Principal's Report

By Frank Catalano

Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

 

Welcome back for the final term of the 2025 school year and I trust everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the glorious Spring weather throughout the recent school holidays. It has been wonderful reconnecting with the children as they shared their various school holiday experiences and highlights such as travelling overseas, interstate, within Victoria - the Royal Melbourne Show was mentioned several times as was going to the movies, Bad Guys 2 seemed to be very popular! 

 

Once again, welcome back and as per usual, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to see me at school or contact me on 9802 9938 or via email at frank.catalano@education.vic.gov.au 

Welcome to the following new and returning children and their family 

I extend a very warm welcome to the following children and their family who have joined the GWPS family this term:

 

Year Prep: Linden and Tharika

Year 1: Grace and Jhanvi

Year 2: Joanna and Ava

Year 3: Kiara and Kavnoor

Year 4: Janice, Lincoln and Oneli

Year 5: Nalan, Caiden, Ishani and Peige 

Year 6: Jeevesh

 

Welcome everyone! 

What’s happened at our school during the recent holidays?

The school holidays are the opportune time for tasks to be completed, and these holidays the following tasks were completed:

 

  • New Year 6 Play and Recreational Area
    • Shade sails have been installed
      • Provision for the new steps and seating have been finalised
      • Additional safety fencing was installed 
      • Base has been laid for the synthetic turf which will be placed adjacent to the cricket net area
  • Year Prep to Two Adventure Playground
    • Shade sail posts were repaired (the new shade sails are expected to arrive next week) 

 

  • Block B (Year 3 Building)
    • Commenced repairing and painting of the ‘upper’ windows 

Chess Team Update

Over the recent school holidays, the Victorian Rapid Chess Championships were held, and I am extremely proud to report that so many of our students and alumni performed exceptionally well. Congratulations to the following children:

 

  • Yehara (Year 6) - 1st place Girls Under 12’s
  • Saheli (Year 5) – 3rd place, Girls Under 12’s
  • Jahnavi (Year 4) – 2nd place, Girls Under 10’s
  • Jaden (Year 5) – 2nd place, Boys Under 12’s
  • Samuel (Year 4) – 7th place, Boys Under 10’s (see below) and 
  • Vidushi (Year 8) – 1st place, Girls Under 18’s. 

 

Wow – what amazing achievements! Well done everyone and keep up the amazing attitude and commitment! 

 

Samuel (Year 4) also participated in the 2025 Victorian Junior Rapid Chess Championship in the Under-10 group. After six rounds, he was one of only two players who remained undefeated and was ranked 3rd. If he had won the final round, he would have been crowned champion. Unfortunately, he lost that round, which cost him the championship. Nevertheless, Samuel finished 7th overall - his personal best result in all VJCC tournaments he has attended.

 

During the second week of the school holidays, Samuel competed in the Melbourne Chess Club Spring Festival Rapid tournament as preparation for Term 4's inter-school competitions. He won the top prize in his rating group and received a medal for his achievement.

 

In June he competed in the Victoria Open 2025 chess tournament, where he also won the top prize in his age group and was also the youngest player among all the prize winners. Well done Samuel and keep up your amazing passion for chess, I can’t wait to share what you achieve in the future.

School Chess Team Update

On Tuesday our school’s girl’s chess team participated in the Victorian Championships, and I am extremely proud to report that they placed second by a mere 2 points. Well done and congratulations to:

  • Yehara and Swara (Year 6)
  • Saheli, Lesara, Shayana and Amaya (Year 5) 
  • Jahnavi (Year 4) and
  • Thinuli (Year 3)

 

The team that placed first is guaranteed to represent Victoria in the national championships, although traditionally the host state, is able to include 2 teams – fingers crossed that this occurs this year and the children have the opportunity to participate in a national competition.

 

Nevertheless, qualifying for the state championships is an amazing achievement and placing second is also incredible! Well done, thank you to all the children and their families as we are incredibly proud of all of you!

