Dear Families,

Welcome to our new Foundation (Prep) students ~ This week, we welcome our new Foundation (aka Prep) students to our MWPS community.

We are thrilled with the way our 2026 Foundation students have settled into schooling life. It was a pleasure to see so many smiling faces on Wednesday - February 4th - for their first day. I would like to thank the Foundation teachers and other staff who have set up our new Foundation classrooms for the students.

Fortnightly Newsletter ~ In 2026, we will continue producing a newsletter on a fortnightly basis, and we will also be communicating with families via Compass. It is extremely important that all families have access to Compass to stay aware of what is happening at school.

Welcome to our new staff in 2026 ~ We have a new Business Manager, Belinda Hill. I welcome Belinda and thank her for the contributions she has already made. Last year she worked between our school and her previous school to tide us over the gap between Business Managers – already going above and beyond.

Parent-Teacher Conferences ~ Was wonderful to have families meet the teachers and share with us about your child(ren). These meetings provide a timely opportunity for our teaching staff to form an effective partnership with families.

Working in partnerships and having consistent expectations between home and school leads to better outcomes for our students. As partners, we share the responsibility for our students’ success. We want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities, and we ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring:

• Attendance at school daily and arrival on time, ready for the day’s learning experience
• Supporting the school values
• Daily reading to develop a love for literature and to improve critical language skills
• Sharing school experiences with you so that you are aware of your child’s school life

Working and ‘learning together’, we can achieve great results.

Communication ~ At MWPS we have a high emphasis on building community and developing the important link between school and home. 

If you need to get in touch with your child(ren)’s teacher, sending an email is the best place to start. It’s a convenient option for many working parents who may not have the flexibility to drop by the school before or after the school day.

When emailing, we ask parents to respectfully give staff sufficient time to respond or to take action as requested, as during school hours we concentrate our efforts on the students. Our teachers and staff are very responsive to parents and carers; however, they are extremely busy each day. For this reason, we ask for emails and phone calls to be kept to a minimum – and not to be an avenue for daily or weekly updates about individual students.

Please remain mindful that teachers are occupied during much of the day. It is very important that our teaching staff devote full attention and uphold their ‘duty of care’ to our students throughout each school day. We recognise that some staff are not full-time and may have varied schedules, therefore may need a longer response time depending on their working hours and days. Please note that staff are not expected to attend to emails outside of ‘business hours’, during holidays or on weekends.

Additionally, we ask that all parents and community members communicate with staff in a respectful manner at all times. Emails are best used for brief and non-urgent messages. If your matter is urgent or requires immediate attention, please contact the School Office on 9807 1480.

Supervision of Students in the Playground Before and After School ~ To ensure that students are appropriately supervised, we ask that students arrive at school after 8.45am each morning.  If you elect to send your child(ren) to school prior to 8.45am, it is important that you understand that they cannot be supervised until the school gates are open, and yard duty teachers begin their assigned duties from 8.45am.  Similarly, at the end of the school day, the school will ensure the appropriate supervision of all students until 3.45pm, and after this time it is the responsibility of parents to collect/supervise their children. Any child(ren) not collected after 3:45pm will be sent to our After School Program. We strongly encourage all families to register with Camp Australia (there is no cost to do this) as there might be a time when your child will need to access this service.

All of the dates listed below are Student-Free Days at MWPS:

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

The Resilience Project - In 2026, MWPS students and staff will once again be participating in the Resilience Project. In addition to weekly lessons teaching our core values, we will also delve into the importance of emotional literacy and connection. Your child will also have a Resilience Project diary. This diary has daily tasks that can be completed at home to ensure that these skills are being practised at school and at home. MWPS staff will attend a professional learning session with the Resilience Project this term focussing on making authentic connections. We look forward to another successful year implementing this program.

Lunar New Year - Tuesday, 17th February, marks the beginning of the 2026 Lunar New Year. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in our community who celebrates this significant event a Happy Lunar New Year!

