Principal's Report

By Frank Catalano

Welcome back everyone!

I trust all is well and you were able to enjoy a relaxing winter school holiday break! It certainly has been wonderful to share the various school holidays stories with the children as they outlined where they went and what they got up to. For me it is always a joy to share these whilst also acknowledging the different things families do during the school holidays.

As we begin the second half of the academic year, enjoy Term Three everyone and please do not hesitate to see me at school or contact me on 9802 9938 or at frank.catalano@education.vic.gov.au if you have a query or an issue to discuss.

Welcome to the following new students and their family to GWPS:

May I extend a very warm welcome to the following new children and their families to the Glen Waverley PS family:

Year 1: Gabriel

Year 2: Ananya, Jessica and Vedanth

Year 3: Foram, Caz, Mark, Harry

Year 4: Rayon, Avani, Riann, Kevon, Alisha and Askarina, and Ken

Year 5: May and Shirin

Year 6: Veerav, Jane, Amitha, Abby and Oskarina

What has occurred in our school throughout the school holidays?

The school holidays are an opportune time for trade people to complete tasks; these holidays we:

Installed new windows in the Year 3 Building and most of the main building. I look forward to this project being completed over the next few weekends.
Installed new fencing and railing on some of the external stairs and around the stage area.
Installed non-slip mat on the ramp leading to the school’s front door and
Updated our school’s PA system.

Naturally the above would not be possible without the support of our school community. A sincere thank you to the families who have settled their 2024 school fees as your contribution makes a significant difference. Thank you everyone!

Congratulations to Blair Ippolito

I am thrilled to report that Blair (Ms. I, as the children affectionately referred her as) has given birth to Kaelen Myles Rolfe. At birth, Kaelen weighed 4.08kg and was 54cm in length. Blair mentioned, “mum and bubs are thriving!” which is fabulous, and we look forward to seeing Blair and Kaelen as soon as possible.

Welcome to the world and the Glen Waverley PS family Kaelen!

Congratulations to the following children for their recent achievements:

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

Public Speaking

A huge congratulations to Savinu and Daiwik (both in Year 5) for receiving their Super Speak Achievement Award which is presented to students who have completed 2.5 years of Public Speaking & Communication Skills training at Super Speak (equivalent to 100 hours) and involves the presentation of 15 formal solo speeches.

Congratulations and well done Savinu and Daiwik, the ability to speak in public is very important and something that I encourage all the children to develop. For their efforts the boys received a medallion and a trophy!

Keyboard Playing

Savinu is also an avid keyboard player and recently he participated in the Yamaha Keyboard Festival where he received a beautiful medallion. Savinu is currently working towards achieving the Grade 2 Piano music exam which I am sure he will accomplish shortly. Well done and keep it up Savinu, I look forward to you playing the keyboard at assembly soon!

Victorian Indoor Cricket Team:

As you may recall, Krisha (Year 5) represented Victoria in the Under 14 Indoor Cricket championships over the holiday and the team (and Krisha) performed exceptionally well.

Below is a recount from Krisha:

During the term holidays I went to Casey stadium to play indoor cricket against states all around Australia. It was a very good experience, my team and I celebrated the ups and downs and cheered on each other. I was also able to make new friends.

I played against New South Wales, it was one of my favourite matches. During this game, I took a few catches and threw a couple of direct hits in fielding. I was successful in hitting and running when batting. In my bowling, I took a couple of wickets (including a run out, bowled etc).

In the grand finals it was against Queensland, we played well but unfortunately Queensland claimed the win. We were all proud of ourselves for placing second place.

Thank you to Glen Waverley Primary School for fundraising $450.50 to help me during my journey. Also thank you to my family and friends especially my sister from 3A for the great support.

Congratulations and well done Krisha, to make the state team is an amazing achievement, but to qualify for the Under 14’s team when you are only 10, is super incredible and impressive. I look forward to hearing how you go with your future sporting achievements!

Ballroom Dancing

Klarissa (Year 3) is an avid dancer and over the holidays, she sent me the following email:

Hello Mr Catalano,

On Saturday 30/6/2024 during the holidays I had a ballroom dance night. I have been doing dance for only 7 weeks. For my exam I had to do the ‘Evening Three Step’ and the ‘Merrilyn Dance’ in the morning after the class at 9.00am. Then we had to go back at 7.30pm for my floor show dance for a group ‘Cha Cha’ dance. Then we got our floor show dance certificate.