Congratulations to the following children for their achievements outside of school

As mentioned previously, one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the children sharing what they achieve away from school, as per the following:

 

  • Suditi (Year 4) – continues to excel away from school. Recently she received “Super Speak” award from her public speaking classes, was a semi-finalist in the Victorian Raising Voice Public Speaking Championship and scored 94/100 in the International GISBO Spell Bee Olympiad (only misspelt two words) where she received Certificate of Excellence. Well done and keep up the amazing attitude towards your learning Suditi!
  • Rudra (Year 5) for completed the AMEB, Grade 1 Preliminary Comprehensive Piano exam. Rudra mentioned that he is very proud of himself because he worked exceptionally hard to achieve this – well done Rudra and keep it up!

 

  • Susanna (Year 6) – is a very talented musician and recently she competed in the Traralgon Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod where she placed 2nd in two events and 1st in the Brass Band section – well done Susanna as this is an amazing achievement! 

 

  • Aryan (Year 4) – has also been very busy with his extracurricular activities, for instance in martial arts he received a certificate for completing 7th Kyu grade and in basketball a trophy from the Waverley Raiders club – well done Aryan and keep it up!
  • Akshaya (Year 5) is a very talented singer and recently she competed in the Knox Factor grand final where she placed 1st in the age 5-11 category. Akshara sang “My heart will go on” by Celine Dion, which is a very ‘tricky’ song that requires an enormous vocal range. Well done Akshara and keep it up!

     

  • Kyna (Year 6) is extremely proud of her cultural heritage and recently she performed at a Diwali Function, for the Rotary Club of Monash. I am also extremely pleased to report that she received a certificate from the Indian counsellor. Well done and congratulations Kyna as this is a fabulous achievement! 

Staffing Update

As we enter the final term of the school year, please be advised of the following staff changes:

 

  1. Farewell (for now) and congratulations to Mrs. Vecchio and Ms. Singh who have commenced Family Leave. We look forward to meeting the newest members of their family ASAP
  2. Mr. Lewis is taking long service leave for the duration of the term 
  3. Welcome back to Mrs. Shmerling, who will sharing Class 1A with Ms. Kelly and
  4. Welcome our new Assistant Principal Vicki John (Mrs. John) who will be leading the Disability Inclusion and Wellbeing portfolio. Mrs. John will commence with us on Monday 20th October.

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 Three:

 

NameYear Level Reason
TeyaraPrep 

For being an exceptionally kind and caring friend, always showing a warm heart and a helping hand. Teyara shines in our Prep classroom by living out our school values every day. She treats others with respect, always tells the truth with integrity, takes initiative to do the right thing without being asked, and shows deep empathy towards her classmates. Her gentle nature and thoughtful actions make our learning space brighter and happier. Teyara also shows great dedication to her learning. She always tries her personal best, listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, and never gives up, even when something feels tricky. Her positive attitude and determination are an inspiration to others, and she is growing into a confident and capable learner every day. Well done, Teyara! You genuinely are a TERRIFIC kid. Keep up the great learning!

 

HareemYear 1

Hareem’s curious approach to learning is evident in the thoughtful questions she asks, which not only extend her own understanding but also spark new ideas and deeper discussions among her peers. She demonstrates a genuine love of reading, often choosing to immerse herself in a book whenever she has a spare moment in the classroom. This commitment reflects her passion for learning and her eagerness to explore new worlds, ideas, and knowledge through literature. Hareem’s enthusiasm, focus, and dedication make her a wonderful role model, inspiring those around her to approach their learning with the same curiosity and joy.

 

Thinuli Year 3

Thinuli, you are recognised for the wonderful way you lift others up and make sure no one is ever left behind. You show true community spirit by helping those around you, ensuring everyone has a friend, and sharing your passions to bring people together. Your kindness shines in the way you cheer on your peers in chess and motivate your classmates when challenges arise.

You embody the values of care, generosity, and encouragement. Your initiative in raising money for the Heart Foundation reflects your compassion and leadership, making a difference not only in our class but also in the wider community. We are so grateful for the positivity and sense of belonging you create wherever you go!

