The Millsy Flyer

The end of the year is coming up quickly. As we move through these busy final weeks, we’re continuing to focus on consistent routines and taking time to celebrate the end of another successful year at WBPS. Keeping routines in place helps us maintain a calm, settled environment where students can finish the year feeling confident, proud and ready for the next step.

We also have a number of end of year events ahead, and we’re looking forward to celebrating all the wonderful learning and achievements of 2025 together.

School Service Assembly

This week we had the pleasure of acknowledging and celebrating our students as they received the awards they have been working towards throughout the year. It was a wonderful whole school event, and we thank everyone who joined us in recognising their achievements.

A special thank you goes to our outstanding school leaders, who confidently ran the assembly as one of their final duties before they head off to high school next year. We are very proud of them.

Volunteers Afternoon Tea

This week we hosted a special afternoon tea to thank our wonderful parent volunteers. These amazing people give their time to help in classrooms, support P&C initiatives and assist with school events. Their contributions make a huge difference, and many of the opportunities we offer our students simply wouldn’t be possible without them.

Schools thrive when the connection between home and school is strong. If you have some time next year, we’d love for you to consider getting involved as every bit of help truly makes a positive impact.

A Reminder About the Department of Education’s Gift Policy

As we approach the end of the year, we’d like to remind families of the Department of Education’s (DoE) guidelines around the giving of gifts to school staff. Any DoE employee is unable to accept a gift exceeding $50 from a student/family. These guidelines help ensure equity and fairness for all staff, students and families across our school community. Guidelines also explain that store gift cards (such as Myer, Bunnings or Westfield) are acceptable as they can’t be exchanged for cash. However, EFTPOS credit loaded cards cannot be accepted, as they are considered a cash equivalent.

Any gift valued over $50 must be formally declared, so we kindly ask families to keep these guidelines in mind.

 Kindergarten Connect

This week we held our second Kindergarten Connect session, and it was a fantastic opportunity for our new 2026 Kindergarten students to experience time in the classroom with their senior buddies. Our families were also treated to a special presentation showcasing some of the opportunities available at our school, including dance, music and aerobics.

Parents and carers heard from our Before and After School Care providers, our canteen supervisors, our P&C and school staff, making it a valuable chance to learn more about the supports and activities available at Warners Bay PS.

Thank you to all families who joined us, we truly appreciate you taking the time to be part of this important transition for our newest students.

Students from our school recently undertook an education tour of the national capital. During the excursion, students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributed funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate was paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes

Applications for opportunity classes in 2027 are open for students currently in Year 3. The application period runs from November 6, 2025, to February 20, 2026, with the placement test taking place in May 2026. Parents should register for the online placement test and can find more details and the application link on the NSW Department of Education website.

Key dates for 2027 entry

• Applications open: November 6, 2025
• Applications close: February 20, 2026
• Placement test: May 2026
• Who can apply: Students currently in Year 3 or Year 4 can apply for Year 5 entry in 2027.
• How to apply: Go to the NSW Department of Education website
• Parents or carers will register to create an application account.
• Log in and complete the application form, including uploading a photo of your child.
• Submit the application by the deadline date.

For mote information, please visit - https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers

Thank you,

Tim Lewis

Principal

Our Primary Ethics program gives students the opportunity to explore big questions about life, fairness, choice and responsibility through guided discussion and respectful debate. Each session, students practise listening to others’ viewpoints, sharing ideas clearly, and thinking deeply about real-world issues - all supported by specially trained volunteer teachers.

Program running: Monthly on Wednesday at 1:55-2:55pm

As our program continues to grow, we are always keen to welcome new volunteer Ethics teachers, and currently some classes will be missing out next year! No prior teaching experience is needed, just an interest in working with children and a willingness to support thoughtful discussion. Training is provided and the commitment is minimal but incredibly rewarding. If you’d like to get involved, please contact the school office and they will be able to put you in touch with the new coordinator.

A heartfelt thank you to Claire, who is stepping down after being a part of the Ethics program since it began at our school in 2018. Her dedication, warmth, acting prowess and enthusiasm have had a lasting impact on many students, and we are so grateful for the time and care she has given to the program.

I would also like to sincerely thank all our volunteer Ethics teachers and supporters for their continued involvement, this program simply wouldn’t be possible without you.

Finally, I will be relinquishing the role of Ethics Coordinator, as my children have now graduated from the school. It has been a pleasure to establish and facilitate this wonderful program for the last 8 years, and I’m so proud of what the Ethics team has achieved.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

Phoebe Jennings

Ethics Co-ordinator