Upcoming Dates
Principal's Report
Strawberry Fair – 10 days to go!
Volunteer spots are slowly starting to fill, but at only 29% we still need plenty more hands on deck! The Strawberry Fair is a whole-school community effort, and every family can make a difference, even if it's just for an hour or two. The committee has worked hard to make volunteering as easy and flexible as possible, so please take a look and secure a spot that works for you. The more of us who pitch in, the lighter the load and the better the experience for everyone! *Volunteer sign-ups: See the link shared via Compass Newsfeed on 22 October.
CALL OUTS:
Lemon donations needed for jam making (please drop-in at the office)
Hall Tidy-Up: Tomorrow 3:30pm (volunteers required – no more than an hour!)
Time to get Baking! Everything you need to get involved is at the front reception (more details below)
Long-stem flower donations for Friday 13th November (also see details below)
All-Inclusive Passes for just $35 each – fantastic value for a full day of rides, activities and family fun at this year’s Strawberry Fair! Each pass gives children unlimited access to this year’s entertainment, including: The Sizzler, Dodgem Cars, Giant Slide, Chair-o-Plane, Petting Zoo, Soft Play Area (for children aged 0–5 only). Secure your passes here: https://compasstix.com/event/2d08ffb0-ebc8-4a63-88d6-0060edc0b83c
We’re getting plenty of attention too:
Premier’s Reading Challenge Certificates
Congratulations to the following students who completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year!
Sophie K, Oliver K, Raff P, Summer S, River H, Piper R, Arden K, Billy F, Casey H, Elvis S, Flecther M, Mickal S, Oliver M, Raf G, Rory T, Rosie K, and Ryder D!
Certificates will be presented at tomorrow’s assembly. What a wonderful achievement and a great celebration of reading!
STOMP Performance Video
The link and password were shared with families via Newsfeed this week, and we know many have already enjoyed reliving this special occasion. For those yet to watch, the recording will remain available for a limited time. We hope you enjoy revisiting the performance and keeping this special experience as part of your family’s digital library. As a reminder, the recording is for the private use of Wallington families only and must not be shared publicly or uploaded to social media. Thank you for respecting the privacy of all students involved.
SAVE THE DATE: Ocean Grove - Carols in the Park
I think like many of you, I’m still in a little bit of denial that Christmas is creeping up so quickly! However, this year we’re so excited to be taking part in the Ocean Grove Carols in the Park. We’ll be opening this opportunity to all students to join us with their families and to come along and perform a song for the gathered community.
More details will follow closer to the date, but for now, please save the date: Sunday 13th December. We’d love to see as many Wallington families there as possible!
2027 Class Structures
Following careful consideration of student learning needs, cohort sizes, staffing and available resources, we have established a seven-class structure for 2027, with two straight Prep classes and straight grades across Years 1 and 2, two Year 3/4 composite classes, and one Year 5/6 composite class.
This structure prioritises strong foundations for our youngest learners, consistent with Department guidance around smaller early-years classes, while providing rich opportunities for peer learning, independence and growth across the senior years. Across Years 3/4, new class groupings offer fresh opportunities to build confidence, broaden friendships and embrace new challenges. When forming these classes later this term, every student will be placed with at least one friend, while also having opportunities to build new connections.
Our school has a strong reputation among local secondary schools for its focus on student leadership and preparation for the transition to secondary school. Year 6 students enjoy dedicated leadership responsibilities, privileges and opportunities to contribute to school life and mentor younger students, while Year 5 students learn from their senior role models as they prepare for their own graduation year.
In recent years, we have continued to expand opportunities that enrich the senior student experience in response to community ideas and requests. These include the Rotary Award, Bike Education, debating and meaningful opportunities to participate in community events such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations. In 2027, our senior program will be further enhanced through GRIP Leadership for Year 6 students, and we are always keen to hear ideas that broaden student voice, leadership and opportunities to contribute and grow as they work towards becoming part of Wallington’s graduating alumni community.
Overall, this is a considered and balanced approach that makes the best use of our staffing and resources while keeping student learning at the centre of every decision. Our focus remains on providing every student with a strong learning environment and meaningful opportunities to grow. Across all classrooms, we maintain a relentless focus on meeting students at their point of need, ensuring they are appropriately supported, extended and challenged in their learning.
World Teachers’ Day
A special thank you to our wonderful families and students for making our staff feel so appreciated last Friday for World Teachers’ Day. The incredible morning tea, thoughtful gifts, lovely cards and heartfelt messages of gratitude were very much appreciated. It was a wonderful reminder of the strong connections and appreciation within our school community. Thank you for making our staff feel so valued!
Wear it Loud Day
Congratulations to everyone who took part in Wear it Loud Day last week! The Junior School Council is thrilled to announce that we raised $191.60 for NextSense, a Victorian charity supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing through specialist services, early intervention and therapy. Our contribution will help children and families access the support they need to develop communication skills and reach their potential. A fantastic effort by our school community for a very worthwhile cause!
Congratulations Kate!!
