Principal's Report

By Frank Catalano

Welcome back everyone!

I trust everybody was able to enjoy a relaxing school holiday and Easter 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 be part of these stories!

Enjoy Term two 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 a query or an issue to discuss.

Welcome to the following new students.

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

Year Prep: Aariv

Year 1: Jimmy and Harper

Year 2:

Year 3:

Year 4: Travis, Elina, Fiona, Aidan and Taarush

Year 5: Pradhyun and Ryan

Year 6: Justin, Kevin

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:

Topped up of the soft fall tanbark in the adventure playgrounds
Updated the fencing around the bike shed and
Continued the development of the new Year 6 play area. As you may be aware, this is our major project for the year, and I am thrilled with the progress thus far:
- The retaining walls have been erected
- The ‘cutting and filling’ of soil has been completed and
- Additional drainage works have also been completed.

The next step is for crushed rock to be spread and then compacted.

I look forward to providing further updates as soon as possible.

Congratulations to Jessica Nikitakis

I am very excited and pleased to report that Mrs. Nikitakis, who taught Year 2 last year, has given birth to baby James on Saturday 5th April. James and Jessica are now at home and are doing well. Congratulations Jessica and the extended family and welcome to the Glen Waverley PS family James!

Below are some photos of the gorgeous baby James.

Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal

There was certainly a great deal of excitement during the last week of Term One where the children were busy collecting coins from family and friends for our annual Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Coin Race, which culminated in every class carefully counting the amount of funds raised and, just as importantly, the length of their coin line. Below is a message from Mrs. Bird, Ms, Tsang and Mrs. Marescaux:

As an internationally minded school, not only is it important that we support events occurring throughout the world, but also in our local community. Every year our school supports the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, usually via a ‘Coin Race’.

May we take this opportunity to thank the entire Glen Waverley Primary School community as your generosity and commitment to serving and assisting others is incredible and quite humbling.

In total, this year our school raised an amazing, $2006.05 and the combined line lengths of all the coin lines came to a very impressive, 266.60 meters, that’s one and half times the length of the MCG!

Coin Race Information:

Most funds raised			Longest Line
1st Place	4C	$153.55	1st Place	5C	21.94m
2nd Place	3D	$143.30	2nd Place	6A	19.24m
3rd Place	5C	$116.10	3rd Place	3D & 5D	17.1m
4th Place	6A	$111.90	4th Place	3A	15.15m

The child selected to contact the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and pledge our school’s donation was Parvirna from 5C. Well done and thank you Pavirna and her family for doing so!

Once again, well done and thank you everyone as we should be incredibly proud of our efforts!!

Mrs. Bird, Ms. Tsang and Mrs. Marescaux.

Below is also a thank you letter from the Royal Children’s Hospital:

Dear Glen Waverley Primary School Staff and Students,

Thank you for making a difference!

Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has been dedicated to fundraising for The Royal Children's Hospital so that it continues to remain a world leader in paediatric care.

We are delighted that Glen Waverley Primary School has contributed to the ongoing success of the Good Friday Appeal by raising $2,006.05 and helping kids live healthy lives and realise their full potential. Thank you!

The funds you have raised support ground-breaking research, state of the art equipment and technology, family centred care programs and attracting and retaining the brightest minds. In addition, the Good Friday Appeal will once again extend our funding to support regional hospitals with lifesaving equipment and scholarships helping to keep children closer to home and build capability in the regions.

The strength of the Good Friday Appeal lies in our dedicated community which is made up of generous people like you and the thousands of people who volunteer their expertise, time and talent to organise fundraising activities throughout the year. You can feel proud to be part of a long tradition of making a difference to the lives of sick children and their families.

Visit our website to discover the big impact your donation is making.

Yours sincerely,

Rebecca Cowan

Executive Director, Good Friday Appeal

Well done and thank you everyone!

Staffing Update

May I take the opportunity to:

Welcome Mrs. Samantha Hawkins and Mrs. Vivian Williams to our teaching team.
Mrs. Arti Kumar as a Learning Assistant and
Farewell Mrs. Alana Essa as she commences maternity leave.