After that I danced the Merrilyn with my teacher Jessica. After my friends and I got our Preliminary Bronze New Vogue results, and I got a Highly Commended pass result.

Then a while later my friends and I decided to do a Merrilyn dance competition. If you got tapped, you had to stay and you would get a reward. None of my friends or me did get tapped. However we still had lots of fun!

Then there was another competition for where you had to add your own personalised touch to the Nutbush dance. I place 3rd (although they confused me, so I didn’t know what I was doing 😆). My friend Claire got 2nd place and my youngest friend got 1st place! Clarie’s older sister got 4th place, so she got a participation ribbon as did two other girls.

Then we went home because it was very late, and I didn’t get to bed until 12.00 am.

Wow, Klarissa, it is fabulous that you are pursuing your love of dance – well done and keep it up!

Table Tennis

Akira (Year 4) and Cooper (Year 3) are avid table tennis players and recently they participated in the Croydon District Junior Table Tennis tournament, and I am extremely proud to report that the children placed 1st in their age category.

Well done and congratulations Akira and Cooper, you should be incredibly proud of this achievement and we all look forward to hearing what you accomplish in your chosen sport in the future!

Victorian Rapid Chess Championship

Throughout the recent school holidays Amaya and Saheli (both in Year 4) participated in the Victorian State Junior Rapid Chess Tournament organised by Chess Victoria. The children participated in the Under 10-Girls category and I am thrilled to announce that Amaya placed second whilst Saheli placed 4th in the same category.

Placing in the top 4 in the state title is a phenomenal achievement and something that the girls and our entire school community is very proud of.

Well done Amaya and Saheli, keep up the phenomenal attitude towards your chosen sport and we all look forward to hearing what you achieve in the future!

I am also very proud to report that Amaya’s brother, Rahul, who is one of our school alumni, placed 2nd in the Under 16- Open category. Well done and congratulations Rahul!

Singing

Akshara (Year 4) loves to sing, and she has developed an amazing voice. Throughout the year she has participated in the ‘Take the Mic’ music competitions and qualified for the grand final which was held during the school holidays. Akshara sang the Clean Bandit hit ‘Symphony’ and performed exceptionally well, particularly considering that the piece is a rather difficult song.

This year, the competition had only one winner and it went to another very well deserving contestant. However, Akshara reported that she is so happy with her progress and that the grand final was a great experience as she got to perform on a stage in front of a ‘full house’ theatre and to some renowned judges.

Akshara is also very grateful for the kind feedback from the judges and looks forward to continuing her singing career. Well done and congratulations Akshara, we are all so very proud of you and cannot wait to see where you take your talent in the future!

I extremely humbled and pleased to have so many of our students achieve amazing things outside of school. Congratulations and well done to all the children listed above, as you should be incredibly proud of yourselves! I look forward to sharing more of the children’s achievements in forthcoming newsletters.

State Cross-Country Running Championships

Congratulations to Ayaan (Year 4) who recently competed in the State Cross-Country Running championships at Yarra Valley. Ayaan ran the very wet and muddy 2,000m (2 km) race exceptionally well and although he did not qualify for the National Championships, we are all incredibly proud of him. Well done and congratulations Ayaan, we look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the future.

Rubik’s cube international competition

Max (Year 2) loves the Rubric’s Cube and recently he participated in his very first competition, the World Cube Association 3x3x3 event which was held in Melbourne on the 20th of July. I am also very proud to report that Max placed 86 out of 120 attendees and he completed a personal best time of 25.96 seconds. Max learnt how to solve the Rubric’s cube using YouTube demonstrating that he is a fabulous self-motivated learner!!! We done and congratulations Max, I look forward to you presenting at Monday’s assembly and hearing how you go in future events!

School Chess Team Update

Our school chess team continues to go from strength to strength; last week the children participated in the Northern Star Chess Zonal competition at Doncaster Gardens Primary School, and I am really proud to report that although it was a very close event, our team placed 1st on countback and the following children received individual awards:

Sarvang Gold in the Grade 5-6 section
Aadyah Gold in the Grade 3-4 section and
Swara Bronze in the overall girl’s section.

Well done and thank you to the following children for representing our school as we are incredibly proud and thankful:

Year 2: Reyashi and Aren
Year 3: Agastya and Lucas
Year 4: Aadyah and Kyran
Year 5: Swara, Reyan and Sarvang

Also thank you to the parents of the children who supported them, and I look forward to sharing more exciting news as the chess year continues. Well done everyone!

