Newsletter 13

6 March 2026


Calendar

Term One
Upcoming Dates
Monday 9 MarchLabour Day Public Holiday 
Wednesday 11 MarchNAPLAN Starts (Year 7)
Friday 27 MarchHarmony Day 
Wednesday 25 March Twilight Open Night - Prospective 2027 Year 7 Students and Families 
Thursday 2 AprilLast Day of Term One


Principal's Report

We had a lovely afternoon for Meet the Teachers for Year 7 parents and carers on Wednesday 25 February. It was very informal with lots of conversations between parents, teachers and students. The feedback from parents was that they enjoyed coming in to speak to teachers, see their child’s classrooms, their lockers and where they spend their break times. It’s wonderful for parents to see our library, with our great stock of books for borrowing and ebooks on Compass. It is very important that students read regularly at home as this helps students with vocabulary and comprehension and helps them develop in every single subject.  Thank you, parents and carers for your support in coming into the school but also supporting at home with reading and with homework.

We had a very successful School Swimming Carnival with many students competing in traditional swimming races and others competing in additional events. It seems fitting that Bannh House, the Sharks, (Blue House) representing water, won this event. Congratulations and the challenge is set for other houses for the upcoming Cross Country (18 March) and Athletics Carnival (first day of Term 2). Thank you to Brodie McConnell and all staff for their work on this event and the upcoming sports events.

We also have tennis, volleyball and cricket interschool competitions in Year 7 and 8 running over the next few weeks. Good luck to all students and teams competing.

We have been preparing for NAPLAN with a practice session with Year 7 students that ironed out some technical glitches and we are confident for our first session on Writing on Wednesday 11 March.

In Teaching and Learning we are discussing our Year 9 Program starting in 2027. This also involves looking ahead to Year 10, 11 and 12 to plan the sequence for students to follow and ensure we design pathways to university or TAFE entry, apprenticeship and/or work. Information and an opportunity for feedback will be provided to parents and carers about this next term through Compass Newsfeed.

As part of our Network connections in Casey Central, we visit other schools in our area. On Thursday, our English Leader, Jaimee Holten and I (along with leaders from a couple of other schools) visited Berwick Fields Primary School to observe junior classes to see phonics lessons and how teachers are enabling learning. The process of teaching and learning is often very similar in Grade 1 and Year 7 although, of course, at different levels. From this visit, we observed literacy teaching concepts in phonics and effective opportunities to respond which we can apply where needed in reading.

Enjoy the rest of the term and the long weekend.



Leanne Winfield
Principal

Junior School Report

What a fantastic start to the year for our Year 7 and 8 students, who have embraced every opportunity presented to them with enthusiasm and pride.

A highlight of the term has been our annual Swimming Carnival. Events such as this extend well beyond the classroom, playing an important role in supporting student wellbeing, strengthening peer connections and building a strong sense of year level identity. It was wonderful to see so many students getting involved, cheering one another on and demonstrating positive school spirit.

Excitement continues as our Year 8 students prepare to represent Wulerrp in upcoming interschool sport competitions:

  • Cricket – 10 March
  • Tennis – 11 March
  • Volleyball – 25 March

These competitions provide a valuable platform for students to demonstrate teamwork, resilience and pride in representing our school. We wish all participating students the very best as they compete and showcase the positive culture of our school.

We are also currently in the process of electing our School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains and Student Representative Council (SRC). We have been overwhelmed by the number of applications received, which is a wonderful reflection of the leadership aspirations within our student cohort. Students have put significant effort into preparing thoughtful written applications and practising their speeches.

This week, shortlisted students for School Captain and Vice-Captain have been announced. We look forward to hearing their speeches and seeing who will ultimately be elected to represent the school and their peers. We wish every student who applied the very best and commend them for their courage, initiative and willingness to lead.

We would also like to sincerely thank Ms Kavitha for her organisation and leadership throughout the captains’ selection process. Her support and coordination have ensured a smooth, fair and meaningful experience for all students involved.

Harmony Day is also fast approaching. This important celebration recognises Australia’s rich cultural diversity and reinforces the values of inclusion, respect and belonging. It holds particular significance within our diverse Wulerrp community, where we are proud of the many cultures, languages and experiences that enrich our college each day.