Please join me in welcoming Samantha, Vivian and Arti to our team and wishing Alana the very best with the pending birth of her second child.

Council of International Schools (CIS) Visit

As you may be aware, throughout this week we have welcomed Helena (CIS, School Support and Evaluation Officer) and Michael (a principal from Vietnam) into our school as we commence the process of being re-accredited with the CIS.

Throughout the week our guests met with various staff, parents and children whilst also observing every aspect of our school. Shortly they will provide us with a report which I look forward to sharing as soon as possible.

May I take this opportunity to thank the members of our school community who made the time to meet with Helena and Michael as your efforts are appreciated immensely.

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:

Susanna (Year 6) loved learning and playing her Tuba. Below is a recount of her latest achievements for your enjoyment:

Dear Mr Catalano,

I am Susanna, a student from Year 6. I am a Tuba soloist and also a band player since I was in grade two. During the Easter break, my brass band - Box Hill Academy Brass and I participated the 2025 Australian National Band Championships. I am proud to share that we won the competition as a Junior B Grade Brass Band. It required a lot of determination, practices, and preparations for us as a team to achieve our goal. The achievement was such a highlight, our impressive score was 580/600.

Following this, we were also privileged to perform at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service for the Box Hill RSL to honour those who served and paid the ultimate price so we have our freedom today. Our band’s next goal is to attend the New Zealand National Band Championships in July, and I look forward to sharing more news in due course. Thank you.

Warm regards,

Susanna

Wow Susanna, what amazing and life-changing accomplishments! Well done, congratulations and keep up the persistence, determination, and handwork as your pursue your musical dreams and ambitions!

Gymnastics Hailey (Year 6) – Hailey is a very accomplished gymnast and recently she sent me the following information about her chosen sport:

Hi everyone,

My name is Hailey and I am in Year 6, I’ve been practicing rhythmic gymnastics for three years and I complete intensive training for at least 5 hours every day - whether it is sunny or rainy.

Rhythmic gymnastics has become a huge part of my life. As a high -performance gymnast I’ve had the opportunity to compete in international competitions. Over the years, I’ve participated in many events and won a total of 18 gold , 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Each competition has brought me their own challenges and rewards, standing on the podium always fills me with a mix of pride, fear, excitement as well as other powerful emotions . This journey has meant a lot to me and I believe it will affect me and shape who Im going to be as an athlete and student. I really want to acknowledge my family , friends and coaches for being so supportive to help me move on .

Soon I will have the Victorian championship, I look forward to sharing how I go!

Thank you.

Wow, Hailey what an amazing list of achievements – well done, congratulations and we look forward to hearing how you go in the Victorian Championships!

Cricket: Reyansh is an avid cricketer and has been playing club cricket since he was only 5 years old! Recently he attended the Ringwood District Cricket Association’s annual award’s celebrations, and I am thrilled and very proud to report that he was awarded the Best Batsman Award for the entire district which is a fantastic achievement! To accompany this achievement, Reyansh also received the Best Batsman Award for his club, the Heatherdale, under 12’s. Wow, Reyansh, what an amazing season you have had – well done and keep up the amazing attitude and passion for your chosen sport!

Ballroom dancing and Australian Air League: Klarissa (Year 4) loves to dance and is an avid member of the Australian Air League. Below is a recount of her achievements in these areas:

Good morning, Mr Catalano and Happy Easter,

I would like to tell you about my ballroom dancing award and my flight in a restored Tiger Moth, plus also going to the Avalon airshow.

In the morning before the airshow, we had to pick up two of my friends. The bus left around 8:00 even though we had to get there for 7:30 in the morning. We arrived at the show around 9:30 and then we got split up in groups. I was with my friend and her dad. Before we were allowed into the actual show, we had to show our bags and go through security at the entrance. It took a while to get to the entrance as there was an extraordinarily long line. We went to the play zone first and had some fun then we looked at the planes and more. Unfortunately, there was not as many aerobatics due to the near fatality a couple of days prior. It was a long day, but we had lots of fun, and I was extremely glad to get back on the bus.