We are delighted to share that Kate had her baby girl, Romy Mae, on Monday and both mum and baby are doing well. We can’t wait to meet her, I’m sure it won’t be too long before she visits!
Car Park Safety Reminder
A friendly reminder to families to please slow down and follow the speed limits when entering, exiting and driving through our school car park. Please remain alert, watch carefully for children and pedestrians, and take care during busy
drop-off and pick-up times.
The safety of our students, families and wider school community is everyone’s responsibility.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe!
Protecting Against Mosquitoes
Warm, wet weather can increase mosquito numbers and the risk of mosquito-borne illness. As mosquito numbers increase across Victoria during spring and summer, families are encouraged to take simple steps to avoid mosquito bites:
Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
Apply insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET to exposed skin.
Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Remove containers and standing water around the home where mosquitoes may breed.
As an additional precaution, our pest control contractor will be conducting mosquito fogging at school this Saturday morning. This is a proactive measure to help reduce mosquito numbers across our grounds.
Make mosquito protection part of getting ready to go outside, just like sunscreen and a hat.
For more information, visit the Better Health Channel: Mosquitoes can carry diseases and Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease.
For health concerns, contact your doctor or Nurse-on-Call on 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).
No Assembly Next Week
With preparations for the Strawberry Fair in full swing, there will be no assembly next Friday, 13th November.
Cameron Edwards
SWPBS Awards
Being Responsible
Prep - Kyah
For always showing wonderful responsibility in our classroom. You take pride in keeping our classroom clean and tidy and are always ready to learn by sitting beautifully, listening carefully and showing us what a responsible learner looks like.
Keep up the fantastic work
Year 1 - Alby
For showing responsibility and all of our school values during swimming. You have modelled to others how to move around the pool and on the bus safely. Keep up the great work Alby!
Year 2- Kenzie
For making great choices during swimming and taking responsibility for looking after your belongings.
Well done, Kenzie!
Year 3 - Maple
For Taking up the challenge of responsibility at the pool this week. I am amazed and excited to see you use your new skills of speed into your work at school. You can do it-awesome work!!
Year 4/5 - Max
For being safe and responsible in your learning space. Well done on getting organised in the mornings, contributing to morning circle, and being ready to start the day with a positive attitude! Congratulations
Year 6 -Heath
For being organised during classroom learning time. You are prepared to take part in any lesson and lead the way to ensure you are successful in apply yourself. Keep it up, Heath!
Principal’s Award: Paxton - Year 3
For taking responsibility for sharpening the pencils in the library so that other students could use them.
Parents and Friends
WHATS HAPPENING WITH PARENTS & FRIENDS?
Important Dates:
THE NEXT P&F MEETING
New date for our next meeting is 17th November 6pm, in the school hall.
New members are always welcome.
Second Hand Uniforms
We have lots of uniforms available. Most sizes available.
Just a Gold Coin Donation. Be sure to check it out.
Calling All Bakers! Our Strawberry Fair Cake Stall Needs You!
One of the most loved stalls at our Strawberry Fair is our Cake Stall, and we need your help to fill it with delicious homemade goodies!
Whether it's your favourite family slice, Grandma's famous biscuits, a cake everyone asks you to make, or something simple but delicious, we'd love you to bake something for our stall. Homemade is always a winner!
As we do every year, our wonderful Cake Stall team has set up a table outside Mr Edwards' office with everything you need to package up your baked goodies, ready for the big day.
When and where to drop off your baking:
-Saturday 14th (preferred) – School Hall
- Sunday morning – Early, before the Fair begins
All the information you need to prepare and package your goodies is included below.
Our Cake Stall is always a huge favourite and such a wonderful fundraiser for our school. Every cake, slice, biscuit and sweet treat makes a difference!
A big thank you to all our wonderful families who take the time to bake and contribute. We couldn't do it without you!
So, dust off those recipe books, pop on your aprons and let's make this year's Cake Stall another sweet success! 🍓
Let the Bidding Begin!
Our school auction is a fantastic opportunity to grab yourself something special while supporting our school!
There are some amazing items up for grabs, so jump online, have a look and get bidding!
Every bid helps make a difference for our students.
To check out the Strawberry Fair Auction items click on this link - Wallington Primary School Strawberry Fair Silent Auction 2026 | AirAuctioneer
FLOWER DONATIONS – STRAWBERRY FAIR!
Our beautiful flower bouquets were a huge hit last year, and we'd love to make this year's Garden Club stall even bigger and better!
Have some flowers or greenery growing in your garden? We'd love your donations to help us create gorgeous bouquets for the fair!
Friday 13th November – Drop flowers into the buckets provided at the school office.
Saturday 14th November – Donations can be dropped off at the school hall.
Thank you
Wallington P.S.
Gardening Club
Garden Club will be on every Friday at second lunch at 1.40pm.
Do you love nature, gardening, or just want to help our school bloom?
The Wallington P.S. Gardening Club is always looking for volunteers!
Ask at the office to learn more.
Please enjoy our latest video.
A Little Hocus Pocus in the Garden!
There was a little Halloween magic happening in the garden last week.