 

ZavierYear 5

Congratulations to Zavier Monoarfa, the Level 5 Kiwanis recipient for Term Three, 2025. Zavier consistently approaches his learning with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to extend himself beyond expectations. His achievements are evident across academic areas, particularly in Reading, where his insightful contributions during Literature Circles show a deep understanding of complex texts, and in Writing, where his ability to craft engaging narratives demonstrates a mature command of language.

Zavier’s certificate is not only a testament to his academic strengths but also a recognition of his integrity, perseverance, and collaborative spirit. He willingly supports and encourages his peers, demonstrating empathy and respect in every interaction. Zavier’s commitment to excellence, combined with a positive outlook and readiness to embrace new challenges, makes him a valued and inspiring member of our school community. Congratulations!

 

Congratulations everyone, what a fabulous achievement! Included is a photograph of the children with Ian Curwood from the Kiwanis Club of Waverley.

 

End of Term 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 Three:

 

ClassNameReason
Prep ASohum For showing incredible growth in his learning journey this year. Sohum has worked hard, stayed focused, and demonstrated a fantastic attitude towards every challenge he has faced. His dedication, curiosity, and determination have enabled him to make immense progress, and we are extremely proud of how far he has come. He continues to demonstrate our school values in all that he does, showing respect to his classmates and teachers, acting with integrity, showing initiative in his learning, and offering empathy and support to those around him. His positive mindset and growing confidence make him a role model in our classroom. Well done, Sohum! Keep up the great learning!
Prep BSamira For her dedication and enthusiasm in learning, Samira is being recognised for her perseverance, curiosity, and positive attitude in the classroom. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and a readiness to learn, always giving her personal best. In the classroom, Samira is developing strong skills across all learning areas, especially in her early reading and writing. She listens carefully, follows instructions, and takes great care in completing her tasks. Samira always actively participates in class discussions, shares her thinking with others, and continues to build independence in her learning. She is a curious learner who asks thoughtful questions and enjoys exploring new ideas. She shows resilience when faced with challenges and celebrates her progress with pride. Her respectful, kind nature and willingness to support others make her a valued member of Prep B. Congratulations, Samira! Your love of learning and determination make you a wonderful role model for your peers. Keep up the amazing work!
Prep CNathan This award is proudly presented to Nathan for being a remarkable learner who shows kindness, compassion, and genuine care for others. He consistently follows classroom and school expectations and is both responsible and organised in his approach to learning. His passion for knowledge shines through both in and out of the classroom. Nathan demonstrates the Habit of ‘Initiative’ by doing the right thing without being asked, and he models the Glen Waverley Primary School values of Integrity, Respect, Initiative, and Global Empathy each day. He continues to grow in confidence, eagerly sharing his valuable ideas and knowledge during class discussions and listening attentively during floor learning time. When working in a group, Nathan collaborates thoughtfully, offering insightful ideas and constructive feedback. During independent tasks, he remains focused, capable, and committed to doing his best. His caring and compassionate nature is evident in the way he treats all peers with respect and kindness, always willing to help others. Nathan is passionate about all areas of learning and often goes above and beyond, completing extra learning outside the classroom. Congratulations, Nathan may your love of learning continue to inspire you to continue to challenge yourself and achieve wonderful things.
Prep DSaravana Saravana is recognised as an exceptional learner in Term 3. He demonstrates great enthusiasm as a reader and a genuine passion for learning across all areas of the curriculum. Saravana approaches challenges with curiosity, determination, and persistence, setting a strong example for his peers. He is also a warm-hearted and considerate helper who contributes positively to our classroom community. Saravana is to be congratulated for his outstanding effort, achievement, and kindness. We are very proud of his success.
ClassNameReason
1ASwetaansh (Aansh)Congratulations Aansh for the responsibility and focus you have shown this year. You demonstrate fantastic self-regulation; always proactive in setting yourself up and ensuring you are listening at all times. You ask insightful questions, complete your learning to the best of your ability, take on challenges willingly and are always ready to support your peers. Your warmth, kindness and respect is an asset in our classroom. Well done, Aansh.
1BEthanCongratulations, Ethan, on an outstanding term of academic achievement! Your keen curiosity continues to drive your exploration and understanding across all learning areas. You approach each task with a growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning, consistently seeking opportunities to extend yourself. Your humour and light-heartedness bring warmth to our classroom, creating a positive and uplifting environment for everyone. You consistency uphold our classroom expectations and inspire others to do the same. Your high level of engagement and reflection, particularly in Mathematics, moved your understanding to a deeper level. It has been a pleasure to witness your learning journey this term. Keep up the incredible work, Ethan!
