Newsletter 6

4 July 2025


Calendar

Term Two
Friday 4 JulyLast Day of Term Two 

School Holidays
Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July 2025

Term Three
Monday 21 JulyFirst Day of Term Three
 

Principal's Report

It has been a challenging and joyful experience to open our school with such wonderful students, supportive and caring parents and dedicated staff. Together, we have completed our first semester as a school, setting the foundations for our future growth year by year.

Congratulations to our students for their efforts in class and in our broader school program and thank you to our hard working staff and our supportive parents and broader community. Thank you to our School Council, particularly our parent members and our School Council President, Noel Hawthorn, for your support and the time that you give to support the governance of the school.

The STEM Building was handed over to us last week and students now have Science and Technology classes in the building. This is the completion of the Stage 1 Build for the school with enough classrooms for Year 7 to Year 9. Thank you to Hutchison Builders for their work on Stage 1 but particularly the STEM building as it is not always easy to maintain and secure a working building site beside an operating school. They have done a wonderful job generally and been very supportive and helpful in the handover. Our next building stage for Senior School will begin in 2027.

 

This semester we have successfully completed all of the school events in our calendar, most recently the very successful Athletics Carnival this week, implementing our Student Leadership Program and delivering our first semester of curriculum in the classroom and completing the first semester of assessments and reporting. Students’ Wellbeing is supported by having access to our Wellbeing Centre and their wellbeing learning in Health and in our GROWTH Program.

There have been additional programs during lunch times with sports in the gymnasium, various activities in the library, including Chess and Origami, as well as Choir and Auslan sessions. We have connected with community through the dance program with GS Heer Bhangra Dance Academy, NAIDOC Week celebrations (thank you to Ms Barrett in the library), Harmony Day dancing and food (Sikh Volunteers) and our ANZAC Day assembly and connecting with parents through our Meet the Teachers and our Student/Parent/Teacher Day. It is exciting to have already achieved so much!

Our enrolments for 2026 at Year 7 are trending upwards as it seems that we will have a slightly larger group of Year 7s next year. This year we had an exemption for LOTE to consult with our community about a language. From the survey completed by students, parents and staff, the highest level of interest was in Japanese. We have already employed several teachers for Year 7 and Year 8 Japanese for next year and will start recruiting in other subject areas next term.

Ebony Dobslaw has decided to leave our school. Thank you to Ebony for her work in the Junior School. She has been a dedicated and hardworking teacher and Year Level Co-ordinator who will be missed by students and staff. I wish her all the best for the future.

Thank you all for a wonderful start for our school. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.



Leanne Winfield
Principal

Assistant Principal's Report

STEM Building
We are thrilled to announce that classes officially commenced this week in our brand-new STEM Building!

  

  

This purpose-built facility is designed to inspire innovation and hands-on learning across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students and staff alike are already enjoying the state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and learning spaces that support collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

It’s been wonderful to see the energy and excitement as students explore the new environment and engage with the latest resources and technologies. We look forward to the many opportunities this space will provide as we continue to nurture curiosity and future-ready skills.


  

  

Stay tuned for more updates as we make the most of this exciting new chapter in our learning journey!

Year 7 Soccer Success at Division Round Robin Tournament
On Wednesday 11 June, our Year 7 Girls and Boys Soccer teams participated in the District Round Robin Tournament.

Both teams displayed great determination, teamwork, and school spirit throughout the competition. The level of sportsmanship and respect shown by our students; towards each other, their opponents, and the officials was commendable and a true reflection of our school values.

A special congratulations goes to the Year 7 Boys team, who were undefeated on the day and went on to win the overall competition. Their effort and cohesion on the field were outstanding, and we are excited to announce they will progress to the next round.

Well done to all students involved, you represented the school with pride, and we’re incredibly proud of your achievements!



Kris Johnson
Assistant Principal


Junior School Report

Congratulations to our amazing Year 7 students on completing their very first semester at Wulerrp Secondary College! We are so incredibly proud of the way you have settled into secondary school life, built new friendships and embraced the values of Growth that define our school culture. It has been wonderful to see students take such pride in our new school and contribute positively to our growing community.

One of the highlights of the term was the inaugural Athletics Carnival, held on the 1st of July. It was an unforgettable day filled with team spirit, friendly competition and colour! Students turned up in full force, proudly dressed in their house colours and ready to compete. The participation rate was outstanding, with students cheering each other on and showcasing their athletic talents. The energy and enthusiasm were truly contagious and it was clear that the Wulerrp spirit is alive and thriving.

Another special moment this term came through the Performing Arts program, where five of our Year 7 classes have been learning and practicing a Bhangra Indian dance. With the support of GS Heer Bhangra Academy, students worked enthusiastically to prepare a performance to share with their peers. It was truly heartening to see all students immerse themselves in this cultural experience—many stepping outside of their comfort zones to embrace dance with energy, grace and growing confidence. For some, dancing in front of others is a challenge but the positivity and joy they brought to their rehearsals and final performances was nothing short of inspiring.

Also this term, the Cyber Safety Project visited on June 25th to speak with students about their online activities, the concept of a digital footprint, and the importance of making safe and respectful choices online. Year 7 students were highly engaged, listened respectfully and we hope these conversations continued at home. We also hope the family session provided parents with meaningful strategies and insights to support their children online.