Congratulations to the Following Year 5 Students for ‘Transferring their Learning’

Recently the Year 5 children completed a unit where they investigated the impact, we, as humans, have on our environment. As a result of this learning some of the children have been able to transfer their learning to a very impressive level such as:

Shayel – because of this unit of study, Shayel decided to do something to help the Grey Falcon as it is facing distinction with approx. 1,000 left in Australia. Enlisting the help of his family, Shayel has built an amazing bird house, that is specifically designed for birds and will keep predators out!

He would like to encourage everyone to make bird houses for the grey falcon to nest in.

Sophie and Eliana – noticed that more can be done to improve our school’s Indigenous Garden and garden beds in general whilst also attracting more native birds. So, what did they decide to do? The children wrote to the City of Monash to ask for donations; below is the ‘email trail.’

Initial communication:

Good Afternoon Monash Council,

Hope your day is going well. This is Eliana and Sophie from Glen Waverley Primary School in Year 5. This term we have been learning about the native flora and fauna, and the importance of nature. For a few weeks, our transfer of learning has been to create an initiative that will create a positive impact to a healthy ecosystem. Our plan was to create a bird garden, to attract native birds into our school. But for this to become a success we would kindly ask Monash Council for permission to donate a few native plants along the lines of:

- Kangaroo paw which attracts honey eaters and lorikeets

- Bottlebrush which is a perfect home for possums, insets, nectar eating birds and lizards

- Hibiscus shrubs which attracts lorikeets, honeyeaters and butterflies

- Acmena smithii minor hedge plant which attracts native birds, beetles, caterpillars and possums for its crunchy berries

- Grevillea rosmarinifolia which attracts bees, birds and butterflies for its nectar

These plants have a big purpose for our native fauna. We would kindly request you to donate three/ four of each plant if possible.

We would love to hear from you soon!

Lovely regards,

Eliana and Sophie from Glen Waverley Primary School.

Response from the Monash City Council:

Hi there Eliana and Sophie,

I am contacting on behalf of Monash Council from our Gardens for Wildlife Team. It is great to hear Grade 5’s at Glen Waverley Primary School have been learning all about our amazing native flora and fauna. Fantastic effort on your research finding out how important different plants are for different types of Australian wildlife!

We would love to help your school with a donation of seedlings to support local wildlife. Monash Council runs a Gardens for Wildlife program that is available to residents and schools to create habitats for all the wildlife you have mentioned, by creating shelter, food, water sources for them! This program can give up to 100 free indigenous seedlings to schools looking to plant up garden areas or increase habitat for wildlife.

Indigenous plants are different to native plants as they are the plant species which grow naturally in our local area and are specifically native to Monash. Unfortunately, out of the plant list you have sent, only the bottlebrush is an indigenous plant but you can find lots more lovely plant options on the nursery website to choose from for your school!

Here is the link to the plants you can choose from at the local nursery: Greenlink Box Hill - Our Plants

If you would like, one of our Gardens for Wildlife team members can come to visit your school next term to help choose the best plants for your school gardens and if you can let us know how many plants you would like, we can send you a voucher for free seedlings.

I look forward to hearing from you both soon 😊

Best regards,

Naomi

Vacation Care Program

Due to the window replacement program, unfortunately we were unable to host a Vacation Care program during the recent school holidays. I do acknowledge that this is an additional imposition on families, however, the safety of the children, staff and parents must be our priority. The ‘window’ program is on schedule to be completed before the end of this term and our Vacation Care program will be implemented in September.

Alumni Update

It is with enormous amount of pride that I announce that one of our alumni, Sakshi Thakur recently received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Below is a link to an article which also features a short recording. May I encourage everyone to read the article and view the recording, particularly with the children as it clearly demonstrates how our school values and Guiding Statements are being implemented to literally, “make a difference in the world”.

I look forward to inviting Sakshi to our school as I would love to hear her story and for her to share it with the children:

https://www.indianlink.com.au/sakshi-thakur-oam-kings-birthday-honours/

On behalf of the entire Glen Waverley Primary School community, congratulations Sakshi as you are an inspiration and ambassador for everyone at our school!

Thank you to the staff from MSF Sports

Whilst our basketball court surface was being installed, Kiyan and Kisal (Year 3) showed great interest in what the tradespeople were doing and, when possible, they even assisted.

To demonstrate their gratitude, some of the tradespeople decided to thank the boys by purchasing a basketball that they can use at school. Naturally, this is a very generous and lovely gesture that exemplifies the values of both organisations.

Thank you to the team at MSF Sports as your willingness to support and acknowledge our students is appreciated immensely!