1CAbhiramThis award is proudly presented to Abhiram in recognition of his outstanding commitment to learning. Abhiram always puts his full effort into every task, showing great perseverance and determination. He consistently tries his best, demonstrating resilience and a growth mindset that inspires everyone around him. What makes Abhiram truly stand out is not only his dedication to learning but also the positive attitude he brings with him each day. With a bright smile that lights up the classroom, Abhiram approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. His cheerful presence creates a supportive and encouraging environment for everyone around him, reminding us all that learning can be both meaningful and joyful. Congratulations, Abhiram!
1DSohanaCongratulations to Sohana for being a responsible, respectful, and persevering learner in 1D this year. You always set yourself up for learning and demonstrate whole-body listening whenever someone is speaking. You carefully follow instructions by recording dates and completing tasks exactly as the teacher asks. You complete your learning to the best of your ability and share your ideas with confidence. You consistently challenge yourself in English and Mathematics, even attempting extension tasks with positive mindset. Outstanding work, Sohana, your commitment and positive attitude make you a role model in our class. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and achievements.
ClassNameReason
2AAprilCongratulations, April! Your constant desire to improve and refine your learning is admirable. You actively seek feedback and look for opportunities to move your thinking forward, which shows your dedication to building a deeper understanding of the world around you and to continually improving the quality of your writing. Your curiosity shines through in the clarifying questions you ask, which not only help you but also guide others in their learning. You take great pride in the way you present your work and in keeping our classroom clean and tidy, showing how much you value your learning environment and the people within it. One of your standout strengths is your high level of emotional literacy. Whether in the classroom or the playground, you recognise the emotions of others and offer support with empathy and care. You adjust your own actions to suit the situation, and you show strong self-awareness by recognising the conditions you learn best in and making thoughtful decisions to help yourself when challenges arise. This ensures you are always making the most of your learning time. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, April! Your commitment, thoughtfulness, and pride in your learning make a positive impact on everyone around you.
2BNairahNairah has been an inspiration this year, showing kindness, compassion and diligence both towards her fellow classmates and schoolwork. She regularly shows a ‘growth mindset’ when completing unknown tasks and as a result is now able to tackle tasks independently. Keep up the wonderful work Nairah!
2CJazminJazmin has improved remarkably throughout this term both academically and socially. She comes to class every day with a drive succeed and willingness to learn, as shown through her improvement in reading and writing. Jazmin's positive attitude and respectful manners make her a highly appreciated and irreplaceable member of the 2C community. It has been wonderful to see her blossom into a confident learner, especially when speaking and sharing her ideas in front of the class. She has aso also gone out of her comfort zone to make new connections by interacting with different peers in the class. Moreover, Jazmin always ensures that her handwriting is neat and tidy, and that her learning is completed to the best of her ability. Well done! Jazmin, you should be proud of yourself for what you have achieved this term, keep up the great work!
2DHumsikhaHumsikha is a confident and proactive student who is never afraid to ask questions and take charge of her own learning. She goes above and beyond to hold herself accountable, always showing a strong sense of responsibility and curiosity in the classroom. Humsikha is not only dedicated to completing her work to the best of her ability, but she also contributes thoughtfully to class discussions and consistently follows instructions. Her kind, lovely, and helpful nature makes her a joy to be around. She is always ready to lend a hand to both teachers and classmates. Humsikha takes special care to ensure that everyone feels included and supported, making her a truly valued and compassionate member of the class.
2EMrushaCongratulations on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award, Mrusha! You have consistently demonstrated the GWPS School Values of Initiative, Respect, Getting Along and Integrity. You are such a kind, positive and enthusiastic member of the classroom. I am truly impressed by your approach to life and learning, and it has been a pleasure to see your confidence grow as the year has progressed. Thank you for consistently applying your personal best to everything you do and for always wearing a smile on your face. 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, Mrusha! Congratulations.
ClassNameReason
3AAmeliyaAmeliya has been a shining example of what it means to be a kind, courageous, and committed learner. She has consistently brought a warm, friendly energy to our classroom and has shown a genuine willingness to help others. Ameliya has approached every task with positivity and determination, always giving things a go, even when they have felt new or challenging. Her persistence and enthusiasm have shown a true love of learning, and the support she has offered her classmates reflects the empathy and gratitude she holds in her heart. Ameliya has been an absolute joy, and we are so proud of the wonderful person and learner she has become! 
