Principal's Report
By Frank Catalano
Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,
Welcome to the final newsletter for the 2024 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 2024 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 magnificent achievements!
School Chess Team Update
As you may be aware, our school’s Open (Boys and Girls) Chess team qualified for the National (Australian) Primary Schools Chess Championships which were held in Perth (Western Australia) over the weekend and I am extremely proud to report that they placed 4th. 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 3: Naveen and Samuel
- Year 4: Aadyah and Jaden
- Year 5: Yehara and
- Year 6: Akshobya (Aeki)
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 as indicated by the following results:
Girls Team:
- Chess Victoria Grand Final - 3rd place.
- Northern Star Primary Girls State Chess Championships – 1st place.
Open Team (Boys and Girls):
- The National (Australian) Primary School Chess Championships – 4th place.
- Chess Victoria Grand Final: 1st place.
- Northern Star Primary Open State Chess Champions – 1st place.
Junor (Year Prep to Three) Open Team (Boys and Girls):
- Northern Star Primary Junior State Chess Champions – 2nd place.
It is very clear that the children have represented themselves, their families, and our school with immense pride, commitment, dedication, and resilience. Equally evident is the extraordinary support provided by their parents, who have accompanied them to numerous events across the state and country. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our chess families for your unwavering encouragement and support.
A special thanks goes to Himath and Chamal for their incredible effort and commitment in coordinating the chess teams. Your dedication is deeply appreciated by the school and the parents of all the children involved.
On Wednesday, 4th December, we celebrated an exceptional year with a special Chess Team lunch, where the children and their parents gathered to reflect on their achievements. Each child received a certificate and a trophy on behalf of our school to commemorate their hard work and success.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in this year’s chess competitions—you have been outstanding ambassadors for our school, your families, and, most importantly, yourselves!
2025 Student Leaders
On Monday we hosted a very special assembly to announce the 2025 Student Leaders. The Year 5 children have undertaken a rigorous process, which culminated in the rest of the student body voting for their respective 2025 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 | Eliana and Shiv |
School Vice-Captains | Sahana and Duke |
CIS Captains | Akeesha, Yash Malviya, Rishaan and Adrisha |
Student Voice Captains | Emilia, Pranathi, Jaik and Evin |
Mitchell House Captains | Krisha A and Reyan |
Latrobe House Captains | Kimaya and Sanjay |
Fawkner House Captains | Krisha L and Samihan |
Hume House Captains | Dhashari and Ronald |
Performing Arts Captains | Kavya, Liya, Aanya and Sanuri |
Science Captains | Stuti, Meshavi, Janiru and Kevon |
Digital Learning Captains | Sarvang and Akaine |
Art Captains | Olivia, Aadiv, Tyler and Kyra |
Music Captains | Sheila, Eyren, Kairon and Vethum |
Languages Captains | Dinal, Krrish, Sara and Yana |
Library Captains | Aroush, Meenu, Arya W and James |
Environment Captains | Lisa, Myra, Shayel and Savinu |
Peer Mediation Captains | Linh, Tharshanna, Onalee and Daysha |
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.
Congratulations Daham
Daham loves the challengers of the Rubic cube and recently he participated in a competition where he used the 2 x2, 3 x 3 and 4 x 4 cube.
- In the 2 x 2 events – Daham qualified for the 2nd round and achieved a personal best time, 5 times!
- 3 x 3 event – he also qualified for the 2nd round and in the
- 4 x 4 event – the judges lowered the qualifying time to 1 minute and 10 seconds. Daham achieved a PB of 1 minute and 13 seconds, which is just outside the mark.
Daham reported that he really enjoyed competing, he is very proud that his times are improving, and he looks forward to competing next year. Well done and keep up the great work Daham!
