Dear Families,

Firstly, it is great to be back at school after an extended break. Thanks to Mrs Tania Hunter who has (as always) filled in for me so capably and started off the term so well.

Building Works ~ the major class refits are done, and we are now only finishing off landscaping (oval looks about a month away, just need some sunshine…). What a fantastic milestone for our school to have over 20 learning spaces refitted and looking so amazing. We look forward to an official opening soon. A huge thanks to students and staff for your patience and flexibility. This not only saved us a lot of time but also money, money that we are looking forward to continuing to spend on upgrades… I’ll keep everyone posted.

Maintenance Works ~ Equally, we have a lot of work going on around the school. This is part of a major department of education funded maintenance program. The deck outside the foundation rooms (between the gym foyer) is an example of this. We are grateful for this funding, and this will certainly spruce up this area, and improve safe movement around the school. There has been a delay due to a variation of funding and redesign, to improve the structure of this space. I have been reassured this will be completed over the next two weeks.

Landscaping outside the north side of the gym foyer ~ After removing the portables at the end of last year, we wanted to open up this space, to remove the bottle neck in this high traffic area. The design will bring together the garden we planted about 18 months ago and provides new paths to move through the school with wider, and new, paths. Also, you will see new park bench seating for everyone to enjoy and breakout spaces for classes, and out of hours care, to enjoy.

100 Days of Prep ~ On Wednesday, our preps celebrated their first 100 days of school. Our newest cohort have settled beautifully as a whole, and it is always a pleasure taking prospective families through on a tour and seeing just how far they have already come.

Book Week ~ Children's Book Week 2026 takes place from Monday 10th August to Friday, 14^th of August 2026. We will have lots of activities to celebrate book week, including the Book Week ‘Dress Up’.

Library Opening ~ To support reading at home (and at school), we are looking forward to announcing soon when the library will re-open.

Industrial Action ~ There is talk of another strike on August 19^th. As mentioned previously, a significant part of the current industrial action is related to the funding of government schools. In Victoria, we are the lowest funded jurisdiction in the country. In 2023, the federal and state governments began fully funding private schools under the Schooling Resource Standard. Victoria was to begin moving towards full funding for public schools this year, but in 2025, the state and federal governments agreed to push that back to 2031, with full funding not being delivered until 2034.

A fully funded school would allow us to employ more education support staff, more teachers and more allied health professionals such as occupational therapists or psychologists. It could reduce class sizes and provide more 1:1 teacher-student time. Even though school staff have fallen significantly behind inflation in terms of salaries, currently by approximately 17% including the inflation incurred this school year, the money is not the biggest issue. Teachers want to improve outcomes for students and whilst Victoria currently provides the best results in the country, imagine what we could do if we were funded at the full Schooling Resource Standard!

Kiss-and-Go Parking

A reminder that the Kiss and Go area is for quick drop offs or pickups only before and after school. Parents are reminded that it is illegal to leave their car, even for a few minutes, and that they can be fined if they do so. Just one car being left unattended stops the flow of cars moving in and out of the space. Please, I ask all parents to be mindful of other families, and should you wish to park and leave your car, please do so at the many parking areas around the school that cater for this.

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

MWPS Making Great Choices Together Matrix Feedback

The Principal Team is looking for feedback on the Making Great Choices Together Behaviour Matrix. Feedback will be discussed and improvements made where necessary. We value your thoughts and opinions. 

Please provide feedback by Friday September 4^th using the following survey link https://forms.gle/v4Zpg21yg5i5DSvH7

Bully No Way Week      

Bullying No Way Week, from 17th to 21st August, is about the important roles school, family and community play in helping young people feel accepted, respected and a sense of belonging. Creating a safe and respectful environment is a shared responsibility, and small acts can make a real difference.

Small actions, like including someone, speaking up, or showing kindness can help create change. Actions don’t need to be big to change someone’s world. Lasting change happens when schools build a culture that supports kindness and respect. Even small, intentional acts of kindness have a powerful ripple effect, building inclusivity and wellbeing.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking students, schools, families and communities to consider their words and actions, no matter how small, and be proud to be kind, support someone, and speak up against bullying.