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 2024:

Name	Level	Reason
Meera	Prep D	For being a responsible, respectful, and kind member of Prep D, Meera consistently makes sensible choices and demonstrates kindness towards everyone at school. She strives to complete learning tasks independently and always puts forth her best effort. Meera exhibits excellent listening skills during lessons, remains eager to learn, and frequently contributes to class discussions. The learning she produces is consistently of a high standard. Meera goes above and beyond to assist her teacher and peers, always offering help when needed. As a friend to all, she is consistently kind and supportive. Well done, Meera, on your fantastic effort. We are thrilled to see you learn, grow, and achieve. Keep up your amazing work, superstar!
Siana	2A	Congratulations Siana, you have shown wonderful success in all areas of learning this semester and should be commended for embodying the qualities of a ‘TERRIFIC Kid’ – Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, Capable and Respectful. Siana is a caring and thoughtful individual who offers a helping hand to her peers. She demonstrates respect by listening attentively to all teachers and others. Siana often shows enthusiasm in her learning and aims to complete her work to a high standard. She is mindful about feedback and feedforward and strives to include this to improve in areas of learning. Keep up the fabulous learning Siana!
Eva	4E	This award celebrates Eva, who exemplifies the true spirit of a remarkable student through her dedication to her studies and commitment to excellence. Eva consistently approaches her academic responsibilities with meticulous attention to detail and a genuine passion for learning. Her ability to balance her learning tasks while maintaining a high standard of effort is truly commendable!In addition to her academic achievements, Eva is a shining example of responsibility and empathy within our community. She takes initiative in group projects, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively, while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Eva's empathetic nature is evident in her interactions with peers and teachers alike; she is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. Her kindness and consideration for others create a positive and inclusive atmosphere, making her a cherished member of our school.Eva's persistence and resilience are qualities that inspire all who know her. She approaches challenges with determination and a positive attitude, never shying away from hard learning or complex problems. Her ability to persevere through obstacles and remain focused on her goals is a testament to her strong character and unwavering drive. Eva's steadfast dedication to her personal and academic growth serves as a powerful example for her peers and embodies our School Values.
Anika	6F	Anika exemplifies the true spirit of kindness and caring within our classroom community. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, with her willingness to support others contributing to a positive learning environment. Anika’s empathy, thoughtfulness, and genuine care make her a role model for her peers. She has also demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, tackling every task with determination and perseverance to achieve her very best. Thank you, Anika, for your inspiring presence and dedication to making our classroom a welcoming and supportive place.