2025 Staff Team
Next year we are expecting to commence the year with approximately 920 students and a 36-classroom model. The 2025 Staff Team will consist of:
| Year Level | Classroom Teachers |
| Prep Team | Samantha Stefanidis, Samantha Chow, La Ree Byrne and Hua Maley |
| Year 1 Team | Kimielle Vecchio, Grace Farch, Lucy Lou and Eunice Lye |
| Year 2 Team | Emma Williams, Jessica Reeves, Haileina Shi, Lucy Li and Shveta Mahajan |
| Year 3 Team | Kim Stevenson, Jamie Dimopoulos, Bee Wong, Jenny Ota and Yuling Weng |
| Year 4 Team | Michelle Caruso, Parveen Kaur, Stacey Cupo, Mary Mosquera, Alex Rowland and Xin Wang |
| Year 5 Team | Peter Shen, Kaine Jenkins, Celeste Bayly, Andrew Regan, Stacey Shi and Kat Pei |
| Year 6 Team | Dante Sciessere, Robert Lou, Kylie Bailey, Kristy Chua, Rebecca Parish and Jonathon Pereira. |
Specialist Programs:
- Visual Arts – Sandra Lyczba
- Languages and EAL – Shasha Guo, Esther Wang and Allie Ding
- Music – Nadia Cecconello
- Physical Education – Abbey Lawlor and Sarah Bucci
- Mind, Body and Us – Christine Marescaux, Alicia Bird, Wai Ping Tam and Tracey Tsang
- Digital Arts – Jason McCormick and Natasha Margelis (Podcasting and Radio)
Innovation Programs
- STEAM – Including Virtual Reality and Aviation – Lachlan Soo
- Digital Learning (Robotics) – Nicole Pryde
- Digital Arts/Multimedia – Jason McCormick and Natasha Margelis
- Maths - Kathy Williams, Roland Lewis and Amanda Seach
- English (Writing) – Sue Lane and Anat Garzberg-Grant
Targeted Student Learning (TSL):
- Lindy Tran, Samantha Rich, Ryo Sugihara, Serri Wang, Jo Baker, Wai Ping Tam, Alana Essa (Term One) and Jessica Nikitakis (until the end of February), Isobel Cooper and Zac Wang.
Learning Specialists/Leading Teacher:
- Samantha Stefanidis – English
- Peter Shen – Maths
- Anat Garzberg-Grant – Global Citizenship and the CIS
- Stacey Cupo and Trish Singh - Pedagogy and Student Voice & Agency and First- & Second-Year Teacher Support
- Kylie Bailey – Digital and Data Literacy
Principal Class:
- Principal – Frank Catalano
- Assistant Principal (Teaching, Learning and Curriculum) – Amanda Seach
- Assistant Principal (Wellbeing and Digital Technology) - Roland Lewis and
- Assistant Principal – (Operations and Innovations Programs) - Anat Garzberg – Grant
Education Support Staff:
- Business Manager – Julie Milward
- Executive Assistant – Helen Hassiotis
- Office Manager - Daniel Itsines
- Administrative Assistants – Jacinta Gaffy and Daria McCullough
- School Nurse – Emma Attrill
- Library – Sabrina Aung and Katheryn Stroud
- Maintenance Manager – Michael La Rosa
- School Employed Cleaner – Brian Hogan
- DE Employed Technical Assistant – Batool Nawrozi (2 days per week)
Learning Assistants:
- Soula Lucas, Elizabeth Steinke, Vani Muregesan, Nicole Rowland, Sumungali Dissanayake,
- Karli Bell, Ishpreet Manchanda, Dilini Rajapaksha, Sabrina Aung and Wendy Wallace.
Allied Health Team:
- Grace Wong (Speech Pathologist – returning the beginning of Term 3) and Ryo Sugihara (Counsellor) and an educational psychologist through the Psych in Schools program.
Overall, I am exceptionally pleased with the 2025 staff team and am very confident that we will be able to provide a high-quality education for all of our students.
2025 Parent Payments (School Fees)
Recently a Compass Post was distributed outlining information about the 2025 Parent Payments/school fees, which families were able to settle from Monday 30th October. The children’s stationary packs can be collected from the office from Monday 25th November.
