Principals Report

By Frank Catalano

Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

Welcome to another exciting edition of our school newsletter!

A Reflection on Semester One

As I wrote in our previous newsletter, 2020 has certainly been like no other school year in Victoria’s history, and I take great joy in celebrating the fact that all of the children have returned to school and our school community is coming together again, albeit somewhat differently and with the added responsibility of doing most things slightly different than what we would normally do. Never the less, I cannot express how proud I am of our entire school community as the manner in which we have worked together, respected one another and ensured we practice the hygiene expectations has been absolutely outstanding! Thank you everyone!!

Facilities Update

Throughout Term Two we have continued to focus on the development and refurbishment of our school facilities and, once again, it is wonderful that our school is in a position where we can do so.

An overview of the projects completed or are in the process of being completed are as follows.

Projects currently in process:

Main office refurbishment – this project is almost complete. All of the construction work has been completed and now we eagerly wait for the new furniture to arrive before we can move back in. It is our hope that we can do so before the end of term.
The resurfacing of the basketball court – work for this project was delayed and expected to commence today (Thursday 18th June). I look forward to sharing photos and the children’s thoughts in the first newsletter of Term three.

Projects which have been completed:

The new Year Prep – Two adventure playground (although the new shade sails are expected to be installed tomorrow morning)
The school oval redevelopment
Replacement fencing along the length of Block A and B
Drainage works near the Year 4 and 5 portables
Painting:
- The student bathrooms in the main building
- External painting of the Year 3 building and the OSHC/Music room and
- Internal painting of the main building corridor and the art room

Naturally the above are all possible due to families settling their school fees, once again, thank you very much everyone and I look forward to sharing photos and additional news in our next newsletter.

Vacation Care Program

Once again our school will be implementing our very own Vacation Care (Holiday Care) program during the forthcoming holidays. Included in this newsletter is an overview of the program and the associated costs. Please be aware that ALL FAMILIES are entitled to a 50% rebate (which is not means tested) plus a further rebate which is determined by your family’s 2018-2019 annual taxable income. If you have any questions pertaining to the Vacation Care program please do not hesitate to contact or see Meetha (OSHC coordinator) or refer to our school website.

OSHC - School Holiday program.pdf

Congratulations to the following children who have received the following awards:

Kiwanis Terrific Kids – congratulations to the following children who received the Kiwanis Terrific Kids award in Term One and Two:

Term One:

Class	Child’s Name and Reason
Prep D	Neeraja - Congratulations Neeraja, you have shown wonderful success this term and should be commended for all your learning achievements. You have embodied respectful behaviours toward your teachers and peers and have shown empathy towards your friends when they have needed your support. We are really proud of your persistence towards learning as you strive to do your very best. Well done Neeraja.
1A	Stuti is an outstanding student who demonstrates compassion and empathy towards her peers. She is intuitive and will go out of her way to help other students in need, always with a smile. Stuti has a positive mindset towards school and actively participates in all learning tasks. She is a confident learner who thrives on asking questions to deepen her understanding of concepts. When challenged, Stuti is not hindered, in fact she becomes more motivated and uses her metacognition to source other strategies enabling her to problem solve and find solutions. Congratulations and well done Stuti!
3E	Enya - You have been an outstanding student in so many ways this term, Enya. You are kind, caring, friendly, helpful and always put your best efforts into your learning. I admire how you always ask questions for clarification and work hard to achieve the goals you have set. What has stood out most this term is how much you have helped your classmates with such compassion and respect. Your willingness to ensure your peers are being successful in their learning shows the amazing qualities you have, not only as a student but as a person. Well done on your amazing achievements, Enya!
5D	Sevin is an inspiring learner who has demonstrated resilience in all of his learning. He has a fantastic growth mindset and is always giving his best effort. Sevin is always keen to take positive risks and shows fantastic initiative. He should also be extremely proud of persisting through many learning challenges with 100% effort, particularly on camp! Congratulations on your outstanding efforts this term, Sevin!