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

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	NAME	REASON
Prep A	Durga	Durga approached all learning tasks with a positive ‘can do’ attitude. It was wonderful to see you attempt challenging learning tasks with remarkable independence, taking charge of your own learning and working towards your personal learning goals. Durga embodied the spirit of perseverance, overcoming challenges with grace and resilience. Additionally, she demonstrated respect and independence for her peers. Congratulations, Durga, on this well-deserved recognition of your growth this term! Keep it up!
Prep B	Tatiana	For being a kind and considerate and well liked member of the Prep B classroom community. She is respectful to all, showing self awareness of her actions and the emotions of those around her. Tatiana has made immense progress and growth in Literacy, this is due to her growth mindset and always tackling challenges and never giving up. She always tries her absolute personal best and does not let anything get in the way of reaching success! Well done Tatiana, we are all so proud of your success so far, keep it up superstar!
Prep C	Jaynmae	Jaynmae is a student who is very driven to always extend and improve her learning. She is kind, considerate, responsible and organised, in and outside the classroom. Jaynmae models exceptional listening skills and attempts all set tasks with enthusiasm. Her calmness and ability to consider others around her, reflects the high values she holds for herself. Jaynmae completes her work with the learning goal in mind and takes great care in her workbook presentation. Her passion for learning is a credit to her ability to further question and seek a deeper understanding of what she is learning. Jaynmae always extends her learning beyond what is being taught in the classroom. She will do extra work at home to help improve her understanding and learning. Jaynmae demonstrates the Glen Waverley Primary School values of: Integrity, Respect, Initiative and Global Empathy. She is a role model in showing respect to her teachers, staff and students at all times. This respect is always modelled to other students within the classroom and school. Jaynmae uses exceptional manners and shows a caring attitude and kindness to all those around her. Congratulations Jaynmae, may you continue on this positive pathway of learning.
Prep D	Skylar	For her outstanding academic improvement, effort, and exemplary behaviour in Prep D, Skylar has consistently demonstrated responsibility, respect, and kindness towards everyone at school. She diligently completes her learning tasks independently, always giving her best effort. Skylar's excellent listening skills during lessons, eagerness to learn, and active participation in class discussions have significantly contributed to her academic progress. Her work is consistently of a high standard, showcasing her dedication and hard work. Additionally, Skylar goes above and beyond in assisting her peers, always ready to offer help and comfort when needed. Her supportive and considerate nature makes her a great friend to all. Well done, Skylar, on your fantastic effort and remarkable academic achievements. Keep up your amazing work!
1A	Tehan	Congratulations to Tehan for demonstrating respect, kindness and integrity in 1A this year. You ensure that you are always looking out for others and treating them the way you wish to be treated. You speak with honesty and kindness, ensuring all those around you feel safe, supported and listened to. Your warm smile makes others smile with you. I look forward to seeing you continue to shine during 2024.
1B	Bilaharii	Congratulations Bilaharii for working hard to improving on all areas of literacy. The growth displayed this term in accurately trying your best to apply diagraph sound is a testament your hard work. I truly hope this inspires you to continue to embrace your love for reading. I am incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will accomplish in the future.
1C	Jason	Congratulations, Jason, 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. It has been a joy to watch you uphold the School Values by consistently demonstrating respect and integrity towards others, acting as a source of inspirations to your peers. You approach all learning tasks with a positive attitude and growth mindset, always striving to challenge yourself. This was particularly evident during our Inquiry unit, where you thoughtfully considered the ethical choices you can make when caring for our class pet. Your curiosity and engagement moved your learning to a deeper and more rigorous place. Keep up the amazing enthusiasm! Great job, Jason! Keep up the exceptional work!
1D	Diyoni	The PLA for 1D is awarded to Diyoni. Her consistent support for classmates and active participation in all class discussions make a significant impact and inspire everyone around her.
1E	Zoe	Zoe brings an enthusiastic and hard-working attitude to the classroom. She consistently contributes to class discussion and is always willing to help others around her. Zoe always does her best and and stays focused on the task she is working on.
2A	Onalee	Onalee has made such wonderful progress over the course of the Semester, both academically and socially. She has embraced her challenges and graciously listens to feed forward to improve her skills across all learning areas. Onalee enthusiastically approaches new tasks with a positive ‘can do’ attitude. She consistently aims for her personal best every time, completing her learning to a high standard and reflects on her success as she explains her knowledge in any given task. Onalee is friendly and kind, and she engages with all her peers by greeting them respectfully and supporting their achievements and efforts with her positive comments. She is humble and has many successes in and out of school with her athletics. Onalee, you are a fantastic role model and we are so proud you are a member of 2A and GWPS!
2B	Laksh	Congratulations, Laksh! The determination to conquer new learning challenges is both inspiring and admirable. Not only are you driven to solve challenges and expand your understanding, but you also motivate and inspire your peers to succeed as well. Your commitment to helping clarify your understanding of new concepts is commendable and ensures that you get the most out of each learning experience. Your exceptional dedication and enthusiasm have made a significant impact on our classroom community. Laksh, the quiet determination and attention to detail allows you to produce work that is consistently of a high standard, making you a role model for your peers. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! Keep up the fantastic work on your learning journey!