In the morning of the Ball and grading day I went to my dance class to practice my dance again before the grading. When the grading was about to start, I was ranked second and I felt it went fairly well. I was hoping for another high distinction or honours, but I did not know if my guesses were correct. We left the centre a while after my friend’s dance and went home. We came back later after visiting my Nanna in hospital and getting freshened up there, so she felt a little involved. I arrived at the Ball and joined in some social dances for fun. They then did honour dances and presentations, and when it came time for them to announce my turn, I did the Tangoette, and I got a trophy and a certificate. I was shocked when my guess for High Distinction was correct. I was incredibly happy and tired in the end.

My uncle and I went to Lilydale Airport to a Tiger Moth flying place. We got there just in time for them to tell me I was going up after another boy came down. It was incredibly fun and weird when I saw a lake that was pink! When I came down my uncle went up in the tiger moth too. The thing is, I fear going in planes, but I was not scared of going in a WWII restored Tiger Moth. I was mostly looking down because the force from the wind from the right side is pushing me to not look in front and instead look to the side. I was dressed in my usual Australian Air League uniform which is the sky-blue long-sleeved t shirt with my badges on them and black pants with a belt and a tie, I had to wear this jacket that was supposed to keep me warm IT WAS TOO BIG!!!! It felt overly exciting and cool I was not scared NOTHING AT ALL! I would do it again if my mum let me but maybe on a different plane.

Yours sincerely,

Klarissa

Basketball: Eva (Year 5) loves playing basketball and recently she informed me that her team, the Comet Rubies won the Under 12’s grand final and now hope to replicate this next season in an even higher grade. Well done and congratulations Eva as you and your team members should be very proud – below is an email from Eva sharing her wonderful achievement!

Dear Mr. Catalano

I’m writing to inform you that once again I have participated in a basketball tournament held by the Waverley Basketball Association.

This season my team and I, the Comets Rubies, took part in the Under 12 Girls Division 3 and it’s a pleasure to inform you that we won the grand final for the third time in a row!

It was a great experience, and I was very proud to contribute to my team’s success. I was proudly the highest scorer on the day.

Next season we will be looking to qualify for Division 2, which will be a very big achievement for our team.

Thank you for your continued support and motivation over these years.

Sincerely,

Eva.

Wow, Premiers 3 years in a row – what an outstanding achievement Eva! Well done, congratulations, and keep up the amazing attitude and commitment to your chosen sport!

Vacation Care Program

It was wonderful to see the large number of children who participated in the recent Vacation (School Holiday) Care program which was once again an outstanding success with the children completing a magnitude of activities. Congratulations to Meththa and her team of assistants and thank you to the numerous families who supported the program.

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 One 2025:

Name	Level	Reason
Luis	Prep	This award is presented to Luis in recognition of his exceptional kindness, empathy, and dedication. Luis consistently demonstrates a genuine consideration for others, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all. His friendly demeanour and compassionate nature make him a role model for his peers, as he always strives to do his best in every learning opportunity he embraces. Luis' positive attitude and willingness to participate in all aspects of his education highlight his strong commitment to personal growth and to encouraging others to do the same. Congratulations, Luis! Your thoughtful actions and outstanding values inspire everyone around you. May you continue to grow and share your wonderful qualities.
Gavindu	Level 1	Congratulations, Gavindu, on receiving the Kiwanis Terrific Kids award! It has been a privilege to watch your personal growth and curious approach to learning throughout this term. You have settled into your new learning environment effortlessly, building strong connections with your peers and teachers. Your growing ability to recognise your emotions, self-regulate your feelings, and communicate your needs effectively has been truly impressive. Well done Gavindu, I look forward to seeing how you continue to thrive this year!
Siana	Level 3	The Kiwani’s Terrific Kids Award is presented to Siana Wood in recognition of her outstanding resilience, persistence, and positivity in all aspects of her learning and interactions with her peers. Siana consistently approaches challenges with determination, never giving up even when faced with difficulties. Her dedication to learning and her ability to adapt and grow make her a true role model in the classroom. Beyond her academic efforts, Siana’s uplifting attitude and kindness towards others create a supportive and encouraging environment for her classmates. She demonstrates empathy, inclusivity, and a willingness to help those around her, making a positive impact on her school community. Congratulations, Siana, on your amazing achievements! You should be so incredibly proud of yourself and your dedication to your learning!
Sophia	Level 5	Congratulations to Sophia Wang the Level 5 Kiwani’s Terrific Kids recipient for Term One. You approach every learning opportunity with an open mind and an eagerness to take on challenges. Your outstanding achievements extend beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by your impressive performance in District Swimming, where you achieved a new personal best across multiple strokes. In addition to your athletic success, your academic excellence shines through your ability to approach challenging learning tasks with confidence and ease. Sophia, this certificate is not just a testament to your accomplishments but a recognition of your determination, resilience, and commitment to growth. Your enthusiasm for learning, paired with your fearless approach to challenges, makes you an exceptional role model for your peers. Congratulations!

Congratulations everyone, what a fabulous achievement! Included is a photograph of the children with Ian 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 One:

