Dear Families,

It is so nice to be in full swing for our final term of the year, to be graced with some longer daylight hours and the prospect of some warmer weather over the coming weeks and months ahead.

Term Four Calendar Dates: To ensure dates are known as soon as possible, we are adding termly dates to the newsletter as soon as they are known. Each newsletter will have any new dates updated, see link from last newsletter: https://www.mountwaverleyps.vic.edu.au/enews/details/80

Parent Opinion Survey results: Thank you to the families that completed the Parent Opinion Survey. We have just received the preliminary results and these results were noticeably down by about 10% on average. We are keen to hear from families why this survey data has dropped. If you could complete the following ‘confidential / anonymous’ quick survey, I would be grateful: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCg_GX6qX1svIr_450YF4sP32BkMn2s5_JSdsW5Iz46evjyQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Student Free Days: A couple of dates and reminders for the Term 4 diary, we have a student free day and a public holiday in Term 4, these will occur on:

• Monday 2^nd November – Student Free Day
• Tuesday 3^rd November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Year Five Camp: Our Year Five students have had a fantastic week at the Phillip Island Camp this week (Monday, 12^th – Thursday, 15^th October). Please see attached the website for information about this wonderful camp Christian Youth Camps | CYC Phillip Island Adventure Resort

Year Three Camp: Our Year Three Camp is happening from Wednesday, 4^th – Friday 6^th November. The students and staff are looking forward to a fun camp, as part of our Year 3 – 6 camping programs.

Foundation for 2027: We currently have 70 Foundation (Prep) enrolments for 2027. This will see four grades of 17 students. So, if you know someone who would like to have their child in a small class, let them know, we have a few spots left – which can include families out of Mount Waverley zone.

Come and try Foundation (Prep) Transition: If you know someone who might like to ‘try’ our school they can join the sessions below -

• Wednesday 21 October – Wellbeing, 9:30–10:30am
• Thursday 5 November – Numeracy, 9:30–10:30am
• Wednesday 18 November – Literacy, 9:30–10:30am, followed by a Parent Information Evening at 6:00pm
• Tuesday 8 December – Meet Your 2027 Teacher, 9:30–10:30am

School Holiday Maintenance: The school holiday period was a great opportunity to continue the maintenance and upgrades around the school

• We now have had all the portables painted on the outside, which also means we have the same colours across the school.
• The security fencing is down and the landscaping and oval look amazing.
• Roofing work on the gym has stopped any leaking during rain events.
• Poles down around basketball and portable area of the school have all been repainted a bright yellow – for better student visibility.
• A new shade cloth has been installed over the play area near bottom of the basketball courts. Never a cheap exercise but important to keep play areas shaded.

2027 Parent Requests: Thanks for the emails that I have received. These requests are now closed. As I mentioned in the notifications that went out at the end of last term, I won’t reply to all email requests but be reassured that as these came into my email, I saved them into a folder for consideration. I did receive quite a few lists of friend requests from parents but confirming that we ask the students for these.

Attendance: I am really pleased with our attendance data, especially as this compares to ‘similar schools’ and all schools in our area. We have some of the best attendance data and I attribute this to your support and the work of staff. As I say to staff, if students are having success, they will want to be at school. Hence our significant collaborative efforts to teach students at their point of need (or zone of proximal development). For more information about the importance of everyday attendance, see Attendance and Missing School.

Divisional Athletics: Congratulations to all our students who had such fantastic success recently. Ms Giles said the relays had unprecedented success, and she attributed this to the student’s efforts to practice and using the new all weather running track.

No Report Comment: As per the mid-year student reports, there will be no teacher comment. This is in line with the Department of Education plan for reports into the future.

Reading: There’s lots to do in Term 4,  but it is important to remember that every child is expected to complete their home reading every day. There is no excuse for a student to claim they don’t have any homework, as the minimum expectation is that they will be reading as part of their overall requirements. I cannot emphasise enough how important this is for the development of every child’s learning. We would also appreciate it if parents or older siblings could hear their children reading as often as possible, with a little modelled reading thrown in for good measure. Hopefully with the library opening soon, books will be in abundance again.

