Newsletter 6 March 2026

Term 1 Week 6


Principal's Message



Dear Families,

Next week is Week 7 of our 10-week school term. During Week 7, the Year Four students will go on camp, and the nationwide NAPLAN testing begins.

Fun Run ~ thanks to all who made the Fun Run such a success. Lots of happy children, sunshine and colour and some funds raised for a good cause.

Office Entrance Closure ~ As explained below, the normal office entry off Park Lane will be closed. Signs will take you around the back of the office space, to enter from another door.

Building Update:

  • All Foundation classrooms are completed ~ new tech and cabling; all classrooms repainted and new carpet; new interactive whiteboards and stronger more flexible mounts; increased instructional space and new displays (pinboards) around the rooms; as well as, augmented hearing units in each classroom.
  • Resource Room ~ between the Foundation rooms, fully renovated with new storage, lino floors and kitchen / activity area.
  • Library completely painted, carpeted and new library office space. All books reinstated ~ currently being used by a Year Six class due to the build in their area.
  • Teacher Collaborative Planning Room ~ totally modernised to ensure that staff have a one-stop space where all our resources are together and easily available for all staff.
  • Upgraded ‘Computer Room’ with all the trimmings mentioned above.
  • Staffroom upgraded with new (much needed) space, with deck outside to allow staff a retreat, in their work area.
  • All Offices and First Aid Room repainted with new carpet.
  • Air Conditioning upgrades as required, across these areas.


Next Stage:

  1. The front entrance to the school on Park Lane, will be relocated to come through near the main office. This is primarily for student safety ~ due to a lot of people coming into the school via the gate near the crossing. We want to be able to see and monitor who is entering the school.
  2. The new entrance will be landscaped with new seating and concrete. The new signage will be illuminated at night, significantly improving the entry to the school and visibility.
  3. At the same time, the classroom upgrades will begin in the east side of the senior classes. These upgrades will be similar to the Foundation classrooms.


Student Free Day/Public Holiday:

A reminder that we have a public holiday on Monday, March 9th, no school for students.


Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal

Mount Waverley Primary School



Teaching and Learning @ MWPS


Early Literacy Intervention
at MWPS



As part of our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality literacy education, we utilise the MiniLit Sage program, which is implemented mainly in Year 1.

The MiniLit Sage program is a comprehensive early literacy intervention program designed to support students in developing essential reading skills. This program provides numerous benefits for our students and contributes to their overall academic success.

Some of the key advantages of the MiniLit Sage program:

Early Intervention: The MiniLit Sage program is specifically designed to provide early intervention for students who may be experiencing difficulties with reading and literacy skills. By identifying and addressing these challenges early on, we can help our students to build a strong foundation for future academic achievement.

Structured and Systematic Approach: The program follows a structured and systematic approach to teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Through carefully designed lessons and activities, students will receive targeted instruction tailored to their individual needs.

Small Group Instruction: The MiniLit Sage program is delivered in small group settings, allowing for personalised attention and support. This enables our dedicated educators to provide focused instruction and address the specific learning needs of each student.

Evidence-Based Practices: The MiniLit Sage program is based on evidence-based practices and research-proven methodologies. Now that we have been utilising the program for a couple of years, we have seen the benefit for our students, picking up on even the smallest misconception and providing the students with learning confidence going forward. The program's effectiveness in improving literacy outcomes which benefits our students and contributes to their overall growth as a reader and learner.

Engaging and Interactive Learning: The program incorporates a variety of engaging and interactive activities designed to make learning fun and meaningful for students. Through games, stories, and hands-on experiences, our students will develop a love for reading and a passion for learning.

We are thrilled to be continuing with the MiniLit Sage program in Year 1 and are excited about the positive impact it will continue to have on our student’s literacy development. We encourage you to reach out to your classroom teacher with any questions or if you would like more information about the program.

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




Important Dates





Remember to pop these dates onto your calendar

... exciting things are ahead!





2026 TERM DATES

Term 1 : 28 January - 2 April

March

10-13   Year 4 Camp
11-20   NAPLAN
12        Year 6 STEM Incursion
20        Regional Swimming
26        GRIP Student Leadership Conference
30        Hot Cross Buns (students only)
31        Easter Egg Raffle

April

1          Harmony Day
2          Last Day of Term 1
            (School Dismissal & Student Pickup @ 2:30pm)




   
20 March



13, 27 March



19 March    GRIP Student Leadership Conference   $47.20

20 March    Hot Cross Buns Order Form

27 March    Harmony Day   $4.20

2 April        Year 6 Camp Deposit    $250.00

Principal's Awards


Commending
Consistency, Creativity, Care


Congratulations!!
Keep shining!






3A   Ishaan K.
3B   Olivia E.
3C   Arzoie B.
3D   Amelia P.
3E   Cadence Y.






4A   Lian L.
4B   Lucas M.
4C   Maayan T.
4D   Hailey W.
 






 Specialists



Monstar FUN RUN @ MWPS


Splashed with Colours

Powered by the Community

United for a Cause



MWPS has raised an impressive $33,970.68...





...a testament to the generosity, spirit, and unity of our school community.



