It’s great to be back at school for Term 4. I’ve really appreciated the warm welcome from families and students who have asked about my time away. I’m looking forward to another positive and productive term ahead.

I would like to extend my thanks to Adam Bailey for stepping in during my leave. Adam spoke very highly of his experience at our school, commenting on the professionalism of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the strong sense of community that makes our school so special. A special thank you goes to Nicole Gill, who took on many additional responsibilities during this period. Her hard work and commitment were truly invaluable.

Term 4 is always a busy and exciting time in the school year. Our teachers have planned engaging learning experiences to ensure students continue to grow and achieve their best. Every day of learning matters, so I encourage families to support consistent attendance throughout the term.

We are also beginning preparations for the 2026 school year. To help us with our planning, please let the office know if your family will be relocating or if you are aware of new families moving into our school community.

I look forward to a wonderful final term together, celebrating our students’ learning and achievements.

Book Boxes

For 2026, our school will again be partnering with WINC to provide student book boxes. Based on family feedback, the process has been refined to make ordering simpler and more flexible. Each box includes both required and optional items—families may choose to supply their own where listed, however, all listed items remain essential for learning.

The WINC website is now open for direct online orders, allowing families to purchase only the items they need. All book boxes will be delivered to the home address. Families will bring their book boxes to school on Step Up Day – 9 December 2025.

Voluntary Contributions can also be made online and greatly support our school programs and facilities:

• General Contribution – supports our 2026 priorities in student learning and wellbeing
• Digital Subscriptions – funds access to online learning platforms
• Library Fund – tax-deductible; enhances library resources and equipment
• School Grounds – contributes to upgrades, playgrounds, gardens, and outdoor learning space

Day for Daniel

Day for Daniel is scheduled for Friday 31^st October, aiming to encourage parents and educators to engage in conversations with children and young people about personal safety. Teachers will be planning lessons focused on safety measures and guiding students on who to approach if they have concerns. We encourage both students and staff to wear red on that day. For additional information, please visit https://danielmorcombe.com.au/day-for-daniel/

School Uniform

A quick reminder about the importance of adhering to our school's student dress code policy. Uniforms play a role in creating a sense of identity, belonging, and unity within our school community. To maintain this sense of pride, I kindly request that students refrain from wearing jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, and large earrings.

Christine

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October
23rd October - Thursday	School Council Meeting via Webex - 7.30pm
28th October - Tuesday	Division Cricket - qualifying students
31st October - Friday	Day for Daniel - Students wear a splash of Red
November
3rd November - Monday	School Closure Day - Report Writing Day.  No Students at School.
4th November - Tuesday	Melbourne Cup Day Holiday.  School Closed
6th November - Thursday	Grade 1/2 Night of Adventure Grade 1 - 3.15pm-6.45pm Grade 2-3.15pm to Friday 7th November 3.15pm
6th November - Thursday	Student Leadership Applications Due
7th November - Friday	House Captain Speeches
10th November - Monday	School Captain Speeches
13th November - Thursday	Grade Prep Picnic - 4.45pm - 7.00pm
13th November - Thursday	Regional Softball
24th - 25th November - Mon- Tues	Grades 3 - 6 Water Safety Program
25th November - Tuesday	First Transition Afternoon for 2026 Prep Students 2pm -3pm
27th November - Thursday	School Council Meeting via Webex - 7.30pm
December
1st-5th December - Mon-Fri	Grade Prep - 2 Swimming
2nd December - Tuesday	Second Transition Afternoon for 2026 Prep Students 2pm -3pm
2nd - 9th December - Tue - Tue	Grade 5 & 6 Somers Camp
5th December - Friday	Grade 6 Transition to Kurnai
8th December - Monday	Grade 6 Transition to Kurnai  & Mirboo Nth SC
9th December - Tuesday	Statewide Transition Day
10th December - Wednesday	Grade 6 Transition to Mirboo Nth SC
12th December - Friday	Semester 2 Reports Published on COMPASS
17th December - Wednesday	Student Leadership Assembly
17th December - Wednesday	Grade 6 Graduation 5.30pm-7.30pm
18th December - Thursday	End of Year Picnic & Fun Games Teachers & Grade 6 Parents v Grade 6 Students Fun Game
19th December - Friday	Last Day Term 4 - Students Finish at 1.15pm

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Why is regular attendance at school important?