Hats: As we are well into the term, I would like to remind all families that hats are required for all students when playing outside. With classes likely to be spending a considerable amount of time in the open air over the remainder of the year, hats will be essential.

World Teachers Day:  World Teachers’ Day will be celebrated on Friday 23^rd of October, and we are full of admiration to our teaching staff that have incredible dedication to their work and the support and care for our students. Celebrated educational psychologist, Lee Shulman once wrote of teaching:

“Classroom teaching is perhaps the most complex, most challenging, and most demanding, subtle, nuanced, and frightening activity that our species has ever invented. In fact, when I compared the complexity of teaching with that much more highly rewarded profession, ‘doing medicine,’ I concluded that the only time medicine even approaches the complexity of an average day of classroom teaching is in an emergency room during a natural disaster.”

Carols Afternoon: Our end of year carols will be held on 7^th December. Please mark this date in your calendar. We look forward to seeing as many community members attend this special end of year event as possible.

Finally: There is a real sense of excitement around the school, in new classrooms, new play spaces and with spring in the air. Importantly, we continue to maintain our high expectations, support every student to make the most of their learning and ensure that the final weeks of 2026 are filled with purpose, connection and plenty of opportunities to celebrate.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our students, our staff, and our school.

Kind regards,

Campbell McKay
Principal
Mount Waverley Primary School

Monash University Student Counselling Placements

Dear Parents and Carers,

My name is Sarie, and I am a student counsellor completing my placement at the school over the coming terms.

As part of my placement, I will be working with students to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming space where they can talk about their feelings, experiences, relationships, school life or any challenges they may be experiencing. I can also support students who may be experiencing stress, anxiety or worries related to schoolwork, assessments and other aspects of their lives.

Counselling sessions are tailored to each individual student and may involve talking, completing activities, drawing, playing games, reading, or taking a walk. The intention is to provide students with an environment in which they feel comfortable, heard and supported, while developing skills to understand and manage their emotions and navigate challenges.

I recognise that seeking counselling support for your child may raise questions, and I am very happy to discuss my role, the placement process and what counselling may involve. Please feel welcome to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.

I look forward to meeting and working with the students and families within the school community over the coming terms.

Warm Regards,
Sarie (Placement Student Counsellor)

Online and Phone Parenting Support

• Kids Helpline - parentsprovides written resources and advice on supporting your child’s mental health.
• ReachOutprovides free 1:1 online parent coaching for parents of teens aged 12-18.
• Rasing Children Networkoffers written parenting advice tailored to every age and stage of development.
• Parenting Strategiesprovides practical guidance on how parents can support their child’s wellbeing.
• Rainbow Dooroffers a free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline with information, support, and referrals for all LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their friends and family.
• Parents of Gender Diverse Childrenprovide peer support for parents plus information, referrals and connections.
• Transcendprovides peer support for families with transgender and gender diverse children including information, advocacy and connections.

Parenting Programs

• Triple P- Positive Parenting Programis an evidence-based toolbox for raising happy and confident children and teens. All families in Victoria can do free Triple P programs to help support every child’s emotional wellbeing and every family’s mental health.
• Partners in Parenting PLUS (PiP+)is an evidence-based parenting program designed to help parents raise their teenager (12- 17 years) with confidence.
• Regional Parenting Servicesoffer local services to gain skills and confidence to support your child's development.
• The Strengthening Parent Support Programsupports families with a child who has a disability or developmental delay.

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

Moving On To Week 3...

November 6 & 20

December 4, 11

December 18  -  Year 6 Farewell Assembly

October 23

November 13 & 27

October

24           Engine AI T800 Robotics Incursion     ~     $4 & CONSENT

November

6             Dance Curriculum Incursion           ~    $26 & CONSENT

6             Year 4 Precious Plastics Incursion   ~    $50 & CONSENT

16           PETER COMBE Live @ MWPS          ~    $10.25 & CONSENT

October 19

November 2 & 16

December 7

Congratulations to our
Principal’s Award recipients! 

