12 May 2026

Term 2 certainly is in full swing!

So many things happening……….

We had District cross country on Thursday 30 April, and the weather certainly turned it on. Our students did a wonderful job representing our school and a huge thank you must go to Mr Argaet who convened the carnival, alongside Mr Philp from Austinmer Public School. Our very own P&C also did a wonderful job running the canteen for the day, showing their support extends beyond our school gates.

Last week all our staff met with their stage teams for half a day to undertake valuable evaluation of student work samples. Our staff meticulously plan learning experiences that match their students needs. This is an extremely time consuming but valuable process, with staff identifying where students are and what their next steps are, ensuring our students are individually catered for. The collaborative approach is something that Woonona prides itself on, ensuring student needs are identified and a consistent approach to quality teaching and learning practices is occurring across all classrooms, K-6.

Our first P&C Meeting was held last Wednesday 6 May and it was wonderful to see some new, enthusiastic faces there. Once again, I would like to thank our P&C for being so invested in our school and working alongside the school to ensure our students are provided with the most wonderful range of experiences.

Last Thursday 7 May was a very busy day at Woonona, there was a buzz in the air! The Kindy cross country was a fun filled event, I’m not sure who had more fun, the students or the parents!

The following day, Friday 8 May the Mother’s Day stall was in full swing in the hall. There was a collection of thoughtful gifts available. The students loved being able to choose something for their special person. Special thanks must go to Chelsea from our P&C who goes above and beyond to ensure our stall is so well run and resourced. Chelsea and her team are to be congratulated on another highly successful Mother’s Day stall.

Our fingers are crossed the weather holds out for our Athletics carnival tomorrow, Wednesday 13 May. Our Athletics carnival is highly anticipated every year, seeing all our students, K-6, there having a chance to run on the track is always a highlight. All parents and family members are warmly invited to cheer on our little athletes. Special thanks to Mr McMullen and Mrs Stewart for their thorough organisation for the day.

This Friday 15 May is Walk Safely to School Day. Please use this opportunity to encourage your child to walk to school with a friend or walk with them. There’s no better way to start the day than with a morning walk. Also a great chance to save some fuel by leaving your car at home for the day!

We have a lot of exciting things planned for some significant upcoming dates, Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. Mrs Carroll has been extremely busy leading our team in ensuring both of these events are recognised in appropriate and meaningful ways. I’m sure there will be many photos and things for you to spot over the coming weeks.

It is so wonderful to see so many of our students riding their scooters and bikes to school. Can I please ask that you have a chat to your child and remind them about being courteous when riding home along footpaths and how to share the footpath respectfully. While the vast majority of students do this, there has been some recent reports of some behaviours that have not been safe or respectful. I thank you in advance for supporting our students to not only be great representatives of our school inside the school gates but also outside our school gates.

Woonona sure is a busy place and has something happening for everyone!

Ms Alison Strinic

Relieving Principal

These amazing students were awarded the 'Citizenship of the Month Award' for April, in recognition of their exemplary standards of conduct and service to others.

Congratulations to:

Lyra KB

Jack 1-2F

Eden 3-4A

Lainey 5-6H

At Woonona Public School we use School Bytes app to make communication and admin easier for families. These tools help you:

• make payments quickly and securely
• view academic reports
• stay up to date with school events
• record absences.

Click here to download the app.

• Music Lessons $35 - Payment due now
• Moving into the Teen Years $30 - Payment overdue
• Stage 3 Canberra Excursion deposit $130 - Payment due now
• Choral Festival Participants $18 - Payment overdue

On Friday 1 May, our boys PSSA basketball team played Woonona East Public School. With Woonona East having a home team advantage, our team put in a valiant effort, showing determination and grit.

Isaac R displayed calmness and control on the court, helping to steady and set up the valuable plays, whilst making key assists. Zac E contributed defensively with some crucial baskets, intercepts and a well-timed block, whilst Hendrix impressed with his defence and long shots. Oli C delivered a solid performance, highlighted by some excellent passes that helped maintain team flow.

Zac D showcased both his defensiveness and offensive prowess, whilst Freddie shone under the basket with crucial rebounds. Lewis B and Cameron M also contributed with valuable rebounds and strong defence on the court.

As the game progressed, the boys found their rhythm and confidence, but in the end we went down 15 to 40. The boys were gracious in defeat and should be immensely proud of their efforts and their excellent sportsmanship with which they represented Woonona Public School.

Thank you also to the parents who attended to cheer us on!

On Friday 8 May our girls’ basketball team proudly represented our school at the PSSA State Knockout Basketball competition held at the Snakepit. The event showcased the exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and determination of our students as they first faced off against Balgownie Public School. Whilst we went down 21-11 the team grew in confidence and ability, before then taking on Corrimal Public School and winning 29-6.

Olive demonstrated outstanding versatility and leadership throughout both matches, playing numerous positions and showcasing her remarkable basketball skills, both offensively and defensively. Kyah transferred her netball skills to the court seamlessly, making valuable shots and assists. Lainey contributed impressive defensive plays and provided valuable assists, helping the team maintain their momentum. Isla gained confidence in her defensive skills and dribbling as the match unfolded and put in a solid performance.

Audrey and Zarla, both new to the game of basketball, found their feet as the games progressed, and developed a hunger for the ball, getting in amongst the action and putting some strong pressure on defensively. Phoebe and Adelaide, also both new to the game of basketball, embraced the challenge and did an exceptional job learning the rules and contributing to the team’s success.

The entire team exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and persistence and they did Woonona PS proud. A big thanks to parents who supported us, whether by assisting with the scoreboard or cheering from the sidelines.

The Boys cricket team marches on in the State Knockout with a convincing win over Dapto PS.

The boys won the toss and batted first, piling on the runs. The highlight was an incredible opening stand between Monty (26) and top scorer, Reg, who made 36, that put WPS in a commanding position. All other batters chipped in as we set an imposing total of 4/141.

Tight bowling and excellent fielding got us over the line in the second innings. All the bowlers chipped in and the boys showed that catches do win matches as they took just about every chance that came their way. Lachlan P also made an amazing runout to start the innings.

In the end, Dapto were restricted to 75 from their 25 overs, resulting in a great win for the Blue and Red.

It was an amazing day of football last Tuesday, as Woonona took on archrivals Woonona East PS in the State Knockout at Balls Paddock.

The goals absolutely flowed in both games, as Woonona ran away convincing winners against some quality opposition.

We look forward to taking on Waniora in the next round.

Girls

Woonona 8 def Woonona East Public School 0

Boys

Woonona 13 def Woonona East Public School 3

Uniform orders are filled weekly by P&C volunteers.

School hats/caps are available to purchase from the front Office, cash payments only.

Further information on ordering uniforms can be found on the school website.

ISLHD has once again partnered with our University of Wollongong Digital Child experts for the next webinar in our series:

Screen use, physical activity and healthy development webinar for parents

When: 9th June 2026

Time: 7:30-8:15pm, online

Here is the webinar link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d0abc6ec-0162-4dca-9b5a-abf4ab7a5cea@a687a7bf-02db-43df-bcbb-e7a8bda611a2