Being at school is the most important thing a child needs to do for their future. School helps children build good habits for later in their life. They might think school is just about Maths and English, but they are also learning about how to work with other people and how to solve problems. Being at school every day also means children are becoming more independent as a learner and developing a variety of ways to interact with their friends and teachers. If children are at school, they can get help from their teachers and friends and won’t have to try to learn things in their own time. Being an adult probably seems far away but we know that young people who attend school more frequently have better outcomes after school too. This means they earn more money, have better job opportunities and are generally healthier. So being at school really does make a difference!

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Recently students entered the Fish Creek, Fishy Stories competition.  Adelaide's story 'Maiden Voyage' won the grade 1 to year 8 category.  It is a gripping adventure which captures the reader's imagination, with an ending that begs for the story to continue.  

Addy is keen to keep writing more stories to create a series where all seemingly accidental disasters are all linked. 

Addy will be going to the festival where her story will be read on stage by a professional story teller.

Great work Addy!

Maiden Voyage

River pressed his ear to the door, listening intently to the men’s low, hushed discussion. Indistinct fragments drifted through the oak door. “…could get a submarine…send a torpedo…” 

“Nah… too risky!” River strained his ears, and the words slowly began to form distinguishable sentences. A third voice chimed in. “Stop bickering, you stupid buffoons! I’ve already planted the bomb in the Titanic’s hull, and those ignorant fools will never see it coming…”
    
River gasped in horror. They were planning to sabotage the Titanic! He knew that the Unsinkable Ship was setting off within the hour. Horrified, he spun on his heel, and ran.
River’s feet pounded hard against the barnacle encrusted jetty, slipping and sliding on the seaweed scattered across the damp planks. He pushed through the jostling crowd, who were amassing to catch a glimpse of the departing ship as it began to slowly pull out of the harbour. He glanced anxiously around, searching for an opening in the flock of people, all the while jumping up and down to keep the Titanic in sight. The ship blared it’s horn loudly, startling the seagulls perched on its deck and sending them soaring into the air. The crowd roared in excitement as the boat veered away from the dock, turning towards the horizon. Loved-one’s waved farewell, blowing kisses and yelling names.
River grew constantly more frantic, shoving through the group and barging his way past a woman with a pram. “No manners at all,” he heard her mutter, but he was too distraught to care as he reached the end of the jetty. “Stop the ship!” he screamed, his breath hoarse and rasping with desperation. “Stop the ship!” The Titanic began to chug out of the harbour, cutting quickly through the water and sending its wake crashing mercilessly onto the jetty. River sank to his knees in despair as the ship drifted over the horizon, the dispersing crowd chattering happily as the seemingly unsinkable boat set off on its Maiden Voyage. He was the only one who knew that the ship’s eagerly anticipated first journey would also be its last.

by Adelaide Year 6

 

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Get Active Victoria is offering elgible familes who hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card the opportunity for a $200 voucher to support some costs associated with their sport. Sporting providers must be registered with Get Active Victoria. Yinnar Tennis Club is one provider that is registered. There are others in Morwell and Churchill. If you would like your sporting provider to be registered please encourage them to do so. Get Active Victoria will pay $200 towards the cost of membership, registration and may cover the cost of uniforms and equipment. Get in quick as applications close on 13th of November (or earlier if the funds are fully allocated and exhausted). Please go to the Active Victoria website for any further information www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers and to see if you are eligible.  Yinnar Primary School does not have any association with Active Victoria and can only provide general information on this program.

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