Dear Families,

Welcome Back to Term Four! - Welcome back everyone! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the final term of the year — one filled with exciting learning opportunities, celebrations, and milestones. We can’t wait to finish 2025 on a high note with our wonderful students and families.

School Renovations Begin Next Week - We’re thrilled to announce that our long-awaited school renovations will begin early next week. Stage One includes the Foundation classrooms, library, and staffroom, marking an exciting step forward in creating modern, flexible learning spaces for our students.

Preparations - You’ll notice some movement of furniture and equipment across the school this Friday and Monday as we get ready.

Key Dates:

• Thursday 9 October: Foundation classes move to the large central rooms between the senior classrooms (access via the north side near Bambini Early Learning Centre).
  
• Monday 13 October: Library relocation — the library will be closed during the upgrade, but Mr. Rooks will continue library sessions in classrooms.
  
• Tuesday 14 October: Contractors take over the Staff Car Park (Park Lane). This will become a work site, and access may be restricted around the car park near the art room.

Traffic and Parking - Contractors will avoid deliveries during school drop-off and pick-up times, but please expect some congestion and limited parking along Park Lane. Staff will also be parking on surrounding streets during the works.

Stay Updated on Compass - We’ll keep families informed of any changes or updates as the works progress. Please check Compass regularly and ensure your notifications are turned on.

Looking Ahead - It’s an exciting time for our community — new spaces, new opportunities, and the final celebrations of the school year all ahead of us. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue building a bright future for our students. We thank the state government for this $5.8 million refurbishment.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Campbell.McKay@education.vic.gov.au

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

 

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Why We Use Readers
and Writers Notebooks
at Mount Waverley Primary School

At Mount Waverley Primary School, we strive to nurture a love of reading and writing in all our students. One of the most effective tools we use to support literacy development is the Readers and Writers Notebook. These notebooks provide a space for students to think critically, develop their ideas, and reflect on their learning. But why are they so important, and what does research say about their impact?

What Are Readers and Writers Notebooks?

Readers and Writers Notebooks are personal learning tools that encourage students to engage deeply with texts and their own writing. They provide:

• A space for students to record their thoughts, observations, and questions about texts they read.
• A place to develop and refine writing ideas, experiment with different genres, and build confidence as writers.
• A tool for students to track their learning progress over time.

Why Do We Use Readers and Writers Notebooks?

1. Encourages Active Engagement with Texts – Students who write about their reading are far more likely to develop deeper comprehension and make meaningful connections to texts. Using notebooks helps students process what they read by summarising, questioning, and analysing it.
2. Fosters Creativity and Individual Voice – A writer’s notebook gives students a place to write freely, without the pressure of assessment, allowing their unique voices to emerge. This freedom to explore ideas fosters creativity and a personal connection to writing.
3. Supports Metacognition and Reflection – When students regularly reflect on their reading and writing, they become more aware of their growth and areas for improvement.
4. Develops Writing Stamina and Fluency – Daily writing practice in a structured yet flexible way builds confidence and fluency. Writing is a process, not a product, and regular, low-stakes writing improves overall ability.
5. Provides a Meaningful Record of Learning – Students can revisit past entries to see how their thinking and writing have evolved over time. This sense of progress boosts confidence and motivation.

How We Use Readers and Writers Notebooks in the Classroom

At Mount Waverley Primary School, students use their notebooks in a variety of ways, including:

• Recording responses to reading – Writing reflections, making predictions, and noting questions about texts.
• Brainstorming and planning writing pieces – Using the notebook as a space to develop ideas before drafting longer pieces.
• Practicing writing strategies – Experimenting with different sentence structures, word choices, and writing techniques.
• Tracking personal reading and writing goals – Setting and reviewing targets for improvement.

How Parents Can Support Readers and Writers Notebooks at Home

You can encourage your child’s use of their notebook by:

• Asking them to share what they are writing and reading about.
• Encouraging them to jot down thoughts about books they read at home.
• Providing opportunities for creative writing and personal reflection.
• Discussing their learning goals and celebrating their progress.

By using Readers and Writers Notebooks, we empower students to think critically, write confidently, and develop a lifelong love of literacy. Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering your child’s growth as a reader and writer at Mount Waverley Primary School.

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

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2025 TERM DATES

Term 4: 6 October - 19 December

October

16          1st Prep Transition
17          Donut Day
21          Grandparents Morning
24          Teachers Day
31          Mini Fete

November

3             Professional Practice Day (Pupil-free Day)
4             Melbourne Cup (Public Holiday)
5             2nd Prep Transition
5 - 7      Year 3 Camp
11         Junior House Athletics
27         3rd Prep Transition
28         Japanese Day

December

8           Carols Afternoon
9             4th Prep Transition
            WHOLE SCHOOL TRANSITION (11:30am-1:30pm)
10           Year 6 Graduation
15           WHOLE SCHOOL TRANSITION (11:30am-1:30pm)
16           Class Christmas Party
            Year 6 Fun Day @ Gumbuya


  17 October, 7 & 21 November, 5 & 12 December


  24 October, 14 & 28 November


   Dance Curriculum Incursion payment ~ 31 October

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Kerry Oates

First Aid Officer 

@ MWPS

We are thrilled to introduce Kerry, our First Aid Officer, who is a much valued member of our school community. 

Through the years, Kerry's dedication has truly made an impact on the learning and wellbeing of our students across MWPS.  She has a warm, nurturing personality and a calming demeanour that instantly makes students feel at ease around her.  With that gentle presence, she has built wonderful connections with many students.   She is also well-equipped with first aid skills and knowledge required to support students who need the extra care and attention at our Health Centre. 

MWPS students are in very capable hands.



Some fun tidbits about Kerry...

Q. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
A. I would travel to Morocco to enjoy the stunning rich and vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and fabulous adventures.

Q.  If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
A. It would be Diana, the Princess of Wales, so we could talk about the nitty gritty of the Royal family, and about her 'not always following rules' which made her controversial and admired.  Also the strength it must have taken to defy expectations, while under the world's microscope.

Q. If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
A. To be able to speak all languages, so that I could understand other people's conversations, especially when I'm at the nail bar.

Q. What's a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn't know?
A. I absolutely love 'jumping castles'.

Q. What's your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?
A. I love to take my dog (Ruby) for a long walk along the creek.

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Sun Safety Starts at Home

As the warmer months approach, it's the perfect time to remind our families and students how to stay safe in the sun.  Whether you are at home or at school - during recess or lunchtime, sports or any outdoor activities, remembering a few simple habits can make a big difference.

We kindly ask families to chat with your child(ren) about making sun-smart choices and about the 5S:-

• Slip on protective clothing
• Slop on broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen SPF50+ 20 minutes before going outside, reapplying if necessary
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, head and ears
• Seek shade during peak UV hours
• Slide on sunglasses for extra protection

Together, we can help every child enjoy the sunshine safely and confidently.  

Thank you for supporting our sun-safe community.

For more information on the 5S, please click HERE

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Something exciting is happening next Friday - the school assembly will come alive with music, energy and celebration as the Junior and Senior Choirs, along with the School Orchestra and the Junior School (Foundation to Year 2) take centre stage.

Each group will bring their own flair to the stage, showcasing weeks of dedication and joyful rehearsal.

Mark your calendars, warm up your applause, and come ready to be swept away - this promises to be an afternoon of musical magic, where every note sparkles and the joy lingers long after the final chord fades.

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1. Rotary Club Kids Fun Run
2. Australian School of Performing Arts








                  

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