Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

I trust all is well with you and your family and welcome to the first edition of our school newsletter for Term Three. Throughout the last week or so, I have asked some of the children what they completed over the school holidays with the most common responses being:

Went to the movies – Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters, seemed to be the most popular children’s movies
Went on day trips – Mount Donna Buang, Lake Mountain and Phillip Island were mentioned a few times and
Stayed at home, with ‘play dates’ with friends and/or family.

Regardless of what the children completed, I trust everyone is refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning.

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

Welcome to the following new children and their family

I extend a very warm welcome to the following children and their family who have joined the GWPS family this term:

Year 2: Hyson and Christian

Year 3: Aarya

Year 4: Hayden, Anirudh and Visavijith

Year 5: Abigail

Year 6: Hilaire, Xincheng and Shanaya

Welcome everyone!

What’s happened at our school during the recent holidays?

The school holidays are the opportune time for tasks to be accomplished, and these holidays we:

Installed the much-anticipated LED screen in our school gymnasium
Installed a roof over Mr. Sugihara’s office (in the ELC)
Washed (pressured cleaned) the adventure playgrounds and
Gardening
- Installed an additional irrigation system in one of our garden beds
- Mulched the garden beds and
- Planted approximately 200 shrubs throughout the school.

As you may be aware, the installation of the LED screen was our school's major facilities project for this year, and I cannot express how proud I am that our school has been able to accomplish this. This exciting new asset will significantly enhance the learning experiences of our students while also providing greater opportunities to enhance our assemblies, celebrate achievements, showcase student learning and strengthen communication with our school community.

I look forward to showcasing the screen as much as possible.

Hotmail Address Issue

Compass has informed us of an issue with Hotmail addresses where notifications are not apparent. In the meantime, may I suggest that all parents with Hotmail email addresses, check Compass regularly.

Congratulations to the following children for their recent achievements:

One of the highlights and joy that I have as a school principal, is rejoicing in the children’s achievements both within and beyond our school. Below are some of the most recent achievements:

Jayrene (Year 5) – performing arts. Jayrene loves to sing and recently she sent me the following email:

Dear Mr. Catalano,

I would like to share some good news with you! I won all these awards for the two vocal competitions I joined in this month! I competed in the Bendigo Competitions Society and the Royal South Street Ballarat Performing Arts events.

I came to perform and do my best with no expectations, just doing what I love to do - singing. I once hoped and prayed, and now I see the results! Out of 30 competitors, I am so grateful for winning 1st place in various categories, aside from placing 2nd and 3rd on other categories!

I know I still have a lot to improve, and nothing comes without hard work. I am taking one step at a time, trying to be better each day. I always make sure I practice every day and watch my singer idols perform on stage for some inspiration.

Thank you, Mr. Catalano, for giving me opportunities to sing at school assemblies, as it definitely helps me to boost my confidence, and this way I can share my talent to my fellow students.

Thank you, once again.

Kind regards,

Jayrene

Well done and congratulations, Jayrene. I know you work extremely hard to continually improve your singing skills, and these outstanding result not only reflects your natural talent but also your dedication, perseverance and commitment to striving for excellence - our entire school community is incredibly proud of you! I look forward to you showcasing your talents at school and sharing more great news in the future!

Pooja (Year 6) Hockey. Over the past few months, Pooja has been participating in a series of trials for the School Sports Victoria Under 12 Girls Hockey Team, and I am incredibly proud to announce that she has been selected to represent Victoria.

Naturally this is an outstanding achievement and a testament to your dedication, perseverance and exceptional hockey skills Pooja, as earning a place in the Victorian State team is no small feat! I cannot express how incredibly proud our entire school community is of this accomplishment, and I look forward to announcing a special fundraising event as our school comes together to support Pooja and her family with the cost of attending the national championships. Keep an eye on Compass for more information!

Congratulations once again, Pooja. We wish you every success as you proudly represent Victoria, our school, your family and yourself on the national stage!

Rubik’s Cube - Daham (Year 6) has been an avid Rubik’s Cuber for many years and I am incredibly proud to report that recently he participated in the Australian Open Rubik's cube competition, a 4 day event that was held over the school holidays.

Daham took part in the following events

Megaminx
Pyraminx
3x3
2x2
4x4
One handed and the
Skewb

and he qualified for the second round in the 3x3 and 2x2 events.