Our Garden Club had a fantastic time getting creative, mixing, bubbling and brewing their very own magical potions. There was plenty of excitement and some very interesting potion creations, along with lots of other fun activities to enjoy!
A huge thank you to Atlanta and Oaklee’s mum Kimberlee from Kymba for generously donating an amazing collection of Halloween goodies and potion-making supplies. They were a big hit with the kids and made the day even more special!
Sit back, enjoy the video and see all the fun for yourselves!
Halloween Giggle!
Why didn't the skeleton go to the Halloween party?
Because he had no BODY to go with!
First Nations, Media Arts & STEM
Please enjoy these two wonderful videos showcasing our tree Planting Day and some of the fun and exciting activities our students have been enjoying in class.
Mr Vaught
First Nations, Media Arts and STEM Teacher
PE and Dance
PE and Prep Dance Snapshot:
Our Prep students have had another fantastic week of learning through movement, creativity and active participation in both Dance and Physical Education.
In Dance, students explored storytelling through dramatic play with Old MacDonald Had a Farm. They took on the roles of different farm animals, using movement, facial expressions and imagination to bring the story to life. Students were encouraged to think creatively about what happens on the farm and even imagine what might happen next! Through role-play and movement, they continued to develop their confidence, creativity and understanding of how stories can be communicated through performance.
In Physical Education, students have been developing their skipping skills. Skipping is a fantastic activity that helps build coordination, balance, rhythm, cardiovascular fitness and confidence while encouraging students to challenge themselves and set personal goals.
This week, students focused on:
Performing consecutive skips with control
Maintaining a consistent rhythm while skipping
Challenging themselves to improve their personal best
To develop these skills, students practised a range of movement patterns, including:
Two feet jumps
Side-to-side jumps
Forward and backward jumps
Fast feet
It has been wonderful to see students demonstrate persistence, resilience and a willingness to keep trying, even when learning new skills was challenging. Many students were excited to celebrate their improvements and encourage their classmates along the way. We look forward to continuing to build their confidence and skipping skills over the coming weeks.
Prep to Grade 3 Swimming Program:
We would also like to celebrate the successful start to our Prep to Grade 3 Swimming Program this week. Students demonstrated excellent listening skills, responsibility and enthusiasm as they participated in their swimming lessons. It was fantastic to see our students representing our school so well by showing respect, encouragement and positive behaviour both in and out of the pool. We are incredibly proud of the way they embraced new challenges, supported one another and approached the program with confidence and a positive attitude.
We look forward to continuing to build students' confidence, swimming ability and movement skills throughout the remainder of the program.
Volunteers needed for District Swimming
"We are seeking parent volunteers to assist as timers at the District Swimming event. If your child is attending and you are available to help on the day, please contact the school. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated."
We're a little short on timers, so any support from parents would be fantastic.
Thanks so much for your help.
Champion of the Week award
Congratulations to Chayse
Chayse demonstrated excellent endurance, determination and teamwork during this week's Link Jumping Challenge. Working alongside a partner, he showed great communication skills as they coordinated their pacing and timing with each jump. His persistence and positive attitude throughout the challenge were fantastic to see.
Well done, Chayse, on a terrific effort!
Mrs Ractliffe
Physical Education & Dance Teacher
Wellbeing at Wallington
Wallington PS Sponsors
Thank you to our PLATINUM Sponsor
Thank you to our GOLD Sponsors
Thank you to our SILVER Sponsors
Thank you to our BRONZE Sponsors
Notice Board
Unexplained absences
Please check Compass for any unexplained absences for your child/s for 2026, if you could put an explanation for each one before the end of term.
An unexplained absence in compass us a record indicating that a student was marked “not present” (absent or late) without a reason entered by a parent/guardian. It means that school is aware the student is missing but not why.
How to Fix: Under the "Attendance" tab, the "Unexplained" tab lists these absences. Parents can select the relevant dates and click "Explain with Note/Approval" to provide a reason.
Why It Matters: Schools are required to ensure they know the safety of students and keep attendance records, requiring a reason for every day a student is absent/late.
If you need any assistance please contact the Admin team.
Compass notifications
Are you receiving notifications of Campass?
Compass has recommended that you try the following:
1) Ensure that your app is updated to the most recent version.
2) Check in settings to ensure that you have all the notifications settings on.
3) Confirm that your mobile number and email address is correct in Parent Portal -> Update My Details. Changes are sent to school administrators for confirmation.
4) Confirm affected recipients are not marked Do Not Contact.
The Admin team are here to help should you need further assistance.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
SAVER PLUS
What it is:
Financial Education and Savings:
Saver Plus is a 10-month online program designed to help participants learn about financial management, set savings goals, and develop regular saving habits.
Matched Savings:
Participants who complete the program have their savings matched by ANZ, up to a maximum of $500, which can be used for education-related costs.
Online Delivery:
The program is delivered online, making it accessible to participants across Australia.
Saver Plus is a partnership between ANZ, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, The Smith Family and Berry Street.
Eligibility: To be eligible, participants need to have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and an eligible Centrelink payment, have other regular income, be studying themselves or have a child in school, be 18+ years old, and agree to join in free online financial education workshops.
