Principal's Report

By Frank Catalano

Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

Welcome to the final newsletter for the 2025 school year!

As with most people, as we reach this stage of the year, we often pose the question, “Where has the year gone?” As you would be aware, the years do seem to pass rather quickly, whether this is because of the ‘pace of life’ or the fact that we just seem to be busier, I’m not sure. However, what I am sure of is the fact that 2025 has been another outstanding year for everyone associated with our fabulous school. This being our final newsletter for the year, I take the opportunity to elaborate on some of the children’s incredible achievements!

School Chess Team Update

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, our school’s Open (Boys and Girls) Chess team qualified for the Australian Primary Schools Chess Championships, and I am extremely proud to report that they placed 3rd. Naturally this is a phenomenal achievement and something that we should all be incredibly proud of! Congratulations, well done and thank you to the following children:

Year 4: Naveen and Samuel
Year 5: Amaya, Aadyah and Jaden and
Year 6: Sarvang.

Below is a copy of Jaden’s speech that he delivered at Monday’s assembly:

Good morning Mr Catalano, teachers, parents and fellow peers. I am the Chess Team Captain; Jaden and I have some exciting news to share with you all.

Over the last two days, our school chess team competed in the Australian School’s Teams Championships, held at Glen Waverley Secondary College. We are very proud to be part of it, especially for the second year in a row.

Last year in Perth, we finished half a point behind third place. This year, we proudly secured third place with 16 game points. All the games were classical format and we faced the best teams from seven states, across two full days from 8am to 9pm. For me, it was like a chess marathon – both mentally and physically demanding.

All six players worked incredibly hard leading up to the tournament and our efforts truly paid off. Everyone stayed focused and resilient, gave their best, and supported each other through every round. Whether we won or lost, it wasn’t easy, but our dedication showed on the board.

I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our principal, Mr Catalano, who supported us in every way – Mr. Catalano is our biggest cheerleader! Thanks also to our coach, FIDE Master John, who provided us with invaluable training. We appreciate the efforts of our chess coordinators, Himath and Chamal, who managed communications and coordinated between the school, parents, coach and organisers. They made tough strategic decisions, including deciding playing order each round.

Also thank you to our parents for their unconditional support and encouragement, without you we wouldn’t have achieved success. Last but not least, thanks to ourselves for dedicating our time and energy to this championship and delivering our very best – I am very proud of our chess team! Well done Glen Waverly PS Chess Team, the glory is for everyone involved. In 2026 we wish our team will grow stronger and have even greater success!

As mentioned throughout the year, our school chess teams have had an outstanding year. The children have practiced at home, in each other’s homes, at the various clubs they are members of and have also undertaken numerous coaching sessions. The result of their commitment and dedication has been outstanding and we are extremely proud of everyone!

2026 Student Leaders

On Monday we hosted a very special assembly to announce the 2026 Student Leaders. The Year 5 children have undertaken a rigorous process, which culminated in the rest of the student body voting for their respective 2026 School and House (Sports) Captains, whilst the staff selected the Curriculum Captains.

May I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Shen for leading this process and all the staff who were involved in various ways. Congratulations and a special well done to the following children and their families as it is an honour to be a school leader and represent your peers, teachers and our school community:

Position	Name
School Captains	Saheli and Zavier
School Vice-Captains	Amaya, Jenny and Sam
CIS Captains	Siddharth, Thinuli, Navya, Abiru and Krish K
Student Voice Captains	Parmin, Saakhi, Yug, Riaan, Hamsika and Ajeet
Mitchell House Captains	Mariam and Arunn
Latrobe House Captains	Eva and Veer
Fawkner House Captains	Lesara and Harley
Hume House Captains	Kylie and Kalana
Performing Arts Captains	Neeraja, Rachel, Rehmat and Asees
Digital Learning Captains	Raneth, Ometh, Mindula and Morgan
STEAM Captains	Eva, Khwaeesh, Pavirna and Tevin
Art Captains	Sakthi, Win, Sarah, Ravya and Sayoon
Music Captains	Aadyah, Akshara, Tiana and Helitha
Languages Captains	Jaden, Ethan, Munisa and Dylan
Library Captains	Ellie, Myra, Yashen and Erin
Environment Captains	Oliver, Yenuk and Shanosh
Student Wellbeing Captains	Nethra, Radinsa, Menuli and Vidit

Once again, congratulations to the above students and their families. I would also like to acknowledge the children who were not selected, thank you to all of you for your efforts and remember at our school, all Year 5 and 6 students are considered as leaders, and you will also be provided with opportunities to lead various school events.

