Newsletter 4 September 2026

Term 3 Week 8


Principal's Message



Dear Families,

The term is drawing towards its end. A lot of great learning has occurred. Next week is planning week for staff, this is our opportunity to reflect on student growth and identify needs for the next learning. A huge amount of work goes into planning for these days; Tania Hunter (as our ‘Teaching and Learning’ Assistant Principal) develops all the agendas to support and challenge staff to reflect on their work and ensure that every child exceeds expectations. I have been using a new mantra with staff, it’s nothing new or groundbreaking, I say. “Every child deserves great teaching, every day, in every lesson”. This is what we are about at MWPS, so I thank Tania (and staff) for the work they do to not just do a good job, but to help students flourish.


VPA Conference: Leading with Connection & Purpose 

Mrs Hunter, Miss Evans and I attended the Victorian Principals Association (VPA) Annual Conference in Geelong from Wednesday, 3 September to Friday, 5 September. The theme of this three-day event was Leading with Connection & Purpose.

Conferences such as this provide principals with a valuable opportunity to learn, collaborate and share new ideas that support whole-school improvement. At this year’s VPA Conference, a diverse group of presenters challenged principals to reflect on the role of connection, trust and purpose in effective leadership. Across a range of keynote presentations, common themes emerged around fostering collaborative cultures, building psychological safety, communicating with influence, and creating environments where both staff and students can thrive.

Speakers explored the importance of empathy, adaptability and continuous learning, highlighting how human-centred leadership can strengthen wellbeing, engagement and organisational performance. Attendees also gained practical insights into developing trust, cultivating discipline and resilience, understanding motivation, and leading through change with confidence.

A recurring message throughout the event was that leadership is not just about achieving outcomes, but about empowering others, nurturing meaningful relationships and creating the conditions for sustainable growth. We left with fresh perspectives and practical strategies to strengthen connection and purpose within our school communities.


Building Works 

The oval was opened to students this week, to their delight. Was so lovey seeing the Foundation students go out on to the oval for the first time since they have started school, and to see their reaction. The deck outside the Foundation area is complete and we are just waiting to have a slight trip hazard remedied before we open this space. Fences on the oval will be removed for the start of next term. New seating will also be built around new garden beds where new landscaping is being completed.

Father’s Day Breaky / Stall & Disco 
Thanks so much to the parents and friends who ran these fantastic events. So much care and skill as well as fun. We are so lucky to have such support to make our school a great place for our students.

Parent Opinion Survey
The survey is live and we are hoping for more respondents. You can access this via the link sent on Compass.


Student Safety
 
Can I please ask that we use pedestrian crossings where applicable and not take children through the staff car parks, as a short cut.

 

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal

Mount Waverley Primary School




 



Wellbeing @ MWPS





I. Parent Opinion Survey

Our school is seeking your feedback to identify areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school. You can complete the survey up to Friday 18 September 2026.

To complete the survey:

  1. Click on the link 2026 Parent/Carer Opinion Survey
  1. Select the School and Campus name below.

               School Name: Mount Waverley Primary School

               Campus Name: Mount Waverley Primary School

  1. Enter the School PIN: 441664
  2. When complete, please click on the ‘Submit’ button to submit your answers.




II. 2026 AtoSS Result Celebrations



III. R U OK Day

Thursday 10 September







IV. Join Us for Step4Schools Week


We’re excited to share that Mount Waverley Primary School will be taking part in Step4Schools from 14–18 September 2026, and we’d love your family to be involved. Step4School helps raise awareness for babies born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can make it harder to move, talk and play.

Throughout the week, students will get moving, work together, and take part in fun activities. As a school community, we’ll be working towards a shared goal of 10,000 points through movement and participation.

By taking part, we’re helping build a more connected, active, and inclusive school community while supporting an important cause.

Stay tuned for more details.





Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jacinta Evans jacinta.evans@education.vic.gov.au 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




Important Dates


It is Half Moon Till
The End of Term!










