Principal's Report

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 contact me on 9802 9938 or via email at frank.catalano@education.vic.gov.au .

Mother’s Day

I hope all our school mums had a fabulous Mother’s Day last weekend and the memories will be cherished for many years to come. May I also take this opportunity to thank the numerous parents who assisted with our Mother’s Day stall too.

In this fortnight’s newsletter, I thought that I would share two of my favourite Mother’s Day poems:

Since the day I was small

Till the day I became tall

Since I began understanding things

Till the day I got my own wings

Your love has never fallen short

You have been my only support

I want to hold you tight and hug you

I just want to say thank you.

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When you're a child she walks before you

To set an example.

When you're a teenager she walks behind you

To be there should you need her.

When you're an adult she walks beside you

So that as two friends you can enjoy life together.

Council of International Schools (CIS) Visit

As mentioned in our previous newsletter, recently our school hosted a CIS visit with Helena (CIS, School Support and Evaluation Officer) and Michael (a principal from Vietnam). Throughout the visit our guests met with various staff, parents and children whilst also observing every aspect of our school. They also wrote a report which I have included for your information:

Areas to celebrate as a community

GWPS provides a positive school environment where interactions between community members incorporate the school values fostering a sense of belonging and community
The student centred approach to decision making and dedicated focus on the students’ academic, personal development, and wellbeing through targeted programs that enable students to be successful learners
The robust culture of learning and collaboration amongst students, teachers and staff.

Areas for further development and inquiry

The school should continue to implement and embed the programs that have been well researched and introduced and ensure they are embedded across the school to support their sustainability and that all students can benefit from them.
The school should maintain the commitment to meeting individual student needs by monitoring the impact of programs on student learning and their efficacy in addressing student needs and preparing them for their next stage of learning.

It is quite obvious that the above feedback is incredibly rewarding and encouraging. May I take this opportunity to thank all the members of our school community for the incredible and tirelessly work and leadership undertaken to support the children with their learning, wellbeing and recreational needs – well done and thank you everyone!

Congratulations to the following children for their recent achievements:

It is wonderful that the children continue to pursue their interests outside of school, below are some of the most recent achievements:

Riaan (Year 5) Drama – recently Riaan informed me that he performed in an ANZAC Day play as per his recount below:

Dear Mr. Catalano,

I am Riaan from Year 5, and I would like to share a huge opportunity that I took part in. On 25th of April also known as Anzac Day. At the Chandler Community Centre, Keysborough we acknowledged the ANZAC soldiers by participating in a play, not just any play, a play to recognise the story of Rama, one of the historical Hindu gods.

The story represents the victory of good over evil, showing the triumph of virtue and righteousness. In our school it was not just me who took part in this welcoming play, but many others in this school that I would appreciate for making this play work.

My role in this play was not too big nor too small, My role was the king of the bears (Jamvant), half man, half bear. Jamvant worked in another kingdom that was full of vanaras (monkey-like beings) ruled by Sugriv. Jamvant’s personality was old, but not weary, it was full of energy, he is a wise being with intelligent suggestions for Sugriv.

However none of this would have happened without the people who made it work, so on behalf of my fellow peers who participated in this wonderful opportunity, I would like to thank the adults for planning this, the people who organized the parts of the play, the scripters, the screenwriters, the musicians, the lighting technicians and more wonderful people who supported the play.

Well done Riaan as it is fabulous to see you partake in such activities outside of school. I look forward to hearing all about your next play – well done and congratulations!

Akshara (Year 5) and Theo (Year 4) - Victorian State School Spectacular singing. Akshara and Theo are avid singers, and I am exceptionally proud to report that Akshara has been selected as a Principal Vocalist and Theo as a member of the VSSS Choir. Naturally this is a terrific achievement which all of us should be incredibly proud of. I look forward to providing further updates leading up to this very important state-wide event.

I am also very pleased to report that two of our alumni, Senudi (Year 9) has been selected as one of the five backing vocalists and Ayaan (Year 7) will join Theo in the VSSS choir. Well done and congratulations everyone!

Joshua Year 6 - Youth Art for Reconciliation 2025 Exhibition.

Congratulations to Joshua whose outstanding artwork has been selected for display in the 2025 Youth Art for Reconciliation Exhibition, hosted by the Monash Reconciliation Group. Held at The Track Gallery, Mt Waverley, this year’s theme “Under Bunjil’s Wings” inspired Joshua’s thoughtful and creative mixed-media piece, which honours Indigenous knowledge, connection to Country, and the spirit of unity. Well done, Joshua—we are proud of your meaningful contribution and artistic achievement!

Artwork Description:

Have you heard the term, "I'll take you under my wings"? This artwork takes it literally. The Aboriginal people of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong have respected Bunjil for thousands of years, and together, they have cared for the land, sky, and water sources.

For thousands of years, Bunjil has been a guiding force in protecting and nurturing the land, sky, and waterways. Through mixed media—including tinfoil, wooden sticks, acrylic paint, and canvas plaster—my artwork encourages unity in shaping a better future and serves as a reminder to appreciate and respect culture.

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

Bavitran for receiving a medal and lots of ribbons from his athletics club
Tatiana and Ohana for working very hard at their gymnastics skills and being awarded ribbons and trophies

Abir for building a Lego spaceship all by himself which comes with a seperate rocket launcher which is a mini version of his spaceship

Aadit for researching and writing an amazing project ability solace which includes information about the Milky Way, Earth, the sun and the moon

Myra, Sasavi, Nelika and Ashan for making excellent progress with their reading. Recently I had the pleasure of the children reading to me and it was wonderful to witness how much their skills have improved

Jessie, Sharanya, Kiyan, Eli, Sehansa and Japnoor for learning so much about equivalent fractions

Devin for writing the most amazing and thoughtful conclusion to a narrative which is featured in the kids Corner section of the newsletter
Sanuka for being a very supportive and kind friend

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Frank Catalano

Principal