It is with great sadness that we farewell Miss Ebony Dobslaw, our much-loved Year 7 Coordinator. Miss Dobslaw has made an incredible impact at Wulerrp SC in a very short time. She has been a pillar of support and encouragement for our Year 7 students and has played a vital role in building a strong sense of belonging within the year level. Her compassion, humour, and dedication to student wellbeing have not gone unnoticed—she has been a consistent source of care, guidance and positivity for both students and staff. Ebony, thank you for everything you’ve given to our school. We wish you all the best in your next chapter—you will be deeply missed.

As we wrap up this term, we want to thank families for their ongoing support and encouragement. We look forward to seeing our Year 7 students return refreshed and ready for another term of learning and growth.

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved term break!





Inclusion and Diversity Policy

Library

Book Week


The library has a large number of shortlisted books that have been nominated for the Book of the Year awards by the Children's Book Council of Australia. The winners of these awards will be announced at the beginning of Book Week. This year, the Book Week theme is "Book an adventure!" and will be celebrated in the library during week five of term three. In preparation, students have been contributing to the Book Week display. Students have cut out a handprint on green paper and have written about a dream adventure that they would like to achieve. These hands have then been stuck to a tree trunk, creating the leaves. This has created a beautiful metaphor of how their dreams can grow, and how through reading they can engage in these dreams and be inspired by the adventures of others.

Displays


Displays are used to highlight books within the library, educate students on various subjects and genres, and promote upcoming events. Displays reflect the community at the school, both who we are and what we are aiming to be. Displays add a lot of colour and interest to the library space, creating a warm and inviting environment for our students. It has been wonderful watching the library come together with the vast array of displays created and working with students as they build their library space. Students assisted with all the cutting out and laminating required to create the display for the Shortlist Books, as well as putting the display together on the wall. So many students have been very eager to help out in the library with the displays, and so next term, this will be formalised with a Library Club where students can contribute to the space by creating displays, recommending books to add to the collection and contacting books.

Congratulations to the six students that have finished the challenge already! Thus far, 484 books have been read! Well done to everyone. Students have over two more months to complete this challenge. Please encourage them to continue their reading and adding the books to the PRC website. If they haven't borrowed books from the school library to read over the school holiday, please visit your local library. They have many free services and a wide range of books to help children engage with reading.


Please return your library books, so that other people can also read them. Thank you for your support.




Sarah Barrett
Library Manager



Performing Arts

Indian Dance

Over the past two weeks, our Performing Arts students were treated to a vibrant and energetic introduction to Bhangra, a traditional folk dance from Northern India. We were thrilled to welcome Sonny, Gursheer, Praneet, and Harpreet from G S Heer Academy, who led three engaging workshops. Students embraced the chance to learn new moves, explore another culture, and celebrate the joy of dance in a whole new way. A huge thank you to our guest instructors for bringing such energy, passion, and rhythm to our classrooms! 

A special shoutout to Tristan Juaneza 7B, Grace Wang 7D, Annie Mpandaguta 7F, Kye Brown 7H and Chenitha Fernando 7J for winning the Honorary Wulerrpie Award for Best Bhangra Dancing for their efforts during these classes. 

     

Wulerrpie Awards

To wrap up a dynamic and creative semester in Performing Arts, students from 7H, 7F, 7B, 7J, and 7D were celebrated in our very own Wulerrpie Awards! The ceremonies honoured standout contributions in each class, with awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Picture, Best Dancer, Best Game Strategist, Best Effort, Best Team Player, and the prestigious Golden Star for Performing Arts Excellence.

Students embraced the red carpet energy, and Ms. Devenyns and Miss Entwistle loved the chance to celebrate all their hard work, teamwork, and talent.

A special congratulations to our Golden Star winners:
Eshan Sabale (7D), Hannah Nguyen (7B), Sachpreet Singh and Swara Chalgeri (7F), Kayley Wong and Ayush Balakrishna (7H), and Lance Fontillas (7J) for their exemplary spirit, participation, and collaboration in Performing Arts this semester. Bravo!

  


                          
Tessa Devenyns                                Holly Entwistle
Performing Arts Teacher               Performing Arts & English Teacher



Supporting Your Teen and Yourself Over the School Holidays

As the school holidays begin, it's a great time to pause and reconnect as a family. For many young people, this break offers much-needed rest, but it can also bring challenges — like changes to routine, feelings of boredom, or emotional ups and downs. As parents and carers, your support plays a vital role in helping them feel safe, connected, and balanced.

Here are a few simple ways to support your teen — and yourself — over the break:

  • Check in regularly: Holidays can be a great time to have casual, relaxed conversations. Ask how they’re feeling, what they’re enjoying, or what they might need help with.
  • Maintain some routine: While sleep-ins are normal, keeping some daily structure — like regular meals or screen-free time — can help with wellbeing.
  • Encourage downtime and connection: Time with family, friends, and doing things they enjoy is important for teens’ mental health.
  • Look after yourself too: Your own wellbeing matters. Taking time to rest, talk to someone, or do something just for you helps everyone.

If you or your child need extra support over the holidays, the following services are available:

  • Lifeline – 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – 24/7 phone and online counselling for young people aged 5–25
  • Parentline – 13 22 89 – Counselling and support for Victorian parents and carers (8am–midnight, 7 days)
  • Headspacewww.headspace.org.au – Support for young people’s mental health and wellbeing
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 – Mental health support and advice

Please find attached some services that are available from our local community.

We wish you and your family a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday.

Narre Warren Youth Centre Winter Holiday Programs
Youth Counselling and Support Service
City of Casey Youth Services Casey 360
Anglicare Victoria Parenting After Family Violence 


Shannon Pook
Wellbeing Leader

Community News

               

             

           

    
    

Gallery - Athletics