2026 Staff Team:

Next year we are expecting to commence the year with approximately 890 students and a 36-classroom model as per the following:

Year Level	Classroom Teachers
Prep Team	Samantha Stefanidis, La Ree Byrne, Kat Pei and Cassandra Cheng
Year 1 Team	Grace Farch, Bee Wong, Lucy Lou and Eunice Lye
Year 2 Team	Emma Williams, Jessica Reeves, Lucy Li and Caleb Bergamo
Year 3 Team	Kylie Bailey, Jamie Dimopoulos, Yuling Weng, Andrew Regan and Jenny Ota
Year 4 Team	Michelle Caruso, Kaine Jenkins, Haileina Shi, Vivian Williams and Shveta Mahajan (sharing), Alana Essa and Lily O’Shaughnessy
Year 5 Team	Peter Shen, Parveen Kaur, Alex Rowland, Nicole MacPhie, Stacey Shi and Caitlin Cameron
Year 6 Team	Dante Sciessere, Robert Lou, Kristy Chua, Rebecca Parish, Jonathon Pereira, Kim Stevenson and Demi O’Shea

Specialist Programs:

Visual Arts – Sandra Lyczba
Languages – Shasha Guo, Esther Wang and Allie Ding
Music – Nadia Cecconello
Physical Education – Abbey Lawlor and Sam Hawkins
Mind, Body and Us – Christine Marescaux, Monique Kelly and Tracey Tsang
Digital Arts – Jason McCormick

Innovation Programs:

Lachlan Soo: STEAM – Including Virtual Reality and Aviation
Nicole Pryde and Adriana Parsons: Robotics
Nicole Pryde: Rocketry and Drones
Kathy Williams, Angelique Shmerling and Amanda Seach: Maths
Angelique Shmerling and Vicki John: English (Writing)

Intervention (Support Programs):

Lindy Tran and Wai Ping Tam: EAL
Samantha Rich, Serri Wang, Jo Baker, Celeste Bayly (Term One and half of Term Two): Targeted Student Learning (TSL)
Isobel Cooper, Natasha Margelis and Zac Wang – EAL and TSL.

Learning Specialists/Leading Teachers:

Samantha Stefanidis and Kylie Bailey – English
Emma Williams and Michelle Caruso – Maths
Peter Shen – Assessment and Reporting
Ryo Sugihara – Disability Inclusion and Wellbeing

Principal Class:

Principal – Frank Catalano
Assistant Principal (Teaching, Learning and Curriculum) – Amanda Seach
Assistant Principal (Disability Inclusion and Wellbeing) – Vicki John and
Assistant Principal (Operations) - Roland Lewis

Education Support Staff:

Business Manager – Julie Milward
Office Manager – Daria McCullough
Administrative Assistants – Wendy Wallace and Soula Lucas
School Nurse – Emma Attrill
Library and Executive Assistant – Sabrina Aung
Maintenance Manager – Michael La Rosa
Library support – Kathryn Stroud
DE Employed Technical Assistant – Anthony Reynolds (2 days per week)

Learning Assistants:

Elizabeth Steinke, Vani Muregesan, Nicole Rowland, Sumungali Dissanayake,
Karli Bell, Ishpreet Manchanda, Dilini Rajapaksha, Niluka Hewage, Sarah Chua and Arti Kumar.

Allied Health Team:

Ryo Sugihara and Mahnoor Ijaz (School Counsellors)
Grace Wong (Speech Pathologist – returning the beginning of Term 4 and
Two provisional educational psychologists through the Psych in Schools program.

Overall, I am exceptionally pleased with the 2026 staff team and am very confident that we will be able to provide a high-quality education for all students.

2026 Parent Payments (School Fees)

Recently a Compass Post was distributed outlining information about the 2026 Parent Payments/school fees. If you require support with settling your school fees, please do not hesitate to contact me on 9802 9938 or at frank.catalano@education.vic.gov.au

Student Reports

As a learning community, it is essential that we value the children’s reports as they provide an opportunity to celebrate their social, emotional, and academic growth over the year. Our teaching staff have worked diligently to ensure each report accurately reflects your child’s current level of achievement as well as their progress throughout the year.

The Semester Two reports will be distributed electronically via Compass on Wednesday, 17th December. Please ensure you have access to these, and if you require assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Daniel, Daria, or Jacinta in the main office.

We encourage you to read the report carefully. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with your child’s classroom teacher, one of the Assistant Principals or myself. Families are also welcome to arrange a meeting with their child’s teacher to discuss the report further.

End of year celebrations

Prep Prom

The Prep Prom was held on last Friday and, once again, what a fabulous school community event it was! Congratulations to the 2025 Prep children as not only were you brilliant but you also showed everyone just how much you have grown and developed throughout your first year of school!

A special thank you to our Prep Teachers (Mrs. Stefanidis, Mrs. Byrne, Ms. Pei and Mrs. Maley) for their fabulous organisation of the event and the numerous staff who assisted in various ways. Well done and congratulations everyone!

Year 6 Graduation

Well done to our Year 6 students for being outstanding role models throughout the year and congratulations on the wonderful celebration which was held last Thursday night.