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

Why We Use the Best Lesson
as Our Instructional Model
at Mount Waverley Primary School

Welcome back to Mount Waverley Primary School in 2026. At Mount Waverley Primary School, we are committed to delivering the highest quality education to our students. To achieve this, we implement the Best Lesson instructional model, a research-based approach designed to maximise student learning and engagement. But what exactly makes this model so effective, and why do we use it? Let’s explore the key reasons behind our choice.

A Structured and Effective Approach to Learning

The Best Lesson model follows a structured lesson format that ensures all students receive clear, explicit instruction, ample opportunities to practice, and meaningful feedback. Each lesson is broken into three essential parts:

1. Introduction - Mini Lesson (10 minutes) – This phase sets the stage for learning. Teachers introduce the learning intention and success criteria, ensuring students understand the purpose of the lesson. Explicit teaching of key skills and content occurs here, often supported by visible thinking routines.
2. Embedded Learning - Explore (30-35 minutes) – This is the heart of the lesson, where students engage in guided practice, independent work, and teacher conferencing. Using enabling and extending prompts, students are supported and challenged based on their individual needs. This phase fosters deep understanding through hands-on activities, strategy groups, and collaborative learning.
3. Reflection - Reflect (5-10 minutes) – Learning is consolidated as students revisit the success criteria, reflect on their progress, and share their understanding. This essential step reinforces learning and encourages metacognitive thinking.

Proven High-Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS)

The Best Lesson model incorporates High-Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS), which are evidence-based methods that improve student outcomes. These include:

• Explicit Teaching – Teachers model and scaffold learning to ensure students grasp new concepts.
• Worked Examples – Students learn by analyzing step-by-step examples before applying concepts independently.
• Collaborative Learning – Group activities enhance problem-solving and communication skills.
• Multiple Exposures – Students revisit key concepts through various activities to deepen their understanding.
• Questioning and Feedback – Teachers ask strategic questions and provide timely feedback to guide student progress.
• Metacognitive Strategies – Students learn how to think about their own learning, improving their ability to retain and apply knowledge.

Empowering Students as Active Learners

One of the most powerful aspects of the Best Lesson model is how it places students at the center of their learning. Through independent practice, peer collaboration, and teacher conferencing, students are encouraged to:

• Take ownership of their learning
• Ask and answer questions
• Justify their thinking
• Set personal learning goals
• Develop a growth mindset by taking risks and learning from mistakes

A Commitment to Excellence

At Mount Waverley Primary School, we believe that every student deserves the best possible education. By using the Best Lesson instructional model, we ensure that lessons are engaging, purposeful, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. This approach helps us foster confident, capable, and lifelong learners.

Thank you for your ongoing support in our shared mission to provide an exceptional learning experience for every child. If you have any questions about the Best Lesson model or how you can support your child’s learning at home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.


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

2026 TERM DATES

Term 1: 28 January – 2 April

February

12          District Swimming

25          School Photo Day           

March

4            Divisional Swimming

5            FUN RUN

6            Curriculum Day (Pupil-free/No students)

9            Labour Day (Public Holiday)

11-19     NAPLAN

20          Regional Swimming

April

1            Harmony Day

2            Last Day of Term 1

          (School dismissal & student pick-up @ 2:30pm)

  13, 27 February

  20 March

6, 20 February

13, 27 March

Marking Another Milestone

...with Pride

Cheers erupted as the year's House Cup winner was announced.  After months of teamwork, spirited competition, and countless moments of perseverance, Glenelg clinched the top honour.  Their victory reflected not just points earned, but the sportsmanship and enthusiasm shown across school events and classroom activities.  Congratulations to every student who contributed their heart and energy to their house throughout the year.

It was an emotional moment when our outgoing School captains delivered their final speeches.  Standing confidently beneath the branches, they spoke with gratitude, humour, and maturity beyond their years.

Dear Parents

Welcome back to 2026!  We hope you're having a good start to the school year, and a special welcome to new families. 