As per all school events, 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, 18th December. Please ensure you have access to Compass, 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, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Seach, 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 2024 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 (Ms. Dell’Aquila, Mrs. Stefanidis, Mrs. Byrne 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 (Mrs. Shmerling, Mrs. Bailey, Mr. Lou, Mr. Pereira, Ms. Parish and Mrs. Kaur) 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
| Nominees/Recipient Girls | Nominees/Recipient Boys |
| Trish Perry - Academic Excellence | Marie-Chantal and Thenugi | Veerav and Sahas |
| Lion’s Club – Global Citizenship Award | Tania, Ruby, Alyssa and Liz | Tahj and Sanithu |
Camp Australia - SMILE All rounder (attitude and behaviour) | Imelda, Sayumi and Vinara | Hirun |
School Council Award Attitude and Persistence | Brilyn, Emily, Shriya and Yuna | Tom and Zayn |
| The Robert Wilson award for academic excellence, vision, creativity and ingenuity in STEAM |
Sophie | |
| The Jan Kennedy Community Service Award | Amelia, Emily, Sophie, Michelle, Siyona and YuTong | |
| Music | Sithmi | Alex |
| Robotics | Chris and Jack | |
| Media Arts | Ana | Timmy |
| Languages | Maahi | Marius |
| Art | Summer | Jinho |
| Mind, Body and Us | Hasee | Elshan |
| Performing Arts | Yu Tong | Liam |
| Sport | Yashvi | Yash |
| STEAM | Eman | Nathan |
| Virtual design | Ratana | Devhan |
| Natalie Doyle Courage in Learning Award | Senula and Christian | |
| Excellence Beyond the Classroom Award | Thenugi (Chess) and Esandi (Gymnastics) | Akshobya (Chess), Mihin (Chess) and Ayaan (VSSS and Stage Performances) |
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 6th January to Tuesday 28th January 2025 (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 |
| Hannah | Prep A | Congratulations to Hannah for her incredible journey of growth and achievement this year. She embraced every opportunity to improve her behaviour, showing a sense of responsibility and self-regulation. Hannah's attitude to learning blossomed as she tackled challenges with enthusiasm and a can-do spirit. Her progress in Literacy has been nothing short of amazing, with her confidence shining through in her reading, writing, and confidence in speaking to others. Hannah has truly grown into a resilient and empowered learner, and her transformation has been inspiring to witness. Congratulations, Hannah—your hard work and determination have paid off in the most wonderful way! |
| Lucas | 2C | Congratulations Lucas! This year, Lucas has been a kind, polite and helpful classmate to his peers. He comes to school every morning with a drive to learn and succeed. Throughout the year, Lucas has shown resilience when taking on academic challenges, demonstrating tenacity and grace when given feedback and feedforward during learning. He embodies the school value of Respect when interacting with his peers and teachers around the school, always greeting them with a smile.
Well done Lucas on a fantastic year, you are a valued member of 2C and a worthy recipient of the award!" |
| Amaya | 4B | Amaya, you have had an exceptional year as a learner, role model and global citizen. Few students exhibit active learning behaviours as distinctly, as consistently, as sincerely as you. You exhibit a deep, intrinsic drive to better yourself and the world around you. You are still the eye of the hurricane, you are calm, focused and prepared regardless of life's chaos and myriad distractions that surround your average Grade Four student. No matter the challenges, your determination, kindness and icy-cool attitude have shone through. You’ve demonstrated an impressive mastery of focusing on what truly matters and have guided those around you with your clarity and wisdom. As Jean-Paul Sartre once said, 'We are our choices.' Thus, you are a terrific kid. Congratulations on an outstanding year. |
| Naysa | 6D | Naysa Rubaiyyat is a truly exceptional student whose aptitude for learning shines through in every aspect of her schooling. Her outstanding work across all subjects reflects her dedication, focus, and deep curiosity. Naysa’s calm and composed nature allows her to navigate challenges with grace and serve as a steady presence in the classroom. She is always willing to assist her teachers and peers, offering her time and expertise to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. As the Science Captain, Naysa has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, inspiring others with her enthusiasm for science and her ability to lead with confidence and kindness. Congratulations, Naysa, on this well-deserved recognition of your exceptional achievements!
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Once again, a special thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Glen Waverley for having the fortitude to implement this program and for supporting our school. The children will receive a certificate, medallion and a $20 book voucher.