2C	Sansa	Sansa has consistently demonstrated the school value of ‘Respect' by greeting her peers and teacher every morning. She always tries her best in every situation, ensuring her presentation of work is neat and tidy. During class discussions, Sansa will raise her hand enthusiastically to offer her thoughts and encourage her peers when they achieve success. She is willing to give new tasks a go and demonstrates an I-can-do-it attitude when clarifying understanding in learning. She is confident and calm when facing challenges, demonstrating maturity and self-regulation. During this term, Sansa has also made many new friends who she actively collaborates with during learning. As a team player, she demonstrates the school value of 'Global Empathy' through taking turns. Sansa, you have made fantastic progress this term, you should be proud of yourself! We are so lucky to have you as a member of 2C and GWPS. Congratulations!
2D	Jasmine	The Principal's Learning Award for 2D goes to Jasmine! Well done, Jasmine, on a brilliant start to Year Two. Your dedication to your learning is truly remarkable, and you constantly push yourself by tackling more challenging tasks. Your handwriting is always neat and clean, reflecting your careful attention to detail. You are a role model in the classroom, consistently following rules and instructions, never causing disruptions, and working harmoniously with your peers. Your demonstration of respect and integrity, treating everyone as you wish to be treated, upholds our school values beautifully. Keep shining in all your academic and social pursuits at Glen Waverley Primary School. We are so proud of you!
2E	Sithev	Sithev has settled in effortlessly at Glen Waverley Primary School. He has consistently demonstrated the school value of ‘Initiative’, by readily being available to assist his peers and teachers without being asked and taking charge of his learning, even when he may find it challenging. Sithev always tries his best throughout all the learning areas and continuously makes sure his work is well presented. During class discussions, Sithev willingly contributes to offer his ideas and is well known to encourage his peers throughout their successes. He is always eager to help, whether it be reminding others about adhering to school expectations or letting the teacher know if there is something not right. Sithev is ready to give new tasks a go and when facing challenges, demonstrates sound maturity and self-regulation. Additionally, Sithev shows great kindness and respect to his teachers and peers by greeting them happily whenever he sees them around the school. Sithev you should be proud of the way you present yourself and treat those around you. We are very lucky to have you as a member of 2E and Glen Waverley Primary School. Congratulations!
3A	Sandaru	Congratulations to Sandaru on receiving the Principal's Learning Award. This term, your confidence has truly blossomed and shone brightly. Sandaru consistently shares his insights during class discussions and frequently contributes thoughtful ideas to our anchor charts. He exemplifies the classroom expectations daily, becoming a true role model for his peers and maintaining a positive and upbeat presence in the classroom. You should be incredibly proud of the confidence you've developed this semester. Keep up the amazing work, Sandaru!
3B	Jahnavi	Congratulations, Jahnavi, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award! Your gentle, positive, and dedicated personality serves as a beacon of inspiration to us all. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and your relentless pursuit of success are truly admirable qualities. It has been a privilege to witness your journey at Glen Waverley Primary School, where you have seamlessly integrated with pride and enthusiasm. Your diligent work ethic and your enthusiastic approach to learning tasks are exemplary. Moreover, your compassionate nature and resilience in the face of challenges makes you a valuable member of our classroom. Your empathy towards others is a testament to your kind-hearted spirit and your willingness to support those around you. The world is yours to conquer. With your determination and passion, there’s no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things. Keep up the fantastic work, Jahnavi! I am very proud of you. Congratulations once again!
3C	Zhaoming (Jimmy)	Congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Zhaoming (Jimmy)! You have transitioned into Glen Waverley Primary School with ease, and you consistently demonstrate the GWPS School Values of Initiative, Respect, Getting Along and Integrity. You are such a kind, positive and enthusiastic member of 3C. I am really impressed by your approach to life and learning and it has been pleasing to see your confidence blossom as the year has progressed. Thank you for always applying your personal best to everything that you do and having a smile on your face at all times. 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, Zhaoming (Jimmy)! Congratulations.
3D	Gowri	Congratulations, Gowri! I'm thrilled to present you with the Principal's Learning Award! Throughout this semester, you've consistently displayed the Glen Waverley Primary School values of Respect, Integrity, Initiative, and Global Empathy. You've shown significant growth in your resilience and confidence, and it's wonderful to see you recognise when to seek help. Your dedication to your learning is evident and truly shines through in your learning tasks. In the Student-led Conference, you did an outstanding job showcasing all the wonderful learning you've accomplished this semester. Gowri, you embody everything we value in our school community, and I am incredibly proud to recognise your achievements with this award. Congratulations!