The championships were particularly successful for Daham as he achieved the following personal best times:

3x3 - PR Single of 8.73 seconds, PR Average 11.83 seconds
2x2 - Best Single of 3.24 seconds and PR Average of 3.96 seconds
4x4 - PR Single of 57 seconds
Megaminx - Best time of 1:46 seconds
One handed - PR single 18.36 seconds, PR average 26.17 seconds
Skewb - PR single of 6.35 seconds, PR average of 8.51 seconds
Pyraminx - PR Average of 7.15 seconds and Best Time of 5.59 seconds.

Wow, to be able to complete the Rubik’s Cube is an achievement in itself, however to do so in such a short amount of time, is just incredible! Well done and congratulations Daham as we are all incredibly proud of you and look forward to sharing more of your achievement in the future!

Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) – Samuel (Year 5) loves to challenge himself whilst extending his learning. Recently he competed in his first CAT competition, and I am thrilled to report that he obtained a Distinction Award. For those who may not be aware, this is an international problem-solving competition that challenges students to think like computer scientists by using logic, algorithms, pattern recognition and computational thinking, rather than requiring any programming knowledge.

Well done and keep it up Samuel, I look forward to sharing more of your achievements in the future.

Chess achivements: During the recent school holidays the Victorian Junior Chess Championships were held, and I am incredibly proud to report that our students performed exceptionally well, as follows:

Under 12 Girls:

Amaya – 1st place
Jahnavi – equal 1st, placed 2nd place on a tie-break and
Saheli – 3rd place.

Under 12 boys:

Jayden – 2nd place
Aadya and Naveen – tied, 3rd place, although Aadyah was awarded 3rd place on a tie-break.
Samuel – placed 17th, however his school was just 0.5 from the 3rd placed participants.

Wow, what an amazing effort by everyone who represented themselves, their family and our school. Congratulations to the children who placed and to everyone else who competed because, as written above, the experience will hold you in good standing for future tournaments. Well done and congratulations everyone!

Public Speaking: Austin (Year 5) really enjoys attending the Super Speak classes and recently he received an Achievement Award.

The award is presented to students who have completed 2.5 years of Public Speaking & Communication Skills training at Super Speak (equivalent to 100 hours) and presented 15 formal solo speeches.

Well done, congratulations and keep it up Austin as public speaking is an invaluable skill!

Former World Chess Champion Visit

Our school chess team were thrilled to welcome Grand Master Yifan Hou, 4 times Women's World Chess Champion, and the second highest-rated female player of all time, recently. Yifan is an exceptional person and to have her in our school to discuss her journey and provide our students with words of encouragement was such an inspiring and special occasion.

May I also take this opportunity to thank parents, Himath, Chamal, Ming and Chiran, for organising a very special memento for Yifan – a print of one of her greatest games which was annotated by the children.

Well done everyone and I hope Yifan has inspired you to keep learning, growing and developing your chess skills!

Intra-school Athletics Sports

Congratulations to all of our Year 4 - 6 students for their outstanding participation and effort in this year’s Intra School Athletics Sports which was held last Friday. It was wonderful to witness the enthusiasm, determination, sportsmanship and house spirit displayed throughout the day and the manner in which the children competed and supported one another.

A sincere thank you to Ms. Lawlor and Mrs. Hawkins for their exceptional organisation and preparation, which ensured the event ran smoothly and provided a positive experience for all students. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the many parents and family members who attended and supported the day. Your encouragement and support helped make the event such a success.

From this point, Ms. Lawlor and Mrs. Hawkins will select the team which will represent our school at the District event which is being held on Tuesday 1st September. Well done and congratulations everyone!

Future Careers Day

Congratulations to all of our students for their enthusiastic participation in this year’s Future Careers Day. It was wonderful to see so many children embracing the opportunity to dress as their future career aspirations while engaging in valuable learning and conversations about the many pathways available to them in the future.

Importantly, the day also served as a meaningful opportunity for our school community to support our international sponsored child, Charlotte, from Zimbabwe. Through the generosity of our students, families and staff, we were able to raise $540.25 that will assist Charlotte and contribute to opportunities that support her education and wellbeing.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important initiative. The day was a wonderful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together as a community while also encouraging our students to dream big and aspire to achieve their future goals.

Student Learning Awards

As a school community it is very important that we acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful achievements of our staff, parents and students. One way of accomplishing this is by participating in award ceremonies throughout the year and at the end of each term. Our end of term award is provided by the Kiwanis Club of Waverley, and we are extremely grateful for their continued support to our school in the form of the Terrific Kids program. The program is a student recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance. At our school the teachers nominate one student from each area of the school – Preps, 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6.

