Principal's Report

By Frank Catalano

Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

I trust all is well with you and your family and welcome to this fortnight’s newsletter where so much is shared about our wonderful school.

As per usual, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to see me at school or contact me on 9802 9938 or via email at frank.catalano@education.vic.gov.au

Swimming Programs

Once again, thank you to the families who have supported our school’s swimming programs as I do recognise, they can be an additional burden to the usual family routines. Overall, I felt the programs have been very successful and look forward to the Year Prep to Two program culminating next Wednesday.

RSPCA Drive

Thank you to the numerous families who have donated blankets, towels and sheets for the RSPCA. Your kindness and community spirit will make a tangible difference to animals in need, providing them with warmth, comfort and care while they await their forever homes.

I am incredibly proud of the compassion shown by our school community. Initiatives such as this not only support a worthy organisation but also model for our students the importance of empathy, service and social responsibility. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact beyond our school gates – well done and thank you everyone!

Extra-Curricular Programs

Recently the Year 4 children who will be partaking in the Drone program completed an introductory session which focused on how to program and manage the drones and, just as importantly, how to do so safely. Below is a report from Mrs. Pryde piece as she provides more information about the program and what was learnt.

On Thursday 19th February, the Year 4 Drone Innovation students participated in a Drone Incursion with Katie, a drone pilot from SheMaps. Katie taught the students about safety of drones, professions that utilise drones and how they can help in our world.

The students then had the opportunity to learn manual flight- using remote control to connect to the drone to take off, move in a square formation and land safely. The students loved this and the challenges that came with it whilst building on their teamwork as they worked in small groups. After recess, the students were then introduced to block-based coding to make their drones fly. They are so excited to explore this further over the year.

Some quotes from our students are:

Seth - “I was surprised as I didn’t know coding was compatible with drones. I didn’t know drones could do lots of things like check the sea.”

Nitya - “When I came in I thought the drones would be bigger and heavier, but they were only 60 grams!”

Laksh - “I specifically learned that you can connect drones to laptops and people use drones to spot animals in the morning.”

Jamie - “I learnt to code and it was so fun! I learnt coding by using apps and information.”

Prabhav - “That drones have to be 30 meters away from a person.”

Congratulations to Mrs Maley and Family

I am very pleased to report that Mrs Maley has given birth to baby Jarvis. He arrived at 10:5am on 17 February, weighing 3.33kg and measuring 51cm. Both mum and Jarvis are doing well, and they are soaking up the precious early days together as a family.

Attached are photos of Jarvis including one with his big sister. Congratulations Mrs Maley and family and welcome to the GWPS family Jarvis!

Alumni Update

Last Wednesday we welcomed back the 2025 graduates for their alumni gathering. The evening was filled with a real sense of excitement and connection as the students reconnected with their former teachers, staff and, of course, one another. It was a real joy to see them sharing stories about their new schools and experiences as they transitioned to secondary school, while also enjoying the familiarity of being back in a place that holds so many special memories.

A highlight was the fact that the afternoon was filled with lots of laughter and energy as the children took part in a range of games and activities. The event concluded with the alumni enjoying a drink and a slice of pizza, which provided the perfect opportunity to continue their conversations and reconnections. It was a fantastic occasion and a reminder that although our students move on to secondary school, they “are always part of the Glen Waverley Primary School family!”

School Council Update

Thank you to the members of our school community who nominated for this year’s School Council. As you may be aware, this year we will need to undertake a ballot process (vote) as we have more nominees than positions.

Information pertaining to how to vote was distributed recently and families are reminded that voting slips are due by 5pm on Wednesday 11th March. Best wishes to all the nominees and I look forward to announcing the composition of the 2026 School Council in our next newsletter.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED A PRINCIPAL’S AWARD RECENTLY:

Dhiana, Caitlin, Thiseli and Elizabeth for being amazing members of our school community as the girls worked hard to keep our school as clean as possible

Dian for being really responsible by cleaning half of the cubby house and our school yard
Alishes for writing a beautiful card for my office

Sophia and Paige also for being really responsible by cleaning half of the cubby house and our school yard

Delwyn also for being really responsible by cleaning half of the cubby house

Khushi, Shanuli, Parhan, Jackson, Tatiana and Bavitran for working hard on their mindfulness skills so they are ready to learn

Evaan for continuing to work very hard to improve his drawing and sketching skills

Noah for working very hard to learn the times tables

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Frank Catalano

Principal