Monday 17th August – Kids Helpline’s largest anti-bullying lesson
All students will participate in a live stream online lesson created by qualified Kids Helpline Counsellors. The lesson is curriculum-aligned and will provide students with expert tips, tools and strategies to respond to bullying.

Monday 17th August – Wear a Touch of Purple
Students can wear purple clothes, shoes, headband, crazy hair or other accessories.

Focus Day Messages and Activities
A range of evidence-based learning activities in the classroom focused on the theme, “Small Acts, Big Impact”. Students will discover how they can take the opportunity to make things better by turning small moments into positive outcomes—fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across the classroom, school and community.

School Counsellor
Priyanka and our placement student Annika will be facilitating a ‘Kindness Board’ for students to share positive messages.

Priyanka is looking to facilitate a Parent Workshop focusing on:

• How to keep the kids safe from online behaviour

• How to respond to your child causing harm/ being a victim of it.

Psychology Placement Students

Ebony Johnson and Emma Price from Monash University are currently completing their Psychological Science in Practice Placement at the school. Over the next 12 weeks they will be at the school on Thursdays. They have extensive knowledge in the science of psychology, psychological disorders, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour. Whilst completing their placement they will be working on designing and developing resources which will support students, staff and our parent community.

If any families would like access to specialised information or resources, we can link you in with the students who may be able to support you.

eSafety Webinars for Parents and Carers

Join our free webinars for parents and carers. These live webinars give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safer online experiences. Use the following link to book your place Webinars for parents and carers | eSafety Commissioner
 

The changing face of cyberbullying: protecting your child in 2026

This essential webinar for parents and carers unpacks how online harm is evolving, from the use of AI-powered tactics to coded emoji language and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss in cyberbullying situations.  

This webinar will cover:

• recognising the signs that your child may be experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying
• building protective factors at home
• how to support your child with practical strategies to respond, report, and stay safe in a fast-changing digital world. 

Term 3 (AEST)
19 August 2026, 12:30pm

Navigating screen time: tools for today’s families

This 45-minute webinar:

• explores what quality screen time looks like
• how to create balanced family routines
• ways to manage boredom and transitions
• strategies to support children’s wellbeing at different ages and stages.

The webinar offers realistic and practical approaches to strengthen digital skills, encourage open conversations, and make screen time more positive and predictable for the whole family.

Term 3 (AEST)
26 August 2026, 12.30pm
 

How connection and belonging shapes children and young people’s vulnerability online

Connection, identity and belonging are powerful drivers for young people online, but they can also increase vulnerability.

This webinar explores:

• the role of offline experiences in shaping vulnerability online
• why some young people are more at risk online
• strategies to support safer online engagement.

Term 3 (AEST)
8 September 2026, 12:30pm
 

AI-generated images and videos: navigating the deepfake threat

Tools using AI are evolving fast and young people are often the first to explore and adopt them. But with this rapid change comes real risks. AI tools that generate fake images and videos are now being misused in ways that can harm or exploit children and young people.

This webinar for parents and carers will cover: 

• how these new technologies are being used and why it matters
• how these new technologies are impacting children and young people
• steps you can take to increase awareness and support your child as well as how to report online abuse using deepfake images and videos.

It’s suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary and secondary school.

Term 3 (AEST)
15 September 2026, 12:30pm

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing, or if you yourself need supports from the school or community services.

Jacinta Evans
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing
Mount Waverley Primary School
9807 1480
jacinta.evans@education.vic.gov.au

... Carried Along

By The Current Of Term 3...

Setting The Standard
For Excellence

Congratulations and a brilliant well-done to our award recipients.

Parking Around
Mount Waverley Primary School
And Next To Residential Driveways

As we continue to care for the wellbeing of every child in our community, we kindly ask all families to remain mindful of parking behaviours during daily drop‑off and pick‑up. Your attentiveness helps keep our neighbourhood safe, respectful, and accessible for everyone.

Please Park Considerately

Our neighbours rely on clear access to their homes. We ask that you do not block or overhang any driveway, even briefly. Parking respectfully protects community relationships and avoids preventable fines.