Congratulations to the following students who received The Terrific Kids Award for Term Two:

Student Name	Reason for Award
Sankalpa Roy - Prep	This award is presented to Sankalpa in recognition of the kindness, respect, and care he shows to others every day. Sankalpa is a truly wonderful member of our classroom who consistently displays excellent manners and treats everyone with kindness and consideration. He is always polite, respectful, and willing to help others, making those around him feel valued and included. Sankalpa's friendly nature and positive attitude make him a role model for his peers, and his thoughtful actions never go unnoticed. Congratulations, Sankalpa! We are so proud of the caring, courteous, and respectful young person you are.
Shenara Gunaratne – Year 2	Shenara, you are this term's Kiwanis award winner. The Year Two teaching team are amazed with your understanding of the importance of supporting students in the Glen Waverley community. An example of this is you making new students feel safe and valued as members of the Glen Waverley community. We are grateful for your dedication to learning and supporting the school's positive learning environment. Keep up your amazing attitude to learning Shenara!!
Ashton Halpe – Year 4	Congratulations Ashton, This year, Ashton has been a kind, polite, and helpful classmate to his peers. He is always eager to do his best at school and assist others whenever he can. Throughout this semester, Ashton has shown great resilience when taking on academic challenges. He consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic in both his classwork and home learning, often asking for additional tasks to further develop his skills and understanding. Ashton embodies the school value of Respect in all his interactions with peers and teachers. He always greets others with a smile and makes a genuine effort to include everyone, not only in 4F but across the wider school community as well. Well done, Ashton, on a fantastic first semester. You are a valued member of 4F who deserves this award. Keep up the incredible work and continue being the wonderful person you are!
Kylie Ranaweera – Year 6	Congratulations to Kylie for achieving the Kiwanis Terrific Kid Award for Grade 6! You truly embody the ‘Terrific’ values. In the classroom, you are inclusive and friendly to all your peers, encouraging others and welcoming them into activities. You are a responsible and enthusiastic House Captain and take your classroom jobs very seriously, consistently collecting and returning the class tub at appropriate times and ensuring important information and notices can be shared with the class. You are an inquisitive and capable learner who always tries their best and seeks ways to improve. You show respect to everyone you come across and consider different ideas and perspectives thoughtfully. Congratulations on a wonderful semester of learning and keep up the great work!

Congratulations everyone, what a fabulous achievement! Included is a photograph of the children with Anne from the Kiwanis Club of Waverley.

End of Term Principal Learning Awards

As Principal, I also believe that it is very important that I acknowledge the wonderful learning the students complete and as a result I have a term award for each class.

Congratulations to the following students who received The Principal’s Learning Award for Term Two:

Class	Student
Prep	Lyla Zhang For the wonderful growth she has shown in her learning throughout the year. Lyla approaches each day with a calm and positive attitude and always strives to do her personal best. She has grown in confidence and is becoming more willing to share her ideas, ask questions, and participate in class discussions. Lyla listens carefully to instructions and takes on feedback and feedforward to improve her learning. She shows initiative by giving new things a go and persevering when tasks are challenging. Lyla is a kind and respectful member of our classroom who always treats others with care and consideration. Congratulations, Lyla! We are so proud of the confidence, determination, and positive attitude you bring to your learning every day. Keep up the fantastic work!
Prep	Japnaaz Kaur Japnaaz is a remarkable student who shows kindness and compassion. She shows genuine care of others, always following classroom and school expectations. Japnaaz is responsible, organised and shows a passion for learning, both in and out of the classroom. She demonstrates how to be proactive, by making positive choices without being asked. Japnaaz demonstrates the importance of responsibility and organises herself when completing allocated work in class. She demonstrates the Glen Waverley Primary School values of respect, integrity, initiative and global empathy. Japnaaz is building on her confidence in class and often shares valuable ideas and asks questions, during class discussions. She listens attentively during learning time. When working in a group, she provides insightful ideas and feedback when sharing discussions with her peers. Japnaaz is a capable student who will work quietly and stay on task, when attempting an independent learning activity. She is passionate about English and completes her home learning and reading, outside the classroom. Japnaaz’s caring and compassionate nature is reflected in the way she treats all class peers with respect and kindness. She is willing to have a go at all learning tasks and will offer to help others if needed. Congratulations Japnaaz, may you continue to grow your passion for learning.
Prep	Anika Arjun For her dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm towards learning, Anika is being recognised for her confidence, responsibility, and positive attitude in the classroom. She approaches each day with excitement and always strives to do her very best. Anika consistently puts her hand up to contribute during class discussions and enjoys sharing her ideas and thinking with others. She is a caring and supportive member of Prep C who is always willing to help her classmates and take on classroom jobs with responsibility and pride. Anika is developing strong skills across all learning areas, particularly in her writing, where she produces wonderful work filled with creativity and detail. She listens carefully, follows instructions independently, and takes great care with her learning tasks. Anika also shows resilience when faced with challenges, demonstrating determination and a willingness to keep trying even when things become difficult. Her respectful nature, positive mindset, and leadership qualities make her a valued member of the classroom community. Congratulations, Anika! Your hard work, kindness, and love of learning make you a wonderful role model for others. Keep up the fantastic work!
Prep	Isabella Lyddy Congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Isabella! You consistently demonstrate the GWPS School Values of Initiative, Respect, Getting Along, and Integrity. Your kindness, positivity, and enthusiasm make you a valued member of our classroom community. It has been wonderful to see your confidence grow throughout the year. Thank you for always striving to do your personal best and approaching every challenge with a smile. You are a fantastic role model for your peers, and I am incredibly proud of all that you have achieved. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Isabella—keep up the wonderful work!
Year 1	Methu Herath Mudiyanselage Congratulations, Methu, on an outstanding term of academic achievement! It has been truly inspiring to witness your journey of growth and progress across all curriculum areas this semester. Your unwavering commitment to your personal learning journey reflects your exceptional dedication and commitment to growth. You approach each task with a growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning, consistently seeking opportunities to extend yourself. You are a true leader in our classroom, uplifting others with kindness, offering helpful solutions to problems, and reminding your peers to respect our expectations. Well done, Methu! Keep up the incredible work!
Year 1	Akshaya Kasula The Principal’s Learning Award for Term 2 is proudly presented to Akshaya for being a superstar learner! She has always tried her hardest in her learning, even when things were challenging, and never gave up. Akshaya has also showed courage when learning new things and kept persisting with a growth mindset! I am so proud of the effort and determination she shows every day. Akshaya has also been a wonderful role model through always trying to follow school expectations at all times. She is a kind, respectful, and responsible friend, and she always does her best to make positive choices. Her hard work, positive attitude, and willingness to keep learning make her a very deserving recipient of this award. You are a shining star!
Year 1	Rhashvin Thalayan Rhashvin has demonstrated a positive growth mindset towards his learning this term. He approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and resilience, showing a willingness to persist when tasks become difficult. Rhashvin actively engages in classroom learning experiences and responds positively to feedback, using it as an opportunity to develop his understanding and confidence. Rhashvin is also a respectful and responsible member of the school community. He consistently follows classroom expectations, demonstrating excellent self-management and consideration for others. His positive attitude towards learning and commitment to making good choices make him a valued member of the class. Congratulations, Rhashvin.