A special thank you to our Year 6 Teachers (Mr. Sciessere, Mr. Lou, Mrs. Bailey, Ms. Chua, Ms. Parish and Mr. Pereira) for their fabulous organisation and the numerous staff who assisted in various ways. Well done and congratulations everyone!

Below is an overview of the awards presented and numerous photos for everyone to enjoy!

Award	Recipient Girls	Recipient Boys
Trish Perry - Academic Excellence	Stuti, Pranathi and Hayun	Shiv and Sarvang
Lion’s Club – Global Citizenship Award	Sophie and Kimaya	Tyler and Jaik
Camp Australia - SMILE	Aseli	N/A
School Council Award Attitude and Persistence	Eyren and Arya	Tony and Sohan
The Robert Wilson award for academic excellence, vision, creativity and ingenuity in STEAM	Sohan	N/A
The Jan Kennedy Community Service Award	Krish B
Music	Methasha	Sandul
Robotics		Elijah and Yash
Media Arts	Meshavi	Armaan
Languages	Yui Wan	Baanushan
Art	Jiaming	Chenuka
Mind, Body and Us	Liya	Kyaan
Performing Arts	Ngo Shun and Ellia
Sport	Krisha L	Ethan
STEAM	Mysha	Joshua
Virtual design	Sara	Dinal
Natalie Doyle Courage in Learning Award	Hridyansh (Hridu)
VSSS and Stage Performances	Ranuli	Evin
Excellence Beyond the Classroom Award	Hailey - Gymnastics Kesar - Badminton Meshavi – Karate Susanna - Tuba Reyan - Chess Yehara - Chess Sanuri - Dancing Krisha L - Cricket Swara - Chess	Johfrit – Aust. Air League Sarvang – Chess and Robotics Daiwik - Chess Sarah - Chess

School Holiday Vacation Care Program

Once again Camp Australia have organised a wonderful school holiday program which consists of several exciting activities. This year the program will be implemented from Monday 12th January to Tuesday 27th January 2026 (inclusive) at our school.

Please be aware that all families are entitled to a 50% rebate on the total cost plus a further discount depending on the family income. To book your child, access the Before and After School Care link on our website or at www.campaustralia.com.au

End of Term Awards

In Term Four we break protocol and announce the recipients of our end of term awards because if we don’t the children will not be recognised in the school newsletter. Congratulations to the following children who have been selected to receive the

Term Four Kiwanis Club Terrific Kids Award:

Name	Level	Reason
Ramin	Prep B	For being a calm, respectful, and quietly confident learner in our classroom, Ramin is a shining example of our school values in action. He treats others with kindness and empathy, always showing patience, fairness, and a genuine willingness to help. His thoughtful nature and considerate actions contribute to a learning environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and included. Ramin demonstrates integrity in all that he does,he consistently makes responsible choices, shows initiative without being prompted, and upholds high expectations for himself and others. He leads not through volume, but through consistent, quiet excellence. In his learning, Ramin approaches every task with determination and focus. He listens attentively, takes pride in doing his personal best, and never gives up, even when faced with challenges. His positive mindset, perseverance, and growing confidence make him a role model to his peers. Well done, Ramin! You are a TERRIFIC student, and your calm strength and caring attitude continue to inspire everyone around you. Keep up the outstanding work!
Hayden	2C	Hayden, your resilience and drive to learn and improve has truly left us all stunned. You come to school every day with a bright smile on your face, ready to listen and learn. The Year Two teachers always appreciate every moment that you have greeted them with a smile or given them a hug. When faced with challenges, you never give up and ask for help when needed. We hope that this drive to learn will never fade, even as you grow older and wiser. You have also made big strides in your literacy learning, especially in the attitude you take towards improving yourself by asking questions to understand the task. We can truly see how much you enjoy your school life at Glen Waverley Primary School. There is no better fit for this award, congratulations!
Manuth	4A	Congratulations, Manuth!Manuth has shown outstanding success across all learning areas this term and should be commended for embodying the qualities of a TERRIFIC Kid – Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, and Capable. Manuth is a considerate and thoughtful student of 4A who consistently supports his peers. He encourages others to strive for their best and offers emotional support through his humour, kindness, and compassion in all learning spaces, demonstrating this quality at school camp also this term. He additionally takes great pride in his work, demonstrating beautiful care and attention to presentation. Manuth consistently aims for excellence and actively seeks feedback to guide his next steps in learning. Keep up your fabulous effort and commitment to learning, Manuth!
Emilia	6C	Congratulations Emilia on a wonderful term of challenge and growth, both academically and socially. You should be extremely proud of how you reflected on the person you wanted to be and have taken strides to change and grow through challenges to become that person. You have demonstrated kindness, consideration, and empathy towards others, which has not gone unnoticed by both teachers and your peers. Keep up the excellent attitude now and in the future as you journey into high school!