Thirth K. 

Year 4C

Taekwondo National Championship

Congratulations to our Year 4 student on an outstanding achievement, winning a gold medal at the National Taekwondo Championships in Canberra recently.

This remarkable result is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of training. Competing against talented athletes from across Australia, he demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

Thirth, what an outstanding achievement! This well-deserved gold medal is a testament to your hard work, determination, and resilience. Your success serves as a wonderful reminder to your peers that with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with you and look forward to watching your taekwondo journey continue to flourish. May this achievement be the first of many exciting successes to come!

   

How did you feel when you won the gold medal?
I felt really good and proud of myself.


What do you enjoy most about taekwondo?
I get to learn self-defence, and to get stronger mentally and physically.


How long have you been training taekwondo?
Almost 3 years.


What was the most challenging part of the competition?
The semi-finals.  The opponent was really tough.


How did you prepare for the championship?
I trained for 6 hours per day/3 days per week during the holidays.


What was going through your mind before your final match?

I wondered if I had a chance of winning gold, but I was feeling a little nervous because I knew I would be facing a very strong opponent.

Who has helped or supported you on your taekwondo journey?
My dad, coaches and family.


What skills or lessons has taekwondo taught you?
I've learned how to protect myself when in danger.  I've also learned patience, resilience, observation and thinking skills.

Foundation 2027 Transition – Session 1: Wellbeing

We are very excited to welcome our 2027 Foundation students and families and look forward to beginning their transition journey at MWPS!

Date: Wednesday, 21 October

Arrival: 9:10am at the Park Lane Main Gate

Our Year 4 buddies will meet our new Foundation students and families and guide them to the Transition Space.

Student Session: 9:30am–10:30am – Wellbeing

• Children will participate in activities designed to help them become familiar with their new school environment, teachers and peers.

Parent Information Session: 9:35am in the Senior Learning Area

• Meet the Principal: Campbell McKay
• Wellbeing: Jacinta Evans, Learning Specialists and Allied Health

Collection: 10:30am from the Transition Space.

We are very excited to welcome our 2027 Foundation students and families and look forward to beginning their transition journey at MWPS!

Kind Regards

Tina Kolivas
Office Manager
Mount Waverley Primary School

Achieving Excellence Together

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) for 2027

End of Term 3 Highlights...

Moments Worth Sharing...

Footy Day

House Pride

Footy Day ~ A Spectacular Finish to Term 3!

The last day of school delivered everything we hoped for and more — colour, energy, friendly rivalry, and the unmistakable buzz of Footy Day at MWPS. This year’s celebration was extra special as we officially re‑opened the oval after its renovation, and what better way to celebrate it than with our much‑awaited Students vs Teachers Footy Face‑Off.

Footy Day Lunch & Atmosphere

The day kicked off with the legendary Footy Day Lunch, complete with flaming hotdog meals that added delicious fuel to the excitement. 

Our incredible Parents and Friends team were hard at work from the early morning, preparing and assembling hundreds of hotdogs so they were ready to be served at lunchtime after the Footy Parade. Their dedication kept spirits high and stomachs happy throughout the celebration.

               

Parade of Colours

Students and teachers arrived dressed proudly in their favourite team colours — stripes, scarves, hoops, and all. The Footy Parade on the basketball court was a vibrant sea of team pride, laughter, and anticipation as everyone geared up for the big match.

Students vs Teachers — A Riot Of Running, Roaring, and Ridiculous Fun

The face‑off on the newly reopened oval was nothing short of thrilling. It was fierce, fast, and wonderfully close, with the Teachers edging ahead in a nail‑biting finish:

• Teachers: 39
• Students: 34

But truly — everyone was a winner. The sportsmanship, teamwork, and joy on display made it an unforgettable event.

What An Absolutely Epic Day!!