Attendance remains a shared priority. Consistent attendance supports academic progress, strengthens peer relationships and ensures students remain connected to their learning. We encourage families to continue updating any absences via Compass to assist us in maintaining accurate records and supporting student success.

As Wulerrp is a LWT (Learning With Technology) school, students are expected to bring their laptop and required learning materials each day. Having the correct equipment supports engagement and maximises learning time. If this presents any challenges for your family, please contact the Junior School team so we can work together to provide support.




Harveen Khera
Assistant Principal - Junior School

2026 Parent Payment Arrangements – Curriculum Contributions

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

Please find attached information about our 2026 Parent Payment Arrangements.

Payments can be made in Compass via Payments Centre

These contributions go towards many areas within the school the students use daily. The ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer the best possible education and support for our students.

All contributions are voluntary. Please note that you can amend the contribution amount and that any contribution you are able to make will make a difference to our school and the programs we can offer.

Please contact our office if you have any questions on 03 5929 2979 or by email wulerrp.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Thank you.


Carl Wilson
Business Manager

Attached:
2026 Parent Payment Arrangements – Curriculum Contributions



CCTV Privacy Notice

Click Here:
CCTV Privacy Notice

Road Safety - E-Scooter and E-Bikes

Dear Parents/Carers, 

Please see attached a document about e-scooters, the law and in particular the fines. We have many students riding e-scooters on the shared footpath, which is not legal and also presents a safety issue. Some students are riding with a passenger, some students ride without a helmet or ride at a speed greater than allowed. This would mean multiple fines if the student is seen by authorities.

We want all of our students to be safe in a shared space. The solution: push pedal bicycles are allowed for all. Many students are still riding these and they are the safest to ride.

I have been in contact with Casey Council and I am contacting the department about the school's responsibility in regards to this matter. Please email or call if you have concerns.

Attached:
City of Casey E-Scooter and E-Bikes Road Safety Information



Leanne Winfield
Principal



NAPLAN

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment that measures students’ skills in reading, writing, language conventions — including spelling, grammar, and punctuation — and numeracy. It provides valuable information that helps schools understand student progress and guide future teaching and learning.

As NAPLAN approaches, we encourage families to view the assessments as an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned in a familiar classroom setting. While some students may feel nervous, reassurance from home can make a meaningful difference. Emphasising effort over perfection helps students approach the tests with confidence and a positive mindset.

To ensure a fair and consistent testing environment, students will be asked to follow standard testing protocols, including arriving on time, following instructions about devices, and working quietly. Our staff will carefully guide students through the process, so they feel supported and prepared.

Families can assist by helping students maintain healthy routines during the testing period — including good sleep, regular meals, and calm encouragement. These simple supports help students feel settled and ready to do their best.

NAPLAN is just one snapshot of a student’s learning journey. We are proud of the effort our students put into their preparation and appreciate the partnership of families in supporting them throughout the assessment period.


Jodi Wilson
Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning



Mathematics

Hello Mathematics Enthusiasts!

We’ve had an exciting term so far, diving into some fundamental and fascinating math concepts! Whether your child is mastering the building blocks of numbers or exploring the beauty of connections between number and geometry, there’s been plenty of learning happening in our Mathematics classes.

In year 7, our young mathematicians tackled integers with enthusiasm!

They explored Highest Common Factor (HCF), Lowest Common Multiple (LCM), and prime factorisation.

We also practiced the order of operations and got hands-on with addition and subtraction of negative numbers using manipulatives, making abstract concepts tangible and fun!

                     

 

                     
The Year 8 students explored number properties and divisibility rules, strengthening their number sense. They also mastered exponent laws with positive powers and practiced multiplication and division with integers, building a solid foundation for algebra.








The Year 8 enrichment group extended their understanding of exponents by applying them to negative and rational exponents.

They then took on the challenge of locating surds on the number line.

Using circles in the Cartesian plane helped them visualize these tricky numbers in a new way!

Get ready for Pi Day! Π
On May 14th, we’ll celebrate by rewarding students who can recite digits of Π or share a formula that uses Π.

It’s a fun way to appreciate this special number that’s all around us in circles and beyond. Encourage your child to practice their ‍ knowledge, there might be some tasty surprises for those who participate!