Class	Name	Reason
Prep A	Thinara	For making an exceptional start to his school journey. From his very first day, Thinara has shown a remarkable blend of humility, intelligence, and respect for those around him. His positive attitude toward learning and his natural curiosity have allowed him to quickly adapt to the school environment. Not only has Thinara consistently shown integrity and initiative in supporting his classmates. Whether it's offering help, participating actively in class, or contributing to group learning, Thinara’s kindness and respect shine through. His ability to embrace new challenges with a smile and lend a hand whenever needed shows maturity and a sense of responsibility beyond his years. Congratulations, Thinara, on a wonderful start to your school journey!
Prep B	Marley	For his dedication and enthusiasm in learning, Marley is being recognised for his perseverance, curiosity, and initiative in the classroom. He consistently seeks new challenges and takes responsibility for his own learning. Marley also demonstrates excellent ‘whole body listening’ during lessons, showing respect to both his teachers and classmates. He actively participates in class discussions, shares thoughtful ideas, and continuously strives to improve in all areas of learning. His passion for learning and positive attitude makes him a role model for his peers. Keep up the fantastic work, Marley!
Prep C	Jeffery	Jeffery is a dedicated learner who consistently seeks out opportunities to expand his knowledge. His commitment to improvement and growth is evident in every aspect of his learning journey. Jeffery's kindness and caring nature shine through in his interactions with others, and he consistently strives to extend his learning in all areas of the curriculum. Through his actions, Jeffery exemplifies the core values of our school: Initiative, Integrity, Respect, and Global Empathy. He demonstrates these values in all situations, consistently setting a high standard for others to follow. As a true role model, Jeffery shows great consideration for his peers, always mindful of their feelings, especially when working in groups. Congratulations, Jeffery, on your outstanding dedication to learning. Your efforts are truly commendable, and you have set a wonderful example for those around you. As you continue your educational journey, may you be encouraged to embrace every opportunity that comes your way and keep striving for excellence. Well done, Jeffery! Keep shining!
Prep D	Tesxia	This certificate is proudly awarded to Tesxia in recognition of her outstanding contributions and exemplary behaviour in Prep D. Tesxia has consistently been a role model for her peers, demonstrating exceptional qualities such as sensibility, presence, and respect. Her active participation during learning, coupled with her commitment to engaging fully in all activities, is a testament to her dedication. She always listens attentively with whole-body listening during lessons and strives to do her personal best in every task. Her positive attitude and dedication to growth set a wonderful example for others, and we are proud to celebrate her achievements. Congratulations, Tesxia!
1A	Abhi	Congratulations to Abhi for the manner in which you have settled into Grade One. You demonstrate self-regulation of your emotions to communicate your needs and challenges. Your smile is constant and bright and bring warmth to the classroom. Your excitable energy help to lift the spirits of your classmates. I look forward to watching your confidence continue to grow this year.
1B	Aveer	Congratulations, Aveer, on an outstanding term of academic achievement! It has been truly inspiring to witness your journey of growth and progress across different curriculum areas this term. Your dedication to your personal learning journey and approach to challenges with determination and resilience are commendable. You always strive to do your best, seeking strategies to support your learning and embracing every opportunity to improve. Your kindness and caring nature make you a valued member of the class, and your positive attitude towards learning is truly admirable. Keep up the fantastic work, Aveer!
1C	Hareem	Hareem, your active participation and confidence in sharing your student voice truly make a difference. Your willingness to engage, contribute, and speak up not only enriches your own learning but also inspires those around you. Keep up the great work!
1D	Ashley	Congratulations to Ashley for showing perseverance and respect in 1D 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, Ashley, on a wonderful term. I look forward to seeing your achievements during the rest of the year. From: Miss Lye
2A	Kian	Congratulations, Kian! Your unwavering determination to tackle new learning challenges is truly inspiring. You don't just strive to expand your own understanding, but also encourage and motivate your peers to reach new heights. Your natural curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions to dig deeper into concepts is remarkable. This approach not only enriches your own learning experience but also sparks a deeper understanding in those around you.Your dedication to clarifying new ideas and pushing yourself to explore beyond the surface sets you apart. It's clear that your commitment to learning is making a meaningful impact on our classroom community. Your ability to confidently express your desire for more challenge and to stay engaged in the process is truly admirable. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! You should be incredibly proud of all you've accomplished this year.
2B	Viduka	Much has to be admired for the hard work Viduka has displayed throughout Term 1. He has consistently treated his peers with kindness and respect. Viduka's actions speak louder than words as he positivity and hard-working attitude is reflected in everything he does. Well done Viduka, I look forward to seeing your achievements as we move into Term 2!