3E	Teju	Teju has been a quiet yet hard-working student who consistently demonstrates the School Values, including respect, initiative, global empathy and integrity. She actively participated in class discussions and contributed her ideas while listening attentively to teachers. In group work activities, Teju was incredibly inclusive and helpful to her peers. She approached to her teacher proactively when encountering questions and tried her best to solve them. Teju has also adhered to the highest ethical standards, which fostered trust and respect from both classmates and teachers. You have illustrated an example of excellent behaviours is in Glen Waverley Primary School, Teju. We are very proud of you!
4A	Vincent	Congratulations Vincent, for demonstrating incredible efforts in Term 2, 2024. You have shown the traits and effort of a wonderful learner, approaching every task with an open mind and ensuring you go through the Learning Pit at every opportunity. Your ability to listen to others’ ideas and create a connection with each thought is to be commended. It is wonderful to see you become more confident every day in your ability to learn and apply information. Each time you contribute to a conversation, those around you benefit from it. Vincent, you have utilised the School Foci of ‘Respectful Relationship’, ensuring all people feel heard and have a voice around you, instilling a sense of belonging and respect in the classroom. This extends to interacting with all of your classmates and staff, where you take time to work with everyone in the room and gain an understanding of who they are as people. This speaks to your empathetic nature. Continue to demonstrate these wonderful qualities, Vincent; you truly deserve this Principal’s Learning Award this term!
4B	Saheli	Congratulations Saheli, for setting a brilliant example of the Glen Waverley Primary School values. You are an individual that possesses and models many of the active learning behaviours required for success. You have made a subtle, yet powerful impact on your class; your positive attitude is infectious and the brilliant presentation of your learning is always appreciated. You are precise, showing attention to detail in every artefact of your learning. You have a resilient outlook that makes you a champion of overcoming challenge, crisis and conflict in all shapes and sizes. You are also an extremely responsible person with solid organisational abilities. We are grateful to have you within our learning community and look forward to seeing you thrive as the year continues!
4C	Sam	Congratulations for receiving the Principal's Learning Award, Sam! Thank you for embodying our School Values, always treating others with kindness, and enriching our class community with your humour and relentless encouragement of others. You consistently look for ways to deepen and extend your thinking and knowledge, inspiring those around you to do the same. The confidence and gusto that you bring to everything that you do is absolutely infectious - you are a true joy to be around! I hope you are incredibly proud of the person and learner that you are. I am so eager to observe the undoubted success that you will have in your future. Congratulations Sam!
4D	Akira	Congratulations to Akira on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 2! Your hard work, bright intellect, and smooth transition into our new school have been truly commendable. Akira, you continuously exhibit a growth mindset, eagerly diving into new topics and showing a strong dedication to succeed. Your focus during lessons, attentive listening, and meaningful contributions to class discussions have left a lasting impression on me. Your enthusiasm for building new friendships has helped create a supportive and ready-to-learn environment for your classmates. I am especially proud of the work you have completed so far, particularly your writing pieces. Your use of figurative language and fresh, original ideas captivate readers and inspire them to keep reading. Keep up the excellent work, Akira! I look forward to witnessing your continued growth and success in 2024.
4E	Shruthi	This Principal’s Learning Award celebrates Shruthi, who demonstrated exceptional leadership by guiding and inspiring peers towards achieving high standards of learning. Her proactive approach to challenges and her ability to motivate others identified her as a role model within our school community. Shruthi’s kindness is reflected in her thoughtful interactions and genuine concern for others, creating a supportive and positive environment. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her peers are supported and meaningfully collaborates with others, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering teamwork. Shruthi's resilience and perseverance are qualities that truly set her apart. She faces challenges head-on and never shies away from difficult tasks. Her determination to overcome obstacles and her ability to remain focused and composed under pressure are qualities that will serve her well in all future endeavours. Shruthi's strength of character and unwavering resolve are truly admirable! Congratulations, Shruthi! Your contributions and positive influence are highly valued and appreciated. Your exemplary qualities make you a role model for all students, and you should be so proud of your achievements!
4F	Jessica	Congratulations to Jessica on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 2! This term, your dedication and innovation in learning have been incredible to observe. Your persistence in tackling challenging questions and your eagerness to explore topics further demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to success within our classroom community. You have also shown a remarkable ability to create a supportive and ready-to-learn environment for your classmates. Your focus during lessons, whole-body listening, and meaningful contributions to class discussions have been impressive. Jessica, you truly deserve this award. Your empathy towards your peers, combined with your confident and determined approach to new concepts, sets you apart. Your eagerness to learn, grow, and achieve shines through in all aspects of your academic life. Well done and congratulations, Jessica!
5A	Hridyansh (Hridu)	Congratulations Hridu for receiving this award. Hridu has been an excellent learner this term, working through all his learning goals both independently and with support. It was wonderful to see Hridu putting in his best effort and persisting with the learning tasks as well as having a positive attitude at the same time. Well done Hridu with the tremendous progress you have made this term. You should be very proud of your achievement!