Term Two:

Class	Child’s Name and Reason
Prep C	Anya is a TERRIFIC kid, which is why she is receiving this award. She loves school and learning, always ready to try her best in any setting. Anya is a kind and respectful friend, always ready to help a peer in need. She is responsible with her own belongings and shows independence and flexibility in the classroom environment. Anya is enthusiastic about her learning and celebrates her own and others’ successes. Well done on your award Anya, what a fantastic achievement!
2E	Izzy has shown incredible resilience, dedication, and capability towards her learning this year. She is a responsible and respectful class member who displays a strong sense of equality and empathy towards her peers. Izzy is friendly and inclusive of everyone she encounters, often considering others’ feelings and needs before her own. She is an enthusiastic and thoughtful learner who uses her growth mindset to seek out and take on challenges with great positivity. Congratulations on receiving the Kiwanis Award for Term Two, Izzy!
4B	Thesan has shown incredible growth as both a person and learner during the Learning from Home period. He has continued to develop his resilience and persistence which has allowed him to take risks with his learning and produce work to a pleasing standard. He has been able to identify his learning strengths, find strategies and create learning habits that suit his style of learning. These strategies and habits have led to his continuous growth in confidence and independence with his learning. Thesan continuously attended class meetings with a smile on his face and with a ‘Ready to learn’ attitude. I am so incredibly proud of you Thesan, and I hope that you feel a huge sense of pride for all that you have achieved this term. Your achievements are something to be celebrated! Congratulations on receiving the Kiwani’s Award for Term Two, Thesan!
6D	Congratulations Vidu for receiving the Kiwani’s award this term. Your outstanding behaviour throughout Semester One has truly demonstrated your ability to take initiative and show integrity for your own social and academic learning journey. You are a role model for those around you for the way you present yourself at school and how you take every learning opportunity to its fullest. Your friendly personality has made everyone in the classroom feel respected and like they belong. You’ve been successful organising your own learning, but also when supporting your peers to achieve the best they can by providing them with strategies that work. Continue to pursue your best and unlock your full potential! Keep up the amazing effort you put into everything and well done!

Congratulations to the following children for receiving an end of Term Principal’s Learning Award:

Term One Photos

Class	Term One	Term Two
Prep A	Akshara – for being a highly motivated and exceptional learner who is enthusiastic and produces learning to a high level.	Shanosh for being a dedicated and hardworking student in the Prep A classroom. He demonstrates persistence in his learning as he always 'has a go' at all tasks even when they may seem challenging and displays remarkable concentration as he sees through tasks to completion even when there are distractions in his surroundings.
Prep B	Tiana – for demonstrating the school values and for being helpful and showing empathy to others.	Devin has made such wonderful progress over the course of this term while Learning from Home and then continuing his efforts transitioning back into the classroom. It is such a joy to see Devin arriving to class every day with enthusiasm for learning by diligently setting himself up for success and demonstrating to all that he is a leader in Prep B.
Prep C	Rehmat – for being an outstanding student who constantly applies whole body listening and also contributes valuable questions during classroom discussions	Parivan is a committed student who always completes his learning independently, efficiently and to a high standard. He is a friendly student who is kind to all members of Prep C.
Prep D	Kylie – for showing exceptional organisation skills and for always being willing to help others.	Congratulations Alexa, you are an integral member of Prep D who is always respectful towards your teachers and friends. You have shown dedication and persistence in your learning and always strive to do your best. This was shown through the impressive achievements in your learning this term while “Learning from Home”.
Prep E	Diyon – for showing whole body listening and answering questions during class discussions.	Congratulations Pearl on a great term of learning. You should be very proud of the persistence you have shown and how adaptive you were during Learning From Home. Pearl is a lovely and respectful member of our class. She shows that she is able to help others and also ask for help when needed.
1A	Sara – for being an enthusiastic learner and tackling learning with persistence and confidence.	Jason is a cheerful and friendly member of the class who interacts well with his peers. He has an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards school and actively participates in all learning tasks.
1B	Tony – for being a caring and thoughtful learner and for taking positive risks with his learning.	Throughout Term Two, Kavya has demonstrated an incredible amount of resilience and persistence in her learning. Whilst learning from home, she was enthusiastic, timely and an active participant during video conferences. Kavya was also punctual with uploading learning she produced onto Seesaw. She has seamlessly transitioned back to school with a bright smile on her face, eager to tackle any learning challenges.
1C	Deyana – for displaying a growth mindset through all learning areas and for asking questions to strengthen her learning.	Hridu for thriving throughout the Learning from Home period, attending our video conferences with independence and an eagerness to see his teachers. We commend Hridu, on the way that he approached his learning goals during LFH, where he strengthened his writing and understanding of counting strategies.
1D	Aadi – showed the school values and constantly persisted through all learning tasks.	Jinghao for demonstrating our school value of Initiative, as he constantly persisted through all learning challenges by collaborating with his peers and applying any feedforward regarding his next steps. Jinghao habitually completed all learning tasks while self-regulating to produce a high standard of learning for each subject.
1E	Amika – for constantly demonstrating amazing learning with a great deal of enthusiasm and passion.	Throughout Term Two, Sameeksha has shown exceptional growth in developing her confidence as a learner and peer. She has transitioned seamlessly into Australia and her new school community by making connections with her class members and teachers.
2A	Ali – for showing excellent progression in his learning and for using his learning time effectively.	Samyukthaa is a diligent student who demonstrates excellence in all areas of her academic, social and emotional learning. The school values of Initiative, Respect, Integrity and Global Empathy are reflected in her actions that she shows each day making her an exceptional role model for her peers. She has utilised her class time effectively and efficiently and participates in her learning and class discussions with positivity and enthusiasm.
2B	Imelda – has shown excellent dedication towards her learning. She works diligently to challenge herself and is willing to collaborate with others.	Yashvi has shown tremendous dedication towards her learning throughout Term Two. She values feedback and feedforward and strives to improve all aspects of her learning each day. Yashvi celebrates her learning with her peers, often sharing her insights and ideas during class discussions and reflections.
2C	Yu Tong – for being a dedicated and focused learner.	Amna has shown she is a conscientious learner who is dedicated and focussed in class. She consistently contributes to class discussions, showing deep thinking and enthusiasm for her learning. She approaches all learning challenges with a growth mindset, a can do attitude, and she is not afraid to jump into the Learning Pit.
2D	Ana – for displaying her personal best and for being a conscientious learner who ensures she is respected by her peers.	Sahana for her relentless pursuit of academic excellence. Each and every day she comes to school with her beaming smile ready to engage in learning. Sahana shows persistence and resilience as she enters the Learning Pit and pushing through the productive struggle to reach her ‘Eureka’ moment.
2E	Yuvi – for being a devoted and enthusiastic learner who diligently applies emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills.	Ananda has been a dedicated and diligent learner in 2E this term. She has settled well into the routines of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community and has built healthy connections with her peers. She consistently demonstrates a positive attitude to all areas of her learning and approaches each task with enthusiasm.
3A	Vedanth – for showing inspiring dedication to his Maths learning particularly addition problems.	Congratulations Yonal on a spectacular Term Two at Glen Waverley Primary School whilst Learning from Home. You began your journey with us, with dedication and eagerness to strive. Yonal, you have continued to show growth in your learning each day, by applying initiative to take risks and challenge your thinking when selecting learning tasks.
3B	Senuli – for showing great determination every day and for having the willingness to take on new learning challenges.	Congratulations Aleesha, for a fantastic term of Learning from Home! You have shown amazing initiative towards your learning, through daily posts on Seesaw and being present and organised for each and every individual and small group conference. I am very proud of your motivation to learn, and how quick you picked up Learning from Home.
3C	Sahana – for show amazing dedication through the use of making healthy connections to those around her and for outstanding motivation when learning.	Congratulations Trisha on a fantastic Term of Learning. You have shown exceptional dedication while Learning from Home. Trisha, you have demonstrated our GWPS school values while Learning from Home. You have displayed integrity by supporting your peers and clearly modelling how to use functions while using new online platforms.
