Dear Families,

As I discussed in the last newsletter, 2025 has been another fantastic year for MWPS and we thank you for your support.

Year Six Graduation – Our Year Six Graduation was a wonderful celebration. Well done to the Year Six students as they head off to secondary school. I have noted that our students are going far and wide for their secondary education, including many independent and government schools. Yet I hope they always feel connected to our school in the future. Thanks to Mr Barraclough, with the support of the Year Six teachers and Tina Kolivas, for their organisation of the big night. This included a sit-down dinner, disco and the ceremony.

Concert – Our students did us proud at the end of year concert. Thanks to Ellen Newbury for developing the acts and overall concert and thanks to staff for supporting this. The Parents and Friends Club also ran a successful BBQ which was appreciated on the night.

2026 Dates and Information:

Specialist Subjects Update for 2026 – We have been able to maintain all our specialist programs, even though zoning has impacted on our overall school enrolments. Next year we will increase the STEM program to every week, this has been a popular subject. PE, Music, Japanese, Art will all be offered as normal. The only variation will see Global learning run out of the library. Global learning in the library made a lot of sense, as students can use books to explore the world. This also ensures we can maintain our fantastic library program with skilled teachers using this space. Many schools have dropped a library program, and from experience, these spaces can fall apart if not cared for and part of the regular program. The Global learning program will still have a similar focus and will incorporate the skills for using the library.

Classrooms Sorted and Teachers in New Rooms – Thanks to the skilled work of our school leaders and staff, we are now all into new rooms and students are working with their 2026 teacher. Planning and assessments have been reviewed and we are excited about hitting the ground running in 2026, with the benefits of this organisation for your children.

2026 School Terms:

Term 1            Wednesday January 28th     -           Thursday April 2nd

Term 2            Monday April 20th                -           Friday June 26th

Term 3            Monday July 13th                  -           Friday September 18th

Term 4            Monday October 5th             -           Friday December 18th

Pupil-Free Dates for 2026 (No Students) –

• 6^th March (Friday) ~ Curriculum Day
• 9^th March (Monday) ~ Labour Day Public Holiday
• 3^rd April (Friday) ~ Good Friday Public Holiday
• 5^th June (Friday) ~ Reporting and Assessment Day
• June 8^th (Monday ~ King’s Birthday – Public Holiday
• 31^st July (Friday) ~ Curriculum Day
• 2^nd November (Monday) ~ Curriculum Day
• 3^rd November (Tuesday) ~ Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Thanks to everyone and I trust you have a happy and safe festive season. I will be finalising my thesis and heading to New Zealand for a week’s holiday as well as monitoring our building program, over the break.

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

A Year of
Care, Growth and Connection 

As we come to the close of another school year at Mount Waverley Primary School, I would like to take a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we have shared together as a community. 

Student wellbeing has remained at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the year, our students have navigated learning challenges, changing friendships, big emotions, growing independence, and moments of achievement and pride. In both visible and quiet ways, they have demonstrated resilience, kindness, curiosity and courage — qualities that reflect not just what they are learning, but who they are becoming. 

At MWPS, we strongly believe that wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. Academic growth is most powerful when students feel emotionally safe, confident and connected. This year, we have continued to strengthen a whole-school approach where wellbeing supports learning, and learning supports wellbeing. Through restorative conversations, explicit teaching of friendship and self-regulation skills, and a consistent focus on empathy and inclusion, we have supported students to better understand themselves and others. We recognise that behaviour is communication, that growth is not always linear, and that children thrive when they feel safe, supported and understood — because when students feel well, they are more ready to learn. 

Our Student Support Team has worked closely with classroom teachers and families to respond to students’ social, emotional and learning needs. These partnerships have been central to our work, and I would like to sincerely thank our families for your trust, openness and collaboration throughout the year. When school and home work together, students feel more confident and secure in navigating challenges. 

As we move into the summer holiday break, I encourage families to embrace this time as an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and recharge. After a busy year of routines, expectations and learning, children benefit greatly from rest, play and unstructured time.
Simple moments — shared meals, outdoor play, creative activities, conversations and laughter — help restore emotional balance and strengthen connection. The holidays are also a valuable opportunity to gently step away from screens where possible, reset sleep routines, and allow children the space to simply be children. 

As we look ahead to the new year, our hope is that students return feeling refreshed, settled and ready to continue their learning journey with confidence. Wellbeing is built over time through many small, consistent experiences of care, belonging and encouragement — and those experiences begin at home just as much as they do at school. 

On behalf of the wellbeing team, I wish all our families a safe, restful and joyful holiday season. May the New Year bring renewed energy, optimism and continued growth for our wonderful students and our school community. 

Thank you for being part of such a caring, thoughtful and connected school. 

