Dear Families,

Parent Requests for 2026

I trust the following information helps you understand how we design classes, the processes and thinking that go into making grades. It’s complex and takes a lot of time. Therefore, if you have a request for your child’s grade, we need to know ASAP - before or by Friday September 19^th 2025.

Can parents choose teachers?

• The short answer is ‘no’.

What can parents request?

• That their child might be with (or not with) another student based on education needs, or if there has been a past incident or negative history with another student.
• Parents may request something like, having your child separated from a good friend to help them focus or to have the opportunity to make new friends.

Who do I send my request to? Email to Campbell: Campbell.McKay@education.vic.gov.au

No later than 5pm Friday September 19^th 2025 (no exceptions). As I will be away for the last 7 days of the school term, you are likely to get an ‘out of office’ response. As such, this will be your confirmation of receipt, and I will check these emails when I return at the start of Term Four.

Student Friend Requests

Although we seek to have students with at least one ‘friend’ request, we cannot promise this. We have found that mixing grades up and providing the opportunity for new friends, is a great way to broaden friendships and build resilience.

How is the grade structure decided?

At MWPS we run straight grades, we do not run any composite grades.

How do we make grades for 2026?

We start by asking students to identify five ‘friends’ they might like to have in their grade for the next year. When we say ‘friend’, we mean someone who they would work well with, not always their best friend. Students have ample time and opportunity to be with their best friend, outside of school and classroom hours. Importantly we do not guarantee these ‘five’ requests; usually students will get one or two of their ‘friend’ requests.  Sometimes not getting requests upsets students and their families. Invariably, however, we find that students meet new friends (in their new grade) across their years at school - friends they wouldn’t have met if we hadn’t encouraged mixing the grades. So, this is a deliberate strategy that supports students building their friendship groups across the years.

Who makes the grades?

Classroom teaching staff and specialist teachers all contribute to making the grades.

The Principal Class Team decides on the final grades. As a rule, we never make changes after the grades have been made. So please make your request before or by 19^th September 2025.

What factors do we consider when we make grades?

When we make grades, we consider things like: Academic capabilities / friendships / student behaviour. We also ensure that grades have an even spread of boys and girls – we do not stream grades.

I trust this explains how we do this process; this is consistent with most schools.

Yours faithfully,
Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

Why We Use Hands-On Manipulatives
in Mathematics
at Mount Waverley Primary School

At Mount Waverley Primary School, we are dedicated to providing engaging and effective mathematics instruction that helps students build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. One of the most powerful tools we use in our classrooms is hands-on manipulatives—physical objects that students can touch, move, and explore to support their learning. But why are these tools so important, and what does research say about their impact?

What Are Hands-On Manipulatives?

Hands-on manipulatives include objects such as counters, base-ten blocks, number lines, pattern blocks, and fraction tiles. These tools allow students to physically interact with mathematical ideas, making abstract concepts more concrete and accessible.

Why Do We Use Hands-On Manipulatives?

1. Enhances Conceptual Understanding – Research by Dr. Jean Piaget emphasises that children learn best through active, hands-on experiences. Manipulatives provide students with a tangible way to explore mathematical concepts before moving on to more abstract representations.
2. Supports Different Learning Styles – According to Dr. Jerome Bruner’s theory of learning, students’ progress through enactive (hands-on), iconic (visual), and symbolic (abstract) stages of learning. Manipulatives help students at the enactive stage, providing a strong foundation for deeper mathematical thinking.
3. Encourages Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – Dr. Douglas Clements, a leading mathematics education researcher, states, "Manipulatives encourage students to explore, ask questions, and develop their own strategies for solving problems." This hands-on approach fosters independence and confidence in mathematics.
4. Bridges the Gap Between Concrete and Abstract Thinking – When students first encounter new mathematical concepts, manipulatives help them see patterns, relationships, and connections. Over time, they transition from using physical objects to solving problems mentally.
5. Promotes Engagement and Collaboration – Hands-on activities make learning interactive and enjoyable. When students use manipulatives, they work together, discuss strategies, and explain their thinking—developing both mathematical reasoning and communication skills.

How We Use Hands-On Manipulatives in the Classroom

Teachers at Mount Waverley Primary School integrate manipulatives into daily math lessons in a variety of ways:

• Building Number Sense – Using counters and number lines to develop a deep understanding of counting, place value, and number relationships.
• Exploring Operations – Demonstrating addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division concepts with base-ten blocks and arrays.
• Investigating Fractions and Decimals – Using fraction tiles and area models to visualise part-whole relationships.
• Understanding Geometry and Measurement – Exploring shapes, symmetry, and spatial reasoning with pattern blocks and geoboards.
• Solving Real-World Problems – Applying math concepts using hands-on tools to model real-life situations.