Year 1	Dinath Ratnaike Congratulations, Dinath, for demonstrating confidence, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude towards learning throughout this term. You consistently participate in classroom discussions, eagerly sharing ideas and striving to do your best in all learning areas. You are always ready to contribute, work diligently, and set a wonderful example through your focus, responsibility, and commitment to learning. Your enthusiasm during Mathematics and InitiaLit lessons is a joy to see. Your kindness and caring nature make you a valued member of our classroom community, as you regularly support your classmates and teachers and show concern for the wellbeing of others. Your positive attitude helps create a calm, respectful, and productive learning environment. Outstanding effort, Dinath! Keep up your amazing progress and continue being the thoughtful, hardworking learner you are.
Year 2	Tia Zare Tia, this term you have continued to show just how driven and eager you are to learn. Your curiosity shines through every day as you ask thoughtful questions, seek deeper understanding and always strive to do your very best. Whether you are tackling a challenging task or learning something new, you approach it with determination and confidence. You are also a calm and responsible member of our classroom community. You make sensible choices, stay focused on your learning and can always be relied upon to do the right thing. The maturity you show each day is something to be incredibly proud of. One of your greatest strengths is the way you care for others. You are a supportive friend who is always willing to help, encourage and include those around you. Your kindness and positive attitude make our classroom a happier place to be. Tia, this recognition is so well deserved. You have worked hard, shown great responsibility and continued to be a thoughtful and caring role model for others. You should feel incredibly proud of everything you have achieved.
Year 2	Anastasia Douvartzides This award is presented to Anastasia for always approaching every day with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to always doing their best. She has worked hard in all subjects, but has particularly shone in Mathematics, showing excellent problem-solving skills, confidence, and a strong understanding of new concepts. Congratulations on an outstanding first semester!
Year 2	Jaikrith Rathna Pasupuleti Jaikrith is a dedicated and hardworking learner who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to his learning. He remains focused during learning time and works diligently to complete tasks without becoming distracted. Jaikrith takes initiative in his learning by confidently asking questions whenever he is unsure, showing a genuine desire to understand and improve. It has been wonderful to see the significant growth he has made this year, particularly in his efficiency and independence when completing tasks. His perseverance, positive attitude, and willingness to challenge himself make him a valued member of our classroom and a highly deserving recipient of the Principal Learning Award.
Year 2	Meera Shah Meera, thank you for your dedication to learning. Throughout the day, when you are unsure of how to achieve your best work, you always ask clarifying questions. Allowing for your highest standard of work to be produced. You are always happy to support peers to achieve their best. Supporting your peers highlights a sound understanding of the school value of integrity as you are always doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching. Keep it up Meera, we are proud of your hard work.
Year 3	Isabella He Congratulations Isabella on a wonderful term of learning! You demonstrated excellent learning behaviours and challenged yourself to get the most out of every lesson. You consistently showed the School Values of Respect, Initiative and Global Empathy through being hardworking, well-mannered and considerate when interacting with others. It has been wonderful to see you grow in confidence to share your thoughts and ideas during whole class discussions this term. You are an excellent role model to both your classmates and fellow peers, and should be extremely proud of your achievements this term.
Year 3	Myra Arvind Congratulations on receiving the Principal Learning Award, Myra! Myra is a dedicated and enthusiastic learner who approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and a willingness to grow. She consistently puts great effort into her work and demonstrates resilience when faced with new or difficult tasks. As a valued member of our classroom community, Myra shows respect, responsibility and kindness in all that she does. She treats others with care and consideration, and her actions set a wonderful example for her peers. Myra’s curiosity and commitment to learning shine through in everything she undertakes. She embraces opportunities to improve, celebrates her successes with humility and encourages those around her through her positive outlook. We are incredibly proud of Myra’s achievements and the determination she brings to her learning each day. Her hard work and perseverance continue to help her reach new goals. Well done, Myra! Keep believing in yourself and striving for excellence. You have so much to be proud of.
Year 3	Elsa Hu Congratulations to Elsa on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 2! Your dedication, positive attitude, and enthusiasm for learning are truly inspiring. You consistently try your very best in all areas of learning and approach every challenge with resilience and determination. Elsa, you are a focused and motivated learner who is always ready to learn. You listen carefully, stay engaged in lessons, and ask questions when you need clarification. We are especially proud of your achievements in Mathematics, where you consistently demonstrate strong understanding and a willingness to challenge yourself. You are also a kind, caring, and supportive member of our classroom community. You are always willing to help others and encourage your classmates. Your excellent organisation and preparedness for learning set a wonderful example for those around you. Keep up the fantastic work!
