Newsletter 24 October 2025

Term 4 Week 3


Principal's Message


Dear Families,

World Teacher’s Day ~ I would like to acknowledge our wonderful teaching team today. Teachers are a special type of person, dedicating their lives to helping others. I know how hard our team works to help your child(ren) grow and thrive – and incredibly - they do this with 25+ students in their grade. So important that we get behind teachers as a community because they nurture our next generation.

Parent Requests for 2026 ~ Thanks to all the families who have written to me requesting scenarios for your children. As the number of requests was over fifty, I haven’t responded to most families. Please be assured that I will look at each of these in our decision making. To reaffirm a point that I've made in the Compass announcement, it is the students, not families, who choose the five friends they will be with. In 2026, like every other year, the development of class groups involves input from all staff, with the goal of creating harmonious and productive learning environments for every student.

Important Dates ~ Pupil Free Days:

  • Monday November 3rd (Pupil Free Day – staff will have an Assessment and Report Writing day)
  • Tuesday November 4th (Melbourne Cup Public Holiday for the Melbourne Cup).

No Hat, No Play ~ Please be reminded that the ‘No Hat No Play’ policy has commenced. All students are required to wear a School Council approved hat while outdoors. Students without a school hat will be limited to play in areas covered by shade covers. 

Are you leaving MWPS in 2026?  We ask that you let us know if you are moving or have enrolled in another school for 2026. We require this information as soon as possible to establish grade structures for the start of the new school year. If your child is currently in Foundation to Year Five, and will not be at MWPS in 2026, please notify the school office in writing as soon as possible.

School Council Update ~ School Council have approved a three year contract extension with Camp Australia. The Council have been impressed how the service has developed over the last contract and we look forward to building on this very positive relationship.

Grandparents Day ~ Was lovely to have grandparents at school and share what we do here at MWPS.

Divisional Sports ~ We have had some amazing results at divisional level. Well done to students and staff involved and thanks for the parental support.

Building Update ~ Things are starting to happen with a revised start date now November 5th 2025. I thank staff for their flexibility with teaching arrangements and the huge effort to move classrooms last week.

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal

Mount Waverley Primary School







 



Wellbeing @ MWPS

Kindness Counts:
Building Empathy in Our Students

 


At Mount Waverley Primary School, we believe that kindness is not just something we do — it’s something we teach, model, and nurture. Empathy and kindness sit at the heart of wellbeing, respectful relationships, and inclusive communities. When students learn to understand another person’s perspective, they develop the social and emotional skills that help them thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Why Empathy Matters

Empathy allows children to recognise and respond to the feelings of others. It supports cooperation, strengthens friendships, and reduces conflict. Students who learn empathy are more likely to stand up for what’s right, include others, and show compassion — key qualities for positive school culture and strong citizenship.

In a world where quick reactions can sometimes replace thoughtful reflection, teaching empathy helps students pause, listen, and respond with care.

How We Foster Empathy at School
At MWPS, empathy is embedded in everything we do — from our restorative conversations to our Resilience Project lessons. Students are encouraged to reflect on their choices, consider how others might feel, and take actions that repair and strengthen relationships. We celebrate acts of kindness and encourage students to notice when someone has helped, shared, or included them.

How Families Can Nurture Empathy at Home
Here are a few simple ways you can help strengthen your child’s empathy and kindness at home:

  • Talk about feelings. Encourage your child to name and describe their own emotions and notice how others might feel in different situations.

  • Model kindness. Let your child see you being patient, helpful, or understanding — these quiet moments have a lasting impact.

  • Ask reflective questions. After a disagreement or challenging moment, ask, “How do you think they felt?” or “What could we do differently next time?”

  • Encourage small acts of kindness. A kind note, a helping hand, or including someone new can make a big difference.

  • Share stories of empathy. Books, shows, and real-life examples are great conversation starters about kindness, fairness, and compassion.

Together, We Build a Culture of Care
When schools and families work together to model and reinforce empathy, children learn that kindness is powerful — it builds trust, connection, and community. Let’s continue to celebrate and encourage the small, everyday moments of kindness that help our students grow into caring and compassionate individuals.

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








MWPS Reconciliation Action Plan

Launching our
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)


We are delighted to share with our school community that Mount Waverley Primary School has officially published our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

MWPS RAP

This important milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, respect, and partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our RAP sets out how we will strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and work collaboratively as a school community to create meaningful opportunities for all students, staff and families. It guides how our school will honour the past, engage in the present, and look forward to the future when all Australians live with respect, equity and harmony.

Why this matters

Reconciliation isn’t simply about one event or one part of the curriculum—it’s a whole-school commitment to creating an inclusive culture where every student feels represented, valued and connected. By embedding our RAP into our policies, programs and learning environments, we foster a school where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions are recognised and celebrated.