3D	Niyati – has demonstrated the ability to improve her knowledge and skills by challenging herself in all areas.	Aarthy has shown impressive determination and resilience throughout this term. While Learning from Home, she has demonstrated a growth mindset by facing the unknown and overcoming challenges of online learning. In Writing, she created a well-detailed Information Report on Mount Everest, by first identifying key information in her research and then paraphrasing it into her own words.
3E	Dulansa – you have been an awesome student in so many ways this term. You consistently work hard to complete all learning tasks and achieve the goals you have set.	Abdullah, during this very different term of school you have continued to be focused, diligent and proactive towards your learning. You consistently attended your conferences with an open mind, ready to share your thoughts and ideas and to ask questions for clarification. I admire how you happily take on board feedback and feed forward to help achieve your learning goals in all areas.
4A	Thineru – for always displaying courtesy, respect and empathy in our community and for having a growth mindset with all aspects of his learning.	Sahasra for always displaying courtesy, respect and empathy in our community. The resilience in your learning is evident through your smooth transition to the Learning from Home program. You consistently work towards being an incredibly self-regulated learner by asking clarifying questions, having a growth mindset and powering through with persistence.
4B	Jiya – for consistently demonstrating the school values and for being a very positive learner.	Sashane, during the Learning from Home period you consistently demonstrated the GWPS School Values of Initiative, Respect, Global Empathy and Integrity. You consistently attended all class meetings and conferences with a smile on your face and a positive attitude in check. I am extremely impressed with the consistent effort and hard work you put into all of your learning tasks.
4C	Akain – foe being a superb learner who persistently seeks challenge and struggle to improve in all areas of the curriculum.	Ruhein is a fun-loving, hardworking learner with a fantastic sense of humour. He consistently displays a great level of respect and as a result is admired by his peers. He actively involves himself in whole class learning and articulately voices his thoughts when he feels the time is appropriate to do so. He brings a positive and energetic mindset to the classroom, which coupled with his elevated social and emotional intelligence makes him an invaluable member of our classroom.
4D	Aashnika – for consistently demonstrating a positive attitude to all areas of her learning.	What a fabulous start Tiana has had at GWPS! She has thrived in all the learning tasks and challenges that she undertook, by applying a positive attitude and a growth mindset. Tiana is confident in her own abilities, respectful of others and demonstrates strong leadership qualities. She is creative in her thinking and learning and takes pride in the presentation of her pieces.
4E	Kenuli – for being very conscientious, respectful and kind to everyone and for using misconceptions as a springboard for learning.	Mihir for being an incredibly diligent, kind and considerate learner in 4E who always strives to achieve his personal best through reflection, goals and constant communication with peers and teachers. These learning habits ensure you’re always striving to move deeper into our success criteria and therefore challenge your brain to persist throughout challenges.
5A	Amaya – for being an exceptionally diligent learner who readily takes on positive risks towards learning.	Hirun is an inspiring learner who has shown incredible persistence, initiative and maturity during both the Learning From Home period and his transition back to school. He is always bubbling with positive energy and exhibits a willingness to help all those around him.
5B	Thinuli – for being a positive, inclusive and empathetic learner who brings a smile to everyone’s face.	Liyana, congratulations on receiving this well-deserved award. Your positive attitude towards learning has been continuous from the very first day I met you! You bring a smile to our faces every day. You always give learning your best effort and take on feedforward with such enthusiasm. Without a doubt, Term Two has been challenging but you have managed to make the most of the situation.
5C	Jaden – for working towards the best of his ability in all areas of learning.	Disas for demonstrating resilience, confidence and getting along skills, during the Learning from Home period. Your resilience was shown when you were faced with challenges, as you would try different strategies to work your way out of ‘The Learning Pit.’
5D	Movindee – for being an outstanding learner who has a positive attitude towards all of her learning tasks.	Congratulations Jorden on a fantastic term of learning. You flourished in challenging circumstances and demonstrated excellent growth. It was fabulous to see you develop independence and responsibility for your learning and take pride in accomplishing tasks to a high standard. Throughout the term, you demonstrated a Growth Mindset when taking positive risks in your learning.
5E	Grace – for showing outstanding resilience and initiative and for her outstanding effort towards all of her learning tasks.	Congratulations to Viraj for showing great resilience and persistence during the unprecedented Learning From Home period in Term Two. He has extended himself to think deeply during learning tasks online, particularly with Data Representation in Mathematics.
6A	Anjali – for being an outstanding member of our school community who contributes to a positive classroom environment and for always striving to do her best academically.	Shristi has enjoyed an outstanding term. She is to be thoroughly commended for her achievements during the ‘Learning From Home’ period. She consistently embodied the GWPS Values of Respect, Initiative, Integrity and Global Empathy when working online with her peers and teachers.
6B	Adhyan – for being a fantastic role model and great learner who cooperates with others extremely well.	You reliably elevate our learning community, Pooja. There are so many aspects to your learning that demonstrate the fact you are a thoughtful, respectful and unique individual. Your honesty and ability to reflect with purpose are such superb traits. You consistently find opportunities to extend yourself as a student through meaningful discussion, high-quality presentations and an impressive attention to detail.
6C	Roisin – for having a positive attitude towards learning throughout all learning tasks and applying herself to the best of her ability.	Congratulations Vineeth, on a fantastic term of Learning from Home during these unprecedented times. You were proactive in your learning and maintained strong connections with the other learners in our class. Your positive attitude towards learning and throughout all of our different new routines has been noticed and highly appreciated.
6D	Siyumi – for demonstrating a tremendous growth and a very positive attitude towards her learning.	Congratulations Alan for receiving Term Two’s Principal’s Learning Award. Throughout this term, you have been a superstar in supporting your peers throughout online learning. Your caring and empathetic nature has flourished tremendously which was shown through how you care about others’ success.
6E	Methuli – for contributing positively in the classroom by sharing insights and learning with her peers.	Congratulations Kallol, for your continual contribution of positivity during the Learning From Home period. You consistently act in a respectful manner and display empathy to those around you. Your teacher and peers are impressed by your participation and collaboration in group video conferences; sharing your ideas and insights with the other learners.