3BEloise (Ella)Congratulations Ella, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award!You always try your very best and show such a positive attitude in everything you do. You come to school each day with a smile and a willingness to learn, and that makes such a difference in our classroom. It has been wonderful to watch you grow at Glen Waverley Primary School. You show so much enthusiasm for your learning, whether it’s tackling something new or helping your classmates. You are caring, thoughtful, and always ready to support others, which makes you a fantastic role model for your friends. You never give up, even when things are tricky, and you face challenges with determination and confidence. That resilience, along with your kindness, makes you such a special and important part of our class community. Keep up your amazing effort, Ella. With your positive attitude and love of learning, I know you will continue to achieve wonderful things. Congratulations again!
3CMahiThe Principal’s Learning Award for Term Three is awarded to Mahi, to celebrate her bright and determined spirit. Mahi has consistently shown herself to be a responsible, motivated and kind member of the 3C community, upholding the School Values in all that she does. Mahi has demonstrated an impressive growth mindset all year, consistently dedicating herself to seeking feedback and feedforward for her learning. She is always one of the first to start her learning tasks and complete them to a very high standard. Another amazing thing about Mahi is her willingness to ask questions when she doesn’t understand, exemplifying her positive attitude towards tackling challenges. Throughout the year, Mahi has shown how kind and empathetic she is. Whenever her classmates are feeling lonely, or someone needs to be included in a group, Mahi is always amongst the first to put her hand up, showing impressive inclusivity. This generous spirit has enabled her to connect with her peers and develop strong, lasting friendships. Congratulations on all you have achieved this term and beyond, Mahi! You are a shining superstar!
3DChloeYou are an absolute superstar in our school community! Every day you show what it means to live by our school values, and you do it with heart, style, and a big smile. You always do the right thing and encourage others to do the same. That’s integrity in action! Whether it’s reminding your classmates to make safe choices or just setting a great example, you help make our classroom a better place for everyone. When someone is feeling stuck or frustrated, you’re right there with patience, support, and helpful ideas. That’s real empathy, and it makes a huge difference.  You show initiative in everything you do. No matter what the task is, you’re always ready to give it a go, and you do it with such a positive attitude that lifts the whole room. Your respect shines through every day. You use kind words and your thoughtful questions, such as “What are you having for lunch today?” and “I hope you have a good recess!” The way you treat others with genuine kindness is truly awesome! In reading, your understanding of how to write a proper letter is spot on! In your writing, you include every detail like the address, date, greeting, body, closing, and signature. What a pro! You painted the perfect picture of your weekend, eating delicious food, sipping boba, and studying both Chinese and English, all while making it personal and fun! That’s serious writing talent! When it comes to mathematics, you’re totally on top of it. You’ve mastered solving multiplication equations using the CUBES strategy, and you know exactly how to use arrays to show your thinking. You break it down, solve it, and show your thinking like a true mathematician! Chloe, your energy, kindness, and wonderful learning make you stand out and a joy to have in class. You’ve earned this Principal’s Learning Award. You should be super proud! Keep being amazing! 
3EZianaCongratulations, Ziana, on receiving the Principal Learning Award! Each day, you approach your learning with positivity, readiness, and your very best effort. Whether working independently or with others, you complete tasks with focus, courage, and a willingness to challenge yourself. Your commitment to Mathematics stands out. You face challenges with persistence and a growth mindset, working hard to improve and inspiring those around you with your resilience and positivity. Beyond your academic success, you embody the values of Respect and Empathy. You make responsible choices, uphold classroom expectations, and show kindness and care for others. You are always ready to lend a helping hand and helping create a classroom where everyone feels safe, supported and valued. Ziana, we are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will continue to achieve!
ClassNameReason
4ASharanyaSharanya is recognised for her thoughtful and conscientious nature, which shines through in everything she does. She demonstrates our school value of Global Empathy by treating others with genuine kindness, compassion, patience and understanding. As a dedicated learner, Sharanya applies herself with determination and persistence, always aiming to complete her learning to the highest standard. She shows great respect towards her peers and teachers, creating a positive and inclusive environment within the classroom. Sharanya’s deep sense of integrity is evident in the way she consistently chooses to do what is right, even when no one is watching. Her maturity, care for others, and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding role model within our school community. We are so proud you belong with 4A!