What to expect

Over the coming months we will be working on actions such as:

  • strengthening opportunities for student voice and leadership in reconciliation-related activities

  • deepening teacher knowledge and curriculum-planning to include First Nations perspectives authentically

  • partnering with local Indigenous communities and organisations to enhance our school’s cultural connections

  • recognising, celebrating and reflecting on important dates and significant events in Indigenous culture

How you can be involved

We value the involvement of our families and wider community in this journey. Here are some ways you might engage:

  • Ask your child about what they’re learning in class about Indigenous histories or cultures.

  • Attend school events or assemblies where these themes are highlighted—your presence reinforces the message of unity and respect.

  • Share with your child what reconciliation means to you, and talk about everyday acts of respect, kindness and inclusion.

  • Stay informed: as actions are rolled out under our RAP, we will keep families updated via newsletters, school communications and our website.

By working together—students, staff, families and community—we move beyond words into meaningful action. Our RAP is a living document and a shared promise: to build a school culture grounded in empathy, respect, and shared learning.

Thank you for being a part of this important step forward with us.

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

















 
 
 


Important Dates



2025 TERM DATES

Term 4: 6 October - 19 December

October

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
19          Last Day of Term 4
              (School dismissal & student pick-up @ 1:30pm)


 
7 & 21 November, 5 & 12 December


 
14 & 28 November


 
  • Dance Curriculum Incursion payment - 31 October
  • Year 5 Indigenous Perspectives Excursion - 5 November
  • Year 4 Scienceworks Excursion - 21 November


Principal Awards

Recognising Excellence

Celebrating Impact


  
                            Heartiest Congratulations!
                   

                   Keep those sparkles coming!






5A   Saatvik P.
5B   Frankie C.
5C   Nachiket P.
5D   Bowie F.
5E   Victoria T.





6A   Jennifer L.
6B   Mila W.
6C   Isabella S.
6D   Harshika P.
6E   Olivia J.


Teachers Day 2025 @ MWPS


Happy Teachers Day!!



Ode to the Everyday Magic Makers


They wield whiteboard markers like wands,
Turn questions into lifelong bonds.
They juggle dreams, they calm the storm,
They make the ordinary transform.

With heart and humour, grit and grace,
They lift the world from classroom space.
So here’s to teachers—bold and true—
The magic starts because of you.



To Our Incredible Teachers ...

You are the rudder that steadies and steers the ship towards brighter horizons.

Your tireless dedication leaves a lasting impact on every child's journey.  

Your invaluable contributions shape not just lessons, but lives.

Last but not least, your commitment to every student's success is the foundation of our thriving school community.

THANK YOU






                  

              

      

         

            

                          

        

             












Grandparents Day


Bridging Generations


Connection

Care

Community




At MWPS, Grandparents Day is more than a celebration - it's a tribute to the love, wisdom, and enduring presence of those who help shape our children's lives.  


On 21st October, classrooms @ MWPS were filled with joyful buzz of young and seasoned voices, smiles and laughter, and gentle hugs.  This wonderful initiative honours the values that grandparents embody: connection across generations, a deep sense of community, and the unwavering care that nurtures young hearts.  

                  

Our sincere thanks to all grandparents whose presence helped made this day truly memorable - a living tapestry woven with connection, care and community. Your presence reminds us that learning is not just about books and lessons, but about relationships, resilience, and the joy of being together.

       

       

  




Gaga Pit Inauguration


The MWPS Senior Gaga Pit
Is Officially Open



A Schoolyard Celebration



A heartfelt Thank You to our Parents and Friends Committee for their tireless and amazing fundraising efforts throughout the year.  Thanks to their generosity and community spirit, we're thrilled to unveil our very first Gaga Pit - an exciting new space dedicated to active play and connection in the schoolyard.



This Gaga pit is dedicated to our Senior students, with a second one on the horizon for our Juniors - so everyone gets a turn to dodge, dive and delight!

Mr McKay officially opened the Gaga Pit on 15th October, surrounded by a very enthusiastic crew of Year 6 students who - with wide eyes and eager smiles - couldn't wait to jump in and get the game rolling.  What a joyful milestone in our school's journey of play, growth, and togetherness.














Sport @ MWPS

1. District Athletics News

2. Regional Athletics News



1. District Athletics



                             District Athletics Champions!





We are incredibly proud to announce that late last term, our school claimed the Monash Heights District Athletics Shield for 2025! Our awesome team displayed outstanding effort, sportspersonship, and teamwork across all events. Every student gave their best and supported one another throughout the day, which truly showcased our school spirit.

A huge congratulations to all our talented athletes and a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff and supportive parents who have helped make the event such a success.

Go Mount Waverley PS - champions on and off the track!



2. Regional Athletics


Congratulations to the 10 students who proudly represented our school at Regional Athletics on Thursday, 23rd OctoberNathan Lee, Bevan Shi, Bhavya Dash, Ziyan Zaki Semur, Uvindu Gunasekara, Georgie Katanas, Honoka Terasaka, Hamish Basdeo, Victor Huang and Nachiket Patel. Competing against some of the best athletes in the region, our students gave it their all and demonstrated fantastic determination, effort, and sportspersonship. We are so proud of their achievements and the way they represented our school community!