Term 4 Principal Learning Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who will receive the Principal Learning Award for this term.

Prep A	Raj	Raj has transitioned seamlessly into the Glen Waverley Primary School community, demonstrating maturity, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of learning. He quickly built positive relationships with his peers and teachers and has shown great respect for others in all aspects of school life. Raj consistently takes initiative in his learning, approaching every task with curiosity and determination. He embodies the school values and strives for personal best by setting high standards for himself and persisting even when challenges arise. Raj is a wonderful role model who contributes positively to our classroom and school community each day. Well done Raj on your outstanding achievements, we are all so proud of you!
Prep B	Krish	For his dedication and enthusiasm towards learning, Krish is being recognised for his curiosity, perseverance, and motivation to challenge himself. He approaches each task with a positive mindset and a strong desire to improve, always willing to step out of his comfort zone and try something new. He is a curious learner who asks thoughtful questions and enjoys exploring new ideas. Krish takes ownership of his learning and consistently seeks opportunities to grow and succeed. He actively engages in class discussions, shares thoughtful ideas, and listens carefully to others. His determination to do his personal best, even when things feel difficult, is a true reflection of his hardworking. Krish’s drive to overcome challenges and his commitment to learning make him a strong role model for his peers. Well done, Krish! Keep striving for excellence, you’re doing an amazing job!
Prep C	Suvrat	Suvrat is a student who is very driven to always extend and improve his learning. He is kind, considerate, responsible and organised, in and outside the classroom. Suvrat models exceptional listening skills and attempts all set tasks with enthusiasm. His calmness and ability to consider others around him, reflects the high values he holds for himself.Suvrat completes his work with the learning goal in mind and takes great care in his workbook presentation. His passion for learning is a credit to his ability to further question and seek a deeper understanding of what he is learning. Suvrat always extends his learning beyond what is being taught in the classroom. He will do extra work at home to help improve his understanding and learning.Suvrat demonstrates the Glen Waverley Primary School values of: Global Empathy, Initiative, Integrity and Respect. He is a role model in showing respect to his teachers, staff and students always. This respect is modelled to other students within the classroom and school. Suvrat uses exceptional manners and shows a caring attitude and kindness to all.Congratulations Suvrat, may you continue to be curious about the world around you and share your kindness everywhere you go!
Prep D	Rayansh	Rayansh approaches every learning opportunity with eagerness, humility, and a genuine passion for learning. He embraces challenges with confidence and actively seeks feedback to strengthen his understanding. Rayansh loves to share his ideas and perspectives, contributing thoughtfully during class discussions. He is a collaborative and supportive classmate who encourages others and inspires his peers through his positive attitude. Rayansh handles moments of frustration with remarkable resilience and continues to demonstrate a strong, growth-focused mindset in all areas of his learning. Well done, Rayansh!

1A	Savini	Congratulations to Savini for being 1A's recipient of the Principal's Learning Award. Savini has already made a huge impact in the short time she has been at our school. She is an exceptional role model for her peers by consistently displaying our school values. Savini demonstrates Global Empathy and Respect by being a kind friend who is always willing to help her peers and teachers. She works diligently on her learning tasks and consistently tries her best. Congratulations on a fabulous semester, Savini. You should be very proud of your achievements.
1B	Luna	Congratulations, Luna, 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, Luna! Keep up the incredible work!
1C	Shakya	Shakya is recognised for his growing persistence when facing challenges and his commitment to developing a strong growth mindset in his learning. He approaches new tasks with determination and shows a willingness to keep trying, even when things feel difficult. He also builds positive relationships with his peers, contributing to a supportive and collaborative learning environment through his kindness, respect, and readiness to work with others.Well done, Shakya! We are proud of your continued effort and growth!
1D	Kairav	Congratulations to Kairav for showing whole body listening consistently all this time throughout Term Four. You have worked hard to stay on task at your table and complete your work with care. You show enthusiasm in sharing your ideas during Mathematics and InitiaLit, and you are always eager to contribute to class discussions. When others try to distract you during teaching time, you choose to focus on your teacher instead—showing responsibility and respect for your learning. You have constantly shown kindness to your friends and are willing to support your peers and teachers. Your helpful, caring and friendly attitude has made you a very approachable and lovable person. Your constant smile has lightened the classroom. Outstanding effort, Kairav! Keep up your amazing progress all the time.

