Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

I trust all is well with you and your family and welcome to this fortnight’s newsletter where so much is shared about our wonderful school.

As per usual, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 9802 9938 or via email at frank.catalano@education.vic.gov.au

Facilities Update

New Year 6 Area: Throughout the last fortnight, the tradespeople have concentrated on:

Preparing the garden beds and the base (under the new furniture) and
Three of the concrete steps have been completed.

Shortly the tradespeople will lay the artificial turf under the furniture, followed by completing the 4th set of steps and then they will continue preparing the base for the area which will be asphalted.

Attached are some photos for your enjoyment and I look forward to providing additional news in our next newsletter.

Chess Team Update

2026 has been another outstanding year for our school chess team, as the children have achieved the following results:

Girls Team:

Chess Victoria Semi-Finals: Placed 1st
Chess Victoria Grand Final: Placed 2nd

Northern Star Semi- Finals: Placed 1st
Northern Star Grand- Final: Placed 1st

Open Team (Boys and Girls):

Chess Victoria Semi-Finals: Placed 1st
Chess Victoria Grand Final – Placed 1st
Northern Star Semi- Finals: Placed 1st
Northern Star Grand- Final: Placed 1st

Last week the Open Team participated in the Chess Victorian Grand Final, and I am extremely proud to report that the children placed 1st in the State and will now participate in the National (Australian) Schools Championships early next month. As we would all be aware, this is a phenomenal achievement, and I look forward to providing an update shortly after the Nationals.

The children representing our school, their families, themselves and Victoria are:

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

Recently, our school held its annual Chess Team Celebratory Lunch, where we recognised all the students who have represented our school at various tournaments. On behalf of the school, each child received both a certificate and a trophy.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents who have supported the program throughout the year, particularly Ming, Chiran, Himath, and Chamal for their coordination and commitment. Your expertise, dedication, and willingness to contribute have played a significant role in the success of the program, and we are sincerely grateful.

Outdoor Education Programs

On Monday, we finalised this year’s Outdoor Education program with the Year 3 students participating in their ‘Camp Experience Day’ at Camp Toolangi. This day is a vital part of preparing students for their first school camp, giving them an opportunity to develop confidence, independence and a sense of adventure in a supportive environment.

Throughout the day, students experienced a range of typical camp activities, including High Ropes, the Obstacle Course, Flying Fox, Hut Building, the Climb Tower, Pipe Marble Maze, Possum Glide, Orienteering, Crate Stack and the Photo Trail. These activities not only introduce students to the structure and expectations of a camp program but also encourage teamwork, resilience and problem-solving.

Overall, it was a highly successful day and, as many students proudly shared, they now feel ready and excited for their Year 4 camp.

Glen the Roo (School Mascot) Update

The children involved in leading the implementation of our school mascot, Glen the Roo, were very excited when it arrived recently. Below is a piece from Aseli & Kimaya for your enjoyment:

Hello GWPS Families

We are Aseli & Kimaya from the Glen the Roo team.

Remember our Glen the Roo personalised costume? Guess what! The costume finally arrived. After hard work and careful consideration, we brought Glen the Roo to life.

We would like to thank the School Council for providing us with the money to buy the mascot costume, Mr Sugihara and Mr Catalano for supporting us along the journey, and especially the school community for providing us with the opportunity to have Glen the Roo as our official school mascot.

Glen the Roo is also going to be added to our Student of the Week and Teacher of the Week awards, these certificates will be renamed the Glen the Roo Student or Teacher of the Week award for demonstrating the school values.

We plan for the personalised costume of Glen to be used for:

Prep picnics, Transition and the Prep Prom

Special assemblies

School tours

Well-being programs

Incursions

Lunchtime sports

Visiting classes (once in a while)

Sporting events (Athletics, Cross Country, Twilight Sports, Sports Day etc.)

The School Fun Run
Open Days
School tours and the Production.

We can’t wait for everyone to meet Glen the Roo and show you how he brings fun, spirit and pride to our school.

Keep an eye out... Glen might be hopping happily into your classroom very soon!

Warm regards,

Aseli & Kimaya

The Glen the Roo Team

May I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all of the children who have been involved and responsible for organising our new school mascot. It has been wonderful to see how you have applied your writing, thinking and problem-solving skills to develop creative concepts, evaluate ideas and work collaboratively to bring the mascot to life. Your teamwork, communication, persistence and attention to detail have been exceptional, and the pride you have shown in your work reflects just how much you have grown throughout this process. You should all be extremely proud of what you have achieved!

Congratulations to Klarissa

Klarissa (Year 4) is an avid participant in many extra-curricular programs and recently she sent me the following email:

Dear Mr. Catalano,

On Saturday 22nd of November I went to my 2nd AAL state review, ( Australian Air League). I entered in the 8-11yo Juniors Open Category for a German Tank and I also entered in the 8-11yo Juniors Closed Category for a Corsair Plane. Then me and another cadet entered a Tiger Moth Plane into the 8-11yo team build.

At the end of the Review, during the presentation I got 2 perpetual trophies for the Open and Closed Categories. Which is exciting as I get my name engraved on the closed category trophy for the 2nd time in a row because I am now the reigning champ 2 years running. The other Cadet and I got 2nd for the Tiger Moth; however we did not receive an award.

This topped of a good week for me as I received the girls gold medal at the Northern Star Chess tournament at Kangaroo Ground Primary School, which was the last zonal for the year, however there were no finals qualifications.

I also got an A+ for my piano exam which was around one week prior.

Wow, Klarissa, what an amazing few weeks you have experienced – well done, congratulations and keep up the fantastic attitude towards your learning!

Congratulations to Joshua (Year 6)

Joshua is an exceptional young person who consistently embodies kindness, empathy and a generous heart in everything he does. Whether he is supporting a classmate, offering help without being asked, or contributing positively to our school environment, Joshua demonstrates maturity and compassion well beyond his years. His ability to lead through his actions - quietly, respectfully and with genuine care for others - sets a powerful example for his peers.

It is for these reasons that he was nominated for the Community Spirit and Leadership Awards. Last Friday, Joshua and his family attended the presentation ceremony where Dr Carina Garland, Federal Member for Chisholm, presented him with this well-deserved honour.

Well done and congratulations, Joshua. We are incredibly proud of you and the positive impact you make within our school community every single day!

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

Year Prep

Anaira, Caitlin, Michelle and Tharika for making outstanding progress with their writing skills
Reyansh and Aekarsh for working very hard to improve their understanding and implementation of sounds
Paige, Binok and Eliana for learning how to make paper boats
Vandan and Rhahsvin for making excellent progress with their drawing skills

Year 1

Deena also for learning how to make paper boats
Tatiana and Ohana for writing beautiful cards for my office

Year 2

Sosha for working very hard to make sure he is successful
Aiden for being a wonderful friend
Disha, Dushan and Aaryan for making impressive improvements with their writing skills and for producing excellent narratives

Year 5

Nalan for placing 3rd in a French poetry competition, across all Year 5 children in the State. Recently he attended a special ceremony where he was awarded a certificate and a French poetry book. Well done and congratulations Nalan!

Year 6

Fin for writing a beautiful rap song about his favourite teacher as featured in the Kids Corner section of the newsletter

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Frank Catalano

Principal

Birthdays