FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As the school year draws to a close, it is the appropriate time to reflect on our journey throughout 2023. I am very proud of our achievements as we continue to work hard in lifting the profile of our school so that our reputation of providing a high quality educational program is realized. I want parents to be proud of our school and to make Wellard Primary their school of choice.

This year we have progressed as a school, albeit within a somewhat reduced impact of COVID. All school community members have been outstanding in working together in providing the best possible outcomes for students.  We have achieved much this year, as outlined below.

• Wellard PS has completed its sixth year as an Independent Public Primary School with an enrolment of 834 students from K – Yr 6.
• NAPLAN results demonstrated that our cohorts of students are performing well, particularly our Year 5 students. This year, NAPLAN was conducted in Term 1 for the first time.
• The introduction of a Literacy Intervention Program catering for those students who require extra support from Pre-primary to Year 6.
• A new 56 bay car park and an 11 bay Kiss & Drive was completed on the western side of the school. This has been well received by the school community.
• An area behind the Assembly Area has been established as a Sustainability Garden thanks to the funding provided by the P&C.
• The P&C has organised a range of successful fund-raising activities (raffles, Run4Fun, sausage sizzles, free dress days etc.) under the leadership of a very strong executive committee.
• Our Interschool Athletics Team was successful in winning the shield for the very first time.
• Our NAIDOC celebrations occurred early in Term 2 with all students participating in a range of exciting activities.
• A Multicultural Morning Tea was held in Term 4 where students were encouraged to come to school dressed in their cultural finery. Mrs Navjot Kasturi and her helpers provided tea for attending parents. The school community enjoyed the dance performances presented by a number of our students from our school.
• Book Week was an outstanding success as was our Book Week organised by our librarian, Mrs Jane Rogers.
• The school has leased 570 Ipads for all students to access for the next two years.
• The Open Night in Term Three was an outstanding success and did provide an opportunity for parents to see the great work their children had been doing throughout the year.
• Swimming Lessons were conducted this year after being cancelled last year due to Covid.
• Student Reports were sent home as a hard copy at the end of Semester Two for the first time.

I cannot praise the Wellard staff enough for their professionalism and commitment in doing their very best for their students and families. I thank and acknowledge them for this and I know my sentiments are shared by the wider school community.

AWARD WINNERS

On Tuesday we conducted our Award Ceremonies for students in Years PP – Yr 5. Thanks to all students for the way you sat there so quietly for the length of the ceremony. Congratulations to those students who were presented with either an Academic Award or a Wellard Spirit Award. The names of these winners can be found at the back of this newsletter.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

Congratulations to Miss Scheer, Mrs Matrozis, Mrs Radcliffe, Mr Matrozis and Ms Alden for overseeing an outstanding Year Six Graduation Ceremony conducted yesterday morning. It was very entertaining creating a very memorable occasion for our Year Six students. On behalf of the school community, I would like to wish all of these students the very best for high school and hope they leave our school with fond memories and a sense of pride in their achievements.

I would also like to acknowledge the parents of these students who no longer have a child attending Wellard Primary School. Your contribution has been invaluable to our school and on behalf of the school community, I would like to thank all of you for your commitment and dedication to Wellard Primary School.

BOOKLISTS 2024

Booklists for 2024 were distributed earlier this term. Please note that all orders need to be registered online. Please see the information sent home for more details about the ordering process. Booklists can also be found on our website and on Connect. Contact the office if you have any queries.

IF YOU ARE LEAVING

We are currently planning for 2024 and would like for parents to contact us if they are leaving. This is also the case if you are going on holidays and not returning for the first day of the school year. This can be done by contacting the front office.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Parents are reminded that students finish the school year today.

FREQUENCY OF NEWSLETTERS 2024

Next year, the newsletter will be published every three weeks so there will be only 3 editions per term. The newsletter is an important document that not only informs parents of what is happening in the school but also records the school’s history over time. I anticipate it being distributed in Weeks 3, 6 & 9 of each term.

CLASS STRUCTURES 2024

The school is still working on class structures for next year due to the ongoing number of enrolments we are receiving. Class lists will be placed on the office windows as of Monday 29^th January. Please note the office does not open for the school year until Wednesday 24^th January.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing time with your family over the festive period. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing many of you in 2024.

Regards

Geoff Miller

Principal