Term 1

Welcome to level Four

A very Happy New Year and welcome to the Level Four learning community for 2024! We would like to welcome existing families back to our school and extend a very warm welcome to the new families to Glen Waverley Primary School community. It has been a brilliant start to the year with our learners settling into their learning with excitement to reconnect, curiosity in a new year level and immense energy. 

Throughout Term One, we will continue to build on and establish the connections our students have with each other as well as with staff and the wider school community. This is something we value greatly at Glen Waverley Primary School as the students are at the centre of everything we do. We are looking forward to embracing challenges, moments of ‘productive struggle’ and clarity, as well as a multitude of opportunities to transfer and celebrate our learning through our brand-new Wellbeing program, ‘The Resilience Project’. We are very eager to learn and grow through building the learner’s capacity in using digital technologies within their learning.

We also look forward to assisting our learners thrive as confident, young global citizens. We are excited to be in partnership with you and your family as we navigate this learning journey together. If you have any questions or we can be of service in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

At GWPS, each learner has four goals in the areas of Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and a Personal Social and Emotional Goal. Goals are personalised for each student to support growth which specifically suits their needs. Each goal is changed at least twice a Semester through individual conferencing to ensure that we are building their skills and confidence.

Hats – As we are a Sun Smart school, hats must be always worn when the students are outside during Term One. 

Important dates

• Tuesday 20th February and Wednesday 28th February – Getting to Know You Interviews 
• Monday 11th March – Labour Day Public Holiday (no school) 
• Tuesday 12th March – Curriculum Day (no school) 
• Monday 18th March to Wednesday 20th March – Level 4 Camp 
• Thursday 28th March 2:30pm Dismissal - Final Day of Term One  

The Level Four Teaching and Learning Team 

Mr Dante Sciessere - 4A

Dante is the Level Four Teaching and Learning Leader. This is his third-year teaching at Glen Waverley Primary School where he has enjoyed teaching and growing with the Level Four learners. His favourite subjects to teach are Mathematics and The Resilience Project. Here are a few things to get to know Dante better: 

• He has travelled to 11 countries outside of Australia.
• Has a love for making coffee.
• He is keen on sports. He plays football himself and is a big fan of Formula One, basketball and football.

When he is not busy working, Dante enjoys spending time with his dog Kevin, his nephews Beau and Kai, as well as making a delicious coffee or two. He is looking forward to getting to know the community as the year progresses.

Mr Ben Clark – 4B

Ben is the Level Four Assistant Teaching and Learning Leader. This is his sixth-year teaching at Glen Waverley Primary School and he is back in the classroom after three exciting years as a Specialist and Innovation teacher. His favourite quote is by John A. Shedd - "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."

• He has a wife, a lovely little boy and a fluffy, grey cat; he loves them all very much.
• His favourite hobbies are reading, camping, playing guitar, playing video games, squash, fantasy NFL, going to thrift shops and watching movies.
• On the holidays, he always tries to spend lots of time in South Korea or Queensland with family.

Ben is excited to learn more about the Level Four learners this year and promises to treat every day like a ‘school day’ as he is always learning, too.

Mrs Stacey Cupo – 4C 

Stacey is the Learning Specialist of Pedagogy and Student Voice, and this is her sixth-year teaching at GWPS. She has thoroughly enjoyed supporting her learners across each cohort that she has taught so far and is looking forward to supporting all learners across the school this year. To get to know Stacey, read more about her below! 

• She enjoys getting outside of her comfort zone and trying new things (outdoor rock climbing, water skiing and hiking)
• Reading books, doing puzzles (not the jigsaw kind!) and singing are her favourite hobbies 
• She likes staying active by bouldering, going to the gym, and starting her days with a walk 
• She recently got married (January this year!) and now has a new favourite date to celebrate each year

When Stacey isn’t smiling the day away with her students, she is soaking up as much family time as possible. She absolutely adores her nieces and loves watching them grow! 

Miss Celeste Bayly - 4D

Celeste Bayly has been a Primary Teacher for three years and this is her second year at Glen Waverley Primary School, as well as in Level Four. Celeste is so excited to be representing Australia in the International Cheer Union’s World Cheer and Dance Competiton, performing at Disneyland in Orlando Florida. As well as dancing and performing, Celeste enjoys:

• Reading books, watching movies and playing video games are her favourite things to do at home. 
• Spending time with friends and family on the weekends.
• Going for long walks and visiting the beach when it is sunny!

Celeste is looking forward to getting to continuing her teaching journey at GWPS community and seeing where the busy year of 2024 takes her.

Miss Bee Wong - 4E

Bee Wong is a second year Primary Teacher and this is her second year at Glen Waverley Primary school, where she has loved teaching and learning with her Level Four students. Her favourite subjects at school were Reading, Writing and Art. Some of the things Bee loves to do when she is not at work are:

• Creating new dishes for her family to try!
• Exploring different parts of Victoria on day trips. 
• Travelling the world-she would love to visit Japan again this year!

Bee is really excited about connecting further with her students and the wider GWPS community during 2024.

Miss Yuling Weng - 4F

Yuling Weng has been a Primary Teacher for two years and this is her first year at Glen Waverley Primary School. Her favourite subjects at school were Mathematics and Arts. During the leisure time, Yuling enjoys: 

• Singing and reading articles, finding comfort and enjoyment in these activities at home.
• Staying active by playing tennis and engaging in fitness routines to keep both her body and mind energized.
• Experimenting with cooking and trying out new recipes in her kitchen.

Yuling is excited to continue her teaching journey at GWPS and connect with the GWPS community during 2024!

Key vocabulary to support learning areas