From the parade to the hotdogs to the roaring cheers that echoed across the school grounds, Footy Day was a WOW moment from start to finish. A celebration of community, fun, and MWPS spirit at its finest.  Thank you to everyone who made this Footy Day shine. What a finish — and what a year. Bring on next year!!

House Pride Finale ~ Glenelg Crowned Term 3 Champion!

The last day of Term 3 erupted in colour, cheers, and friendly rivalry as Barwon, Glenelg, Goulburn, and Murray battled it out in the much‑anticipated House Pride Competition.

The school gymnasium was alive with excitement — the kind that rolls across the grounds, lifts the roof, and reminds everyone why House spirit is one of MWPS’s most treasured traditions.

   





Event Winners

• Egg Drop Challenge — Goulburn
• Bridge Building — Glenelg
• Tower Construction — Glenelg
• Paper Plane Distance — Murray

Each event showcased creativity, teamwork, and plenty of laughter as students engineered, experimented, and cheered their hearts out.

Overall House Champion — Glenelg!

With standout performances across multiple events, Glenelg soared to the top and claimed the title of Term 3 House Pride Champion. Their teamwork, determination, and spirited support carried them all the way to victory.

1. Message from the Year 6 Team

2. Flyer

3. Token Order Form

4. Fete Stalls Information by Product

Dear MWPS Families,

The Year 6 students are holding the annual, whole school Mini Fete on Friday 30^th October 2026 which is held during school hours. Money raised is put toward the Year 6 Graduation and end of year celebrations. Students from all year levels are given the opportunity to participate in the Mini Fete by purchasing tokens which can be used at the stalls and activities.

A fantastic variety of food and drink stalls are on offer including boba tea, rocky road, fried chicken, popcorn, loaded fries, nachos, doughnuts, pizza, tacos, milk shakes and so much more…

We also have fun and entertaining stalls including basketball shooting, cup catching, hair spray, raffles, sponge throwing, key rings, crochet items, and many more.

The Year 6 students will promote their business to the whole school before the day so students will find out more of what’s on offer.

Students can pre-purchase tokens by credit card or cash until Monday, October 26^th, 2026. Please ensure the money is placed in an envelope and filled in correctly with the child’s name, class and money amount. 

Price is 50c for 1 token. (Most activities and food will range between 4-10 tokens each)

Students will receive their purchased tokens at school from their class teacher on the day of the fete.

****Tokens can also be purchased on the day but pre-purchasing is preferable  to ensure students don’t miss out on the fun. ***Tokens will be distributed by class teachers on the day of the fete.

Warm regards,

The Year 6 Team
Mount Waverley Primary School

Achieving Excellence Together

Arrabri Lodge

Warburton East

4th - 6th November

Japanese Art Competition Winners

Achieving Excellence Together

Year 6

1^st: Bevan 6D

2^nd: Victoria T 6B

3^rd: Hailey 6D

Year 5

1^st: Madhvi S 5D

2^nd: Kenisha K 5C

3^rd: Svetlana 5C

Year 4

1^st: Zilya O 4B

2^nd: Eva L 4B

3^rd: Ayumi & Aurelia 4C

Year 3

1^st: Michelle H 3A

2^nd: Chloe & Kayleen 3C

3^rd: Shaun 3B

Moments Worth Sharing
From The Archives

The Australian Girls Choir Came To Mount Waverley Primary School

On Friday, 12th September, Mount Waverley Primary School was buzzing with excitement as the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) visited to run group assessment workshops for interested Junior and Senior girls.

Across the morning, AGC staff led engaging sessions filled with singing, rhythm work and movement activities. The atmosphere was joyful and energetic, with students eagerly participating and discovering new ways to express themselves through performance. These workshops allowed AGC to observe each participant’s musicality, confidence and potential — important first steps in identifying candidates who may be invited to join the choir.

For many girls, this marked the beginning of a wonderful journey. Those selected will have the opportunity to learn to sing, dance and perform under the guidance of AGC, an organisation known for nurturing talent and inspiring young performers across Australia. The experience promises to encourage, challenge and uplift every girl who steps into the program.