Council‑Regulated Parking Zones

Parking around Mount Waverley Primary School is strictly regulated by the City of Monash Council, with roving parking officers monitoring the area to ensure student safety. Standard Victorian Road Safety Rules apply to all surrounding streets, including Park Lane, Toirram Road and nearby residential courts:

• No Stopping / No Standing Zones: Vehicles must not stop here at any time.

• Driveways: Blocking or partially obstructing a driveway is illegal.

• Nature Strips & Footpaths: Parking on nature strips, verges, or footpaths is prohibited.

• Double Parking: Stopping beside a parked car to drop off or pick up children is heavily fined.

• Clearance on Narrow Roads: Please leave at least 3 metres of road width for traffic and emergency vehicles.
  
  

On‑Site School Grounds Rules

To protect students and staff, please observe the following:

• Staff Car Park: This area is strictly off‑limits to parents between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Entry or parking for drop‑off/pick‑up is not permitted.

• Pedestrian Safety: Parents and children must not walk through the staff car park. Please use footpaths and designated gates at all times.
  
  

Best Practices for a Smooth Pick‑Up and Drop‑Off

• Use Legal Parking Further Down the Street: A short walk to the gate keeps traffic flowing and supports safety.

• Respect Our Neighbours: Council monitors nearby streets closely due to community concerns about illegal parking.

The Council is often contacted by local residents who are concerned about the parking of parents dropping off or picking up children from a school.

When people double park or park too close to school crossings, it can make the situation unsafe for children and other people in the area.

We also hear regularly from residents who have been inconvenienced by people parking across their driveways (read also Parking Concerns).

Our parking officers regularly patrol areas around schools (and other local streets) so please obey the road rules at all times, or you risk being fined.

• If you are stationary in a queue of traffic and a person gets in or out of your vehicle, you are double parking which is not allowed.
• You're not allowed to stop or park on a road in a position that obstructs access to a driveway or footpath.
  
  

Annual Australian Primary Principals’ Day

7th August 2026

Please scroll down to enjoy photos from the celebration. A special tribute awaits at the very end.

Mount Waverley Primary School staff gathered in heartfelt appreciation to celebrate Principals’ Day — a delightful moment to honour the leaders whose vision, humour, and humanity shape the spirit of our school.

On this annual Australian Primary Principals’ Day, we recognise that leadership is far more than guiding learning — it is navigating complexities, balancing empathy with accountability, and carrying the quiet weight of responsibility with grace. True leadership demands emotional strength, clarity of purpose, and the ability to inspire others even when the path ahead is uncertain.

We celebrated our Principal, Mr Campbell McKay, together with Assistant Principals Tania Hunter and Jacinta Evans — a leadership trio whose clarity, courage, and steady direction keep MWPS moving forward with purpose. Their personable nature and passion for excellence lift every classroom, inspiring both staff and students.

A special and joy‑filled thank you to our students and classes for the beautiful celebratory artwork created for Principals’ Day. Your colourful drawings, thoughtful messages, and imaginative designs added warmth, personality, and a touch of magic to the occasion. Your creativity reminded us all that the heart of MWPS beats strongest in the hands of our young artists — thank you for filling our celebration with colour, pride, and delight.

And what a celebration it was. Our morning tea was nothing short of amazing — a vibrant spread filled with colour, conversation, and the unmistakable joy of a community coming together. The room buzzed with laughter, gratitude, and stories that highlighted just how deeply our principals shape the heart of MWPS.

To Campbell, Tania, and Jacinta 

Wishing you

A massive thank you to everyone who contributed to the morning tea — your generosity made the occasion shine. To all who were able to join — your presence turned a simple gathering into a celebration of community, appreciation, and shared delight. And last but not least, a special shout-out to those involved in the thoughtful preparations that led to this wonderful occasion; your behind‑the‑scenes care and creativity added the sparkle that made the morning truly memorable.

100 Days of Prep Pride

Our 100 Days of Prep Celebration on 29 July was a joyful milestone — one hundred days of learning, growing, and discovering the rhythms of school life. Those tentative February beginnings have now grown into confidence, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging.

The day brimmed with fun, imagination and delight as our Preps took on their 100‑day challenges.

            

Their Year 5 buddies stood alongside them with warmth and encouragement, modelling care and celebrating every achievement. Watching these cross‑age friendships in action was a highlight.