Term Two Photos

Congratulations to the following children for receiving a Principal’s Award recently:

Prep A

Eva for her wonderful giraffe drawing

Prep B

Tianna and Jared for making outstanding progress with their writing skills

Prep C

Yewin for completing all of his learning on his first day of school

May and Jason for writing very persuasive pieces about their favourite food

Guneeth for creating a very informative poster about bees
Kavya for being a fabulous friend
The whole class for their fantastic effort in writing

Anika for making outstanding progress in her Kumon classes where recently she received an award for achieving “advanced Year 1” status

Rishaan for writing a beautiful card about the returning to school song
Sanjay for being a very supportive friend
Mia for drawing a beautiful picture of me
May for being a fantastic friend

Agam, Ryan and Thareen for being really responsible and respectful members of our school community

Tayjas, Senuk and Isaac for assisting in promoting the new Year Prep – Two adventure playground
Jasman for writing a beautiful letter to me
Marius for being a wonderful and very supportive friend

Eman, Suwi and Levin also for assisting in promoting the new Year Prep – Two adventure playground

Siyona for developing her very own highlighter that has more than one colour
Sanvi for being a fabulous friend
Devhan and Yu-Tang also for assisting in promoting the new Year Prep – Two adventure playground
Sanvi for writing a very nice card for my office
The whole class for writing persuasive letters about how to improve our school
Hirun for his excellent design and craft skills

2E – The whole class for their great drawings

Ruhain for writing a beautiful gratitude letter for me
Dinethya for being a fabulous friend

Consuelo and Preet for being really responsible members of our school community

Jonathan for his fabulous building skills

Sahara for creating her own organic, naturally derived beauty regime for her science assignment which links to the class inquiry unit on sustainable homes

Sahara made

moisturiser cream from aloe Vera gel and sandalwood essential oils and lavender
Face mist - made from green tea, lavender and tea tree oil
Blush - made cornflower and cocoa powder

Thien An for making outstanding progress with his understanding of fractions

Abby and Tvisha for developing an even deeper understanding of Chance and Probability

Savreen and Ruhan for completing outstanding learning whilst at home

Frank Catalano

Principal