Year 3	Jocie Lee Jocie is a kind, respectful and positive member of our classroom who consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn and contribute. She approaches each day with a smile and treats her peers and teachers with kindness, helping to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Jocie approaches all areas of her learning with determination and perseverance, always striving to do her best. Despite challenges that could easily impact her engagement and success at school, she continues to show resilience and a strong commitment to her learning. Jocie’s positive attitude and willingness to keep trying are qualities that should be commended. Jocie is a wonderful role model for her peers, demonstrating maturity beyond her years, patience and persistence in all that she does. She consistently gives her best effort, remains focused on improving and approaches challenges with a growth mindset. Jocie’s determination and resilience make her a valued member of our classroom community. Congratulations Jocie on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, a well-deserved recognition of your perseverance, positive attitude and commitment to learning.
Year 3	Aaradhyaa Sriram Lavanyaa Aaradhyaa, this award recognises the wonderful way you consistently demonstrated our school values of Respect, Integrity, Initiative, and Global Empathy, while showing outstanding growth in your learning. You show respect through your kindness and consideration towards others. You demonstrate integrity by always striving to do what is right and encouraging others to do the same. Your growing independence and problem-solving skills are impressive. You have shown initiative by helping to care for our classroom and inspiring others to protect our environment through your Rainforest Project. You also show deep empathy by supporting your classmates, including others and celebrating the differences that make each person unique. I am especially proud of the tremendous growth you have made in Reading. Your ability to retrieve information, reflect on texts, and interpret meaning has developed exceptionally well. Aaradhyaa, you should be very proud of all you have achieved. Your kindness, leadership, and commitment to learning make you a deserving recipient of this Principal’s Learning Award. Congratulations!
Year 4	Max Zhang Congratulations, Max Zhang! You have shown exceptional effort and achievement across all areas of learning. It is wonderful to see the diligence and commitment you bring to every task, by consistently striving to complete your learning to a high standard. You regularly demonstrate the school value of Initiative by extending yourself and applying your knowledge in deeper and more meaningful ways. Beyond your academic success, you display a remarkable capacity for empathy and kindness. You interact with your peers respectfully and fairly, always showing consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Your welcoming nature helps create an inclusive classroom where everyone feels valued and supported. You should be extremely proud of your positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the care you show towards those around you. Your make our classroom a better place to learn and grow each day. Keep up the outstanding work, Max! We are very proud of you.
Year 4	Aahtheesan Barath Aahtheesan, you are such a positive, kind and caring member of 4B. You come to school every day with such a growth mindset and an aim to do the best you can do. Your enthusiasm for all areas of learning is a joy to see, especially when it comes to your love of maths. Your gratitude for the positive things in life is obvious. You follow all expectations at all times and are a great role model to everyone in the class. Whether it be focusing during a task, practising mindfulness or even being one of the first to the floor to prepare for the next lesson, you can always be relied upon to be a fantastic example of how students should conduct themselves. You show kindness to anyone you meet and treat everyone with the respect that they deserve. Well done on being an extremely deserving recipient of this award, Aahtheesan!
Year 4	Mevinu Pannipitiya This term, Mevinu has truly shone as a student who exemplified the Glen Waverley Primary School Values. He has consistently shown initiative in the classroom, whether it be setting up his learning tools for Daily Reviews, or diligently completing his independent learning. He is always eager to assist the teacher and his peers, going out of his way to complete tasks and contribute to the class. Mevinu brings integrity to school every day, where he is honest in how he feels and communicates to his teacher when he is having a hard time. He handles challenges with resilience, whether in the schoolyard or in the classroom, exemplifying a "never give up" attitude. Mevinu is always open to feedback and feedforward, using it as an opportunity to improve himself and continue growing as a learner. His dedication and calm attitude make him a role model for others. Keep up the amazing effort, Mevinu, and well done!
Year 4	Nitya Mukoo Nitya, you are a dedicated and curious learner who always presents her best efforts in making the best out of every learning opportunity with ownership and dedication. You are eager to grow and challenge yourself, and it’s been wonderful to watch your learning journey this semester. What makes you truly shine is the kindness and care you show to your peers and teachers. You are always thoughtful of any situation that you face, making you a mature role model for everyone. In wanting to make sure your friends feel valued and included, while maintaining a responsibility and care to your learning, you show true integrity and respect to your school community. This is a commendable and noticeable attribute on your part Nitya. Well done! Congratulations, Nitya! We are so proud of you. Keep showing kindness, grabbing every opportunity, and shining brightly—you’re making a real difference in our school and community.
Year 4	Ananya Pandit Congratulations, Ananya! You have shown wonderful dedication and persistence throughout your learning this semester by asking thoughtful questions, taking risks, and embracing challenges to achieve success. Your kind and caring nature has helped you build strong connections with your peers, making you a valued member of our classroom community. Ananya, your willingness to support both your teacher and classmates whenever possible is a true reflection of your generosity and positive attitude. Keep up the incredible work, Ananya!