4BRiddotaFor her remarkable dedication and achievements across all areas of learning. Riddota is an outstanding student who consistently excels in English and Mathematics, demonstrating both skill and perseverance. She is admired for her kind and thoughtful nature, always extending a helping hand to her peers and ensuring new classmates feel welcomed and included. Riddota’s creativity shines through her innovative ideas and imaginative designs, which enrich our learning community and inspire those around her. She is a true role model whose quiet confidence, generosity, and talent make her an exceptional member of Glen Waverley Primary School.
4CJacobIt is with great pleasure that we nominate Jacob for the Principal’s Learning Award. Jacob is a dedicated and enthusiastic learner who consistently demonstrates our school values through both his words and actions. He shows initiative in his learning, often going above and beyond to deepen his understanding and help those around him.Jacob actively uses his Student Voice to contribute ideas that benefit the whole class, showing maturity, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of responsibility. Whether collaborating with classmates or tackling a new challenge, he shows kindness, respect, and a genuine love for learning. His commitment to excellence, helpful nature, and ability to lead by example make him an outstanding role model. We are grateful for Jacob's positive presence in our classroom and school community. Congratulations, Jacob you are truly deserving of this recognition!
4DAdharvAdharv consistently demonstrated that he is a hardworking and dedicated learner. He approached every task with focus and determination, showing perseverance when challenges arose. Adharv displayed a strong growth mindset by viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn and continually striving to improve. He also showed integrity by remaining focused on his work and took initiative in his class community, supporting others when they are struggling and identifying other tasks to go on with when he completes work. Adharv is always willing to help and support his classmates, creating a caring and inclusive environment in the classroom. Through his dedication, kindness, and responsibility, Adharv represents a model student in 4D and at GWPS.
4EAryaYou are a quietly determined learner who brings focus and thoughtfulness to everything you do. You consistently put in your best effort, and when others need support, you step up without hesitation. Whether it’s helping a classmate, staying on task, or approaching your learning with care, you show kindness and maturity every day. Your diligence, helpful nature, and calm approach make you a valued member of our classroom. Keep up the amazing work. Arya!
4FNivedaNiveda is recognised with this Principal’s Learning Award for her dedication to all learning tasks and the consistent effort she has shown in making strong progress. She has been respectful to all her peers and teachers, always modelling kindness and courtesy in the classroom. Niveda has also been a helpful and supportive class member, willingly offering assistance to others and contributing positively to the learning environment. Through her actions, Niveda has demonstrated the Glen Waverley Primary School values of Respect, Initiative, Integrity and Global Empathy, setting a wonderful example for her classmates. Well done Niveda!
ClassNameReason
5AThinuliThinuli has been an excellent role model for 5A in all areas of schooling. She is attentive during the whole class instruction, ensuring the clarity of her learning. When working collaboratively, Thinuli seeks opportunities to contribute to her group. Quality is always at the forefront of her mind and is evident in all of the learning she produced. Thinuli is kind and supportive to her peers and is well-respected in 5A. Congratulations Thinuli, a well-deserved PLA recipient for this term. Keep up your great effort and ethic!
5BAlishaAlisha has had an impressive year in 2025 and, in Term Three, has consistently showed the school values of respect, integrity, initiative and global empathy. She is an eager student who is always keen to learn and demonstrate her understanding in all learning areas. Alisha has shown herself to be an amazingly supportive friend who assists her peers in developing their understanding of classroom tasks, particularly in Mathematics. She has been particularly proud of her role as the Service Learning JSC for 5B, eagerly attending meetings and wanting to share any news with the class. Alisha is a positive presence in the classroom, whether that be keeping the room organised, sharing her thinking during mini lessons or looking for extra jobs to do, she can always be relied upon. Well done on an amazing effort throughout Year Five, Alisha, and I look forward to an amazing Term Four!
5CDahamCongratulations to Daham on receiving the Principal Learning Award for Term 3! You consistently display a growth mindset and your eagerness to explore topics in greater depth reflects not only your enthusiasm but also your strong commitment to learning. I’ve been impressed by your focus during lessons, your whole-body listening, and the meaningful contributions you bring to class discussions. Your enthusiasm for building new friendships has helped foster a supportive and engaged classroom environment. I am especially proud of the learning you’ve completed so far, particularly in mathematics. You approach challenges with determination, use a variety of strategies to solve problems, and thrive when faced with tasks that push your thinking. Keep up the great work, Daham. I look forward to celebrating your future achievements!