Term 4 Principal Learning Awards:
Congratulations to the following students who will receive the Principal Learning Award for this term.
| Class | Name | Reason |
| Prep A | Parham | Congratulations to Parham for his outstanding growth and accomplishments this year. He has shown incredible dedication to his learning, applying himself with focus and determination to every task. Parham’s confidence has blossomed, and this has been reflected in his willingness to share his ideas and take on new challenges. His literacy skills have soared, and his enthusiasm for learning has made him a shining example to his peers. Congratulations, Parham—your hard work and positive attitude have made this year truly exceptional! |
| Prep B | Jayden | For his consistent dedication to learning and his kind, respectful nature. Jayden approaches every task with a positive attitude, always striving to do his best and pushing through challenges with a growth mindset. He shows great perseverance in all areas of the curriculum, particularly in his literacy skills, where he has made impressive progress. Jayden’s friendly and considerate approach makes him a valued member of our class, always ready to lend a hand to his peers and contribute to a supportive learning environment. We are incredibly proud of Jayden’s achievements and look forward to seeing his continued growth. Well done, Jayden, keep shining! |
| Prep C | Sophia | Sophia is a role model for her peers as she consistently models the school values of Respect, Integrity, Initiative and Global Empathy. She is kind and considerate of others and is a valued member of the Prep C classroom. Sophia always includes others in her play, contributes to help keep our classroom tidy and is respectful to everyone around her. She always strives to do her best learning and shows 'whole body listening' during the explicit learning time. Sophia takes great care with the presentation of her writing, by forming her letters correctly and neatly. She has shown such growth in her confidence throughout her first year of school. Her passion for learning carries across all areas of the curriculum within the school environment. She participates in both group and independent learning tasks and challenges her learning when opportunities arise. Keep striving for excellence, Sophia, and continue on this path of knowledge and growth. Congratulations! |
| Prep D | Ohana | Ohana is a remarkable learner who consistently demonstrates an exceptional commitment to her studies. Her hard work and persistence shine through, especially when she encounters challenges, as she approaches every task with determination and a growth mindset. Ohana sets high expectations for herself, striving to achieve excellence in all areas of her learning. She is attentive and focused during lessons, engaging thoughtfully with new concepts and actively contributing to class discussions. Beyond her academic efforts, Ohana is a respectful and kind individual, fostering a positive and inclusive environment in the classroom. Her dedication to learning and her considerate nature make her a role model for her peers. Congratulations, Ohana, on your outstanding effort and achievements! |
| 1A | Jenil | Congratulations to Jenil for showing perseverance and respect in 1A this year. You ensure you are set up for your learning at all times. You demonstrate whole body listening when someone is speaking and complete all your learning to the best of your ability. Fantastic effort, Jenil, on a wonderful term. I look forward to seeing your achievements during the rest of the year. |
| 1B | Ashan | Congratulations, Ashan! You have been a remarkable hard worker this year. You are receiving this award because of your persistence, dedication, and never-give-up attitude. Your effort and determination have inspired everyone around you. Keep up the amazing work – I am so proud of you! |
| 1C | Dhanisha | Congratulations, Dhanisha, on a fantastic term of growth and achievement! It has been a privilege to witness your dedication to learning and your ability to brighten our classroom with your cheerful and uplifting spirit. You inspire those around you with your focus, growth mindset, and commitment to your learning journey. During our Inquiry unit on water, you enthusiastically challenged your thinking, taking on new learning opportunities and deepening your understanding. Your active engagement and curiosity during our incursion led you to explore the water cycle, its properties, and its uses in greater detail. Well done, Dhanisha! Keep up the exceptional work! |
| 1D | Ronika | Congratulations, Ronika! This year, you have shown remarkable growth in your learning journey. Your willingness to take initiative, ask questions, and seek support when needed has been truly inspiring. You have embraced challenges with determination and a positive attitude. Keep up the amazing work—you are setting an example of how dedication and resilience lead to achievement! |
| 1E | Tejas | Tejas has been a hand working and dedicated learner in the 1E classroom. This has led to substantial growth as he improved his reading and writing skills. Tejas cheerfully contributes to all class discussions offer thoughtful ideas and opinions. He is quick to offer support to his classmates and respects the classroom by helping to keep it neat and tidy. |
