Dear Families,

NAPLAN ~ Further to what I shared last week, we now have three-year trend data for the NAPLAN testing to share. The data below, shows the percentage of students achieving ‘strong’ or ‘exceeding’ in the NAPLAN testing from 2024 to 2026. The data represents the average data; it is this trend data that is important for us as a school; it demonstrates that we are consistently achieving high outcomes for our students. Notably, we scored in the top ten schools (of the 22 schools in our local Monash Network of schools) in every test listed below – including 1^st in the network for Year 5 Writing and 3^rd in Year 5 Numeracy.

‘MWPS students achieving ‘strong’ or ‘exceeding’ in NAPLAN testing from 2024 to 2026 including other cohorts’

Key:
MWPS ~ Mount Waverley Primary School
Similar Schools ~ Schools anywhere in the State that have a similar community profile to our school.  This 'similar schools' indicator looks at parental education levels & family employment.
Network Schools ~ The 22 schools in our local Monash Network of schools.

2027 Enrolments ~ Applications for enrolments for Foundation in 2027 close on the 31^st of July. Families will receive an offer of a place first thing on Monday 3^rd July, and we would appreciate it if families could confirm their acceptance of the offer, as soon as possible. Please contact Tina (in the office) if you have any questions about enrolment. Our Foundation Transition for 2027 program will commence next term.

Building Update ~ We are inching closer and closer to a completion of the building works. They have almost completed the classrooms in the senior building and the landscaping works are coming along nicely. I know we are all keeping a close eye on the grass growing on the oval, it seems to be getting stronger every day (I know Mr McKay will be really happy to see its progress on his return next week).

Traffic On Park Lane ~ Over my years at MWPS, I have had several families raise concerns over the traffic, and behaviour of drivers on Park Lane. Although this is beyond my control, I can certainly appeal to people’s goodwill to be patient and safe around the school - where young children are walking and crossing the road. Please be aware of the pink lines, near the two minute drop off zones, designed to make it clear where students can be dropped off. Having a pedestrian crossing is wonderful, and we ask that families use this wherever possible. I do note families crossing the road not at the crossing, when the safer option would be a quick walk down to the pedestrian crossing.

Kind regards,

Tania Hunter
Acting Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

Why We Use
Little Learners Love Literacy
in Foundation to Year 2
at Mount Waverley Primary School

At Mount Waverley Primary School, we are committed to providing the best possible start in literacy for our students. That’s why we use Little Learners Love Literacy (LLLL) in Foundation to Year 2—a structured, evidence-based approach that helps young learners develop strong reading, writing, and spelling skills. But why is this program so effective, and why have we chosen it for our students?

A Research-Based Approach to Literacy

LLLL is grounded in the science of reading, focusing on explicit and systematic phonics instruction. Research shows that children learn to read best when they are taught the relationship between letters and sounds (phonics) in a structured and sequential way. LLLL follows this approach, ensuring that students build strong foundational literacy skills from the very beginning.

The Power of Explicit Phonics Instruction

Phonics is the key to decoding words, and LLLL teaches it in a way that is:

• Sequential – Children learn sounds and letters in a carefully designed order, allowing them to build on their knowledge step by step.
• Cumulative – Each new concept builds on previous learning, reinforcing understanding and confidence.
• Engaging – With games, songs, and hands-on activities, learning is fun and meaningful for young learners.
• Multisensory – Students use speaking, listening, reading, and writing to reinforce learning, catering to different learning styles.

Building Strong, Confident Readers

One of the biggest advantages of LLLL is that it sets students up for success. By explicitly teaching phonics and high-frequency words, children gain the tools they need to become fluent and confident readers. This approach helps prevent reading difficulties and supports all students in developing essential literacy skills.

Encouraging a Love of Reading

At Mount Waverley Primary School, we want all children to enjoy reading. LLLL includes engaging decodable books, which match students’ phonics knowledge, allowing them to read with success and independence. When children experience success in reading, their confidence grows, and they develop a lifelong love of books.