5DMadhavMadhav is an inquisitive and thoughtful student who is always eager to ask questions to deepen his understanding. He approaches every learning opportunity with curiosity, humility and a genuine love of knowledge. Madhav’s cleverness is matched by his kindness, as he is always ready to support his classmates and celebrate their successes as much as his own. His dedication to his studies and his respectful, humble attitude make him an outstanding role model for others in the class. Madhav’s positive spirit, hard work and eagerness to learn have shone brightly this term. He should be very proud of his achievements and the way he uplifts those around him. Congratulations, Madhav, on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award — a truly well-deserved recognition of your excellence, character and commitment to learning!
5ESaakhiThroughout the term, Saakhi has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to her learning. She approaches every task with a positive attitude, showing initiative and a willingness to take on challenges with determination. Her perseverance and commitment allow her to grow through each learning opportunity, making her a wonderful role model for her peers. In addition to her academic achievement, Saakhi is kind, helpful, and extremely polite. She treats everyone with respect and care, and her friendly nature creates a warm and supportive environment in the classroom. Keep up the fantastic work, Saakhi!
5FJiayu (Jenny)This award is proudly presented to Jenny for being an outstanding and dedicated learner. She approaches her learning every day with motivation and pride. Jenny consistently follows classroom and school expectations and is both responsible and organised in her approach to learning. Her genuine passion for knowledge shines through both in and out of the classroom. Jenny is a curious and imaginative learner who enjoys exploring new ideas and finding creative solutions. Her enthusiasm for discovery drives her to ask thoughtful questions, experiment with different strategies, and approach challenges with an open mind. Jenny models the Glen Waverley Primary School values of Integrity, Respect, Initiative, and Global Empathy every day. She demonstrates the Habit of ‘Initiative’ by making the right choices without needing to be asked, and takes responsibility for her own growth by asking meaningful questions and applying feedback to improve further. Jenny consistently makes the best choices not only for her own learning, but also to contribute to a positive and safe classroom environment. Congratulations, Jenny, on your outstanding efforts and commitment to your learning journey. May you continue to challenge yourself and inspire those around you.
ClassNameReason
6AAryashCongratulations Aryash on a wonderful term of learning. You have approached all learning and social interactions with great positivity. It has been particularly wonderful to see you grow in how maturely you approach each day. You make wonderful choices to be the best learner you can be as well as make great choices when with peers. Aryash demonstrated the school value of ‘Initiative’ within his learning, particularly highlighted by his working with his buddy during sharing time. Keep up this fantastic approach to learning, you truly deserve this award!
6BRyan6B’s Term One Principal’s Learning Award goes to the incredible Ryan Jayawickrama! Ryan is a calm and collected student, who approaches his time at school with focus and dedication. He interacts with others in a kind and empathetic manner, his selfless nature earning him the admiration and praise of his peers. Ryan is highly regarded by his classmates, acknowledged for his hardworking attitude, humble personality and respectful behaviour. Through his actions, he has proven to be a genuine friend and helpful member of the school community.
6CMovithaCongratulations Movitha on a fabulous term of learning! You are diligent, focused and determined to always do your best in all areas of the curriculum. You consistently position yourself away from distractions, and complete learning tasks with a quiet confidence. Your positive attitude, great work ethic and considerate nature are an excellent example to your peers. Movitha, you are polite and well-mannered in your interactions with both teachers and students, which will serve you well both now and in the future! Keep up the amazing effort! 
6DSohanCongratulations to Sohan for being the recipient of the Term 3 Principal's Learning Award for 6D. Throughout the term, you have shown incredible dedication to your learning. Your curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions have helped you grow as a learner. You handled challenges with a positive and resilient mindset, never giving up even when things get tough. Your kindness shines through in the way you treat your classmates, making you a valued member of our class. Keep up the fantastic work, Sohan!
6EChenukaCongratulations to Chenuka for being the recipient of the Term 3 Principal’s Learning Award for 6E. You consistently show effort in your learning, striving to improve your understanding of new concepts. You have an endless wealth of knowledge about animals and topics that interest you, and you are keen to share them with others. We all learn so much from you every day! Your artistic talent is evident, as well as your persistence and attention to detail when drawing. You show determination when going through the Learning Pit, and challenge yourself to understand topics more deeply. You are friendly member of our class who brings joy to others. Well done, Chenuka!
6FSophieCongratulations to Sophie on receiving the Principal’s Learning Award. She consistently demonstrates not only academic diligence but also a deep sense of care and empathy towards others. She consistently approaches her learning with determination and curiosity, while also taking the time to support and encourage her peers. Sophie’s ability to listen with understanding, show kindness, and foster a sense of belonging within the classroom community reflects her strong character and leadership. She is a role model who exemplifies the values of respect, compassion and perseverance. This award recognises both her outstanding commitment to learning and the positive impact she has on those around her.