11 September




18 September    Yr 5 Camp Final Payment  $310 & Consent
18 September    Yr 3 Camp Deposit $180 & Consent
16 October         Yr 6 Mini Fete & EOY Celebration  $90 & Consent
16 October         Yr 3 Camp Final $179.20 & Consent



7 September

Principal's Awards



Recognising and Celebrating

Effort

Enthusiasm

Excellence 


Congratulations and Well Done!









Farewell School Counsellor

 

Priyanka V.

School Counsellor


With Gratitude & Best Wishes


                                   

On 1st September, Mount Waverley Primary School celebrated Priyanka's acceptance of a full-time role as Student Care Advisor at Monash University - a significant milestone that recognises her deep expertise in student wellbeing.

In this new position, she will support students navigating trauma, complex mental health needs, and behavioural challenges, marking an exciting next chapter in her professional journey.   

On behalf of Mount Waverley Primary School, our Principal - Campbell McKay, congratulated and expressed his thanks and appreciation for Priyanka's contribution and unwavering commitment during her tenure as MWPS School Counsellor, which has left an enduring imprint on the school's wellbeing culture.


In her warm and heartfelt farewell, Priyanka shared the sadness of leaving while expressing deep gratitude for the support, encouragement, and friendship she experienced during her time at MWPS. She also offered uplifting words to staff — affirming their dedication, celebrating their commitment to student wellbeing, and reminding them of the meaningful impact they make each and every day.




Jacinta Evans
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing
Mount Waverley Primary School

 

 

 

 



Annual School Disco @ MWPS



A Dazzling Success





Little Legends
Lighting Up The Floor




On Friday, 28 August 2026, the Mount Waverley Primary School gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant dance floor as students poured in for our much‑anticipated Annual School Disco. What is usually a space for PE and assemblies became a glowing swirl of lights, music and excitement.


The evening brimmed with music, dancing, laughter and pure fun, with both junior and senior students enjoying the opportunity to celebrate with friends in a safe, welcoming and wonderfully electrifying environment - an event that students will remember for years to come.


This fantastic event simply would not have been possible without the support of our school community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many families, parents and carers who supported this wonderful Parents and Friends (PAF) initiative and helped make the night such a success.


We also warmly acknowledge and thank our dedicated PAF team and the amazing MWPS staff who generously gave their time to assist throughout the evening, including countless hours that went into planning, organising and behind-the-scenes coordination.



Your support - from set-up to supervision to pack-up - played an important role in the smooth running of the event, and was deeply appreciated. 




 






LOTE Japanese @ MWPS


Year 6 Japanese Incursion

27th August 2026



 

 

 

 

On 27th August, the Year 6 students at Mount Waverley Primary School enjoyed an exciting Japanese cultural incursion, exploring what everyday school life is like for students in Japan.


Through a range of interactive and hands-on activities, students gained valuable insights into a typical Japanese school day, including classroom routines, school lunches, uniforms, cleaning responsibilities, after-school clubs, and cultural traditions. The incursion provided a fascinating glimpse into the similarities and differences between Australian and Japanese schools.


Students enthusiastically compared their own experiences with those of Japanese students, building their intercultural understanding while deepening their knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. The engaging program brought classroom learning to life and inspired curiosity, respect, and appreciation for a different way of life.


It was a memorable and enriching experience that supported students' Japanese studies and broadened their global perspectives.

 

Xiaotong Feng
LOTE Japanese Specialist
Mount Waverley Primary School




Father's Day Celebration @ MWPS



1.  Morning Tea Celebration

2.  Father's Day Stall

3.  Photo Gallery



I. Father's Day Morning Tea Celebration





Mount Waverley Primary School’s gymnasium was brimming with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt connection as we gathered to celebrate the remarkable father figures in our community on 2nd September morning. 




The morning was filled with joyful conversations, shared smiles, and precious moments between children and the dads, grandfathers, uncles, carers, and special friends who guide them with strength, wisdom, and love.

Thank you to all families who joined us
— your presence brought such energy and joy to the celebration.

A massive thank you goes to our dedicated Parents and Friends volunteers and MWPS staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and served with such care throughout the morning tea. Your commitment continues to uplift our school community in the most meaningful ways.



We also extend a special thank you to Camp Australia for your generosity in contributing fresh strawberries, adding a delightful touch to the morning’s spread.