2A	Sosha	At the beginning of the year, Sosha found the busy classroom environment a big change, but he has shown extraordinary courage and determination as he learned to navigate it with increasing confidence. Sosha has shown an incredible year of growth, both personally and academically. He is a deeply compassionate classmate who notices when others are upset and is always ready with a comforting word or a helping hand. He consistently uses his manners with kindness and sincerity, helping create a warm and respectful classroom environment.Throughout the year, he has worked hard to develop his independence in the classroom, regulating his emotions with increasing confidence and managing his learning tasks and resources more independently each week.Sosha contributes to class discussions with thoughtful ideas and a strong depth of understanding, showing just how much he is growing as a learner. He has built strong connections with his teachers and peers, always listening carefully to feedback and using it to improve, especially in his handwriting, which has improved significantly… and of course, his cheeky grin never fails to brighten the classroom!Congratulations Sosha, on an outstanding year of learning and personal growth!
2B	Atilla	Atilla has been an inspiration this year, showing kindness, compassion and diligence both towards his fellow classmates and schoolwork. He regularly shows a ‘growth mindset’ when completing unknown tasks and as a result is now able to tackle tasks independently. Keep up the wonderful work Atilla!
2C	Bella	You are a well-mannered, hardworking learner who demonstrates the School Value of Respect both inside and outside the classroom. Your independence and initiative-taking during learning is commendable, especially when you ask questions to clarify your understanding. Well done on using your problem-solving skills to overcome different challenges, such as checking your learning with a friend before showing your learning to Miss Shi. The efforts that you have shown in staying resilient in the face of distractions has not gone unnoticed. Great job on moving away on the floor or picking a good fit partner for learning activities! Thank you for being such an empathetic and mindful learner who truly represents an exemplary student at Glen Waverley Primary School. Congratulations and I have no doubts you will have many successes in the future Bella!
2D	Liam	Liam has shown tremendous growth this year, becoming a confident and engaged member of our classroom community. He has built a wonderful circle of friendships through kindness, respect, and thoughtful communication. In his learning, Liam approaches new challenges with curiosity and resilience, always trying his best and taking pride in his progress. His warm and gentle presence brings joy to our classroom, and he continues to grow into a compassionate and capable learner. Liam, you should be incredibly proud of how far you’ve come and all that you’ve achieved!
2E	Devansh	Congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Devansh! You have consistently demonstrated the GWPS School Values of Initiative, Respect, Getting Along and Integrity. You are such a kind, positive and enthusiastic member of the classroom. I am truly impressed by your approach to life and learning, and it has been a pleasure to see your confidence grow as the year has progressed. Thank you for consistently applying your personal best to everything you do and for always wearing a smile on your face. I hope that you feel a sense of pride for all that you have achieved this term and year. You are such a positive role model for your peers – I am very proud of you! Keep up the wonderful work, Devansh! Congratulations.

3A	Jason	Jason, you are celebrated for the remarkable growth you have shown this term. You have become more focused, engaged, and confident in your learning, showing a maturity that shines through in everything you do. Your friendly nature and genuine willingness to help those around you make our school community a happier and more supportive place.Your empathy, generosity, and honesty are qualities that set you apart. Whether you are encouraging a classmate, lending a hand, or giving something a go even when it feels new, you do it with kindness and courage.We are incredibly proud of you and grateful for the positivity you bring to our class every day. Congratulations!
3B	Eason	Congratulations Eason on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award!You always try your best and bring such a positive attitude to your learning. Each day you come to school ready to listen, participate and give things a go, and that really helps create a happy and focused classroom.It has been great to see your growth at Glen Waverley Primary School. You show enthusiasm in all areas of your learning, whether you’re taking on something new or working alongside your classmates. You are respectful, kind and supportive, which makes you a wonderful role model for others.Even when tasks are challenging, you don’t give up. You show determination and confidence, and that resilience is something to be very proud of.Keep up the fantastic effort, Eason. With your positive mindset and willingness to learn, I know you will continue to achieve amazing things. Congratulations again!
3C	Ashton	The Principal’s Learning Award for 3C in Term Four is awarded to Ashton, who has consistently demonstrated kindness and inclusivity to all his peers, helping to create a warm and inclusive environment. He always spoke kindly to his peers, helped others when they were feeling lonely and included others in his games and in group learning tasks. Ashton’s empathetic actions have helped to create a safe and positive environment where all his classmates have felt acknowledged and valued. Ashton has also exemplified the definition of initiative through his remarkable willingness to help others. He was the first to step forward when something needed to be done and often noticed opportunities to contribute before being asked. Whether assisting during class activities, supporting his peers when they face challenges, or taking responsibility in group tasks, Ashton led by example through his reliability, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic.Furthermore, Ashton has also shown outstanding growth in his learning. He approached challenges with resilience, sought feedback to improve, and took pride in putting his best effort into every task. His progress reflected not only his dedication but also his confidence as a learner who was eager to keep growing and improving. Congratulations, Ashton, on an incredible year of achievements! You should be so proud of your kindness, growth and remarkable personality!
3D	Jackson	Jackson, you are an outstanding member of our school community, consistently demonstrating our School Values. You show Integrity through honesty, Respect with kind words and good manners, Initiative by contributing thoughtfully in class and supporting others, and Global Empathy by comforting friends and understanding their perspectives. As a learner, you think deeply, take risks, and challenge yourself. In Reading, you identified figurative language and explained the author's purpose. In Writing, your Information Report on the Bermuda Triangle was engaging and well structured. In Maths, you demonstrated strong place value skills by renaming tenths as hundredths using a decimat. In Inquiry, your reflections on the Red Cross showed thoughtfulness and insight. You should be very proud of your achievements. Well done, Jackson!
3E	Kiara	Congratulations, Kiara, on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 4! Your passion for learning shines every single day, and your enthusiasm is truly inspiring. You consistently give your best effort, stay focused, and embrace every opportunity to grow. Whether you are working independently or collaborating in a group, you always show responsibility, confidence and a positive attitude. Even when challenges arise, you tackle them with determination and a growth mindset. We were especially proud of the fantastic procedural video you created titled “How to Make Our Very Special Vanilla Milkshake.” Your clear instructions, creativity, and confidence had a big impact on the class and showed just how capable you are.Beyond your own learning, you bring warmth and kindness to our classroom. You are always willing to lend a helping hand, offering support, encouragement, and care to those around you. Your polite and respectful manner makes you a joy to teach, and your helpful nature creates a welcoming environment for everyone. Keep up the amazing work, Kiara! Your love of learning and your kindness toward others truly make a wonderful difference in our school community.