5B	Yash	Congratulations Yash, your dedication to learning and growing as a person is truly outstanding. Your positive and engaging attitude is contagious, making our classroom a lively and inspiring place. You love to contribute to class discussions, sharing ideas that enrich our learning experience. Your willingness to help others and include everyone fosters a supportive and friendly environment. Your efforts to grow, learn, and assist your classmates are appreciated. Yash, you are a remarkable student who makes a significant impact on our classroom community. Keep shining and inspiring those around you with your enthusiasm and kindness. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are so proud to have you in our class!
5C	Adrisha	Adrisha can be very proud of the wonderful achievements she has made in her learning during Semester One. She is a highly organized, conscientious and enthusiastic student who demonstrates passion, curiosity and determination in everything she undertakes. Adrisha is also a warm, empathetic and charismatic child, who extends encouragement and friendship towards all her peers. Congratulations Adrisha for a very well deserved Principal’s Learning Award!
5D	Drashti	Drashti you are a highly respected member of 5D. You consistently show all the school values especially integrity and respect. In addition, your attentive listening skills and initiative are truly commendable. Drashti, you're valued for your caring and friendly nature. Keep up the excellent learning and emotional literacy skills. Well done Drashti!
5E	Sanuri	Throughout this semester, Sanuri has always shown a bright enthusiasm for her studies. She approaches every challenge with a big smile and a strong determination to succeed. Her commitment to learning and her ability to stay motivated are truly inspiring. She has done very well in all her subjects, always putting in the effort to understand and master new concepts.
6A	Sachith	Congratulations to 6A’s recipient of the Principal’s Learning Award, Sachith. Sachith embraces every learning opportunity that comes his way. He approaches all tasks with enthusiasm and is willing to share his ideas and support his peers. Sachith is a friendly student and maintains positive relationships with both peers and teachers across the Level 6 cohort. It has been a pleasure supporting Sachith’s learning journey thus far and I look forward to the rest of the year. Congratulations, Sachith.
6B	Tania	Tania is the recipient of 6B’s Principal’s Learning Award for Term 2 2024. She is a focused and attentive student, who consistently puts her full effort into her learning. Tania actively participates in collaborative learning and regularly asks questions to deepen her understanding. She is always willing to assist her friends and encourage her classmates, highlighting her kindness and friendly personality. Tania’s exceptional behaviour inside and outside the classroom makes her a true role model for her peers!
6C	Imelda	Congratulations Imelda on a fabulous term of learning in Year Six! You consistently displayed our School Values of Respect, Global Empathy, Initiative and Integrity, both inside and outside the classroom. It has been a pleasure to see you take on challenges and work hard to achieve success in all areas of the curriculum. You are kind and courteous to both your peers and teachers and are an excellent role model to your classmates. Well done and keep up the excellent attitude!
6D	Austin	For consistently exemplifying the school’s values of Initiative and Integrity. Austin displays remarkable initiative by actively helping his peers in mathematics, ensuring everyone understands the concepts and succeeds together. He consistently makes respectful choices, demonstrating integrity in all his actions. Austin gives his best effort in every task, setting a high standard for himself and his peers during Literature Circle discussions. His dedication and positive attitude make him an exemplary role model and an inspiration to his classmates. Congratulations, Austin, on your well-deserved recognition for your outstanding contributions to our school community!
6E	Ruby	Congratulations to Ruby for being the recipient of the Term 2 Principal’s Learning Award for 6E. You are a friendly and courteous member of our class, and consistently bring a smile to your peers’ faces. You care for those around you and share your ideas with the class, giving insightful and relevant comments that demonstrate your understanding. As a determined learner, you show resilience when working through the Learning Pit and asking questions to further your knowledge. You show a growth mindset and put your full effort into all your learning, always trying your best and making excellent choices in the classroom. Well done, Ruby!
6F	Ananda	Ananda has consistently demonstrated diligence and hard work throughout Term 2. She always contributes thoughtfully and shares insightful ideas during discussions, significantly enhancing the learning experience for her peers. The high quality of work she has produced is exceptional, reflecting a deep understanding of the material and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Ananda’s dedication and collaborative spirit make her a deserving recipient of the Principal's Learning Award.

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

Prep C

⁃ Deena, Erina and Siya for making fabulous progress with their learning

⁃ Aria for making excellent progress with her writing

⁃ Ethan for having the courage to speak in front of the whole school when he presented his karate achievements

⁃ Jamie, Shenelle, Advika and Saanvi for raising $Aaaa for our sponsored child Charlotte. The children created a custom braclet store and sold the items to the children in our school.

⁃ Saanvi for receiving a medallion from the NB Dance group for completing a dance concert.

⁃ Arnav and Nivan for making amazing progress with their maths learning.

⁃ Ashley also for making excellent progress with her writing

⁃ Sineysha also for making excellent progress with her writing

⁃ Swara for her excellent achievement in a recent chess tournament where she received 5 out of 7 points and has qualified for the state final

⁃ Vinara for receiving her Grade 3 ballet assessment from the Jacinta Murphy school of Dance

⁃ Anika for being a wonderful friend

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Frank Catalano

Principal