Dear Families,

Happy Mother’s Day ~ Wishing all MWPS mums a happy Mother’s Day for last Sunday. I was unable to attend the Mother’s Day Breaky but thank all involved in celebrating our mums, and for all who supported the running of the Mother’s Day stalls.

Education Support Staff Day ~ This week we celebrate Education Support Staff Day on 15^th May.  Education Support Staff are a vital part of the education workforce, as they contribute to creating and sustaining a school culture where learning takes place. They cover a wide range of professional, administrative, technical, and general staff working as teaching assistants, Integration Aides, Student administration and more. We at MWPS would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work our ES staff do.  Thank you to our ES staff for keeping our school running and supporting our students to learn, our teachers to teach and engaging our community in our wonderful school. Your efforts are very much appreciated!

Education Week ~ Education Week is on the horizon and we have much to celebrate at MWPS. Our main event is the open afternoon from (2:30 – 3:20pm) on Thursday 21^st May. Due to all the construction work around the school and Year Sixes being on camp in Week 5 - we invite parents into the classrooms for the last hour of the day. Hope to see families here on this afternoon.

Early Arrivals ~ Recently, we have seen a spike in students coming to school well before 8:45am. Whilst the school gates are open at 8:30am, the school grounds are not supervised until 8:45am. Students arriving early should be booked in to before school care via Camp Australia. It is free to register, and fees vary depending on available childcare rebates.

NO Adults to Use Student Toilets ~ Due to student safety concerns, we ask that no adults use any student toilet.  Parents and carers are kindly requested to check in at the School Office if they require access to a toilet. 

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

Using Worked Examples
in the Classroom

What Are Worked Examples?

Worked examples are step-by-step demonstrations that show students exactly how to complete a task or solve a problem. The teacher clearly explains each stage, making the thinking process visible. This approach helps students understand not just what to do, but why each step is important, reducing confusion and supporting skill development 1.

Why Are Worked Examples Used at MWPS?

At Mount Waverley Primary School, worked examples are a core part of our instructional model because they:

• Scaffold learning, making complex tasks more manageable for all students.
• Reduce cognitive load, allowing students to focus on understanding the process rather than memorising steps.
• Support explicit teaching, ensuring learning intentions and success criteria are clear.
• Provide a reference for students during independent practice, helping them review and embed new knowledge 231.

How Are Worked Examples Implemented in the Classroom?

Teachers at MWPS use worked examples in all subject areas, including Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. The process typically involves:

• Introducing a new concept with a clear, step-by-step demonstration (often using “think aloud” strategies).
• Modelling the process, highlighting key decisions and strategies.
• Providing students with similar problems to practise, first with support (guided practice), then independently.
• Encouraging students to refer back to the worked example as they work through tasks.
• Using Learning Talks (conferencing) and feedback to address misunderstandings and deepen understanding.

This approach is embedded in the MWPS lesson structure: Mini Lesson (explicit teaching and modelling), Explore (guided and independent practice), and Reflection (reviewing learning and strategies used).

How Can Parents Support Worked Examples at Home?

Parents can reinforce this approach by:

• Encouraging your child to use worked examples provided by their teacher when completing homework or practising new skills.
• Modelling your own thinking when helping with tasks (e.g., “Watch how I solve this problem step by step…”).
• Praising your child for using strategies from worked examples, and discussing what to do if they get stuck.
• Providing opportunities for your child to practise similar problems, gradually increasing independence as confidence grows 1.

By using worked examples, MWPS ensures that all students have the support they need to build strong foundational skills, develop confidence, and become independent learners. This partnership between school and home helps every child succeed

Thank you for supporting learning at Mount Waverley Primary School.

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

Ping These Dates...

...Onto Your Planner

Specialists Awards

Excellence On Display

Well Done!!  

We are now accepting
applications for 2027!

We are thrilled to announce that enrolments are now open for the 2027 school year at Mount Waverley Primary School.

Whether you're an existing family or joining us for the first time, we welcome you to begin the enrolment process early to secure a place for your child. As always, we are committed to providing a supportive, enriching, and engaging learning environment for every student.

A. Foundation (Prep) Enrolment

Applications for new 2027 Foundation (Prep) students has commenced from 20 April 2026, and must be submitted by Friday 31 July 2026.

Please CLICK HERE for information and resources about the timeline, including factsheets and a poster.

What you need to do

1. Book a time to attend a school tour on our School Tours page.

2. Download the Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack HERE

Please note: Enrolment applications submitted after 31 July 2026 will be processed by the school as they are received, in accordance with the Department of Education’s Placement Policy.