4A	Riaan	Riaan consistently demonstrates the School Value of Initiative by enthusiastically offering help and showing a genuine willingness to build his own knowledge and skills in all subject areas. Over the course of the semester, Riaan has shown increased effort and focus on his learning, resulting in some wonderful achievements. Each day, he arrives calmly and respectfully, beginning his morning Wellbeing routine with focus and positivity. Riaan shows empathy towards others, supporting his peers with gentle guidance and reminding them of the steps needed to succeed in their learning which he transferred while at camp. He is courteous, polite, and shows the utmost respect to all teachers and classmates. Riaan, you are a fantastic role model, and we are so proud to have you as a member of GWPS!
4B	Nathan	For demonstrating exceptional resilience in his learning by seeking clarification when in doubt and showing persistence in completing challenging tasks. Nathan consistently shares his knowledge during whole class discussions, contributing thoughtful ideas that enrich learning for everyone. He works collaboratively and respectfully in group activities, displaying the school’s value of Respect towards his teachers and peers. Nathan is a positive role model who exemplifies a growth mindset and a genuine love of learning.
4C	Alex	For consistently striving to do your very best in all areas of learning and being a wonderful friend to everyone in 4C. You show kindness and compassion towards others without hesitation creating strong friendships. You challenge yourself daily and maintain a positivity that encourages others. Your fabulous sense humour and can-do attitude show your resilience and determination with any situation. Congratulations Alex, for a fabulous year!
4D	Calden	Calden has been a bright and joyful member of the 4D community bringing with him a smile every day to the classroom. He enthusiastically engages in class discussions, always willing to answer questions and share his point of view. Calden welcomes the views and opinions of others when discussing learning and is eager to learn from his peers. In the school yard is quickly welcomes other to join in with his games ensuring they are included. Congratulations Calden and thank you for being such an incredible student in our classroom!
4E	Prayag	For consistently striving to do your very best in all learning areas and for being a wonderful friend to everyone in the class. You show kindness by helping others without hesitation and regularly seek out challenges to extend your learning. Your curiosity about how things work reflects your strong love of learning, and you also demonstrate natural leadership skills in everything you do. Your peers look up to you for guidance, positivity and encouragement, and you set a wonderful example through your actions. The way you lead with kindness, confidence and responsibility makes our classroom a better place for everyone. We are so proud of your outstanding efforts and the positive impact you have on our school community. Well done, Prayag!
4F	Nethanya	Throughout the school year, Nethanya consistently demonstrated all four of our school values. She showed wonderful initiative by gently reminding her classmates to make positive choices and helping them stay on track. She also displayed strong integrity, always doing the right thing even when no one was watching. Nethanya treated every student and teacher with genuine respect, speaking kindly and listening thoughtfully in every situation. She also embodied global empathy by being inclusive, understanding others’ feelings, and offering support whenever someone needed a friend. She has been a positive leader in our classroom community. Congratulations Nethanya!