Year 4	Ouso Rony Kirianthan Since starting at Glen Waverley Primary School, you have demonstrated hard work and enthusiasm. You are a dedicated learner who consistently tries your best in everything you do. You approach each task with a positive attitude and always give your full effort. You are also an active participant in class discussions, confidently sharing your ideas and contributing thoughtfully to our learning community. The School Value of Respect is reflected in the way you interact with others each day, always including peers and teachers in discussions and ensuring people feel seen in their classroom environment. Thank you, Ouso, for being such a positive role model in 4F. I am proud of your dedication and look forward to seeing your continued success.
Year 5	Grayson Wong Grayson has been a wonderful member of 5A, demonstrating excellent behaviour, kindness and a learning attitude. In class, he always pays full attention to the learning and tries his best to produce high quality learning tasks and stretching his knowledge. Grayson has also been a superb learning partner, guiding and supporting his peers with his kind and patient personality. He lives and breathes our class and school’s expectations, setting the standards for his classmates with his behaviour, cooperation and effort. Congratulations Grayson, a worthy recipient of this award! Keep up the great attitude and ethic!
Year 5	Mahika Choudhury Mahika is a highly deserving recipient of the Principal’s Learning Award. She consistently demonstrates perseverance in all learning tasks, approaching challenges with determination and completing her work diligently and on time. Through our GEM Chats, Mahika has shown a strong growth mindset, regularly reflecting on her learning and setting meaningful goals for improvement. One of her greatest strengths is her positive response to feedback; she thoughtfully applies suggestions to refine her work and continually strives to achieve her personal best. Mahika’s academic progress, increasing confidence, and commitment to learning have been matched by her personal growth as a resilient, responsible, and reflective learner. She is a wonderful role model who consistently demonstrates the values of effort, perseverance, and continuous improvement. Well done, Mahika!
Year 5	Thiththapajjala (Vivandi) Rajakaruna Vivandi has demonstrated her diligence, hard work, and dedication throughout Term Two. She has consistently approached her learning with a positive attitude and demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving her best is everything she does. Vivandi has also been a supportive and caring member of the class, developing positive friendships while also supporting those around her. She has worked cooperatively and collaboratively with her peers during group activities. Well done, Vivandi on the fantastic effort and kindness you have shown this term.
Year 5	Jayrene Kamboj Jayrene is receiving the Principals Learning Award for her dedication to her schoolwork and the wider school community. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic learner who consistently demonstrates school values through both actions and words. Jayrene shows initiative in her learning, often going above and beyond to deepen her understanding and help those around her. Jayrene shows maturity, thoughtfulness and shows a strong sense of responsibility when collaborating with her peers, tackling new challenges. She shows kindness, respect and a genuine love of learning. Jayrene’s commitment to excellence, helpful nature, and ability to lead by example make her an outstanding role model. We are grateful for Jayrene’s positive presence in our classroom and would love to hear her sing more often. Congratulations, Jayrene you are truly deserving of this recognition!
Year 5	Ria Arun Congratulations Ria on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 2! You are a hardworking student who consistently displays a positive attitude and your eagerness to explore topics in greater depth reflects your strong commitment to learning. I’ve been impressed by your focus during lessons, how you listen attentively, commit your learning to memory and apply it into your work and everyday situations. The way you always contribute meaningfully during class discussions is fantastic and inspiring to those around you. Ria, you bring a bright enthusiasm to the classroom that helps foster an inclusive and supportive environment. You approach challenges with focus and skill, using a variety of strategies to solve problems, and thrive when faced with tasks that push your thinking. I am especially proud of the progress you have made this year in reading and mathematics, where you have achieved well, by always giving your best effort. Ria, you are kind-hearted and caring, making the lives of your friends and peers all the more brighter. Keep up the great work, Ria. You are sure to achieve much more in the future!
Year 5	Pragayazhini Moorthy Congratulations Yazhini, 5F’s Principal Learning Award recipient for Term 2! Your kindness, integrity, and willingness to always stand up for what is right make you a valued and respected member of our classroom. You consistently show care and empathy towards others, offering support to your peers and creating a positive environment where everyone feels included and encouraged. Your thoughtful actions and helpful nature never go unnoticed, and you should be incredibly proud of the example you set for those around you. Alongside your wonderful character, you have shown outstanding dedication towards your learning this term. You approach every task with determination and a genuine desire to improve, always challenging yourself to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. It has been fantastic to see the effort you put into your work, and it's reflected in the high-quality learning you are producing in class. I am so proud of the progress you have made and the maturity you display each day. Keep believing in yourself, continuing to take on challenges, and striving for your personal best. Congratulations, Yazhini, this award is truly well deserved!