2C	Oliver	Congratulations Oliver! This term, Oliver has truly shone as a student who exemplifies our school values. He has consistently shown initiative in the classroom through his dedication to helping others and a drive to succeed. Oliver demonstrated kindness and responsibility by using his own free time to help his friend practice sounds and read books, offering support without being asked. He is always eager to assist the teacher and his peers, going out of his way to complete tasks and contribute to the class. Oliver brings brightness and enthusiasm to school every day, spreading joy and making his friends laugh. He handles challenges with resilience, whether in the schoolyard or in the classroom, exemplifying a "never give up" attitude. Oliver is always open to feedback and feedforward, using it as an opportunity to improve himself and continue growing as a learner. His dedication and positive attitude make him a role model for others. Keep up the amazing effort, Oliver, and well done!
2D	Sunnia	Sunnia is an active and focused learner who always stays on task and contributes meaningfully to class discussions. She is a lively student who enjoys sharing her ideas and always brings a fresh perspective to the classroom. Sunnia has a natural curiosity and loves to challenge herself with harder questions, pushing her own boundaries in the process. She is also incredibly helpful and enjoys supporting her classmates whenever they need it, whether it's explaining a concept or offering a helping hand. Sunnia's positive energy and willingness to take on challenges make her an inspiring presence in the classroom, and she consistently sets a great example for others.
2E	Aadya	Congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Aadya! 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, Aadya! Congratulations
3A	Jamie	Jamie, your incredible positivity has helped shape our classroom environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Your kindness, encouragement, and dedication to making our class a better place is truly inspiring. You lead by example, always putting in your best effort, staying diligent in your work, and lifting others up to be kinder, more thoughtful people. Your presence brightens the classroom, and your impact reaches far beyond just your own learning. Keep being the amazing person you are!
3B	Joan	Congratulations, Joan, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award! Your positive attitude, hard work, and kindness inspire us all. You always do your best, and it’s really impressive! It’s been amazing to see you grow at Glen Waverley Primary School. You show so much enthusiasm in everything you do, and your love for learning is a great example for everyone. You are a kind and caring person, always ready to help others and face challenges with a smile. This makes you such an important part of our class. With your passion and determination, I’m sure you’ll continue to do amazing things. Keep up the great work, Joan! I’m so proud of you. Congratulations again!
3C	Sarayu	The Term One Principal's Learning Award is proudly presented to Sarayu for her exceptional dedication to learning and for being a shining role model in the classroom. Throughout Term One, Sarayu has consistently demonstrated the School Values of empathy, respect, initiative, and integrity, inspiring those around her with her kindness, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Sarayu’s ability to approach challenges with a positive mindset, support her peers with compassion, and take initiative in all aspects of her learning makes her a truly outstanding student. Her unwavering integrity and respectful attitude create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment, making her a valued and respected member of the school community. Congratulations, Sarayu, on this well-deserved recognition!
3D	Samiksha	I’m excited to announce Samiksha Harish as the recipient of the Principal Learning Award! You consistently embody the school values of Respect, Integrity, Initiative, and Global Empathy. You show respect by being fully engaged in class, actively listening, and raising your hand when you’ve got something to share. You lead by example, always doing the right thing and encouraging others to follow suit, ensuring that everyone stays safe and supported. What truly sets you apart is your incredible sense of Global Empathy. In your Home Learning project, you amazed us with your innovative ideas as the "Mayor of Monash City." You proposed game-changing initiatives like a new railroad, safe school zones, an AI-powered litter monitoring project, supporting women in poverty, and organising a Cultural Diversity Week to celebrate traditions from around the world. Your vision will make a huge difference, and we’re so proud of the leader and changemaker you’re becoming. A huge congratulations, Samiksha!
3E	Dev	Congratulations, Dev, on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 1! Your love for learning shines every day, and your enthusiasm is truly inspiring. You always give your best effort, stay focused, and embrace every opportunity to grow. Even when facing challenges, you approach them with determination and a positive mindset. It is wonderful to see how eager you are to learn and improve. Beyond your own learning, you bring warmth and kindness to the classroom. You are always willing to lend a hand to your classmates, offering support and encouragement when they need it. Your helpful and caring nature makes our classroom a welcoming and positive place for everyone. Keep up the amazing work, Dev! Your passion for learning and helping others truly makes a wonderful difference!
