursday of week 5 each term and Thursday of the last week of each term. The term 3 casual days will be the Book Week parade and sports day. All others will be an SRC fundraiser for a charity which will be identified, including any theme, by the SRC next year.
District and Carnival Days
These sporting events are for selected students in SAPSASA, knock out and representative
sports.
Student Leaders Conference
This is an event that the 4 school leaders and 4 student leaders attend to support their understanding and development of leadership.
School Photos – 5th March
All school photos including class, individual, family, graduation and groups will be taken by MSP photography and will be held on 5th March. Purchase forms and information will be sent home prior to the day.
Other events will be confirmed and added to calendar next year once decided on.
Scholastic Book Club - thank you
Updated RRHAN-EC - Volunteering at Westbourne Park Primary School
RRHAN-EC training is reviewed, and certificates are updated every 3 years.
The 2024 to 2026 RRHAN-EC online update training is available on plink.
To continue to work or volunteer with children and young people at the department, updated RRHAN-EC training must be completed.
Volunteers who completed RRHAN-EC from 1 January 2024, with certificates that have an expiry date of 31 December 2027, are not required to undertake the online update training.
News From the Autism Inclusion Teacher
Celebrating Our Students' Understanding of Neurodivergence
Dear Westbourne Park Primary School Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I am delighted to share with you a summary of the insightful and heart-warming reflections from a number of our students in grades 1-5 regarding the concept of neurodivergence. After working with several classes, I have found that their thoughts not only demonstrate a deep understanding but also a profound empathy and appreciation for diversity in thinking.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Our students have beautifully articulated that being neurodivergent means having a brain that thinks and works differently, which is both unique and special. They recognise that everyone’s brain has different strengths and that these differences are something to be celebrated. As one student expressed, "Having a neurodivergent brain means you will think differently and that is special." Another noted, "Your brain might have signals sent faster or go there slower," highlighting the uniqueness of each individual's thinking process.
Empathy and Kindness
The students have shown remarkable empathy, expressing the importance of kindness and inclusion for everyone, regardless of how their brain works. They suggest practical ways to show empathy, such as asking what others need and including everyone in activities. One student advised, "Ask what they need, help them with it so they feel comfortable and safe," while another encouraged, "Be kind to everyone." Their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment is truly inspiring.
The Value of Diverse Brains
Our students understand that having a variety of different brains makes the world a better place. They highlight that diverse brains bring different ideas, creativity, and strengths, which are essential for innovation and problem-solving. As one student wisely noted, "If all the brains were the same, it would be a boring world and everyone would think the same." Another added, "Different brains mean different ideas," emphasising the richness that diversity brings to our lives.
As I finish up in my role as Autism Inclusion Teacher, I am pleased to announce that Floss Davis will be taking over. Floss will continue the AIT role within her role emphasising wellbeing and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity for all learners.
Thank you for your continued support in nurturing an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to be themselves.
Warm regards,
Tim Thornton
Autism Inclusion Teacher 2023-2024
Westbourne Park Primary School
Instrumental Music Program 2025 - Expression of Interest
The Instrumental Music Program would like to invite students who will be entering Year 4,5 & 6 in 2025, the opportunity to show an expression of interest in joining the program next year. Instrumental Music (IM) is offered by DfE and has no tuition fees.
Students in years 4-6 are able to access instrumental instruction from Instrumental Music (IM) on-site at Westbourne Park Primary School. Instruments from this service include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and percussion. These programs are supplied by DfE as part of IM.
When considering your child’s involvement in the instrumental program, think about –
• Costs involved – purchase/hire of an instrument, additional music books.
• Commitment – from parents – encouraging and reminding your child to practice regularly and often, to bring their instrument on lesson days, recording home practice times and signing their music diary, attending performances and so on. From your child – to keep trying and stick with it. It can take a long time before much progress is seen or heard. It is expected that when students enrol for lessons, that it is for the full year.
• Time out of the classroom – usually this is not able to be made up and your child will miss that lesson. However, some teachers may expect your child to finish work missed in their own time.
Instrument Hire through Department for Education can be arranged through the school. If you are planning to purchase an instrument, ensure that you obtain advice about sizing before purchasing.
Regards, Celese Adams
School Services Officer
Community News
Happy Holidays!
To our WPPS Families
Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year! We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025!