What a year we’ve had at Wangala Primary School!  When I reflect on the past four terms, I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of all students and the growth they’ve shown emotionally, socially and academically.

In Term One we welcomed the MARC van to the school, with visits each fortnight to provide students the opportunity to access and borrow an amazing array of books.  Thank you to Sheridan who took each of the students each fortnight for their MARC lessons.  Our students enjoyed a series of basketball clinics in the gym over a number of weeks during the term, and we finished the term with a very special Smoking Ceremony, Open Classrooms, an Easter Hat Parade, and our Community BBQ.  You might recall the temporary fencing blocking off our oval, restricting our soccer field much to the disappointment of many of our students.  This then saw the installation of our ‘Wangala Walking Track’ around our school grounds, and the installation of our musical sensory station.  Taking longer than expected, we were finally provided access in Term Two.

During Term Two our older students attended the ‘Wangala Balit Ngarrwa’ at the Geelong Library, with other students from across Geelong, and also acknowledged ‘Reconciliation Week’ through a special event.  Our students participated in the District Cross Country, the Winter Lightning Premiership, and all students learnt the basics of hockey through a series of great hockey clinics.  We celebrated our amazing Education Support Staff on ‘ES Day’ midway through the term, and all smiled for the cameras on School Photo Day.  Several of our older students attend the Somers Camp, describing their experience as the best camp ever.  Through MARC van we welcomed author, Di Hickelton, author of ‘Butleigh Farm’ who shared the process of how she has written many of her books.  At the end of term, some of our students attended the performance of ‘The Little Mermaid’, and we finished the week with Open Classrooms.

Term Three started with ‘Student Led Conferences’, an opportunity for us to celebrate the mid-year reports and accomplishments of each of our students.  Many of our students participated in further Lightning Premiership events and District Athletics, with everyone participating in our Tabloid Sports event and tennis clinics.  Our Prep students celebrated their 100 days of school with a celebration as oldies, and our grade three to six students travelled down to Queensliff for camp, enjoying exploring the Marine Discovery Centre and boogie boarding in the waves.  The most important week on the calendar, Book Week, saw everyone participate in our Book Week Parade and annual Book Swap.  As always, we ended the term with Open Classrooms, celebrating the learning across the term.

During Term Four we celebrated our teachers on ‘World Teachers Day’, thanking them for the amazing efforts they put in as part of the Wangala community.  All students participated in our intensive swimming program, as part of their physical education program.  We were all very excited to welcome our 2025 prep students across the many transition events, with buddies spending time with our future students.  The last half of the term definitely delivered on the fun factor, with students celebrating their learning through Open Classrooms, our first ever Colour Run, everyone’s favourite, ‘Wangala’s Got Talent’, a trip to the movies for our P-2s and a trip to ‘Adventure Park’ for our 3-6s.  We sure did pack a lot into our year!

On Monday this week our grade six students graduated from primary school with a special celebration in the 40-degree heat!  Each of our exceptional grade six students should be incredibly proud of their efforts. 

As the last message for 2025, I wish to thank each of you for the role you play in your child’s education and as part of the Wangala Primary School community.  Thank you to all of the staff who go above and beyond each and every day.  The school community are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated group of educators committed to provide the best possible opportunities for each student.  Finally, a massive thank you to our students who are the heart of why we all do what we do.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday, enjoying the break doing what you enjoy with the people you love.

All the best!

Regards,

Steven King

Principal