II. Father's Day Stall


On 3rd and 4th September, our Father’s Day Stall offered students a wonderful opportunity to choose a thoughtful gift for their father figures — a small but heartfelt expression of their love and gratitude. The excitement on their faces as they selected just‑right treasures was a beautiful reminder of how deeply these relationships are cherished.






Please take a stroll through our gallery below for more snapshots that have captured the special moments, smiles, and heartfelt connections shared during our Father’s Day Morning Tea. (Special shout-out to our wonderful MWPS paparazzi team)

Sports @ MWPS





Box Hill Athletics Tracks
Hagenauer Reserve

3rd September 2026



A Day of Power, Pride, and Performance

 

MWPS Dominated The Tracks, and Claimed Back‑to‑Back Victory

Exceptional Results That Made the Day Shine

  • 42 students qualified for Division Athletics.
  • Victor H. from Yr 6 beat the national record with an incredible 11.15m triple jump!
  • MWPS secured a commanding win with 154 points, ahead of Jells Park Primary School (104 points).
  • This triumph crowned MWPS as champion for the second consecutive year — a milestone that speaks volumes about our community's commitment and spirit.



    


A huge congratulations to every one of our athletes who gave their best, and a special cheer for the 42 students heading to Division Athletics on Wednesday 7th October (Term 4 Week 1).


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



Music @ MWPS



Australian Girls Choir
Workshop Visit
12th September 2026


Dear Families,

Good news! The Australian Girls Choir will be visiting our school on Friday, 12 September to conduct a free workshop/trial session for interested students.


Workshop Schedule

Junior Girls Workshop
1:30 to 2:00 pm
Foundation to Year 2 girls who have registered are invited to attend their session in the Music Room.

Senior Girls Workshop
2:00 to 2:30 pm
All registered senior girls are to come to the Music Room at the middle bell for their workshop/trial session.


Registration

Please click HERE to register for the workshop.

Registrations will close on Thursday, 11 September, the day before the event.

Important

Students must be registered to attend.
Only students who have registered will be admitted to the workshop in the Music Room.


We look forward
to welcoming
the Australian Girls Choir
to our school!




Ellen Newbury
Music & Performing Arts Specialist
Mount Waverley Primary School


 










Kids Health Matters



1. The Hayfever Season Has Arrived

2. MWPS Sun Protection Policy-Now In Force

3. Keeping Unwell Children At Home





1.  The Hayfever Season Has Arrived

Is your child experiencing the following signs and symptoms?



Is it hayfever or other health matters? If in doubt, please contact your child's general practitioner for medical advice, and ensure that the School Health Centre/First Aid personnel is informed to enable us to care for your child's wellbeing during the school hours, when in need.

Download Mobile App - Melbourne Pollen




2.  MWPS Sun Protection Policy - Now In Force

From 15 August to 30 April, all students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities.


As we begin moving into sunnier, warmer months, we kindly ask families to remind children to bring and wear their MWPS broad-rimmed hats during recess, lunch, PE, sport, and all outdoor activities.

Students are also encouraged to apply SPF50 or SPF50+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen daily before going outdoors whenever UV levels reach 3 and above. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours (or more frequently if sweating or swimming).

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe in the sunshine.

For more information, please refer to
MWPS Sun-protection-policy 2025.pdf

Download SunSmart Global UV app - SunSmart



3.   Keeping Unwell Children At Home

If your child is unwell, please keep them at home until they have recovered.

This helps your child get the rest they need, and also reduces the spread of illness to other children, families, and staff.

If your child develops symptoms while at school, we will contact you to arrange for them to be collected.

Thank you for your understanding, and for helping us keep our school community healthy and safe.



Camp Australia


1.  OSHC Newsletter

2.  Parent Survey

3.  Grand Final Games

4.  Rocketeers Spring Holiday Program























Community News



1. Ashwood Cricket Club
2. Green Dentistry
3. Orin Education - Tutoring
4. Rotary Club - Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy Railway
5. Salesian College
6. Broadway Kids@MWPS
7. DAVID R DRUMS!
8. Online Music Solutions