James Swallow
Mathematics Learning Area Leader 

Swimming Carnival Report

On Tuesday, February 18, Wulerrp Secondary College held its inaugural Swimming Carnival. Our Year 7 and Year 8 students, along with staff, made the journey to Noble Park Aquatic Centre and were greeted with perfect conditions for a day in the pool.

Shortly after arriving, our 12 to 13 year old students took to the water to begin the first of many competitive races. The program featured freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly.

When not competing, students kept busy by participating in a range of fun novelty events and enjoying the waterslide. Many others enthusiastically supported their peers from the sidelines, contributing to a vibrant and energetic atmosphere both in and out of the pool. A special thank you to Mrs Devenyns for serving as our MC, keeping the music playing and the carnival running smoothly.

All participants earned valuable House points through both races and novelty events, resulting in an exciting and closely contested competition between three of the Houses. The final results were:

           

Based on outstanding individual performances, 15 students have qualified to represent Wulerrp Secondary College at the Division Swimming Carnival on Friday, March 6. We wish all of our swimmers the very best of luck as they compete at the next level.



Brodie McConnell
Health and PE Teacher/Sports Coordinator

 



Library

Why the school library matters

The school library plays an important role in supporting your child's learning, literacy, wellbeing and sense of belonging at school. It is more than a room of books. It is a carefully designed space with a professionally led service that helps students grow academically, socially and emotionally.

We are a safe, inclusive and inviting space. The school library has spaces for quiet reading, study, collaboration, creativity and play. We support different learning needs and provide space for students to feel comfortable and confident. 

School libraries help students develop a reading identity and a reading purpose. Additionally, we build information literacy, critical thinking, academic integrity skills as we teach students how to navigate digital content safely through carefully curated resources.

This month we celebrate Library Lovers Day and asked students to tell us why they loved their school library. There were lots of messages of support for this quiet space as well as appreciation for the diverse selection of books. It was wonderful to be able to open the library to parents on Meet the Teachers night and share the welcoming community we are building together.

           

  



Sarah Barrett
Library Manager



Wellbeing Report

It has been a busy and exciting start to the term in Wellbeing, with several new programs and supports up and running for our students.

Breakfast Club is Back!
We are thrilled to have launched our Breakfast Club on a Thursday before school in the Café near the Gym, providing students with a welcoming space to start their day with something to eat and a friendly chat. It has been wonderful to see students connecting with peers and staff before class. A positive start to the morning can make such a difference to focus, mood and learning.

                        

Pride Group
This year we have started Pride Group to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. The group will focus on connection, belonging and celebrating diversity within our school community. Students will participate in inclusive activities, discussions and collaborative projects.

Wellbeing Wednesdays
Wellbeing Wednesdays have quickly become a highlight of the week! This is a lunchtime program that offers students the opportunity to pause, reset and engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-care.

City of Casey 360 Bus – Year 7
Our Year 7 students recently participated in sessions with the City of Casey 360 Bus. This interactive program supports students in exploring the youth services that the City of Casey offers and how to access support and their programs.

              

Dental Van Visit
We also welcomed the dental van to our school, providing students with convenient access to free dental check-ups and support. Preventative health care is an important part of overall wellbeing, and we appreciate families who took advantage of this valuable service.

                   



Shannon Pook
Wellbeing Leader



Free resources for families of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years.

The Department of Education has launched an Easing into adolescence webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 (Grade 5 to Year 8).

The webpage has information and strategies you can use to help ease your child into adolescence and secondary school. These include:

  • a guide to emotion coaching. Staff from The University of Melbourne’s Tuning in to Teens Kids program developed the guidance.
  • how to support your adolescent with their studies and more generally. Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller helped develop this resource.

Subtitles for videos by The University of Melbourne on the webpage are available in 10 languages. You can select your preferred language on the translations page.

For questions about these resources, contact the Strategic Partnerships, Transitions and Student Voice team. You can email them at Secondary.School.Transition@education.vic.gov.au.



Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road Intersection Upgrade - single lane closures as works progress

Please see attached correspondence for more information:
Click Here



Gallery - Swimming Carnival


 
        

        

          

        

        

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