A roaring congratulations to Victor Huang, who dominated the jumps by taking out 1st place in both Triple Jump and Long Jump! Victor also set a new regional record in Triple Jump with an outstanding 10.27 metres. We wish him the best of luck as he takes on the State Championships!

 






      





                 




James Smith
Physical Education Teacher
Mount Waverley Primary School



Music @ MWPS

YOUNG VOICES MELBOURNE
INSPIRES MWPS CHOIRS


MWPS was thrilled to welcome the Director of the Young Voices of Melbourne - Ms Elizabeth O'Leary, and Ms Juliana Kay on Tuesday, 21st October.  It was an afternoon filled with harmony, heart, and high notes.  Ms O'Leary led inspiring choir sessions with both our Junior and Senior students, guiding them through a rich repertoire of songs and vocal techniques that had the Music Room buzzing with melodic and harmonic energy.



From warm-ups to full-bodied choruses, our young vocalists embraced every moment, exploring vocal textures, and discovering the magic of 3 part singing. The students thoroughly enjoyed learning the songs 'Ebineezer Sneezer' and Papaya, and playing vocal games such as Pass Three Windows.



The YVM session crowned the afternoon with Ms O'Leary playing her special ukelele, celebrating the beauty of voice and community, and closed with a crescendo of warmth and wonder.

Ellen Newbury
Music Teacher
Mount Waverley Primary School







To those in the community who would like to continue sessions at YVM, please refer to the flyer below.






Global Learning

1. Diwali Community Event @ MWPS
2. MWPS Directional Pole Voting Poll
    



1. Diwali Community Event @MWPS

On 14th October, MWPS sparkled with Diwali spirit as our community gathered for a festive prelude to the season.

Students used colourful paint and glitter to decorate their own Diya lamps - beautiful clay pots that symbolise light, hope, and prosperity. It was a joyful way to come together and celebrate this vibrant festival! 

Warm thanks to Ms Bonacci. Your efforts had certainly lit up many hearts and faces, setting the stage for a truly glowing and joyful Diwali celebration.

Happy Diwali to our amazing MWPS community!



                           

                             


Dive into the photo gallery below for more...


                 


2. MWPS Directional Pole Voting Poll Information 

We would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who purchased a donut for Donut Day. We hope they were enjoyed by all! The funds raised will go towards creating our Directional Pole, and we sincerely appreciate your support.

We are now excited to begin making the Directional Pole. At last Friday’s assembly, we shared an example of what it will look like and explained how we would like our school community to help select the countries that will appear on the signs. Each sign on the pole will represent a country from one of the seven continents. The pole will be colourful, creative, and a wonderful way to show how our school community is connected to countries around the world.


Because Antarctica does not have any countries, we are asking for your child’s help in choosing one country from each of the other six continents:

· Africa

· Asia

· Europe

· North America

· South America

· Oceania

Students will be able to vote for their choices via a Google Form, using the following link https://forms.gle/XoddaKUxUF9AVxkP8.

Please ensure that your child submits their votes by Monday 27th October. Only one vote per student will be counted, so selections should be made carefully.

We look forward to seeing which countries our school community selects and to bringing our Directional Pole to life!

Thank you for your continued support.

Lihanna, Minul, Lasya, Krish, Anirjit
The Global Learning Extension Team

Danielle Bonacci
Global Learning Teacher
Mount Waverley Primary School

 



Year 3 Camp

Our Year 3 cohort is gearing up for camp early next month.  Woohoo!!!  

Excitement is mounting...the countdown has begun...



Key camp info to note:-

  • Be at school by 8:00am.  Buses will depart around 8:30am.
  • REMEMBER your child's MEDICATION.
  • Pack snack & lunch in a disposable bag for Wednesday ONLY.
  • Please label/name all your child's belongings.
  • Items not permitted - money, additional snacks/lollies, electronics.
  • Expected arrival back at school on Friday 7th Nov @ 3:30pm.  Please ensure to sign your child out via the class teacher before leaving the school grounds.

For full details, please peruse the Important Information List below.






Kids Health Matters

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FEELING UNWELL



Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we prioritise the health and wellbeing of our students and staff, we kindly remind you not to send your child(ren) to school if they have the following symptoms:-

  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or blocked nose
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • headache or unusual tiredness
  • any other signs of illness

Sending an unwell child to school increases the risk of spreading illness to other students and staff.  If your child becomes unwell during the school day, you will be contacted and asked to collect them.

We appreciate your understanding, and support in keeping our school community safe and healthy.

Warm regards,
Kerry Oates
First Aid Officer
Mount Waverley Primary School

Camp Australia



Community News

1. Salesian College Newsletter
2. Waverley Valley Scouts ~ Christmas Trees Sales
3. Rotary Club Kids Fun Run