Term 2, June 2026 Newsletter

As we reach the end of Term 2, we would like to reflect on what has been a busy, successful and rewarding semester of learning. Students across all year levels have continued to challenge themselves, develop new skills and make the most of the many opportunities available to them both inside and outside the classroom.

Grade 3/4A:

The Grade 3/4A class recently completed their study of 'Because of Winn-Dixie'. Students enjoyed exploring the characters, themes and important messages throughout the novel, while developing their comprehension and discussion skills. To conclude the unit, students watched the film adaptation and enjoyed comparing the similarities and differences between the book and the movie.

We have now started our third book for the term 'Storm Boy' which we won't quite finish this term, but we've been enjoying the story so far of a boy and his pet pelican Mr. Percival.

For writing we the students have completed a large unit of work around persuasive writing. They had to invent a new breakfast cereal, then design a new cereal box incorporating many features used to convince people to buy a cereal. They then wrote a persuasive piece enticing people to buy their cereal before finishing off with a large advertising poster. We enjoyed displaying these in the second last week of term.

Students have also been working enthusiastically on their 2026 Maths Talent Quest Projects. The students have planned an excursion to the city to visit the Melbourne Museum, Haigh's Chocolate Shop and Sea Life Aquarium. They've planned every part of the excursion from train timetables to walking routes and much more. They will be visiting the city on the last Tuesday of term.

Inquisitive Minds (Grade 3/4):

During this term, in Inquisitive Minds, the Year 3/4 students completed a unit on the Design Cycle. They began by exploring different types of buildings and researching a building of their choice. Students then designed a single-storey house on paper that would fit onto a piece of cardboard representing a block of land, with the option of including both a front and back yard. This task required careful planning, measurement, and consideration of space.

The construction phase presented a range of challenges, including accurately measuring and cutting cardboard while staying true to their original designs. Students demonstrated creativity, problem-solving skills, and perseverance throughout the process.

The result was an impressive collection of houses of varying shapes and sizes, complete with yards, trees, and landscaping features. When the houses and land blocks were displayed together, students noticed they resembled a neighbourhood. They collaborated to create a road, a park with a gazebo, and community buildings such as a school and cafés, naming their town “Waverley Cove”.

Next term, students will focus on Local Government. The Mayor of Monash will visit to discuss the role of council and how local laws can be developed and adapted to support the growing community of Waverley Cove.

Grade 5A:

The Grade 5A class has completed their study of 'The Goldfish Boy'. Throughout the novel, students developed their ability to make predictions, draw inferences and analyse characters and events. The mystery storyline kept students engaged and encouraged many thoughtful classroom discussions.

Students have also been busy preparing their 2026 Maths Talent Quest Projects. These projects have provided opportunities for students to explore mathematics beyond the classroom and showcase their problem solving, research and presentation skills.

Grade 6A:

The Grade 6A class has been researching and creating biographies based on a celebrity of their choice. Students have developed their research skills by gathering information from a variety of sources and presenting it in a clear and organised manner.

During National Reconciliation Week 2026, students also completed reflective writing pieces exploring the significance of reconciliation, respect and unity. These tasks encouraged thoughtful discussions and helped students develop a deeper understanding of Australia's shared history and future.

Students have also dedicated time to their 2026 Maths Talent Quest Projects, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking and a strong understanding of mathematical concepts through their investigations.

National Reconciliation Week 2026

This week at Waverley Meadows Primary School, students across the school took part in learning and reflection for National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, “All In,” reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility. It calls on all of us to listen, learn, reflect and take meaningful action together.

At WMPS, we have continued to place a strong focus on embedding Indigenous perspectives across our classrooms, curriculum and wider school culture. This work is not limited to one week of the year; it is part of our ongoing commitment to building cultural understanding, respect and inclusion throughout our school community.

One example of this work took place in Grade 6, where students explored the powerful question.

How do we turn remembering into action?

To support this learning, the Grade 6 students used a specially written mentor text set at Waverley Meadows Primary School. The text followed familiar students from the class as they moved through a school day, reflecting on the meaning of Reconciliation Week and what it means to remember with purpose.

Through the mentor text, students explored how remembering the past is only one part of reconciliation. They discussed how action can be shown through listening carefully, speaking respectfully, learning truthfully, caring for Country, standing against racism, and making choices that help everyone feel valued and included.

The mentor text also gave students the opportunity to examine strong writing techniques, including repetition, rhetorical questions, facts, opinions, emotive language and the rule of three. Most importantly, it helped students connect the big ideas of reconciliation to their own school, their own classroom and their own actions.

As part of this ongoing work, Waverley Meadows Primary School is striving to lead our school community in strengthening cultural inclusion and embedding Indigenous perspectives in meaningful and authentic ways. Ben Elliott, our Marrung Lead, supports this important work by championing the goals of the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan, helping ensure First Nations students are supported to achieve their full learning and cultural aspirations, while also guiding our broader school commitment to reconciliation.

National Reconciliation Week is an important time to reflect, learn and grow together. At Waverley Meadows, we are proud to be All In as we continue developing a deeper understanding of respect, truth-telling and reconciliation.

To learn is to grow.

Term 2, 2026 Recap

Term 2 has been filled with many memorable events and learning opportunities for students across the school. Throughout the term, students participated in:

• KABOOM Sports

• Public Speaking Workshop

• Cross Country

• Do It For Dolly Day

• School Photo Day

• Winter Interschool Sports (Round 1 and Round 2)

• Squash Competition at Mulgrave Country Club

These events provided students with opportunities to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills while representing themselves and the school with pride.

Looking Back on a Wonderful Semester

As Semester One comes to a close, we congratulate all students on their efforts and achievements. They have shown dedication, perseverance and a positive attitude towards their learning, contributing to a successful first half of the year.

We thank our students, staff and families for their continued support throughout the semester and wish everyone a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back for another exciting term of learning in Term 3.

Upcoming Events/Dates:

Term 3, 2026:

Monday the 13th of July:

Term 3 Begins.

Wednesday the 15th of July:

Kho Kho lessons begin in PE for 4 weeks.

Wednesday the 29th of July:

Grade 2-6 visit Wheelers Hill Secondary College for a Dress Rehearsal of 'School Of Rock.'

Thursday the 6th of August:

Whole School Athletics at Waverley Meadows Primary School.

Thursday the 20th of August:

Science Week Open Afternoon.

Thursday the 27th of August:

District Athletics.

Thursday the 17th of September:

Last Day of Term 3.

Friday the 18th of September:

Student Free Day (Staff Planning Day).

Term 4, 2026:

Wednesday the 25th of November to Friday the 27th of November:

Grade 3-6 Camp:.

Regards,

Mr Noordhoff, Mr Williamson, Mr Elliott

WMPS OSHC