On 5th March 2026, the Monty Monstar Fun Run at MWPS burst to life in a whirlwind of colour, laughter, and unstoppable community spirit. From the very first spray of powder to the final triumphant steps across the finish line, students and staff embraced the day with joy, purpose, and a shared commitment to supporting a wonderful cause. Students arrived in crisp white T‑shirts, buzzing with anticipation and ready to be transformed into walking rainbows.   With rainbow headbands and bright sunnies adding to the fun, they powered through their laps as clouds of colour trailed behind them...eagerly running on, filled with anticipation at the chance of meeting the mischievous mascot - Monty the Monstar.    

Staff, parent, and student volunteers lined the course, colour bottles at the ready, creating a vibrant gauntlet that grew more spectacular with every passing minute.    Within half an hour, the school grounds had become a living canvas—swirls of pinks, blues, yellows, and greens dancing through the air as students raced past.   The joyful chaos was infectious, and staff couldn’t resist joining in, emerging from each station just as rainbow‑dusted as the students they were cheering on. 
 


One of the standout moments of the day was the Slime Spectacular, where 5 lucky students earned the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of each getting to slime a teacher. A crowd gathered in eager anticipation as Mr Maczohan, Mr Smith, Mr Freer, and Ms Allinson bravely took their places — gloriously drenched moments later in a cascade of green, gooey and oh-so-messy slime.





What truly made the day shine was the spirit of fun, generosity, and togetherness that carried through every moment. Long after the final lap, the pathways—and many delighted students—remained dusted in an orangey‑pink glow, a colourful reminder of a community celebrating side by side.



Congratulations to MWPS Top Donors:

1st    Arjun M.        $3201

2nd   Luviin S.        $1000

3rd   Jordan S.       $935

4th   Liam Y.          $910

5th   Aaniv S.         $660




ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our profound appreciation goes to our marvellous parent community, whose generosity and wholehearted support made this achievement possible.  Your contributions reflect the strength, warmth, and unity that define MWPS.

A resounding thank you to our amazing Assistant Principal, Miss Jacinta Evans for the planning, preparation, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts that shaped this fantastic event.  Your leadership and commitment shone through in every detail.

To our dedicated PE & Sport Specialists, teachers and staff whose valued assistance along the way have helped made this event possible.  Your expertise and behind-the-scenes effort have made a difference, and ensured a smooth and enjoyable day for MWPS students.

And last but not least - to our wonderful students - thank you for your enthusiastic participation, bright energy, and school spirit.  You brought the event to life with your willingness to give your best.


Please take a stroll through our gallery below and enjoy a collection of colourful moments that beautifully captured the spirit of the 2026 Fun Run....




Harmony Day Incursion


1st April 2026

Are we ready for Che Banda? 


MWPS is gearing up for an unforgettable visit!





On Wednesday 1st April, Mount Waverley Primary School will be celebrating Harmony Day. As part of this special celebration students will be participating in a performance based incursion performed by Harps A Breeze.
 
CHE BANDA! is a fantastically unique group which takes students on a wonderful, orchestrated journey through the heart of Italy. Their musical performances follow adventurous storylines that take the audience across an ancient land graced with medieval country roads and some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. CHE BANDA! incorporates the authentic Italian language with song and dance, offering students an insight into the everyday Italian lifestyle and a culture which has greatly influenced modern-day Australia. We look forward to taking a trip with CHE BANDA! - a shared experience that promises connection, joy, and a little magic.
 
The cost of this incursion is $4.20. Payment and consent for this incursion is on Compass and is due Friday 27th March.   You wouldn't want to miss out on this event - it's shaping up to be one of the highlights for this year!



Easter Egg Raffle


Good Friday Appeal
@MWPS


Dear MWPS Families,

MWPS is very excited to announce that we will be holding an Easter Egg Raffle this term on Tuesday 31st of March.  All proceeds will be donated to The Monash Children’s Hospital. Funds raised from our community help to enhance patient care, training and research. Furthermore, your child will have the chance to win an Easter hamper full of delicious chocolates!

Students have been sent home with a notice last week. We are asking families to please donate any Easter eggs/Easter-related items, and bring them directly to their class teacher. Please only donate ‘free from nut items’ however, ‘may contain’ and ‘traces of’ are okay.

How It Works

  • Students will have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets, the tickets are on sale for $1 per ticket. There is a maximum of 20 tickets per student (or $20 dollars).
  • Students will go into the draw to win a prize, there will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize (or more) from the donations received by the class. The 1st prize being the largest prize.
  • On Tuesday the 31st of March, the raffle will be drawn in each classroom. There will be a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (or more).

Finally, the class with the most money raised in the whole school will receive a special prize!

We are very excited for the opportunity to support a great cause, while making it a memorable and exciting experience for our wonderful MWPS students.


Wendy Ball
Year 1 Teacher
Mount Waverley Primary School



Every dollar we raise will support the Royal Children's Hospital through the Good Friday Appeal - a gift of hope for children and families who need it most. 
Let's make our impact shine brightly... so, please remember to bring in those nut-free Easter eggs, and help us fill this season with generosity and joy.