| 2A | Jithu | Congratulations Jithu! Jithu demonstrates the School Value ‘Initiative’, by enthusiastically displaying helpfulness and willingness to assist within the classroom. She further applies empathy to others, by assisting her peers with her helpfulness. Jithu is courteous and polite and shows the utmost respect to all her teachers and fellow learners and understands that this value is important for all. She additionally is a wonderful team player, demonstrating great collaborative skills when learning alongside and cooperating with others. Jithu, you are a fantastic role model and we are so proud you are a member of 2A and GWPS! |
| 2B | Jacob | Jacob consistently showcases his ability to make thoughtful decisions, ensuring both his own safety and the safety of others. He has become an excellent self-advocate, using strategies such as requesting movement breaks to regulate his emotions and maintain focus. His sensible approach and proactive use of words set a wonderful example for his peers. In the classroom and playground, Jacob’s kind and empathetic nature shine brightly. He shares resources generously and offers comfort to others when they are feeling upset, demonstrating genuine care and understanding. Jacob’s enthusiasm for learning is truly inspiring. He asks meaningful questions that deepen his understanding, embraces new challenges with excitement, and applies honesty and determination when faced with difficulties. His dedication to improving his reading skills has been outstanding, as he confidently uses strategies to decode new words and grow as a reader. We are so proud of all that Jacob has achieved this year. His positivity, curiosity, and kindness enrich our classroom community. Congratulations, Jacob, on an incredible year of learning and growth! |
| 2C | Chloe | Chloe is an outstanding learner who consistently exemplifies the school values of Global Empathy and Respect. She demonstrates a deep understanding and compassion for others, always eager to help her classmates, whether it's offering a kind word or assisting with a difficult task. Chloe shows respect for different cultures, ideas, and perspectives, listening attentively to her peers and valuing their opinions. Her ability to collaborate and engage with others in a thoughtful, inclusive way makes her a role model in the classroom. Chloe's kindness, understanding, and open-mindedness create a positive, welcoming environment for everyone around her. Her wonderful personality has also attracted many friends who rely on her through difficult times. This year, Chloe has demonstrated incredible resilience in her academic learning, showcasing impressive growth in subjects such as English and Math. Overall, her first year at Glen Waverley Primary School has been extremely successful; Chloe, you should be proud of yourself! Congratulations and best of luck for your future endeavours! |
| 2D | Vivienne | Congratulations Vivienne on a very well-deserved Principal’s Learning Award. You are an outstanding learner who always takes initiative with every learning task. You display empathy to all of your classmates by communicating kindly and helping anyone who needs it. It has been wonderful to see you develop a passion for writing this year: your descriptive sentences are a delight to read. You should also be proud of the improvement you have made with spelling over the course of the year. Enjoy celebrating your fantastic achievement! |
| 2E | Jathy | Jathy has consistently embodied the school value of ‘Initiative’ by being available to help her peers without needing to be asked and taking charge of her learning, even when faced with challenges. She consistently puts forth her best effort in all areas of learning and ensures her work is well-presented. In class discussions, Jathy is a quiet contributor, although she shares her ideas and is known for supporting and encouraging her peers in their achievements. She is always ready to assist, whether by reminding others of school expectations or informing the teacher when something is amiss. Jathy readily approaches new tasks and handles challenges with maturity and self-control. Moreover, she shows great kindness and respect toward her teachers and peers, greeting them warmly whenever she encounters them around the school. Jathy, you should be proud of the way you present yourself and the respect you show to those around you. Congratulations on a fantastic year of learning at Glen Waverley Primary School! |
| 3A | Ritisha | Congratulations, Ritisha! You always give your best effort in every task and take on challenges with a positive mindset. You listen carefully to feedback and use it to improve, showing great determination to grow and succeed. You are always organised and ready to learn, which sets a great example for others. Your kindness and respect for classmates, teachers, and everyone around you make our school a better place. Keep shining and inspiring others! |
| 3B | Advait | Congratulations, Advait, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award! Your positive attitude, dedication, and kindness are an inspiration to all of us. Your hard work and commitment to doing your best are truly impressive. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow at Glen Waverley Primary School, always showing pride and enthusiasm in everything you do. Your strong work ethic and positive approach to learning are excellent examples for everyone. Your compassion and ability to overcome challenges make you a valued member of our class. You always show kindness and are ready to support others, which is a beautiful quality. With your determination and passion, there’s no doubt you’ll continue to achieve amazing things. Keep up the fantastic work, Advait! I’m very proud of you. Congratulations once again! |
