Dear Families,

Time flies when you’re having fun! Term Three is almost finished, and we have packed an enormous amount in.

Many thanks to everyone for helping with the broad range of cross curricula activities including: House Athletics; Dance Sport Incursions; Divisional Sports & Regional Sports Competitions; Sexual Health Education; Science Week; Book Week & Parade; Dream City VR Incursion; Hoop Time; Imax Excursion; Teddy Bears Hospital; Chesterfield Farm Excursion, Mini Boss Incursion, Art Show and Footy Day.

VPA Conference - Last week I attended the 2025 Victorian Principal’s Association Conference. The theme of the conference was Elevation: Shaping Futures and had a strong focus on building capable staff and leadership teams to then in turn build quality teaching practice that helps every student achieve their potential. Principals listened to a variety of speakers who explored: How to perform under pressure and rise to the occasion; Intergenerational perspectives on the workforce and building relationships across the generational divide; Developing a culture of excellence when learning, teaching and leading, and avoiding distractions to manage risk and develop a clear and cohesive plan for improvement. Having recently completed our strategic plan for 2025-2029, our work is to streamline our focus with a particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy, underpinned by wellbeing. My key take-away from the conference was that MWPS is well on its way to achieving these aims, but as I often say, meeting every learner’s point of need is an ongoing challenge that we are constantly working towards.

Nurses Thank You – It is sad that we say goodbye to our two nurses Helen and Alison, who will finish up today. Both have been with our school over seven years. I am sure you will agree that they will be sadly missed for their care and support of children and families. Kerry Oates will start as our new first aid person at the beginning of Term Four 2025.

Building Update – Our contractor has been confirmed (United Commercial Projects PTY LTD) and we will start works approximately mid next term. The contractors are finalising the official timeline with the VSBA and we will be able to share more information with the community on our return in term 4.

Footy Day - The last day of Term Three is our annual footy colours day. We know that not every person is a passionate footy follower, so students who don’t follow an AFL team can dress in their preferred football code’s favourite colours, e.g. Melbourne Storm for the NRL fans out there. That said, I encourage everyone to get into the spirit of the day and avoid non-football related outfits. If possible, we’d love to see the students in AFL colours.

Hats in Term 4 - A reminder that hats are compulsory for students during recess and lunchtimes throughout term four and term one 2026 (as a general guide – sometimes before and after these dates). Students are expected to be wearing a school uniform hat as part of the full summer uniform. Senior students are expected to lead by example from day one of next term.

The Kiss and Go zones - make for easy pick up and drop off points. Please remember not to leave your vehicle unattended, as this disrupts the flow of the zones and you can be fined.

Finally, I hope you have a happy and safe holidays.

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

Digital Balance:
Supporting Healthy
Technology Use
at Home and School 

As we approach the spring term break, many families will be planning time together, often with screens playing a big role—whether it’s games, streaming, or staying connected with friends. While technology has many benefits, too much screen time can affect children’s executive functioning skills—the mental processes that help them focus, plan, regulate emotions, and adapt to challenges. 

Why Digital Balance Matters 
Excessive or unstructured screen time can make it harder for children to concentrate, manage their impulses, or transition between tasks. We sometimes see this at school in the form of shorter attention spans, difficulty regulating emotions, or struggles with persistence. Just like physical health, children’s “digital health” thrives on balance and moderation. 

How We Support Students at MWPS 
At school, we guide students to use technology as a tool for learning, creativity, and collaboration—while also building in opportunities for offline problem-solving, reflection, and social interaction. We encourage mindful use of devices and integrate strategies to help children stay focused, reduce distractions, and take regular breaks. 

Tips for Families Over the Break 

• Set clear boundaries around screen time, such as device-free mealtimes or designated “switch-off” hours. 

• Balance activities—pair screen time with outdoor play, reading, or creative projects. 

• Model healthy habits—children notice how we use our devices, so it helps when they see adults taking breaks too. 

• Encourage self-awareness—ask your child how they feel after long screen sessions and help them notice the difference after time outdoors or in active play. 

• Create device-free zones—like bedrooms, to support better sleep and downtime. 

The spring break is the perfect opportunity to reset routines, enjoy family activities, and practise healthy digital habits. By working together—at home and at school—we can help our students use technology in ways that support their learning, wellbeing, and growth. 

Wishing you a safe and balanced spring break! 