4A	Methuli	Methuli is a diligent and dedicated learner who sets a wonderful example for her peers. Her commitment to doing her best is evident in everything she does, from approaching challenges with a growth mindset to demonstrating care and responsibility as a valued member of 4A. She consistently shows respect through her kindness, attentiveness, and support for her classmates. She takes initiative by taking ownership of her learning, always striving to improve and contribute meaningfully to class discussions. Her integrity is clear in her honesty and strong sense of responsibility, always doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Her empathy makes her a wonderful friend, as she is always willing to encourage and help those around her. Methuli’s efforts do not go unnoticed—she is a true role model. Well done, and keep shining!
4B	Annora	Annora has consistently demonstrated excellence across all areas of learning, embracing challenges with resilience and determination. Her ability to think critically, apply her knowledge, and strive for continuous improvement has set a remarkable example for her peers. With an inquisitive mind and a passion for learning, Annora has actively sought opportunities to deepen her understanding, voice her ideas with confidence, and lead her learning journey with enthusiasm. She has exhibited integrity, responsibility, and respect, embodying the core values of our school community. Annora, your dedication and perseverance inspire those around you. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
4C	Sineysha	Congratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Sineysha! You are an exceptional role model to your peers when it comes to producing outstanding learning, focusing in class and thinking outside of the box. Thank you for sharing thought-provoking curiosities, taking your learning to deeper levels, and demonstrating our School Values. I hope you are super proud of yourself and of what you contribute to our class! Keep shining and keep smiling! Congratulations!
4D	Thesara	Thesara brings a positive and bubbly attitude to the 4D classroom. She consistently demonstrates her determination through her work and applies herself diligently. Thesara is quick to offer her help and support to others when they need it and ensures that those around her feel welcome and included during both learning and play times. She cheerfully contributes to all class discussions offering thoughtful ideas and insights. Well done on a fantastic start to the year, Thesara!
4E	Grace	Congratulations to Grace! It has been great to see you show consistent focus and effort in class. Not only do you show a great attitude toward learning, but you also tackle challenges with a positive attitude. You are also a great example of kindness and helpfulness. Whether it's helping a friend with a learning task, checking in on your peers or cheering someone on, you always encourage others and make them feel good about themselves. You have been hardworking, resilient and kind! Keep up the amazing work!
4F	Sunny	Sunny, you are a shining example of positivity and perseverance in our classroom! Every morning, you greet your teacher with a bright smile, creating a warm and welcoming start to the day. You take initiative by reminding your classmates to make the right choices and responsibly reporting any concerns to the teacher, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone. Your dedication to learning is truly inspiring—you always try your very best, ask thoughtful questions when needed, and take pride in presenting beautifully completed work. Despite the challenges of learning English as an additional language, you never give up and continue to improve with determination and resilience. Most importantly, you embody our school values of initiative, global empathy, integrity, and respect in everything you do. Keep up the fantastic work, Sunny—we are so proud of you!
5A	Riaan	Riaan has been an outstanding, mindful and proactive learner this term. Always attentive and engaged, he approaches every task with thoughtfulness and a strong sense of responsibility. Riaan consistently seeks ways to improve, help others, and contribute positively to the learning environment. He also displays wonderful manners and attitude towards others and learning. A worthy recipient of this term’s Principal Learning Award. Congratulation Riaan and keep up the great effort!
5B	Ellie	: Ellie has had an outstanding start to her first year at GWPS. She has shown herself to be a hardworking and diligent student who always strives to do her best in each and every learning task. Ellie is not afraid to learn from her mistakes and uses these as an opportunity to build a strong understanding in all learning areas. She is driven and passionate about extending herself and trying new things, as shown by her dedication in committing to a number of extra-curricular activities on top of the effort she applies in the classroom. As a student who is also courteous and kind to her peers, and embodies all the school values, Ellie is a deserving recipient of this term’s Principal’s Learning Award. Excellent effort, Ellie!
5C	Rachel	Congratulations to Rachel on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 2! Your hard work, bright intellect, and smooth transition into a new class has been truly commendable. Rachel, 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 our classroom. Rachel, your enthusiasm for building 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, Rachel!
5D	Amaya	Amaya is a bright and diligent student who approaches every task with focus and determination. She consistently produces work of the highest standard and demonstrates maturity beyond her years. Amaya’s caring nature shines through in her interactions with others—she is inclusive, kind, and always willing to support her peers. As a strong role model, she leads with integrity and sets an excellent example for those around her. Amaya is to be congratulated on being a deserving recipient of this term’s Principal Learning Award. Well done Amaya!