B. Years 1-6 Enrolment

Please download the enrolment form HERE and submit with all supporting documents on the VicStudents Portal.

If you have any questions or need help with the enrolment process, please don't hesitate to contact the School Office via phone on 03 9807 1480 or via email mount.waverley.ps@education.vic.gov.au. 

We look forward to welcoming you and your child into the Mount Waverley Primary School community for an exciting year ahead!

Warm regards,

Tina Kolivas
Office Manager
Mount Waverley Primary School

Honouring the Hands and Hearts That Shape Our Children

Mount Waverley Primary School was filled with joy, gratitude, and community spirit as we celebrated Mother’s Day across three meaningful days last week.

On Wednesday 6 May, our Mother’s Day Morning Tea brought together mums, grandmothers, and special carers for a beautiful time of connection and appreciation. The school gymnasium buzzed with conversation and laughter as families paused from the busyness of life to honour the remarkable women who nurture, guide, and inspire our students every day. It was a simple yet heartfelt gathering that reminded us of the strength and warmth that mother figures bring to our school community.

The celebrations continued on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 May with our annual Mother’s Day Stall. Students eagerly browsed the curated selection of gifts, choosing something thoughtful for the special person in their lives. From sweet keepsakes to practical treasures, the stall offered affordable options that allowed every child to express love and gratitude in their own way. The excitement on students’ faces as they made their selections was a highlight of this event.

A very special thank you goes to our Parents and Friends (PAF) team, whose tireless dedication made both events possible. From planning and preparation to setting up, serving, and packing down, PAF volunteers poured their time and hearts into creating memorable experiences for our community. Their commitment continues to strengthen the bonds that make MWPS such a warm and welcoming place.

We are deeply grateful to every MWPS staff, and all who contributed, attended, and supported these celebrations. Together, we honoured the extraordinary women who shape our children’s lives with love.

Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes

15th May 2026

Celebrating Our Families
and Cultures

✨ Have glasses to share?

If they’re in good, wearable condition (no scratches), we’d love your donation.

When? Weeks 4–8, Term 2 

Where? Red Collection Tubs at the School Office foyer (8:45am - 4:00pm), or under the oak trees (8:45am - 9:00am)

...so far...

The Weekend Before The Camp...Hold Your Breath...

Last-Dash Double-Check to be sure ...

• Be at school by 7:50am.
• Buses will depart at 8:15am sharp from Park Lane.
• REMEMBER your child's MEDICATION.
• Pack snack & lunch in a disposable bag for Monday ONLY.
• Ensure to label/name all belongings.
• Items not permitted - money, additional snacks/lollies, electronics.
• Emergency contacts - School Office/ Ms Evans/ Mrs Hunter (school hours), or Alexandra Adventure Resort (before/after school hours).
• Expect arrival back at school around 3.00pm on Friday, 22nd May 2026.  Please ensure to sign your child out via the class teacher before leaving the school grounds.

1. Art Competition

2. Year 2 Mirror frames artwork inspired by Antoni Gaudi

Year 2 Artwork

Our Year Two students explored Antoni Gaudí’s Spanish Modernist's work as inspiration for their own designs. Gaudí, a renowned Spanish architect, transformed the city of Barcelona with breathtaking masterpieces such as La Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló. His distinctive use of natural forms, vibrant mosaics, and richly textured surfaces became the foundation for this creative journey.

1. A Health-and-Care Reminder

2. Food Allergy Week 25-31 May

Health-and-Care Reminder

Mount Waverley Primary School

Annika @ MWPS

Counselling Placement Student

My name is Annika, and I’m currently completing my Master of Counselling at Monash University.  I feel truly grateful to have the opportunity to join this wonderful community at Mount Waverley Primary School as a counselling placement student.

I previously completed my undergraduate studies major in Psychology at the University of Melbourne, where I developed a strong foundation in psychological theory and research. This background has supported my growing interest in working with children and young people, particularly in the area of emotional wellbeing and development.

During my placement, I work collaboratively with the School Wellbeing Team and aim to support students’ social and emotional development and their overall wellbeing within the school environment. My approach is grounded in a developmental perspective and person-centred principles, with a focus on building safe, respectful, and trusting relationships.

I believe that every child has their own unique way of experiencing and expressing the world. Creating an environment where students feel heard, understood, and respected is central to my work.

I also value collaboration with parents and teachers. Within the boundaries of professional ethics and confidentiality, I welcome communication regarding any concerns about a student’s emotional or behavioural wellbeing, and I will do my best to provide appropriate support and guidance.

Thank you so much for welcoming me to Mount Waverley Primary School. I’m genuinely excited to be here and to support the wellbeing and growth of the children in your care.

Did You Know That...