Newsletter 15

1 May 2026


Calendar

Term Two

Upcoming Dates

Thursday 14 May

Year 7 - Immunisation Day

 Monday 8 June

Kings Birthday Public Holiday

Friday 19 June

Curriculum Day - no students

Friday 26 June

Last Day of Term Two - Early Dismissal 2:30pm



Principal's Report

Term 2 started very well with our Athletics Carnival on the first day of term. We had a beautiful sunny day and competitive spirit was thriving in our four Houses.


Congratulations to Ngerwin our Yellow House representing Sun and well done for the competition to Biik our Green House representing Land, Kunnh our Red House representing Fire and Bannh our Blue House representing Water. Students participated widely in events with the sprints, relays and long jump being hotly contested. Thank you to Mr McConnell for organising and all of our staff for their work.

We have held our Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences this week. We always appreciate these days when parents/carers come into the school with their student to speak to teachers about their student’s progress and learning. These conversations build on the progress report information provided at the end of last term and help build the connection between family and school.

Last Friday 24 April, we held our Anzac Day Commemoration. Mark Osborne, Secretary of the Cranbourne/Dandenong RSL was our special guest speaking about his experiences on active service in South America for a number of years. School Captains and Vice Captains led their first assembly, (helped by Ms Kavitha) acknowledging country, giving a history of ANZAC Day and the events leading up to this important day of recognition for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. Our Choir led by Mr Evangelista sang the National Anthem, showing the high level singing skills they are already developing. I spoke about my grandfather who served in the First World War in Belgium, on the battlefields near Estaples and Ypres. The assembly ended with the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post and the Rouse. Mr Evangelista, Mr Carter and Mr Moon helped prior to the assembly to set up and problem solve with our sound system.  Thank you all.

Acting Assistant Principal Dylan Moonasinghe has been assisting me in meetings about our Stage 2 Buildings. If has been very helpful to have input into the design, not in changing the structure but in refining the use of the space. We will have two more Learning Hubs, which will be the same building as the Junior School, and an Art Building. At various stages we will have a range of portable buildings installed. These are very comfortable brand new rooms nowadays with air conditioning and heating.



Thank you to parents for your support of Industrial Action. Some of our staff may take part in the regional half day strike to advocate for strong learning conditions for students and fair, sustainable working conditions for staff. The day for our area is the morning of Thursday 7 May. More information will be provided through Compass Newsfeed next week. We appreciate your support.

Enjoy the rest of the term.



Leanne Winfield
Principal



Junior School Report

Welcome back to Term 2. We hope all students and families enjoyed a restful and refreshing break and are feeling recharged for the term ahead.


Term 2 is always a busy and important period in the school calendar, with students settling back into routines, building on their learning from Term 1 and continuing to develop both academically and socially. We encourage all students to start the term strong by setting clear goals, maintaining positive study habits and demonstrating our school values in all aspects of school life.

We kicked off the term with our annual Athletics Carnival held at Casey Fields. It was fantastic to see such a high level of student participation across a wide range of events. From track races to field events, students demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience and excellent sportsmanship throughout the day. The energy and house spirit on display were outstanding, with students proudly contributing points towards their house teams. Events like these not only promote physical health and wellbeing but also foster teamwork, school pride and a sense of belonging. We were incredibly proud of the way our students represented the college and supported one another. This day was not made possible without the leadership of Mr Brodie McConnell and his team.

As we move through the term, we ask for your support in ensuring that all students are in full and correct school uniform. We understand that teenagers grow quickly and may outgrow items over time. However, wearing the correct uniform is an important part of our school culture. It promotes a sense of identity, equality and pride in our college, while also preparing students for expectations beyond school. Consistent uniform standards help create a positive and focused learning environment, and we appreciate families working with us to uphold these expectations.

Parent-Teacher Interviews were held on the 30th of April, and it was wonderful to see so many families attending alongside their children. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. They allow parents, students and teachers to discuss progress, celebrate achievements and identify areas for improvement. Open communication ensures that students are supported both academically and emotionally. If you were unable to attend, we strongly encourage you to contact your child’s teachers via email to obtain feedback and continue these important conversations.

Attendance remains a key priority for student success. Regular attendance at school is critical in ensuring continuity of learning, as each lesson builds on prior knowledge. Frequent absences or extended holidays during term time can create gaps in understanding, which may impact a student’s confidence and progress, particularly as they move into the senior years. We ask families to prioritise school attendance wherever possible. If there are any challenges or barriers affecting your child’s attendance, please reach out to the college so we can work in partnership to provide support and solutions.

Finally, we would like to inform families that the Year 7 Camp will take place from Monday 26th October to Wednesday 28th October at Oasis Camp. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, develop independence and engage in new experiences outside the classroom. Further information, including payment details, will be shared via Compass. Families eligible for CSEF will be able to use these funds towards the cost of the camp and flexible payment options, including instalments, will be available.



We look forward to a productive and successful Term 2 and thank you for your continued support of our college community.



Harveen Khera
Assistant Principal - Junior School



Student Spotlight

Over the Easter break, Aishmeen represented her team at the Sikh Games basketball tournament, where her team won the finals and became Under-15 champions.

Additionally, during the Labour Day long weekend in March, she participated in another basketball tournament and was again crowned Under-15 champion.

Aishmeen has been part of the Casey domestic basketball club for the past six years and has achieved many medals through her dedication and hard work in the sport.


Well done Aishmeen!