Warmest wishes, 
Ramya Deepak Kumar 
Assistant Principal 
Mount Waverley Primary School 

Turning The Page: 2025 to 2026

From Farewell to Fresh Starts

2026 Here We Come...

2026 School Terms:

Term 1            Wednesday January 28th     -           Thursday April 2nd

Term 2            Monday April 20th                -           Friday June 26th

Term 3            Monday July 13th                  -           Friday September 18th

Term 4            Monday October 5th             -           Friday December 18th

Pupil-Free Dates for 2026 (No Students) –

• 6^th March (Friday) ~ Curriculum Day
• 9^th March (Monday) ~ Labour Day Public Holiday
• 3^rd April (Friday) ~ Good Friday Public Holiday
• 5^th June (Friday) ~ Reporting and Assessment Day
• June 8^th (Monday ~ King’s Birthday – Public Holiday
• 31^st July (Friday) ~ Curriculum Day
• 2^nd November (Monday) ~ Curriculum Day
• 3^rd November (Tuesday) ~ Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

In Partnership With Families

Dear Families,

The Department of Education administers the CSEF to help eligible families with the costs of camps, sporting activities, excursions and incursions.  For more information, please visit Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF): Policy | VIC.GOV.AU | Policy and Advisory Library

We encourage families who meet the eligibility criteria below to complete and return the application form before the end of this term to enable us to enter your details on time for the first payment run which commences on 27 January (Term 1 2026).  The full list of eligible concession and health care cards is available on Concession and health care cards - Seeking medical help - Services Australia.

For existing families who have already submitted a form this year, you do not need to resubmit for next year.  However, if your concession card has since expired or family circumstances have changed, you will need to resubmit a valid means-tested card at the School Office.  Please be advised that any unallocated funds this year will be rolled over to next year.

For new applicants, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office at 9807 1480, or email mount.waverley.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Congratulations
to our newly appointed
2026 student leaders

Well-deserved
and ready to inspire

Let's get ready to embrace 2026 with unstoppable energy, boundless enthusiasm, and a spirit of excellence!

Timeless Symphony
Wrapped in A Holiday Spirit

On Monday, 8 December, MWPS was alive with festive spirit as students, staff, and families gathered for our Year-End Concert and annual Christmas Carols Afternoon. The school grounds echoed with joyful singing as each year level performed a special carol, showcasing a wonderful blend of traditional favourites and upbeat modern classics.

Students shone as they shared the songs they love—Run Run Rudolph, All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer were instant crowd favourites. Our Year 4 students added a vibrant Spanish flair with a lively rendition of Feliz Navidad, while the Year 3s delighted the audience with their humorous twist on Deck the Halls, featuring playful lyrics about what to buy Dad for Christmas. Their creativity and comic timing had everyone in stitches!

The Year 2s brought a fun Australian twist to the afternoon with their cheerful performance of Santa, Wear Your Shorts, perfectly capturing the summer spirit, and spreading smiles throughout the crowd.

The Junior and Senior Choirs delivered impressive showcases, wowing the audience with three energetic performances, blending song and dance with energy and flair.  A standout moment came when the choirs unveiled polished choreography and confident, professional-style movements. Their upbeat renditions of Mariah Carey’s Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and the lively classic Jingle Bell Rock were brought to life through both their voices and dance routines, reflecting the incredible effort behind the scenes.

A touching moment followed as our Year 6 students—the graduating class—closed their segment with a heartfelt a cappella performance of one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all: Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. Their heartfelt performance moved the entire audience, with many parents and staff wiping away tears of pride and joy.

The Orchestra then took centre stage, reminding us why they are such an integral part of MWPS.  Known for performing the National Anthem at every assembly and supporting special school events, they once again impressed with their musical skill and poise.  Their beautiful rendition of The Little Drummer Boy set a reflective tone, before they concluded the afternoon with a warm and jubilant We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

As the final notes faded, students were rewarded with icy Super Doopers, and a sausage sizzle, courtesy of our wonderful Parents and Friends.  The treats filled hungry tummies and added to the celebration.



Families and staff joined in the singing throughout the afternoon, creating a warm and joyful community atmosphere. This year’s Christmas Carols was more than a concert - it was a celebration of music, creativity, teamwork, and festive cheer at MWPS.

Ellen Newbury
Music Teacher
Mount Waverley Primary School

Acknowledgements

Heartfelt thanks to all who have worked behind the scenes:-

Mrs Newbury who orchestrated such a spectacular event;
The Music captains for designing the programs, welcomed guests and introduced items;
The Year 6 teachers and students who helped set up the oval;
A sizzling thank you to our amazing PAF for organising the Sausage Symphony;
The School Admin for their seamless support with the program;
Mr Chapman for his assistance with all logistical matters; and,
Our guests, Santa and Mrs Claus who traded in their reindeer for rhythm;

The Remarkable Class of 2025

Hats Off To Our Graduates!