| 3C | Tiana | Congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Tiana! 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, Tiana! Congratulations. |
| 3D | Aneel | A huge congratulations to Aneel on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award! This term, you’ve gone above and beyond in showing the 3D expectations and truly living out the values of Glen Waverley Primary School. Your kindness, resilience, and honesty set an amazing example for your peers. Whether you're offering support to others or just being a reliable friend, you’ve earned the trust and respect of everyone around you. Your focus in class is impressive, and your contributions to discussions always bring fresh and thoughtful insights. The questions you ask show a real curiosity and drive to deepen your understanding, sparking great conversations and encouraging others to think critically. You’ve made incredible progress both personally and academically this term. Your determination to grow, paired with your positive attitude and willingness to ask for help, has made a big impact. You should be incredibly proud of all that you've achieved! Keep up the awesome learning, Aneel – you’re on an amazing path, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next! Well done! |
| 3E | Kivain | Kivain has consistently demonstrated kindness and inclusivity towards all his classmates, both during learning time and playtime. He has gone above and beyond by volunteering daily to assist teachers, showcasing his initiative and dedication. Kivain’s learning attitude has been exemplary; he listened attentively to instructions, remained focused on his tasks, and actively sought feedback to improve his work. He embodied all the school values, particularly integrity and global empathy. He has set a shining example for his peers. Well done, Kivain! You have truly been a role model at Glen Waverley Primary School! |
| 4A | Zavier | Congratulations, Zavier, on your remarkable achievements in Term 4, 2024. You have shown tremendous growth in confidence, sociability, and academics, embodying the qualities of a dedicated and exceptional learner. Your willingness to embrace challenges with an open mind and engage with the Learning Pit has been inspiring. It’s been a pleasure to see you confidently share your ideas and insights, enriching the learning experience for everyone around you. Zavier, you have wholeheartedly embraced our School Focus on ‘Respectful Relationships,’ ensuring that those around you feel valued, heard, and supported. Your interactions with peers and staff demonstrate your genuine empathy and ability to foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Keep up the amazing work, Zavier—you truly deserve this Principal’s Learning Award for Term 4! |
| 4B | Dylan | Dylan, congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award! This is a fantastic achievement that recognises the way you live out our school values every day and embrace the active learning behaviours of a successful student. Your ability to think about your thinking, work well with others, listen carefully, take feedback onboard and seek challenges has been truly inspiring. You have shown incredible growth in both literacy and numeracy this year. Your determination, laser focus, and willingness to share your ideas have been key to your success. We are all so proud of the effort you’ve put in and the amazing progress you’ve made. Keep shining, Dylan—you’re a star learner! |
| 4C | Oliver | Congratulations on receiving the Principal's Learning Award, Oliver! Thank you for consistently demonstrating exceptional politeness, respect, and kindness to your peers and teachers alike. You are a fabulous role model in the classroom, always using your manners and treating others with thoughtfulness and care. Thank you for continually striving for excellence in all areas of your learning, setting high standards for yourself and working diligently to achieve them. You embrace challenges with a positive attitude, apply yourself fully to every task and inspire those around you with your determination and commitment. It has been so wonderful to watch your confidence and personality blossom this year! Congratulations Oliver! |
| 4D | Anita | Congratulations to Anny for receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 4! Your dedication to improving in literacy has been exceptional, and your willingness to embrace feedback and strive for excellence has truly set you apart. Your beautiful personality has been a gift to our classroom. You have a natural ease in making friends, and your empathy and kindness make everyone around you feel valued and supported. Your ability to connect with others and foster a positive environment is something to be incredibly proud of. Anny, your growth this year has been remarkable, and your contributions as a class member have made our learning space so much richer. Keep shining brightly! |