Athletics Day Report

The first day of term saw our students head to Casey Fields for our second Athletics Carnival. This year, we were fortunate to enjoy perfect conditions, with a beautiful 22-degree sunny day setting the scene.

The tone was set early, with students competing in the 100m sprints. Racing down the straight in front of the grandstand created a fantastic atmosphere, as students cheered on their peers from the sidelines.

As the morning progressed, attention shifted to the field events. Students participated in a range of events including shot put, discus, javelin, triple jump, long jump, and high jump. While competing against others in their age group, students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, consistently supporting and encouraging one another.

The day concluded with the 200m sprints and the 4 x 100m relays. These events highlighted impressive speed and teamwork, with smooth baton exchanges and strong performances across the board.

We look forward to seeing approximately 20–30 students represent the school at Division Athletics in Term 3.

Well done to all students for contributing to a fantastic day.








Brodie McConnell
Health and PE Teacher



PE & Health Report

PE & Health Update

Term 1 was a fantastic start in PE and Health!

Our Year 7 students kicked things off with minor games and athletics, which was a great way to get to know each other, build teamwork, and practise for the Athletics Carnival. 

It was fantastic to see everyone giving things a go, showing fabulous effort, and growing in confidence and skill throughout the term. Our Year 8 students continued developing their net sports unit with a focus on badminton and volleyball. It was great to see students building longer rallies, communicating scores clearly, and learning strategies to win points through smart play and teamwork. Each class is scored out of 10 for effort, engagement, and sportsmanship, with a Player of the Day awarded in every lesson. A big congratulations to 8B and 7G for taking out the PE Ladder for their year levels! Enjoy your celebration lesson in the gym!

This term, both Year 7 and Year 8 students are moving into an invasion games unit, with a focus on attacking and defending, creating space, and maintaining possession of the ball. Year 8 students will take this a step further by designing set plays to increase scoring opportunities and work more strategically as a team.

In Health, Year 7 students explored healthy relationships during Term 1 and finished the term by creating a helpful guide to starting secondary school - full of great advice for future students! Year 8 students learnt about the effects of alcohol, smoking, and vaping, while also practising refusal techniques and making informed decisions.

This term, Year 7 students will be learning all about their bodies and the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during adolescence. Year 8 students will focus on healthy relationships across their lifespan and how these relationships shape wellbeing and decision-making.

We are looking forward to another active and positive term ahead!




Emily Sloothaak
Health and PE Teacher



Wellbeing Report

 

 

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope all our students and families had a restful break and found some time to recharge. A new term is always a great opportunity to reset routines, reconnect with others, and refocus on wellbeing.

As we move into a busy and exciting term, the Wellbeing Team is looking forward to continuing to support students through a range of programs, activities, and supports designed to help every student feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

What’s happening in Wellbeing this term?

Connect Program
Our Connect Program will run again this term, supporting students to build confidence in social situations, develop communication skills, and strengthen peer relationships. This small group program is a great opportunity for students who may benefit from structured support in navigating friendships and social challenges.

Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club will continue to run throughout the term, providing students with a positive start to the day. It’s a great chance to grab something to eat, connect with peers, and begin the day feeling settled and supported.

Wellbeing Wednesdays
Our Wellbeing Wednesdays sessions will continue to run at lunch in Wellbeing. These are relaxed, student-friendly sessions focused on mindfulness, creativity, and connection. Students can drop in to participate in activities such as art, grounding exercises, games, and chill-out time with peers.

PRIDE CLUB
We are proud to continue offering a safe, inclusive space for students who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community or who are allies. This group focuses on connection, support, and celebrating diversity in a respectful and welcoming environment.

Wellbeing Focus: Managing Anxiety & Starting the Term Strong

The beginning of a new term can bring a mix of emotions, excitement, motivation, but also worry or nervousness. For students in Years 7 and 8, this is especially common as they continue to adjust to high school routines, friendships, and academic expectations.

What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal response to stress or uncertainty. It can show up as racing thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, avoiding situations, or physical symptoms like a racing heart or upset stomach. While some anxiety can help us stay alert and prepared, too much can make it hard to focus and enjoy school.

Helpful strategies students can use:

  • Break it down

Big tasks or worries can feel overwhelming. Encourage students to focus on one small step at a time.

  • Stay connected

Talking to a trusted friend, teacher, or family member can help reduce feelings of stress.

  • Use calming techniques

Simple strategies like slow breathing, grounding exercises, or taking a short break can help regulate emotions.

  • Keep routines consistent

Regular sleep, meals, and screen-time boundaries support emotional stability.

  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts

Learning to notice and reframe negative thinking can build confidence and resilience.

At school, we will continue to support students in developing these skills through classroom activities, small group programs, and individual support where needed.

We’re here to help

The Wellbeing Team is always available to support students and families.

Whether it’s a quick check-in, counselling support, or help connecting with external services, we encourage students to reach out.

Let’s make Term 2 a positive, connected, and successful term for everyone.



Shannon Pook
Wellbeing Leader

 



Year 7 Student Immunisation Program

Wulerrp Secondary College will be hosting the Secondary School Vaccine Program on Thursday 14th May 2026.

Please complete the online CIRV Portal Consent form as soon as possible  even if you choose not to consent for your child to be vaccinated at school.

CIRV Portal

In accordance with the National Immunisation Program, all Year 7 students will be offered the following vaccinations:

  • A booster dose of Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • One dose of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

For more information click here.



Dylan Moonasinghe

Acting Assistant Principal 

 



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