“Graduation is not the end;
it’s the beginning…” 

On Wednesday, December 10, MWPS was transformed into a spectacular venue of celebration as families and staff gathered to honour the outstanding achievements of our Year 6 graduating cohort.  



The atmosphere was electric as proud parents, carers, along with students – polished and pristine, bursting with excitement - streamed through the school gates, eager to mark this milestone together.



A stunning archway of colourful balloons and a glamorous red-carpet entrance opened the evening with an air of grandeur and celebration that set hearts alight. Families and students captured treasured memories as they strutted proudly down the carpet—beaming with confidence and anticipation—before pausing beneath the balloon arch for photos.

The celebration unfolded with a delicious feast, a lively disco, followed by a heartfelt presentation that stirred emotions across the hall, leaving hearts uplifted and eyes glistening.

           



Principal Mr. McKay spoke with warmth and conviction, reminding our graduating class of resilience, friendship, and the bright futures awaiting them. Teachers added words of encouragement, affirming that while our students are leaving primary school, they carry forward the values, lessons, and spirit of MWPS.

           



One by one, the students stepped forward with pride to receive their graduation certificates from their class teachers—each moment met with applause, smiles, and immense pride from families and staff alike.

A slideshow of Year 6 highlights brought laughter and a few tears as photos from across the year lit up the screen. The video also featured special dances recorded over the past weeks, along with cherished family photos.



The ceremony concluded on a high note as our graduating cohort performed their dance to Hall of Fame.



…this is another powerful reminder that education is a journey—one filled with adventures, challenges, and endless possibilities.

Congratulations CLASS of 2025!
Go forth and sparkle!

Standin' in the Hall of Fame
And the world's gonna know your name
'Cause you burn with the brightest flame
And the world's gonna know your name
And you'll be on the walls of the Hall of Fame

Be a Champion

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all Year 6 teachers, and everyone behind the scenes who made this unforgettable evening possible. 

Special thanks to Mr Barraclough and Tina for labouring over every little detail, the things most of us might never notice, but that together made this ceremony shine.

Directional Pole

We are very pleased to announce that our new directional pole has now been installed on the school grounds, near the sensory garden.



This exciting addition has already sparked great interest among students, who have been eagerly exploring it and learning about the many places around the world it points to.

We extend our sincere thanks to our former student, Evan Kolivas (Year 6, 2020), for generously giving his time to assemble the pole. His contribution and continued connection to our school are greatly appreciated.

The directional pole is a wonderful enhancement to our outdoor learning environment, and will support students’ curiosity and global awareness for years to come.



Danielle Bonacci
Global Learning Specialist
Mount Waverley Primary School








Acknowledgement
Heartfelt thanks to you, Danielle, for this inspiring initiative, which has brought so much joy and value to our school community.

Dear Students and Families,

As we come to the end of another wonderful school year, I’d like to take a moment to say thank you. It has been a privilege to care for your children throughout the year—whether for grazed knees, tummy aches, or simply a reassuring check-in when a day felt a bit too big.

I have been continually impressed by the kindness, resilience, and good humour of our students, and I’m grateful to families and staff for the strong partnership that helps keep our school community safe, healthy, and supported.

As the holidays begin, I wish you all a happy, restful break. Please remember to take care in the summer sun—slip, slop, slap, stay hydrated, and enjoy plenty of downtime together.

Thank you for trusting me with the care of your children this year. I look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for a great year ahead.

Warm wishes,

Kerry
First Aid Officer
Mount Waverley Primary School

Milestones Marked

Memories Made

Tina Kolivas

Office Manager

What do you find most rewarding about working in a school?

The most rewarding part of working in a school is knowing you make a real difference in children’s lives. You see students grow—not just academically, but socially and emotionally—and you get to be part of that journey. It’s also rewarding building relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and watching confidence develop over time.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

Spain, pick me up and drop me in Barcelona — stunning architecture, rich history, a vibrant city, and of course incredible food. Add a glass of sangria, and it’s hard to beat.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t wish the years away” really captures how easy it is to rush through life, only to realise later how meaningful the small, everyday moments were. Living each day fully acknowledges that every experience—big or small—shapes who we become and where we’re going.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I would choose Socrates.
Dinner with him wouldn’t be easy or comfortable. He would ask deep questions and challenge how you think about your life and what really matters to you. He wouldn’t give answers, but he would make you reflect honestly.

It wouldn’t be a dinner you remember for the night itself, but for how it changes the way you think and make decisions long after.

3 words to describe yourself

Passionate

Sociable

Strong-willed

Special Acknowledgement

We extend our sincere appreciation to Tina, whose consistent support has been instrumental in the success of countless school events over the years.

Tina, we thank you for your dedication and steadfastness in ensuring excellence in every endeavour.

MWPS Photo Shoot Day 

Wednesday, 25th February 2026