5A	Tommy	Tommy has been a hard-working and respectful learner this term, setting the standard for his peers and classmates to follow. He is attentive during whole class instructions, applying learnt strategies to his own learning. When working collaboratively, Tommy applies active listening and communication skills, working closely with his partners. He is always opens to feedback and puts feedforwards into actions. Congratulations Tommy, a well-deserved PLA recipient! Well done and keep up the great effort!
5B	Menuli	When looking for a student who demonstrates all the School Values, it is hard to look past Menuli as a role model for the other learners at GWPS. In 2025, she has shown Integrity by working incredibly hard in all areas of learning and looking at all challenges through the lens of a growth mindset. Menuli demonstrated Initiative by putting her hand up to take on responsibility and backing that up by applying for a number of leadership roles, including being the Environmental JSC this year and achieving Wellbeing Captain for 2026. She is respectful in all her actions inside and outside of the classroom when speaking politely to all peers and teachers, and always showing whole body listening during learning. Finally, Menuli's Global Empathy shines through in her interactions with friends, celebrating wins and supporting through tough times. More than that, however, is her strong belief in charity. She always has money to share on donation days and is proactive in seeking out causes to support, including donating hundreds of dollars from her own savings to the Make A Wish Foundation. Congratulations on an amazing 2025, Menuli! Please continue to be the best you that you can be.
5C	Nethra	Congratulations Nethra on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 4! You are a hardworking student who consistently displays a growth mindset and your eagerness to explore topics in greater depth reflects your strong commitment to learning. I’ve been impressed by your focus during lessons, your whole-body listening, and the meaningful contributions you bring to class discussions.Nethra, you bring a bright enthusiasm to the classroom that helps foster an inclusive and supportive environment. You approach challenges with determination, use 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, particularly in writing and mathematics where you have faced all learning with a positive attitude. You are kind-hearted and caring, making the lives of your friends and peers all that might brighter. Keep up the great work, Nethra. You are sure to achieve much more in the future!
5D	Tevin	Tevin is a kind, helpful and dependable student who consistently goes above and beyond for his classmates. He is always the first to volunteer his time, especially when it comes to supporting others with technology. Whether it’s troubleshooting a device, helping classmates navigate digital tasks or ensuring everyone’s devices are functioning, Tevin gives his time generously and without hesitation. His quiet leadership and willingness to support others make a genuine difference in our classroom. Tevin approaches all learning tasks with determination and a strong work ethic. He demonstrates focus, resilience and a thoughtful attitude towards improving his skills. His dedication, coupled with his caring nature, makes him a valued and respected member of our school community. Congratulations, Tevin, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, a well-deserved recognition of your kindness, commitment and outstanding contribution to our class!
5E	Win (Phat)	Congratulations to Win on receiving the Principal Learning Award! Win is an inspiring learner who shows amazing initiative and deep commitment in all areas of his learning, and has achieved so many milestones this year. Win is incredibly kind-hearted, always willing to help others, celebrating his peers’ achievements and showing genuine care for those around him. His respectful and humble nature, and gratitude for the support he receives make him someone everyone love to be around. It has not been an easy journey, but you have approached it with strength, diligence, and determination—you deserve this award!
5F	Kalana	Congratulations, Kalana, on receiving the Principal Learning Award! Each day, you approach your learning with positivity, readiness, and your very best effort. Whether working independently or with others, you complete tasks with focus, courage, and a willingness to challenge yourself. You demonstrate wonderful initiative by helping clean the classroom after school, making sure our learning space is tidy and ready for the next day.It has been a privilege watching you grow and overcome challenges this term. The dedication you showed when writing your applications for leadership positions was excellent; you consistently asked for help and feedback when needed.Congratulations, Kalana, on your first PLA — you truly deserve this award. We wish you all the best in Year 6!

6A	Skylynn	Congratulations to Skylynn on a fantastic finish to primary school at Glen Waverley Primary. She has shown greater maturity within her learning and socialising. She has been selected for this award for her growth that she has shown, trying her best to further herself in all areas. She has shown great initiative throughout her learning, ensuring to add detail beyond what was asked within a task. She too grew in her ability to recognise the feelings of her peers in social situations and responding in a manner that made them feel better. Well done on all your achievements and growth this year Skylynn, you should be proud!
6B	Jess	Jess is a student who consistently stays focused during class, seeks help when needed, and approaches her learning with determination and her best effort. She is admired by her peers for her polite and well-mannered personality and welcoming and inclusive nature. Jess actively supports her peers, collaborates effectively in groups, and brings a positive attitude that makes her great company to be around. Finally, she is to be commended for the incredible learning growth she has experienced during her time at Glen Waverley Primary School - a tue testament to her courage, perseverance and diligence.
6C	Ishaan	Congratulations Ishaan on a fabulous term of learning! You have demonstrated persistence, determination and focus to find success in all that you do. It has been wonderful to see your confidence in yourself grow and to see you show more of who you are to both your teachers and your peers. Ishaan, you should be incredibly proud of yourself, the manner in which you treat others and the quality of learning you produce. Well done and keep up the excellent attitude as you move into the next stage of your schooling journey.
6D	Sahas	Congratulations to Sahas for being the recipient of the Term 4 Principal's Learning Award for 6D. Since joining our school last term, you have continued to demonstrate an exceptional attitude towards your learning. You approach every challenge with curiosity, determination and an open mindset. You show empathy to those around you and always make an effort to include everyone, setting a wonderful example for your classmates. Well done, Sahas!
6E	Thinuli	Congratulations to Thinuli for being the recipient of the Term 4 Principal’s Learning Award for 6E. You are a polite and respectful member of our class who is always eager to help others. You show the School Value of Respect in your interactions with others, and Global Empathy by considering the needs and feelings of your peers. During learning, you put in your best effort to complete learning tasks to a high standard that you are proud of. Well done, Thinuli!
6F	Elijah	Elijah is an inquisitive individual, highlighted by his ability to explore concepts in depth. He has demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning, consistently striving for excellence and embracing every challenge with determination. Elijah demonstrated the school value, Initiative by consistently seeking new challenges, pushing beyond expected standards and approaches each task with curiosity and determination. His Elijah’s positive attitude, resilience and willingness to support others have enriched our learning community and set a strong example for their peers. Eijah’s effort, perseverance and growth throughout the term highlight his dedication to achieving personal success and contributing meaningfully to our classroom environment.