Warm thanks to our exceptional Foundation teachers for the dedication, creativity and care they bring each day. 
And to our families — your support and partnership continue to shape and strengthen your child's learning journey for the years ahead.

Prep Stars, Shine On!

Senior House Athletics Day

Tuesday, 4th August

Bill Sewart Athletics Tracks

A Triumph of Spirit at MWPS!

Mount Waverley Primary School lit up the Bill Sewart Athletics Track last Tuesday as our Senior students leapt, sprinted, hurdled, and cheered their hearts out during Senior House Athletics Day.

Despite the intermittent rain and the occasional “Should we get undercover?” moment, our students turned the day into an unforgettable celebration of energy, teamwork, and pure joy.

         

From the first race to the final jump, the track was alive with colour, house shirts bright against the grey sky, laughter echoing across the field, and determination shining through every event. Students encouraged one another with gusto, proving once again that MWPS spirit doesn’t depend on the weather… it creates its own.

There were moments of triumph, moments of grit, and plenty of moments that reminded us why Athletics Day is one of the most loved events of the year. Whether they were sprinting down the track, soaring in long jump, or leaping onto the high jumps mats, our Senior students had the time of their life.

The day was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the unstoppable enthusiasm of our MWPS community. Rain may have fallen over lunchtime, but spirits never did.

A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, and families who braved the weather and helped make the day run smoothly. And of course, congratulations to all our students for bringing their best, their brightest, and their boldest energy to the track.



We look forward to seeing those athletes who are through to the next round of District Athletics on the 25^th of August.

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

Year 2 Take Centre Stage

Singing the Land,
Celebrating Culture

A highlight of the unit has been learning Koolori, a joyful song about corroboree, a celebration of gathering, dancing and storytelling. As students practise the song, they are not just singing; they are connecting with the idea that music is a living expression of culture, identity and belonging.

Students have also been learning about instruments of the land, including the fascinating gum leaf instrument, developing an appreciation for the ways natural materials can be used to create music and tell stories. These experiences are helping students understand how music reflects cultural traditions and connections to the environment.

This learning journey aligns beautifully with the Year 2 Music curriculum:

Other Updates 

The sounds of collaboration and creativity have been filling the air on Wednesday lunchtimes as our Senior Choir and Orchestra join forces under the guidance of Online Music Solutions. Students have been enthusiastically rehearsing a vibrant Coldplay medley, combining powerful vocals and instrumental talent to bring this exciting arrangement to life.

Ellen Newbury
Music & Performing Arts Specialist
Mount Waverley Primary School

~ WRITING COMPETITION ~

...Scatter a constellation of words across the page...let the gravity of imagination gather them...

The Finish Line is inching closer... sPRINT...

...the buzz is growing louder...

Book Week Dress-Up Day is sneaking up on us… like a plot twist nobody saw coming.

Students and staff, it’s time to raid your bookshelves, rummage through your wardrobes, and unlock the secret vault of your imagination. Come dressed as your favourite book character and help us celebrate the wonderfully wild world of stories. Whether you arrive as a brave hero, a mischievous villain, a curious creature, or a character who mysteriously vanished after Chapter 12, we can’t wait to see what you bring to life.

Our whole-school parade will step, stomp, swish, and possibly magically appear on the basketball courts at 9:15am on Friday 14 August. Parents and carers are warmly invited to join the fun—cheer on our young readers and enjoy the spectacle as beloved book characters leap off the page and onto the courts.

We’re looking forward to a bright, joy-filled morning brimming with stories, laughter, creativity, and perhaps the occasional wandering wizard, talking animal, or detective on a very urgent mission. Most of all, we’ll be celebrating the power of books, imagination, and our wonderful school community.

“Be there, or be missing out on the most scrumdiddlyumptious moment.” BFG

Morning Tea

Wednesday 2nd September

Father's Day Stall

Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th September

Classroom Cuisine
Term 3

Healthy, Affordable Lunch Packs Delivered to School

Radical Generosity

A Huge MWPS Thank You to our Families.  We couldn't have done it without

Let's Support
Our Local Grocery Store

www.ritchies.com.au