5E	Sarah	Sarah consistently demonstrates focus and presence in all aspects of her school life. She approaches everyone with kindness, offering help and support to those around her, and is a true role model for her peers. Sarah’s step-by-step approach to her learning is a testament to her patience and perseverance, ensuring that every piece of work she produces is of the highest quality. Sarah’s dedication to excellence is evident in everything she does, and her exemplary work sets a high standard for others to follow. I am incredibly proud of Sarah's achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in her learning journey.
5F	Veer	This Principal’s Learning Award is for Veer’s outstanding dedication to learning and his commitment to personal growth. His conscientious approach and positive and enthusiastic attitude are truly inspiring to both classmates and teachers. Veer consistently puts forth his best effort in all endeavours, demonstrating a determination that sets a positive example for others. His friendly and supportive nature make the classroom a welcoming environment, fostering collaboration and encouragement. Veer demonstrates our school’s core values of global empathy, initiative, respect, and integrity in every interaction. His ability to connect with others and promote a sense of belonging is commendable and reflects the principles we value.
6A	Olivia	Congratulations, Olivia, for demonstrating incredible dedication to your learning in Term 1, 2025. You have settled beautifully into 6A, approaching every challenge with perseverance and a growth mindset. Your commitment to learning is evident in the way you embrace new concepts, engage thoughtfully with your peers, and consistently strive to improve. It is wonderful to see your confidence grow each day as you apply your knowledge and share your insights with those around you. Olivia, you embody our School Foci of ‘Respectful Relationships’ through the genuine kindness and empathy you show every day. You make those around you feel heard and valued, creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. Your ability to connect with both peers and teachers reflects your thoughtful nature and dedication to building strong, positive relationships. The way you collaborate, listen, and uplift others is truly inspiring. Keep demonstrating these wonderful qualities, Olivia—you are a role model in our school community and a deserving recipient of this Principal’s Learning Award!
6B	Chloe	6B’s Term One Principal’s Learning Award goes to the incredible Chloe Ray Cruz!Chloe is a dedicated and hardworking student who consistently demonstrates respect for both peers and teachers. She actively participates in class discussions and listens attentively when others share their views. Chloe sets a positive example for the class through her words and actions. Whether its collaborating with peers, putting in extra effort, or even something as simple as putting up chairs for others, her thoughtfulness makes her truly deserving of this award!
6C	Meenu	Congratulations Meenu on a fabulous start to Year Six! You are polite and respectful to both teachers and your peers, consistently displaying the School Values of Respect, Empathy, Integrity and Initiative. During learning time you are focused, organised and listen attentively to get the most out of every learning experience. This makes you an excellent role model to those around you. Well done and keep up the excellent attitude!
6D	Hayun	Congratulations to Hayun for being the recipient of the Term 1 Principal's Learning Award for 6D. Since joining our school this term, you have quickly adapted to our learning environment and consistently demonstrated a positive attitude towards your learning. You consistently put forth your best effort in classwork and approach challenges with resilience and determination. Your ability to collaborate with peers and support those around you makes you a valued member of our class. Keep up the fantastic work, Hayun!
6E	Sahithi	Congratulations to Sahithi for being the recipient of the Term 1 Principal’s Learning Award for 6E. You are friendly and welcoming to members of our class, making sure to include others. You consistently put in your best effort to your learning, thinking deeply about concepts. By challenging yourself and others, you uplift the learning environment of our class. You use Talk Moves to contribute to discussions, showing when you agree, disagree, or have something to add to the conversation, ensuring your voice and that of others is heard. Well done, Sahithi!
6F	Onalee	Onalee has consistently demonstrated the Glen Waverley Primary School value of initiative throughout Term 1. She approaches every task with enthusiasm and always strives to complete her work to the best of her abilities. Onalee’s commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does. She stands out for her genuine kindness and generosity towards others. Onalee is always willing to lend a hand, whether helping classmates with their work or offering words of encouragement when someone needs it. Her considerate and caring nature has created a positive atmosphere in our classroom, making it a better place for everyone. Onalee is a shining example of what it means to be a supportive, hardworking, and compassionate member of the school community. Her contributions to the class and her ability to inspire those around her make her a truly deserving recipient of the Principal’s Learning Award.

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

Prep C

Savrat, Ellie and Jeffery for learning how to count to 10 in Mandarin

Assd for making great progress with his drawing skills

Myra for writing an amazing and very detailed report about the importance of collaborating to improve learning
Oscar, Shebl and Jake for creating a digital presentation about the way people can collaborate to ensure learning improves and everyone gets along
Shebl for drawing a lovely picture for my office

Mayon for writing a very comprehensive recount of his family holiday to Port Douglas

Evelyn, Sharanya and Riaan for learning about the importance of building their understanding of narrative openings

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight,

Frank Catalano

Principal