Year 6	Sakthi Alamelu Congratulations, Sakthi, for demonstrating such dedication to your learning in Term 2, 2026. You have had a wonderful term of developing in 6A, approaching every challenge with an open mind, ensuring to strive for your best in all you do. Your dedication to learning is reflected in the way you approach new concepts with enthusiasm, collaborate thoughtfully with your peers, and continually seek opportunities to grow. It is wonderful to observe you grow with confidence each day as you apply your knowledge and share your insights with those around you. Well done, Keep up the amazing work!
Year 6	Eva Shrestha Eva is an exemplary student across all aspects of her schooling; from her academic performance and behaviour, to her leadership role and qualities as an upstander. She is admired by her peers for her kind heart, warm smile and inclusiveness, particularly when collaborating with others, where she takes initiative and supports her team. Eva has an outstanding work ethic, consistently attentive during lessons and completing every task to the highest standard. Furthermore, she not only excels at sport, she has represented her school at a range of competitions and events with pride and sportsmanship. Congratulations on an excellent semester of learning!
Year 6	Akshara Arun Congratulations to Akshara for being the recipient of the Term 2 Principal's Learning Award for 6C. You are a dedicated and hardworking student who consistently demonstrates a resilient attitude towards your learning. You regularly ask thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding and embrace challenges with a willingness to learn and grow. You contribute positively to the classroom environment by assisting your classmates and encouraging those around you. Well done, Akshara!
Year 6	Rudra Thakar Congratulations to Rudra for being the recipient of the Term 2 Principal’s Learning Award for 6D. You have demonstrated curiosity in your learning, wondering how things work, why things are, and what else you could learn. You are a considerate and respectful member of our class, being a welcoming and inclusive student who shows kindness to all. You strive to do your best in all tasks, and help and encourage others to do the same. Well done, Rudra!
Year 6	Poulo Rony Kirianthan Poulo is a learner who always demonstrates a positive attitude towards learning. He approaches challenges with resilience and determination. Poulo consistently demonstrates the school value of Respect through his manner towards peers and teachers, helping create a positive learning experience. He has been a wonderful role model for others in the way in which he conducts himself. Poulo’s contributions to our class discussions and willingness to support the learning of others enrich our classroom and help create a positive learning culture.
Year 6	Sayoon Herath Mudiyanselage Sayoon, congratulations for the consistently respectful and positive way you approach your learning and interactions with others. You demonstrate integrity, strong values and thoughtful behaviours that positively influence those around you. You engage in your learning with a curious mindset, contributing to class discussions and approaching tasks with genuine interest and care. Your friendly and inclusive nature helps create a calm and welcoming classroom environment where others feel supported. Sayoon, your attitude, curiosity and quiet leadership make you a valued member of our class. Keep continuing to grow and challenge yourself!
Year 6	Mehar Khan Congratulations to Mehar for being the recipient of the Term 2 Principal's Learning Award. You are an integral member of our 6G family, and the greater GWPS community. Thoughtful, dedicated and spirited are just a few words to describe your character. These attributes shine through in the many ways you uphold our school values. The way you continually challenge yourself in all aspects of your learning, while embracing leadership opportunities such as your roles as Peer Mediator and Stand-Up Project Leader, reflects your hardworking, resilient, and community-minded nature. You approach every responsibility with enthusiasm and integrity, setting a wonderful example for those around you. Your classmates value you for being someone who makes them laugh, or someone who is there for them in times of need. You have made a conscious effort to get to know everyone in our class, and treat them as your equal, allowing them to feel welcomed and valued, just as any staff member feels walking into our classroom. This level of positivity and comradery is to be truly commended and celebrated. Well done on an outstanding term, and year thus far!

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

Year 1

Leela, Reyanshi and Alisha for making fabulous progress with their understanding of subtraction
Janani, Aekarsh, Oneki and Dhiana for completing numerous challenging maths equations involving addition and subtraction
Reyanshi and Mia for being wonderful helpers

Year 2

Binoli, Kaniishka and Jhanvi for writing heartfelt letters
Dora, Tanisha and Ohana for working very hard to research, learn about and then create posters to share their learning about Bilby’s
Sheya for completing level 8 and 9 in swimming - well done and keep it up!

Year 3

Ava, Aaradhya, Savik, Raghavan and Saambavi for working very hard to develop their understanding of ‘tricky’ English words as part of their vocabulary development
Aaryan, Raghavan and Oscar for making amazing progress with their understanding of Maths and 2D shapes
Tanvika, Nairah, Savik, Nithish and Ava for working hard on their English skills
Ethan, Ava, Ayara and Savik for completing a very challenging task as part of their home learning where they built various structures to support animals such as bird houses and drinking troughs
Abhi for making a very interesting camera strip in LOTE that demonstrates what he did during the school holidays such as cycling, going to the movies to watch Minions and Monsters and going to Mt Buller

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Frank Catalano

Principal

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