Principal Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Principal’s Award recently:

Year Prep

Amaira, Suvrat, Anhad, Alfaaz, Dian, Dhiana and Luis for making excellent progress with their writing skills
Vandan for being a very supportive friend
Vandan, Eliana, Michelle and Anaira for working very hard on their learning

Year 1

Evaan for making amazing progress with his drawing skills and home learning and for receiving a trophy from his soccer club
Aadit for being very creative and for using his imagination to create a racing track for model cars
Sajunthan and Noah for being wonderful friends
Erina for cutting most of her hair so it can be used to create wigs to support children who are very ill
Kairav for learning about and writing numbers all the way to 100 quintillion which is a large number written as

Year 2

Abhi for creating his very own recycling bin which includes the lid opening when you press the trigger. This was part of his home learning where he was asked to create something using the forces push and pull
Atiya for being a wonderful friend

Year 3

Vedanshi and Sansa for making outstanding progress with their English writing skills
Vincent and Tyler for making amazing progress with their artistic skills

Year 4

Farhan, Reyansh, Nethmi, Jessy and Aarav for learning the important skill of converting fractions, decimals and percentages
Reyansh for receiving a Super Speak Achievement Award for completing 2.5 years of Public Speaking & Communication Skills training at Super Speak (equivalent to 100 hours) and presented 15 formal solo speeches.

Year 5

Sean and Sasen for developing a code through a micro-bit which plays the game Rock, Paper, Scissors – however, it has been programmed in a way, so they know the outcome!

Erina

Goodbye to some of our friends:

As the end of the school year draws closer, we will be saying goodbye to a few students who are moving out of the area. We wish them all the best in their new schools and hope that they keep in close contact with their Glen Waverley Primary School friends for many years to come.

We are also saying goodbye to some of our staff who will be working in other schools or pursuing other avenues. Naturally we thank you for being part of the Glen Waverley PS community, strongly encourage you to keep in contact and sincerely wish you well with your future endeavours.

In closing,

I would like to bid a fond farewell to our fabulous team of Year 6 students. This year the Year 6 students have set a fine example and have led the school with a true sense of commitment, sincerity and pride. I am absolutely thrilled with the leadership of all our Year 6 students particularly our School Captains Eliana, Shiv, Sahana and Duke who all must be congratulated for their outstanding leadership commitment, endeavour and qualities. I look forward to seeing and hearing all about the Year 6 students’ successes as they progress through their secondary education and beyond.

I would also like to wish every Year 6 student the very best in the years ahead and remind them that “once you are a part of the Glen Waverley PS family, you are always a part of the Glen Waverley PS family”. I strongly encourage all of you to come back and visit us!

Also, a sincere thank you to our wonderful team of parents who have helped with many and varied events and programs throughout the year. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank every single parent for their support, assistance and encouragement as we have made our way through the year.

Team spirit, trust, loyalty and integrity are part of what makes Glen Waverley such a fabulous school and this is reflected in our School Council; thank you to all our Councillors for your unwavering support as we continue to work for the betterment of the entire school community.

Naturally it would be rather remiss of me not to mention our extremely hard-working staff. The teachers and support staff at Glen Waverley are relentless in their quest to make our school the best school possible. Thank you one and all!

Arrangements for the final Day of school - Friday 19th December

A reminder that we will finish school at 1:30 on Friday 19th December; as a result, the students will not need their lunch unless they will be attending After School Care which will commence at 1:30. Please ensure your child has a snack for the day. Due to the early finishing time, lunch orders will not be available on this day.

2026 Return Dates

Year 1-6 students will return to school on Wednesday 28th January and
Prep (Foundation) students will begin on Thursday 29th January.

Happy holidays everyone. I sincerely wish all members of the Glen Waverley Primary School community the very best throughout the forthcoming summer break. To those members of our school community who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you all.

Please stay safe and enjoy your time with family and friends.

Take care and I look forward to seeing everybody in 2026!