Division Athletics 

Bill Sewart Athletics Track

7th October 2026

Our MWPS students had an outstanding day at Division Athletics on the 7th of October at Bill Sewart Athletics Track! With 40 students representing our school from years 3 to 6. It was wonderful to see everyone giving their best across a range of track and field events.

Throughout the day, our students demonstrated fantastic sportspersonship, encouraged their teammates and celebrated each other's achievements. The cheering and support from the MWPS crowd on the sidelines were just as impressive as the performances on the track and on the field, creating a positive and fun atmosphere for everyone involved.

There were plenty of achievements to celebrate, with several students finishing 1st in all 3 of their events which is an outstanding effort! We also had five relay teams qualify for Regionals, which is a new school record! All students have been training hard at snack and lunch for the past term on our new running track, and all their hard work and dedication has been paying off!

We are incredibly proud to announce that 22 students have qualified for Regionals , including our five relay teams. We look forward to seeing them continue to represent our school with pride as they take on the next stage of competition, Regionals on 22nd October at Knox Athletics Track... after that, State!

Congratulations to all 40 students who competed and represented our school so proudly. Whether competing for a place at Regionals, achieving personal bests or supporting their teammates, everyone contributed to making it such a memorable day. Well done to all involved, and best of luck to our athletes heading to Regionals! Go MWPS!!

Hay Fever Season

We are delighted to share that students have now returned to using our school oval. This has been an exciting development, as the oval provides valuable opportunities for outdoor play, physical activity, sports, and learning experiences throughout the day. 

While we are very pleased to have access to this wonderful space again, we have noticed that the increased time outdoors may be contributing to a rise in hay fever symptoms for some students. With warmer weather and higher pollen levels, children who are sensitive to grass, pollen, and other environmental allergens may experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny noses, and congestion. 

If your child suffers from hay fever, we encourage you to: 

• Ensure any prescribed medication is taken as recommended by your healthcare provider. 

• Discuss symptom management strategies with your child. 

• Inform the school of any significant allergies or medical concerns that may affect your child's wellbeing during outdoor activities. 

We will continue to monitor students and encourage good hygiene practices, such as washing hands after outdoor play. Where practical, we will also seek to minimise exposure for students who are particularly affected. 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we balance the many benefits of outdoor play with the seasonal challenges that some students may experience. We are excited to see students enjoying the oval once again and appreciate your partnership in helping them remain comfortable and ready to learn. 

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss your child's specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact the school. 

Kerry Oates
First Aid Officer
Mount Waverley Primary School
Achieving Excellence Together

Take a peek behind the classroom door
and discover a little more about
the wonderful teachers
who inspire and support our students
every day at MWPS.

Kristen Antonopoulos

Classroom Teacher @ MWPS

Hi, my name is Kristen Antonopoulos (Miss A to the kids)! I grew up in regional Victoria, in Traralgon. I have a Greek/Cypriot background, with all four of my grandparents born overseas!

I completed my Bachelor of Sport, Health and Outdoor Education in Gippsland before heading to the big city to pursue my Master of Teaching — and moving into a lively share house with my best friends.

I currently teach Year 3 full time, and outside of school I also work casually as a tennis coach. I love being outdoors, exercising and spending time with my family and friends!

The most rewarding part about being a teacher for me is...

It’s cliché but definitely building connections with students and helping them reach their full potential. Helping them become confident, independent learners is really cool to see.


If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, it would be...

The Greek islands, without a doubt!


The best piece of advice I have ever received is...

“Follow your gut and trust your instincts.” More often than not, you know what the right answer is, so believe in yourself and go with it!


My go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week is...

Always some form of exercise, whether it’s walks, the gym, Pilates or tennis, and equally, spending time with my friends and family!


My advice for anyone starting new at this school would be...

Embrace the new learning experiences and be open to meeting new people and students so you can make plenty of new friends. Feeling a sense of belonging in a new environment is the best way to start feeling comfortable and enjoying somewhere new.