 

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

 

Year Prep 

  • Suvrat for creating a huge poster that listed all of the books he has read so far this year
  • Rhashvin for making a chart with 100 ants to celebrate his 100th day at school 
  • Caitlin, Suvrat, Rhashvin and Vandan for learning about the importance of looking after their body 

 

 

Year 1

  • Sihara for receiving certificates for completing the Squirts Swimming program and Level 1 Rollerblading
  • Sihara and Amana for being really responsible members of our school community 
  • Evaan for receiving a swimming award for completing level 7!

 

Year 2

  • Aishira, Junaina, Jason and Kian for writing fabulous reports that demonstrated how much their English skills have improved 
  • Isabella and Senuki for writing very detailed information reports about the Venus flytrap plant and Buddhist culture 
  • Myra and Samar for reading about the lifecycle of a turtle and turning this into a story 

 

 

Year 3

  • Abisshna and Joan for writing excellent letters which were very well written 
  • Sansa, Samiksha, Ryleigh and Chloe for completing very detailed and comprehensive reports about their parents’ childhood 

 

 

Year 4

  • Arnav and Aarav for learning about the importance of knowing equivalence’s in mass
  • Nethmi, Sehansa, Farhan and Krishna for making amazing progress with their writing as they wrote outstanding memoirs 
  • Aneel, Evelyn and Arnav for developing their understanding of media and how it shapes them by developing their own website 
  • Navesha for receiving a trophy from her cultural classes for presenting a speech about gardens and flowers 
  • Arnav, Riaan and Pratham for being very creative during an art lesson where they each drew either the head, torse or legs of a creature 

 

 

Year 5

  • Saakhi and Boyan for working very hard on their Class President speech that was filled with lots of persuasive pieces and emotive language 

 

 

 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy fortnight, 

 

 

Frank Catalano

Principal