Easter Hot Cross Buns


Fresh from Bakers Delight

For A Great Cause





Below is the Order and Consent Form if you still have not placed your order.  We've also included a list of ingredients below for your easy reference.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns Ingredients:



Or click HERE for more information.



Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns Ingredients:



Or click HERE for more information.

Sport @ MWPS


DIVISIONAL SWIMMING

@ Boroondara Sports Complex

4th March 2026





Our young swimmers in action at Booroondara Sports Complex.


Divisional Swimming at the Boroondara Sports Complex unfolded as a day filled with determination, teamwork, and unmistakable MWPS pride.  Students arrived at the Balwyn North venue energised and ready to give their very best, carrying a quiet confidence and a strong sense of school spirit. 

Each race brought a mix of nerves and courage, with our young swimmers pushing through the water with focus and heart.  From strong finishes to personal bests, the day showcased incredible resilience and sportspersonship.  It was a celebration of effort as much as achievement, and MWPS students carried themselves with pride from the first splash to the final race.   A huge congratulations to Beverley, Gloria, Owen, Jacob, Bevan and Honoka - our champions and unstoppable waves of school pride!

A giant round of applause to Eugene, Bevan, Jacob, Ziyan, Honoka, Beverley, Gloria, and Lena for qualifying for Regional - a remarkable milestone earned.   We're cheering you on as you dive into the next stage, wishing you smooth waters, powerful strokes, and victory on Tuesday, 31st March. 

Casey Giles and James Smith

Physical Education & Sport Specialists
Mount Waverley Primary School



From left: Beverley H. and Gloria M.


Bevan S.


Jacob X.


Owen K.





Honoka T.





Check out more photos in the gallery below.


Global Learning


Celebrating
Our Families and Cultures


This week, we are incredibly proud to showcase the Williams, Liang, Mahadevan, Lee, Tran and Prasad families who have generously shared their stories, traditions, and experiences with our school community.

 

Danielle Bonacci
Mount Waverley Primary School

 




























Parents and Friends (PAF) News



Support Our School Fundraiser

The Entertainment Membership
is Back!



Dear Parent Community,

We’re excited to announce a new and easy way to support our school!

We are fundraising with the Entertainment Membership, packed with thousands of valuable offers on dining, shopping, travel and activities across Australia, New Zealand and Bali. It’s a great way for families to save money on things you already enjoy, while helping raise funds for our school.



For every Entertainment Membership sold, 20% goes directly to our school — that’s $15 per sale!

Special March Offer – DOUBLE DONATIONS Month!
During March, each membership sold will raise $30 for our school. This is a fantastic opportunity to maximise our fundraising efforts, so we encourage everyone to spread the word to family and friends.

All funds raised will go towards supporting school programs and resources that benefit MWPS students.

Take a look at what’s included in the latest March 2026 Digital Booklet here:
https://online.fliphtml5.com/embkn/110226-T1-DigitalA5Booklet-Melbourne/#p=1

Click the link below to purchase your Entertainment Membership and support our school today: 

https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/1806q87?utm_source=Mt+Waverley+Primary+School&utm_campaign=1806q87&utm_medium=Print&utm_id=144178&utm_content=Print

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. Together, we can make a big difference!

Kind regards,
Parents and Friends
Mount Waverley Primary School






Secondhand School Uniform Sale


UPCOMING DATES


Final Sale for Term 1, 2026

Date       :  16th March, Monday
Time       :  8:50-9:15am
Location :  Between Camp Australia (Before/After School Care) and the school gymnasium.


From Term 2, sale will be operated on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, beginning on the first Monday of Term 2 - 20th April.  Notices will be posted on the gym door to keep our parent community informed on each upcoming date.

Kids Health Matters


Important Reminder 

Food Sharing at School


Dear Parents/Carers,

We would like to remind all families that students must not share food at school.

We have several students with serious allergies and medical conditions, including anaphylaxis. For these students, even a very small amount of the wrong food can trigger a severe and potentially life‑threatening reaction.

Although class teachers actively supervise students, food sharing can happen quickly without adults noticing.

To help us keep every child safe, please speak with your child about:

  • eating only the food packed by their own family

  • not offering their food to others

  • not accepting food from classmates

Your support in reinforcing this message at home is greatly appreciated, and plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment for all students.

Please click HERE for MWPS Anaphylaxis Policy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the School Office.

Kerry Oates
First Aid Officer
Mount Waverley Primary School

 


Camp Australia


1. Camp Oz newsletter
2. Rocketeers Autumn Holiday Program
3. Mental Health First Aid Webinar - FREE
4. Child Care Subsidy






















For further information, please read the full government overview of the 3-Day Subsidy Guarantee here

Community News

1.   Salesian College
2.   Lions Club - Book Sale
3.   Broadway Kids
4.   Online Music Solutions 
5.   David R Drums!
6.   Lions Club Wheelers Hill - Family Fun Car Rally
7.   Charlesworth Walsh Dance Centre
8.   Kilbreda College - Open Day
9.   Ashwood High School 
10. Little Kickers