How Parents Can Support Hands-On Math at Home

You can reinforce hands-on learning by:

• Encouraging your child to use everyday objects (coins, buttons, blocks) to explore math concepts.
• Playing math games that involve counting, sorting, and measuring.
• Asking open-ended questions like "How do you know?" or "Can you show me another way to solve this?"
• Using online interactive math tools that simulate manipulatives.

By using hands-on manipulatives, we help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics, build confidence, and develop essential problem-solving skills. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning journey at Mount Waverley Primary School!

Tania Hunter
Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning
Mount Waverley Primary School

  

              Early school dismissal/pickup @ 2:30pm

• 12th September

• 21st September

Warmest Congratulations
to Our Award Recipients!

Keep Shining!

Our Everyday Heroes

Thank you all for making this event truly unforgettable.  Special thanks to our Parents and Friends volunteers and staff members for their dedication and collaborative effort to make this event so special.
 
From our Resident Bear, Brad-The-Dad, to every father in our school family - may this weekend bring joy, gratitude, and moments to treasure.
Happy Father's Day!   

The Spirit of Community

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Echoes of Triumph

On 3^rd September, our District Athletics team gathered at Bill Sewart Athletics Track in Burwood East for a thrilling and competitive day of events.

We’re very proud to announce that 43 students have qualified for the upcoming Division Athletics! This is an amazing achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our students throughout the day.

Special congratulations to our Year 3 stars - Olivia C., Thirth K. and Uvindu G.  -  who qualified for Division Athletics.  What an inspiring achievement from these young athletes!

The HIGHLIGHT - our students excelled and dazzled in the relay events, with 5 relay teams earning a spot in the Division Athletics. The adrenaline-pumping relays showcased incredible coordination, teamwork and athleticism.

The competition was fierce throughout the day, with Wheelers Hill PS neck-and-neck with us until the very last event.  In a nail-biting finish during the relays, our teams surged ahead to seal the victory!

The day was not just about individual achievements.  It was a powerful display of teamwork and school pride, with students showing remarkable spirit, cheering each other on from the sidelines, and displaying unwavering perseverance in every event.

Thanks to the dedication, teamwork, and sportspersonship of all our students, we proudly brought home the Monash Heights Athletics Shield. What a day to remember!

Bring on Division Athletics in Term 4 – WE ARE READY!

James Smith
Physical Education Teacher
Mount Waverley Primary School

Where every bear
gets the best treatment...

Step into a magical space where children become caregivers, and teddy bears become brave little patients.  Whether it's a bandaged paw, a sore tummy, or just a case of the sniffles, our young doctors and nurses are ready to help - with stethoscopes, stickers, and lots of love. 
                                                       
     
 
                                                           
This week, the Monash Teddy Hospital visited the Foundation and Year 1 students at MWPS.  They learned what to expect at a hospital and how to handle medical emergencies. The encouraging presence of Mascot Big Ted helped students engage more actively and kept them excited about learning. With the help of the Monash Teddy squad, the students explored a range of topics including x-rays, asthma, casting, doctor tools and the importance of hand hygiene.    





This playful, hands-on experience helped students connect with real-world medical practices, and explored empathy, health awareness, and the joy of helping others - all through the comforting lens of their favourite plush companions. It was a hit and a fun day of learning essential skills for all.   








            

 
   

Visual Harmony

A Celebration of Young Artists

Be Inspired

Step into a world of imagination and inspiration as Mount Waverley Primary School proudly presents its upcoming Art Exhibition, showcasing the vibrant creativity of our students across all year levels.

This year’s exhibition invites us to explore a kaleidoscope of student artworks – from expressive paintings and intricate collages to playful sculptures and multimedia pieces.  Each creation reflects the unique voice of its young artist, shaped by the school’s rich Visual Arts program that encourages experimentation, empathy, and storytelling through art.

Beyond the brushstrokes and colour palettes, this exhibition is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the joy of making.  It’s a chance to honour the creative journeys of our students and the educators who guide them.

All are welcome to immerse in this vibrant tapestry of young talents. Please do not miss this remarkable art show that promises to leave you inspired…

A Conversation Can Change A Life

Mount Waverley Primary School will be observing RU OK Day on 11th September.  This is a significant day when everyone takes a moment to check in with each other by simply asking "RU OK?". 
It's about connecting and caring.
On this day, everyone is encouraged to wear something yellow which symbolises hope, optimism, and friendship.  It is a beautiful reminder to foster a supportive community. 

"Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.  

Thursday 11 September is R U OK?Day but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague , the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day."  ~ RU OK Official Website

For more information, please click HERE

1. Ashwood Cricket Club

2. Ango Youth Ensembles Program