Wallington P.S. Newsletter Term 1 Week 7, 2026.
Upcoming Dates
Principal's Report
Dear Families,
House Cross Country
Congratulations to all students who competed on Wednesday in the House Cross Country! Special recognition goes to the top four in each category who were awarded ribbons, and to those who achieved a qualifying time to represent the school at the upcoming District Cross Country (26th March). See PE section below for the students who have qualified.
A big thank you to our parent volunteers and staff for their support, and to Mrs Ractliffe for organising the event. The winning house will be announced at tomorrow’s assembly…
Division Swimming
Congratulations to Archer and Piper who represented our school at the Division Swimming competition this week. We are so proud of their efforts in their respective events, both competing in the 50m Freestyle, Archer competing in the 50m Backstroke, and Piper in the 50m Breaststroke. Well done Archer and Piper!
Woodland House OSHC – Vic Kids Eat Well Award
A huge congratulations to Woodlands House OSHC for achieving Advanced Standing in Vic Kids Eat Well. A fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition for the wonderful work they are doing. Vic Kids Eat Well is a free program that aims to boost delicious and nutritious food and drink options for children and young people. Well done to Woodlands OSHC for taking part! We could not recommend their services more! See ‘Out of School Hours Care’ for more information.
2026 School Council
Thank you to all staff and parents who nominated for the School Council. I can confirm that the number of nominations matched the number of vacancies and that all 2026 members of the School Council have been informed of their appointments.
Thank you to our 2025 departing members (Emily Duckett, Daniel Anderson, Anthony Sheedy, Chris Macallef and Hayley McDonald) and welcome new and returning members for 2026 (Michelle Kallady, Kieran Thomson, Monica Tullin, Jess Mayo, Michael O’Driscoll, Steven Noorderbroek, James Kayler-Thomson and Ros Taylor).
2026 School Council Office Bearers will be selected at the first meeting on Wednesday 1st April.
Parent Feedback Form - Survey Closes Tomorrow
One last call for anyone who has not yet completed the parent feedback communication survey. The link is available through Compass News Feed for one more day. Thank you for your participation.
Dogs on School Grounds
One of the things we love most about our school is families connecting and enjoying our school environment during pick-up and drop-off times - it’s one of the many wonderful traditions that makes our school special.
We also love seeing our community bring their dogs to school. To ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable, including students, visitors, and our furry friends, we kindly ask all dog owners to follow a few simple guidelines. Please keep your dog on a hand-held leash at all times and under adult supervision. Owners are also asked to keep dogs a safe distance from students and other dogs, and to clean up after them. Thank you for helping us care for our children and for making our school a welcoming place for all!
Reminders and Events:
Thank you to everyone who has donated for the Easter Raffle so far. The P&F are still accepting donations - the more donations the better and all are welcome! The donation box is located at the front office. Raffle tickets will soon be available on School24.
We are excited about our STOMP Incursion is next Friday – all families are invited to the performance, which will take place in the afternoon on the basketball court, weather permitting, in place of assembly. The STOMP assembly will start at 2:40pm. Please remember to pay and consent on Compass if you haven’t yet done so.
Our P&F Family Picnic is also coming up on Friday 27th March 3:20pm – 4:30pm.
For all details of upcoming P&F events, please see P&F section below.
Cameron Edwards
SWPBS Awards
Being Responsible
Lily - Prep
For showing great responsibility in Prep. You look after your things, follow our class rules and are always ready to learn. Keep up the amazing work Lily!
Alby - Year 1
For always being organised and ready to learn and for helping others to get organised. Keep up the great work Alby!
Zaylanna- Year 2
For consistently demonstrating responsibility by making thoughtful and positive choices at school. Your actions help create a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone. Well done, Zaylanna!
Tyler - Year 3
For showing responsibility this week when looking after your classroom materials. You always are very organised and keep your workspace and book box neat and tidy. Well done Tyler.
Billy - Year 4/5
For being a great role model, showing that you are ready to learn, respectful and responsible. Well done Billy!
Ella - Year 6
For taking responsibility by seeking assistance when there was a problem in the yard. You actively found a teacher to support your peers. Great work, Ella!
Principal’s Award:
Olive (Grade 6 )
For including other students who were looking for someone to play with during play times. Super job Olive!
Parents and Friends
WHATS HAPPENING WITH PARENTS & FRIENDS?
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS
We have many summer uniform available with the warmer season approaching. Most sizes available.
Just a Gold Coin Donation. Be share to check it out.
Next Meeting
We are changing up how we hold our meetings, in the hope that more families and friends to be able to attend.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday 17th of March 6:30pm in the school hall. Hope you can come.
STAY UP TO DATE
Follow us on Facebook “WALLINGTON PS PARENTS AND FRIENDS”
EASTER FUN
Welcome/Family Picnic - Friday 27th March. 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Everyone welcome - see flyer below.
HOT CROSS BUNS from Bakers Delight, Leopold. - see flyers below.
1) Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser - orders now open on School24.
2) Easter Morning Tea - On Friday 27th March, students will have the chance to purchase a hot cross bun, to eat with first lunch - orders now open on School24.
Special thanks to the team at Bakers Delight, Gateway Plaza in Leopold.
How to order on School24. To register, visit www.school24.net.au on any device OR install the School24 app on your phone. You will need to register first if you have not done so before. Entre our unique school ID number - 25505963. Once completed, click create account, then set up your children by inputting their name, class and any allergies or special requirements. Visit the events tab, and select the 1) Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser and 2) Easter Morning Tea. Select the products and the student you are wishing to order for and checkout.
Please ensure that you have updated your child’s grade level on
school24 from last year, so it is correct when deliveries are made.