| 4E | Tiana | Congratulations, Tiana, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award in recognition of your unwavering perseverance and dedication to your learning journey. You have consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, approaching each challenge with determination and an eagerness to grow. Your ability to rise above obstacles and embrace every opportunity to learn is truly inspiring! Your resilience shines brightly in the way you tackle tasks, even when they seem daunting. You have shown a remarkable willingness to step out of your comfort zone, exploring new ideas and experiences with courage and curiosity. This determination to push your boundaries reflects not only your growth as a learner but also your strong character and positive attitude. Beyond your academic achievements, your kindness and compassion toward others make you a valued member of our school community. You have consistently supported your peers, creating an environment of respect and inclusivity. Your ability to balance excellence with empathy is a testament to the remarkable person you are becoming. Congratulations, Tiana, on this well-deserved recognition! |
| 4F | Madie | Congratulations to Madie on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 4! Your dedication and creativity in all areas of your learning are truly inspiring. The persistence you show when faced with challenging questions, and your motivation to delve deeper into topics, reflect your enthusiasm for learning and your commitment to success. You have been a wonderful role model within our classroom community, and your eagerness to achieve is evident every day. Madie, your orderliness in the classroom is exemplary. You are always ready for learning, ensuring that you provide your teacher and classmates with whole-body listening. Your belongings are well-organized and easily accessible, which sets a great example for your peers. I am especially proud of the writing pieces you have crafted this term. The way you communicate expression and meaning in your writing truly engages the reader, making them eager to continue reading your procedurals and follow your instructions. Keep up your exceptional attitude toward your learning, Madie. |
| 5A | Krisha | Krisha has worked really hard this year to improve herself from academic, to social to leadership. Her work ethic and attitude towards learning and challenges are to be commended. She has been an active learner in class, trying her best at everything she does. Krisha has been a responsible and reliable JSC representative for 5A, collecting, analysing the Student Voice data efficiently and presenting them confidently. Congratulations Krisha on your growth and achievement this year! |
| 5B | Ranuli | Ranuli, your positivity and passion for helping others make you an incredible asset to our classroom. Your genuine desire to see everyone thrive, paired with your curiosity and engaging presence, brings so much energy and warmth to our learning environment. You are always eager to contribute and take on challenges with a smile, inspiring those around you. Your kindness and dedication leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet. Congratulations, Ranuli! |
| 5C | Liya | The Principal’s Learning Award for 5C is awarded to Liya in recognition of her dedication and commitment to learning throughout the academic year. Her enthusiasm and positivity have made a significant impact on her classmates and teachers alike. Throughout the year Liya has consistently demonstrated impressive initiative, approaching every task with eagerness and a strong desire to excel. She has embraced challenges with a smile, inspiring those around her to strive for their best. Liya’s integrity and respect for others shine brightly in all her interactions. She treats her peers and teachers with kindness and consideration, fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. Well done Liya for a richly deserved award. I am confident that you will continue to shine in your future endeavours, and I look forward to seeing all the great things you will accomplish. |
| 5D | May | Congratulations May your class mates and teachers believe you are kind, helpful, caring, respectful and friendly to everyone. WOW! You should be very proud of this impressive list of qualities that you possess. Keep it up May, you are a super star! |
| 5E | Vinushi | This certificate is proudly presented to Vinushi in recognition of her exceptional dedication to learning, outstanding teamwork in all activities, and unwavering resilience. Throughout the semester, Vinushi has demonstrated a positive mindset that not only strengthens her own growth but also inspires those around her. Her commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her consistent effort, focus, and determination to approach challenges. Vinushi’s collaborative spirit shines through in group activities, where she contributes thoughtfully and supports her peers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Her resilience, courage and optimism are truly commendable, reflecting her strong character and ability to persevere. Vinushi’s positive attitude and dedication to personal and academic development make her a role model and a valued member of our school community. We celebrate your achievements, Vinushi. Well done! |
| 6A | Claire | Congratulations to 6A’s recipient of the Principal’s Learning Award, Claire. Claire began her learning journey at GWPS seven years ago in Prep. She embodies our school values and approaches learning experiences with enthusiasm. Claire has worked very hard on her learning goals this year and demonstrated growth. She always has a smile on her face and is a welcoming and friendly peer. Congratulations on a great year, Claire. I look forward to hearing how your learning journey continues in high school. |