In order that we can best look after your child, it's very important we have up-to-date information and documentation about any medical condition(s) they may have. For your convenience, all forms are uploaded and can be accessed via Compass.

Click on Community > School Documentation > Health Centre.  
Please complete the appropriate forms as outlined below.  We ONLY need the forms IF your child has one of the conditions mentioned below.

• Anaphylaxis = RED ASCIA Plan    plus   Individual Risk Management Plan 
• Allergy      = GREEN ASCIA Plan  plusIndividual Risk Management Plan
• Asthma     = ASTHMA Plan      plus   Student Support Plan
• Other Conditions = HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLAN  Epilepsy, Seizures, Coeliac Disease, Febrile Convulsions, Heart Disease, Eczema, Haemophilia etc  
• Medication   = MEDICATION Authorisation Forms if your child requires ongoing medication. 

Thank you to the families who have already completed these forms. It is a requirement from the Department of Education that these are renewed annually with the exception of the Anaphylaxis plan which can be renewed at next specialist visit.  However, we need the Individual Risk management plan. A doctor needs to complete the ASCIA plans and Asthma plans; parents can complete all other forms. 

Please print the completed copy, include a recent photo, and submit to the school – Health Centre - by 28 February 2026.

Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Many thanks.

Kerry Oates
First Aid Officer
Health Centre
Mount Waverley Primary School

• Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund
• State Schools' Relief Uniform packages
• Teeth-on-Wheels
• Speech Therapists
• Student Counselling

In Partnership With Families

Dear Parents and Carers,

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)

We encourage families who meet the eligibility criteria below to complete and return the application form as soon as possible to the School Office.   

The full list of eligible concession and health care cards is available on Concession and health care cards - Services Australia.

For existing families who have already submitted a form last year, you do not need to resubmit this 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 from last year will be rolled over to this 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

Note: Translations are also available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Tamil, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Karen, Khmer, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Zomi Chin.

Alternatively, please go to https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund

Community

Engagement

Healthy competition

We are very excited to announce our new and improved House Program called 'House Pride'.



House Pride is about building community, engagement and healthy competition.

Throughout the year, there will be a total of 10 challenges. These include a mix of academic, wellbeing and community activities. There will be four end-of-term challenges which each house will prepare for during 'House Pride Friday'.

House Pride Friday will occur every second week. This term, the dates are Feb 6, Feb 20, March 13, with the end-of-term challenge presentation on March 27. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours every House Pride Friday. 

The Challenge for Term 1 is about creating house identity.  Each house will create their own banner, logo and chant. They will present this to Mr McKay on March 27, the final House Pride Friday for this term.

If you are unsure of your child's house or house colour, please check with your classroom teacher. We thank you for your support of this program, and we are incredibly excited about the community aspect it will bring to MWPS. 

Kind regards,
MWPS Heads of House
Mount Waverley Primary School

Starting 2026
in Melody and Harmony

Belinda Hill

Business Manager 
@ MWPS

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of school?

Concerts, travel, weekend exploring, and stalking dogs for cuddles.

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

Milan, Italy - my husband’s home. We love to visit every year and at Christmas… it is magical.

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

You are not a tree, if you’re not happy, make a move!

What can’t you live without?

Chocolate, coffee, and good relationships.

What do people not know about you?

I used to own a large 50,000 head sheep farm, and I was a child model.



Some extra tidbits about Belinda...

For the last three years, she's been a part of the Department of Education, diving into the world of schools, strategy, and community impact.   Before that, she lived the fast-paced life at CBA as a senior specialist and branch manager in home-lending and hardship - basically, the person people turned to when things got real.

Outside of work, she is a passionate dog lover thriving between cuddles... Belinda is happily married to Mario... enjoying a vibrant, kid-free chapter filled with love, warmth, and a sense of anticipation for what comes next.

Supporting Families

Reducing Waste

Classroom Cuisine