Newsletter

Friday 22nd May, 2026

A Message from our Principal!

Deakin Pre-service Teacher Visit

On Monday, we hosted pre-service teachers from Deakin University, who conducted some engaging Science lessons with our students. They ran a one-hour session with each class in small groups. This was a great opportunity for our students, and for the school, leaning into our ‘community minded’ value.

 Principal for the Day – Xander Smith

Congratulations to Xander Smith for being Principal for the Day’! Xander earned this special reward through our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) program. By saving up his tokens and cashing them in, Xander had the exciting opportunity to step into the role of Principal for the Day. He did a fantastic job helping around the school, visiting classrooms, and showing wonderful leadership. He even took the opportunity to extend recess and issue the teachers with homework! Well done, Xander!

Bike Safety

As more students ride their bikes and scooters to and from school, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of staying safe on roads and footpaths. A properly fitted helmet should always be worn when riding. When crossing roads, students should stop, look carefully for traffic in all directions, and only cross when it is safe to do so. You are encouraged to dismount and walk bikes or scooters across busy crossings where appropriate. We also ask students to take extra care when travelling across driveways on footpaths. Cars may be entering or leaving properties unexpectedly, so slowing down and checking carefully can help prevent accidents.

2027 Prep Tours

We have already conducted multiple group tours so far this year and have enjoyed meeting new families interested in joining our school community. Our tours provide families with the opportunity to explore our learning spaces, meet staff, and learn more about the programs and opportunities available at Wangala. We are proud to showcase the welcoming and supportive environment that helps every child learn and grow. Our next Prep 2027 tour will be held on Wednesday 27th May, and we warmly welcome all prospective families who are considering enrolling their child at our school.

Education Support Staff Day

The 16th of May was Education Support Staff Day, recognising the incredible contribution our education support staff make to the life of our school every single day. From supporting students in classrooms, assisting with wellbeing and inclusion, managing administration, maintaining our grounds and facilities, and helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes, our support staff are an essential part of our school community. Their care, dedication, professionalism, and commitment help create a positive and supportive environment where students can learn and thrive. We thank all of our education support staff for the important work they do and for the many ways they support our students, staff, and families each day. Your efforts are deeply valued and appreciated.

First Nations Significant Dates

Over the next fortnight, we recognise several important dates that acknowledge the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These occasions provide opportunities for learning, reflection, and meaningful action within our school community.

National Sorry Day – 26th May

National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the Stolen Generations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities under past government policies. It is a day to reflect on the ongoing impact of these policies and to recognise the importance of healing and reconciliation.

National Reconciliation Week – 27th May to 3rd June

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The week marks two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

Mabo Day – 3rd June

Mabo Day commemorates the landmark 1992 High Court decision that recognised the traditional land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The decision was named after Torres Strait Islander man Eddie Koiki Mabo, whose determination and advocacy helped overturn the legal concept of terra nullius. Mabo Day is an opportunity to celebrate truth-telling, justice, and the enduring connection First Nations peoples have to Country.

As a school community, we encourage students and families to take time to learn more about these important dates and reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation and respect for First Nations peoples and cultures.

Regards, 

Joseph Doyle

Acting Principal

Dates to Remember

Wangala Primary School acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we are on, the Wadawurrung people, and thank them for sharing their long lasting culture with us as we learn and grow together.

TERM 2

Tuesday, 26th May                        National Sorry Day                          Auskick on the oval

Wednesday, 27th May                        2027 Prep Tour & Info Session

Friday, 29th May                               Winter Lightning Premiership         Assembly

Monday, 1st June                                 P/1S & 1/2HB Barwon Grange Excursion

Wednesday, 3rd June                      MABO Day

Monday, 8th June                               Kings Birthday Public Holiday

Classroom Spotlight: 3/4A

Our students recently completed a writing task all about ice, and they did an amazing job! Students explored facts, imaginative stories, and creative adventures set in icy worlds. It was wonderful to see their creativity, humour, and growing writing skills shine through in their work. Choosing just a few pieces to showcase was very difficult, as there were so many fantastic examples. Here are just three of the many wonderful writing pieces our students created!

-Amanda

Assembly

Congratulations to our fortnightly Star Student Award recipients! 🌟 These students have been recognised for consistently demonstrating our school values and giving their best effort. Well done everyone!

Prep Enrolments for 2027...

Do you know someone starting prep in 2027?

Tell them to come and have a look around our beautiful school!

Enquire with the office to hear about upcoming tours and the amazing programs we offer here at Wangala Primary school.

Do you have a sibling starting prep in 2027? let us know so we can plan accordingly!

OSHC

What a busy start to the year it’s been for our Outside School Hours Care program! As our wonderful school community continues to grow, our OSHC program grows with it, and we are currently seeing the highest number of session booking requests we have ever received. This does mean that we are reaching capacity faster than in previous years, so we ask that any casual bookings are made in advance when possible.

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you have a valid means-tested concession card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. Means-tested concession cards must be valid on the first day of Term 1, 2025 (Wednesday 28th January 2025) or Term 2, 2025 (Monday 20 April 2025).

Eligible families will receive a payment of $400 per year for primary school students, which is an increase from previous years. The funds will be paid directly to the school to be used towards camps, sports and excursion costs for the benefit of your child. If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

If you would like to apply for the first time, forms are available from the office.

Please return completed application forms to the school office as soon as possible.

To check eligibility or for further information, please refer to Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund | vic.gov.au

Please note that Applications for the 2025 Prep CSEF Uniform Package are also now open, forms available from the office.

Applications for both CSEF and the CSEF Uniform Packages close on 3rd July 2025.

Auskick - Tuesdays after school!

A reminder that Auskick will be offered again this year after school on Tuesdays at Wangala Primary School. This program is run independently from the school and provides a great opportunity for students who may enjoy developing their AFL skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Information has been shared with families via flyers, Compass, and again in this newsletter. Please note that participation is optional (not compulsory), however there is a cost involved and only students who have paid will be able to attend.

The program focuses on fundamental motor skills and will commence this Tuesday, running for four weeks from 3:20pm to 4:20pm.

Further details are available in the brochure attached.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Positive Behaviour Matrix