Warm regards, 
Ramya Deepak Kumar 
Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing & Student-Led Learning 
Mount Waverley Primary School 

Letter to Parents/ Guardians/ Carers

Inspiring

Captivating

Unforgettable

MWPS Art Show Gallery 2025

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The Art of Onigiri Making
&
Donut Day Project

On 16th September, our Japanese and Global Learning Extension students recently enjoyed the hands-on experience of making Onigiri (Japanese rice balls). Onigiri, also known as omusubi or nigirimeshi, is a traditional Japanese snack made from white rice, often shaped into triangles or cylinders and wrapped in seaweed (nori).  

Before making their own, students explored key Japanese vocabulary connected to the process and read through the important steps involved. Using special moulds, they carefully shaped their rice balls and then chose from a variety of delicious fillings to create their own unique Onigiri.

 It was an incredibly fun cultural learning experience that combined language, food, and creativity!

Xiao Tong                                            Danielle Bonacci
LOTE Japanese Teacher                   Global Learning Teacher

             










The Donut Day Project

Our enthusiastic Global Learning Teacher, Ms Bonacci, is guiding extension students in a vibrant fundraiser to build a directional pole to showcase cities from around the globe.  This exciting initiative enriches the global community spirit that we cherish at MWPS.

If you haven't already filled in an order form, a copy is enclosed below.  Please ensure that you submit this form the first week back in Term 4 - no later than 10th October. 

Thank you very much for your support.

Your involvement will truly make a difference.

Achooo Alert! 
The Hay Fever Season Has Arrived!

Eyes watering? Nose and ears tickling?
Below are some great tips from Nurses Helen & Ali, to help you get through this season - smiling...

Farewell

Nurse Helen & Nurse Ali

Providing Care
Beyond Compare

Helen and Ali - You will be dearly missed.

                      



            



   

Term 4

Friday, 31st October 2025

Dear MWPS Families,

The Year 6 students will be holding the annual, whole school Mini Fete on Friday 31st October, 2025 which will be held during school hours.

Money raised will be put toward the Year 6 Graduation and end of year celebrations. Students from all year levels will be given the opportunity to participate in the Mini Fete by purchasing tokens which can be used at the stalls and activities.

A fantastic variety of food and drink stalls will be on offer including boba tea, rocky road, fried chicken, popcorn, loaded fries, nachos, doughnuts, pizza, tacos, milk shakes and so much more…

We will also have fun and entertaining stalls including basketball shooting, cup catching, hair spray, raffles, sponge throwing, key rings, crochet items, and many more.

The Year 6 students will promote their business to the whole school before that day, so students will find out more of what’s on offer.

Students can pre-purchase tokens by EFTpos or cash until Monday, October 27, 2025. Please ensure cash is placed in an envelope (securely sealed) and filled in correctly with the child’s name, class and amount of tickets purchased.

Price is 50c for 1 token. (Most activities and food will range between 2-6 tokens each)

****Tokens can also be purchased on the day but pre-purchasing is preferable  to ensure students don’t miss out on the fun.

Students will receive their purchased tokens at school from their class teacher on the day of the fete.

Keep your eyes peeled for more details and exciting updates in upcoming newsletters.

Warm regards,

The Year 6 Team

MY BEST SELF Competition

A Celebration of Effort and Growth

During Term 3, our Year 4 students had the privilege of partaking in an exciting 10-session journey in MY BEST SELF Program which blended movement and mindfulness in a unique wellbeing and dance program.  It was an initiative that teaches respect, courage, and resilience through partner dancing which reflects the Department of Education's Wellbeing Strategy of inclusive, proactive, and preventative approach to wellbeing.

Over these sessions, guided by professional tutors from Dancesport Confidence, students had a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn key wellbeing concepts through a suite of partner dances which included the Tango, Samba and Jive. 

This program culminated in an amazing inter-school competition gala in the school gymnasium, where families gathered to enjoy and to cheer on our young performers as they showcased their ballroom dancing skills with confidence and flair.

Year 4 Team 

Young Voices of Melbourne will be running a workshop with the Junior and Senior choirs at the start of Term 4, 2025.

Students who are interested to join, please email Mrs Newbury ellen.newbury@education.vic.gov.au for more information. 

A CELEBRATION OF TEAM SPIRIT

FOOTY, FLAGS & FLAMING HOTDOGS

 
PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD?