Principal's Report

By Frank Catalano

Dear Members of the Glen Waverley Primary School Community,

I trust all is well with you and your family and welcome to the final newsletter for Term One where so much is shared about our fabulous school.

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

End of Term One

I always find it difficult to believe that another school term is about to come to an end. Never the less, it certainly has been a fantastic term as we have accomplished so much as a school community such as:

The Prep children commencing school so confidently
The entire student body beginning their learning with rigour and intent
The very successful Year 5 camp and swimming programs
The implementation of a ‘pop-up’ vaccination hub on two occasions
Sporting tournaments and
How could I miss the very special assembly to honour Mrs Tomecek?

Novel Coronavirus Update

Once again it has been very pleasing to note that the number of confirmed cases throughout our school has decreased over the past fortnight and what is also fabulous that the reported cases are spread across the year levels. Naturally this is a result of everyone being vigilant by ensuring the children remain at home if they are feeling unwell and also utilising the Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT’s). Once again, thank you everyone for the manner in which the entire GWPS community have supported one another.

Mrs Helen Tomecek’s Retirement Function

Last Monday week our school community held a very special event to honour, acknowledge and celebrate the retirement of one of our school’s Assistant Principal’s, Mrs Helen Tomecek. Helen has been an integral component of the GWPS family for approx. 28 years and it was only fitting that a very special ceremony was held for her in the presence of her family. In fact her son Ben, travelled from Queensland to attend.

The assembly consisted of:

Eva and Yenuli playing the violin
Ishika and Kiyara presenting Helen with portfolios containing messages from the children
Ms. Marotti and Mr Shen – representing the staff who read a poem dedicated to Helen and presented her with a gift and flowers
Mrs Jessey Kaur (School Council President) – expressing a few words on behalf of School Council and also presenting a gift
The School Vice- Captains (Nimmer and Daivik) and Nikhil and Eeman – delivered speeches all about Helen and then
The very special part of the assembly where it was announced that the Early Learning Centre will be named in honour of Helen’s contribution to our school community. Moving forward the facility will be known as “The Helen Tomecek Early Learning Centre”

Naturally Helen was absolutely thrilled with the announcement and was literally “blown away” by the gesture and outpour of gratitude.

As indicated in the photos below, it really was a very special occasion that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and in particular, Mrs Tomecek and her family!

Congratulations to Joshua (Year 5)

Joshua continues to work exceptionally hard on his swimming and recently he sent me the following email that outlines his latest achievements:

Dear Mr. Catalano

This weekend, I had great experiences.

Last Friday, I went to the EASTERN METROPOLITAN REGION SWIMMING CARNIVAL

I participated as a representative of Division and had a great swimming race with other school students.

Freestyle 8th 36.32 and

Butterfly 5th 42.63 PB

Even though I didn't get a medal, I did my best and I was especially happy to make my best time with butterfly.

Yesterday and today, I went to 2022 VICTORIAN METRO ALL JUNIOR COMPETITION.

At the Semi Final I achieved,

Freestyle 9th 36.01 PB

Backstroke 9th 45.45 and

Butterfly 12th 43.32

I made it to the top 10 with two strokes and went to the finals.

Today's final, everyone was serious and did their best in swimming. I felt something special, and I was very excited and nervous.

In the final round I finished,

Freestyle 9th 36.67 and

Backstroke 9th. 42.30 PB

I'm proud that I didn't give up and did it until the end and I have a goal to train hard for better results.

Regards

Joshua.

Wow, Joshua it is quite evident that your hard work is paying off because you keep achieving PB’s – keep it up and we all look forward to hearing how your times improve in the coming weeks and months! Well done and congratulations!

Congratulations to one of our Alumni’s Alex Lee

Alex is Joshua’s older brother and he too is an outstanding sportsperson. Recently he was asked to attend the West Ham United Australia Talent ID Camp at the Gold Coast, Queensland, which is being run by the West Ham United junior coach. At the time of writing this piece I am yet to hear how Alex went, however on behalf of the entire school community Alex – well done, congratulations for making it to this point and we look forward to hearing how you go!

Congratulations to Hirun (Year 5) and Onalee (Prep)

Hirun and Onalee are avid participants in the Knox Little Athletics club and last weekend they participated in the Club championships where they achieved the following results:

Onalee:

Silver medal (2nd place) in Discuss, Long Jump and Shot Put and
4th place in the 70m sprint

Hirun:

Gold medal (1st place) in High Jump and
Silver medal in the 80m Hurdles and the 70m Sprint.

Well done and congratulations to both of you and we look forward to hearing how your athletics careers progress!

Congratulations to Aiden (Year 4)

Dear Mr Catalano,

Last Friday April 1st I went to Bill Stewart Athletics track to take part in Syndal District Athletics Carnival.

I was so excited as it was my first experience representing my school. There were many kids from 11 schools ready to compete. I was placed 1st in high jump and 2nd in the 100m sprint and my relay team was placed 3rd. I am proud of my achievement even though I wasn’t feeling my very best as I was sick the night before I was able to give my best. Thanks, Aidan ( Year 4 )

Congratulations to the Term One Kiwanis Terrific Kids

Our school is extremely fortunate to be one of a handful of schools that are part of the Kiwanis Terrific Kids program that acknowledges children who display the following qualities:

On Monday, Ian from our local Kiwanis Club attended our school in order to announce this term’s TK and also present the children with a certificate, $20 book voucher and a medallion. Congratulations to the following children for being selected as the Term One TK and a sincere thank you to the Kiwanis Club for their continued support!

Leah - Prep E

Congratulations Leah, you have shown wonderful success this term and should be commended for embodying the qualities of a ‘TERRIFIC Kid’ – Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, Capable and Respectful. Leah is a caring and thoughtful individual who offers a helping hand to her peers. She uses encouraging words such as ‘You’re doing a great job’ when she sees that her peers need some encouragement. Leah demonstrates respect by applying whole body listening on the floor during class discussions and listens attentively. She often shows enthusiasm in her learning especially when we do hands on tasks such as using concrete materials to make patterns. Keep up the fabulous learning Leah!

Ritisha – 1D

Ritisha is a hardworking and enthusiastic learner who demonstrates initiative in her own learning. She shows excellent engagement in class and is always willing to share her thoughts with the class. Furthermore, she has shown a growth mindset by asking questions to deepen her learning and explore her wonderings. Ritisha has also demonstrated integrity and empathy towards others in the class, by extending her assistance to others, and comforting them whenever they are upset. Congratulations Ritisha!

Yanick – 3B

Throughout Term 1, Yanick has consistently demonstrated our school values and shown compassion and care towards each and every one of his peers. He beams positivity when walking into the classroom each morning, ensuring that he strives to achieve his best across all his learning each day. Yanick has demonstrated a strong emotional understanding of those around him, encouraging his peers to do their very best and congratulating them when they achieve a task. You should be extremely proud of your wonderfully positive and persistent attitude Yanick, Keep up the amazing job!

Tanishi - 5A

Tanishi, you are a worthy recipient of the Kiwanis Terrific Kids Award for the way you always displaying courtesy, respect and kindness in our community. Your work is often creative and continues to be of a high standard. You consistently strive towards being a self-regulated learner by challenging yourself, having a growth mindset and powering through with persistence. You have proved yourself to be an outstanding role model of integrity, initiative and striving for excellence already this Term.

Congratulations Tanishi on such an impressive start to GWPS!

School Photos

Thank you everyone for supporting this year’s school photographs and we look forward to them being delivered early next term.

District Athletics Day

Last Friday our school Athletics Team participated in the Syndal District competition and once again the children were outstanding not only in the manner in which they competed, but also in their attitude and behaviour. Congratulations to all of the children who represented our school. Mr Parker and Mrs Sparkes have written a report which is included in this newsletter. Well done and congratulations to everyone involved as you should be incredibly proud of yourselves!

School Holiday Program

A reminder that our school implements a school vacation care program every school holidays. A copy of the program is attached for your information and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact or see Meththa our school coordinator.

Rocketeers Mission V Glen Waverley Newsletter.pdf

End of Term Reminders

Please be aware of the following reminders for tomorrow and also the first week of Term Two:

Tomorrow:

Is the final day of Term One and the children will be dismissed at 2:30 pm. Our After School Care Program will subsequently commence from 2:30.
An end of term assembly will be held from 1:50 in the gymnasium and all parents are most welcome to attend
The last day of each term is also a “free dress” day and there is no cost to participate.
Childcare (Vacation Care) is available throughout the forthcoming holidays at our school. Please see Meththa (our Out of School Hours Coordinator) to make the necessary arrangements or our website: www.glenps.vic.edu.au and follow the links to Before and After School Care.

First Week of Term Two:

The commencement of Term Two this year is different than normal as per the following:

Monday 25th April is the ANZAC Day Public Holiday and
Tuesday 26th April is a Curriculum Day at our school:
In the morning as a staff we will update our First Aid qualifications (at our school all staff have a minimum Level Two qualifications) and
In the afternoon we will continue developing our collective understanding of Student Voice and Student Choice.
Please be aware that our school’s Vacation Care program has been extended to include Tuesday 26th April.
Hence, the children are not required to attend school on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th April, school will resume on Wednesday 27th April at 8:50am.

Principal Awards

Congratulations to the following students for receiving a Principal Awards recently:

Prep A

Jaydan, Saaral and Rishaan for working so hard to improve their writing and for making amazing progress

Prep E

Reyashi for completing amazing home learning and for also receiving a prize from our school chess program

Vidhi and Hasan for working so hard to write really creative recounts

Nivaishna and Cian for making the most amazing progress with their writing

Aryan, Anuki, Sineysha and Aaradhya for writing about their culture exceptionally well

Anuki for writing a 5 page recount of a very interesting weekend
Chenaya, Jayden and Sam for creating very colourful and meaningful superhero capes

Navesha for being very brave and also for being a great friend

Deion and Jared for completing their COURAGE sign
Dion and Vivaan for completing their HONESTY sign and for making better choices!
Anaya for colouring in a unicorn for my office

Ayaan also for completing his COURAGE sign
Riaan for receiving a medal from the Eastfield Cricket Club

Tianna, Sakthi and Julieanna for working very hard to complete their CALM sign
Eva for receiving a medal from the Waverley Comets Basketball Club and for also very confidently speaking at assembly with Grace

Neeraja for an outstanding attitude towards her home learning and for completing it to a very high standard
Joshua and Pranit for making outstanding progress with their writing
Grace for receiving a medal from the Waverley Comets Basketball Club and for also very confidently speaking at assembly with Eva

Reyan for digger deeper with his learning by learning so much about deforestation and for also receiving a prize from our school chess program

Krisha for being a Dolphin Companion at Water World at the Gold Coast

Sadew for making outstanding progress with his writing

Aarthy, Sahiba, Garni and Blake for writing very deep and personally reflections about their cultural experiences as featured in the Kids Corner section of this newsletter

Take care and I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday 27th April for the commencing of Term Two.

Frank Catalano

Principal