Guess The Eggs?!
We are raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital, Good Friday Appeal. Guess the amount of eggs in the jar.
The jar is at the school office waiting for your guesses now. Winner will be announced on the last day of term.
Easter Raffle
Raffle tickets can be purchased from school24.
Ticket prices are:
$2 each.
3 for $5.
7 for $10.
Order yours now - don’t miss out!
Easter egg donations can be made at the school office.
Thank you very much for your support.
Wallington P.S.
Gardening Club
Garden Club will be on every Wednesday at second lunch (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.
PE and Dance
PE /Dance Weekly Snapshot
Whole School Cross Country
Our Whole School Cross Country was a fantastic highlight of the week, bringing together students from every year level for a day full of energy, determination, and school spirit. From the first race to the final finish line, it was clear that everyone came ready to participate and give it their best shot.
Students showed great sportsmanship, encouraged one another, and tackled the course with enthusiasm. Whether they sprinted, jogged, or powered through at their own pace, every student contributed to the positive atmosphere that made the day so memorable.
It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, proud finishes, and moments of perseverance. The event wasn’t just about running—it was about showing up, having a go, and celebrating what we can achieve together as a school community.
Cross Country Success – Congratulations to Our Competitors!
We are proud to announce the students who have qualified for the District Cross Country. Their hard work, determination, and fantastic effort on the day have earned them a well‑deserved place at the next level. Congratulations to the following runners:
Boys 10 yrs: Hunter, Tucker, Mickal, Landyn, Elvis, Robbie, Billy, Cody T, Andre, Rory, Teddy Girls 10 yrs: Issy, Aurora, Paxton
Boys 11 yrs: Archer, George, Ryder, Jasper, Raf, Fletcher, Jax Girls 11 yrs: Piper
Boys 12/13 yrs: Alfie, Zeni, Jaylen, Chayse, Jack Girls 12/13 yrs: Charli
We wish all students the very best as they represent our school at District.
House Championship Results
A huge congratulations to all students for their participation and team spirit. After a competitive day of running, the final House scores will be announced at assembly.
Champion of the Week Award
Congratulations to Jack K in Grade 1.
This week we’re celebrating Jack as our Champion of the Week for the fantastic effort he put into our Whole School Cross Country.
Jack showed a brilliant attitude from start to finish, taking on the challenge with determination and a big burst of school spirit.
He gave the course everything he had and kept pushing forward with a strong, positive mindset. Jack’s effort stood out, and he should feel incredibly proud of the way he approached the event and the commitment he showed along the way.
Well done, Jack, your hard work and enthusiasm made you a standout this week.
Art
Preps - Self-portraits
Preps drew a self portrait for the first art lesson of their school year. We discussed what facial features are on our face and what shapes these make.
We applied oil sticks over the top of the self-portraits and then displayed them on a yellow plate. Students created a pattern for the border of the frame with fine liner pen and
Posca pens. Well done Preps!
Mrs Bishop
First Nations, Media Arts & STEM
The below videos below provides a window into this learning taking place in First Nations perspectives, STEM inquiry, and Media Arts.
We encourage parents and carers to take a few minutes to watch and see the amazing thinking, collaboration, creativity, and cultural learning happening in these specialist classes.
Please be aware the grade four, five and six students are using their school emails as part of the Scratch Education Program at Wallington PS. https://scratch.mit.edu/
If you have any questions, please catch up with me for a chat.
Mr Vaught
What is STEM? STEM class integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation through hands-on, real-world projects. Students learn to collaborate, design solutions, code, analyse data, and apply scientific methods to solve complex challenges. It focuses on practical skills like building, experimenting, and persistence.
Wellbeing at Wallington
Friendology
Friendship Fire or Mean-on-Purpose?
Conflict is tricky! How can we tell the difference between Friendship Fires, Mean-on-Purpose, Mean-by-Accident, and Bullying?
We classify conflict into just two categories to keep things as easy as possible for kids: Friendship Fires® (normal conflicts between friends) and Mean-on-Purpose behavior. By making this distinction and establishing a common language, we can better coach and guide our children towards healthy friendships.
Is it a Friendship Fire or Mean-on-Purpose?
Kids and their parents sometimes mistakenly believe that any conflict with a friend is “bullying” (a word that is typically misused and misunderstood). Instead, however, we want to use simple, kid-friendly language. Here are a few common questions:
So, how can we tell the difference between a Friendship Fire or Mean-on-Purpose?
The difference really lies in intent—was it a misunderstanding or were they really trying to hurt your feelings? From the data we’ve collected so far, the majority of conflict that exists in schools are Friendship Fires (approx. 90%).
Can a friend be Mean-on-Purpose too?
Yes, absolutely, and it really hurts!
Can a friend be Mean-by-Accident?
Yep, this is a Friendship Fire.
Can a Friendship Fire escalate into Mean-on-Purpose?
Definitely. This is why we teach kids that timing is important when we put out our Friendship Fires. Sometimes we’re not ready or our friend isn’t ready to put out the Fire. If we continue to try and Talk-it-Out when the time isn’t right, we will inevitably make the Fire bigger.
Can we de-escalate a Mean-on-Purpose moment into a Friendship Fire?
For sure. Sometimes we misinterpret someone’s behavior as Mean-on-Purpose. When we respond with a Quick Comeback, the person knows we felt it was mean. This then allows that person to respond in a way that explains that their intent wasn’t to be mean. By doing this, they move into the Talk-it-Out phase on the Friend-o-Cycle and, thus, it’s downgraded to a Friendship Fire.
Wallington PS Sponsors
Thank you to our PLATINUM Sponsor
Thank you to our SILVER 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.
If you need any assistance please contact the office.
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.