A Strong Foundation for Future Learning

Reading is the gateway to all learning. By ensuring that our students have a solid foundation in phonics, we give them the skills they need to excel not only in English but across all subjects. The structured approach of LLLL means that every child is supported and challenged at the right level, ensuring they make steady progress.

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s reading journey. Here are some ways you can support learning at home:

• Read decodable books together – Encourage your child to use their phonics knowledge to sound out words.
• Practice letter-sound relationships – Play simple word games to reinforce phonics skills.
• Celebrate progress – Praise your child’s reading efforts to build their confidence.
• Make reading fun – Share stories, talk about books, and foster a positive reading environment at home.

By using Little Learners Love Literacy, we ensure that all students in Foundation to Year 2 receive the best start in their literacy journey. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning at home and working with us to create a strong foundation for lifelong success.

If you have any questions about LLLL or how to support your child’s literacy development, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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

Get Ready Term 3...

Spark Curiosity
and Celebrate More Growth

Division Boys' Netball

22nd July 2026

Casey Giles and James Smith
PE & Sport Specialists
Mount Waverley Primary School

Junior Music Semester 2
has kicked off in style
and is already in full swing...

The Junior School Music program has enjoyed a wonderful start to the term, with students from Foundation to Year 2 enthusiastically engaging in a range of hands-on drumming experiences. The music room has been filled with energy, excitement and rhythm as students explored percussion through practical, interactive learning.

Our youngest musicians have been developing their understanding of beat, tempo and rhythm while building confidence through movement and performance. Using a variety of drums and percussion instruments, students have practised keeping a steady beat, echoing rhythmic patterns and working together in ensemble activities. These experiences not only support musical development but also strengthen listening skills, concentration, coordination and teamwork.

It has been fantastic to see such enthusiasm and engagement from our Junior School students. We look forward to continuing our musical journey this term as students further develop their rhythmic skills, musical knowledge and confidence as young performers.



Ellen Newbury
Music & Performing Arts Specialist
Mount Waverley Primary School

A Hundred Days of Becoming

One hundred days of courage, curiosity, and steady growth. A hundred moments of trying, learning, and discovering what they can do. And woven through every step has been the heart, patience, and tireless dedication of their teachers—guiding, encouraging, and cheering them on. This milestone celebrates not only our students’ achievements, but the quiet, faithful work that made those achievements possible.

Below are a few helpful reminders for parents to ensure the celebration is smooth, joyful, and unforgettable…

Stories Come Alive

Dress To Inspire

The dot becomes the moment of beginning.

The line becomes the thought unfolding.

The space around it becomes the space to learn and grow.

Move over bestselling authors, there are some new names ready to be written into the spotlight!

Congratulations On Your Achievement Sara!

Well Done!

Sara has completed 2.5 years of Public Speaking & Communication Skills training (equivalent to 100 hours) and presented 15 formal solo speeches.

Helping Children
Get the Sleep They Need

The Power of a Good Night's Sleep

At school, we see every day how important sleep is for children's learning, mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Just like healthy food and exercise, sleep helps children grow, recover, and feel their best.

Many families juggle busy schedules, homework, activities, and family commitments, so getting enough sleep isn't always easy. The good news is that even small changes can make a big difference.

Some helpful ideas include:

• Keeping bedtime and wake-up times reasonably consistent.
• Creating a calming bedtime routine, such as reading together.
• Limiting screens in the hour before bed where possible.
• Making bedrooms comfortable, quiet, and relaxing.

Every child is different, and some periods of life are naturally more challenging than others. If bedtime feels difficult in your household, please know you're not alone. Small, gradual changes often work better than aiming for perfection.

A well-rested child is better equipped to learn, play, manage emotions, and enjoy their day.

Kerry Oates
First Aid Officer
Mount Waverley Primary School