| 6B | Diyoni | Diyoni is an incredibly talented and motivated student who has captivated us all with her delightful personality. Her witty and sassy sense of humour fills the classroom with laughter and smiles. Diyoni always commits her full effort to her learning and engages actively with discussions in class. Her confidence and strengths as a leadership were always on show, particularly when she collaborated with her peers and took part in the Student Leadership program. Congratulations on an incredible year and I hope you’re teachers in high school can share your love of beige and aesthitically pleasing things! |
| 6C | Vihan | Congratulations Vihan on a fabulous final term in Year Six! Your enthusiasm and positivity is contagious, brightening the classroom each day. You have listened to feedforward and worked hard to improve your learning, especially your handwriting! Thank you for always keeping our class organised and on time with your reminders of what is coming up next. Keep up the excellent attitude towards your learning and well done on all your achievements this term. |
| 6D | Senula | Senula has made outstanding progress in his learning this year, particularly in Spelling and Reading. Through consistent effort and practice, he has significantly improved his ability to decode and spell words, which has also strengthened his confidence and fluency in reading. Senula approaches every task with a positive attitude and unwavering determination, never giving up even when faced with challenges. He consistently demonstrates kindness, treating his classmates with care and respect, and creating a warm and supportive environment wherever he goes. Congratulations, Senula, on your incredible growth and for being such an inspiring role model in our school community! |
| 6E | Alexander | Congratulations to Alex for being the Term 4 recipient of the Principal’s Learning Award for 6E. You have shown resilience in your learning, consistently challenging yourself to go further. You have worked hard on your learning goals in Literacy, trying different strategies to improve your writing. You went through the Learning Pit and came out the other side successful. Through your determination, you have pushed yourself to understand difficult mathematical concepts, asking questions of yourself and others to develop your understanding. Congratulations on an excellent term, Alex! |
| 6F | Sanithu | Sanithu has demonstrated exceptional integrity throughout Term 4. He approaches his learning with a calm and posed demeanor, always ready to tackle the next challenge. Sanithu is always working productively with his peers, to create a constructive and meaningful learning environment, to benefit all involved. His decision making and honesty has been acknowledged and praised by classmates, time and time again. Sanithu has been a shining example of a positive role model that others can look towards at GWPS. His positive contributions to our class have made him more than a deserving recipient of the Principal’s Learning Award. |
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 Swanya, Ranuga, Vinudi and Jonathan 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 of 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!
Final Day of school arrangements Friday 20th December
A reminder that we will finish school at 1:30pm on Friday 20th December; as a result, the students will not need their lunch unless they will be attending After School Care which will commence at 1:30pm. 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.
2025 Return Dates
- Year 1-6 students will return to school on Wednesday 29th January and
- Prep (Foundation) students will begin on Thursday 30th 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 2025!
Principal Awards:
Congratulations to the following students who have received a Principal’s Award recently:
Prep A
⁃ Anaisha for writing the most beautiful invitation to this years Prep Prom
Prep C
⁃ Erina and Milaan for making the most amazing progress with their writing
2A
⁃ Reyashi and Abisshna for working exceptionally hard on developing a time frame of their day in Mndarin and English
2D
⁃ Vivienne and Ella for writing an amazing and very exciting narrative about Sir Jasper and Terrifying Throttle Thumbs the notorious villains who try and try to escape from jail, but never succeed.
⁃ Jamie, Jackson and Aahtheesan for completing their maths assessment and getting every question correct!
3C
⁃ Riddota and Sanvi for continuing to write and then completing a very detailed report about tsunamis which is very interesting and also includes mindfulness tasks and a crossword
⁃ Shashank for writing the most elaborate, exciting and interesting narrative about how Fred, Danny and Susie went on a treasure hunt and got into lots of trouble rather than finding treasure. Luckily they found their way home!
⁃ Dhak for being a wonderful friend
3D
⁃ Gowri and Devanshi for researching an enormous amount of information about hurricanes and then presenting it as a poster
⁃ Krishna for writing a very comprehensive narrative about Dave the policeman who had to solve a big problem
⁃ Gowri for writing and using Canva to represent the story of Peter Rabbit
⁃ Kiyan and Devanshi for being wonderful friends
3E
⁃ Sineysha for research in and then writing a very detailed project about heatwaves and the impact they have on the world