School Newsletter -Vol.9 12 June 2024

From the Principal

Learn to Swim

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all of the students who have successfully completed their Swimming and Water Safety Program. Your dedication and hard work in mastering these essential skills are commendable. I was really pleased to hear that student behaviour was excellent, and many students made significant progress over the course of the program.

LSSSA Cross Country

Congratulations to our students who were selected for the LSSSA Cross Country Team. Thank you to the parents and family members who were able to attend and watch and thank you for following instructions regarding viewing areas. Such large events do require considerable planning, so we really appreciate your involvement and co-operation. Well done to all students who ran in the carnival. 

Moderation Day

We were delighted to welcome teachers from Ravenswood Heights to our school on Friday, June 7th, for a collaborative session focused on moderating student work samples against common assessment tasks. Moderation serves as a valuable opportunity for teachers to ensure consistency and accuracy in assessing student learning outcomes against the Australian Curriculum.

Teachers were engaged in thoughtful discussions and shared insights to ensure alignment in assessment standards and expectations. This collaborative effort not only enhances the reliability of assessment practices but also promotes professional growth and development among teachers.

Following the successful moderation session at our school, our Year 5 and 6 teachers continued their professional learning journey by visiting Queechy High School to participate in the moderation of numeracy tasks. This exchange of ideas and practices further enriches our teaching community, enabling us to better support our students' academic progress.

 We extend our gratitude to all the teachers involved for their dedication to continuous improvement and their commitment to providing the best possible learning experiences for our students.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Every year, thousands of students across Tasmania participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge from 17 June to 23 August. The Challenge encourages personal reading goals over 10 weeks, embracing diverse formats, including recommended books.

Reading is a priority for the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), including our school. Reading helps children to understand the world they live in. It sparks curiosity, nurtures imagination and is fun to do. Reading is integral to developing vital literacy skills and fostering independence and self-assurance. The Challenge is most successful when parents show interest and support their children. Help your child with their reading challenge and you will be making a positive difference to their future. If you would like to know more please access the links below.

Premier's Reading Challenge - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

Book lists and book reviews - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

Attendance Matters

Consistent attendance at school is vital for positive educational outcomes and ensures students remain engaged in their learning and connected to their peers. Research suggests that missing school can significantly impact students' emotional and behavioural wellbeing. Each day absent from school diminishes a young person's opportunity to realise their full social and educational potential.

Currently, our school has an average daily attendance rate of 79%. 

We are pleased to note that our Kindergarten students lead the school with an attendance rate of 86.9%, closely followed by our Prep students at 85.7%. However, we aim to achieve even greater attendance rates, aspiring for every student to attend 90% of school days.

Thank you for your continued partnership in communicating each time your child is absent from school.  We have a goal to reduce the number of unexplained absences.  Please reply to the text we send each morning your child is absent, or you may call the school or use the Schoolzine app or send a signed note with a sibling. 

We understand that various factors can influence student attendance, and addressing these complexities requires collaboration between families and school. Class teachers will be available to discuss your child's attendance during the Mid-year Learning Conversations. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to share any concerns you may have regarding attendance or learning for your student.

We are here to offer support and work alongside you to overcome any barriers to attendance, ultimately benefiting the wellbeing and academic success of your child.

Kind regards,  

Mrs Wightman 

Principal 

Student Success

Year 6 student Kacie has a passion for angling.  She joined the Launceston Angling Club almost two years ago. Fishing for trout, Kacie competes in a competition each month and is often against up to 10 other competitors. Kacie has won an outstanding four competitions this season.  Kacie has been so successful this season that she is the overall winner in the Junior section, winning many prizes such as $200 voucher from Tamar Marine, extra lures and $125 cash.  One of Kacie's prizes last year was an outboard motor. Upon winning a new outboard Kacie had to have her own boat!  

Kacie recently competed in a fund-raising event raising money for MND, she was awarded the Twig (junior) award for the biggest fish.  Way to go Kacie!

The season opens in August and  Kacie will be back enjoying the sport that she loves.  Wet lines Kacie!

Merit Certificates & Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of merit certificates and awards recevied at the assembly held on Wednesday 5th June.

Merit Certificates:

• Xayn S-G
• Chase B
• Jakobi W
• Chase A
• Hope C-P
• Dakoda N
• Levi G
• Jye W
• Logan C
• Skye R
• Jeramiah H
• Zatayah-Rose R
• Zane R
• Elliott M
• Willow R
• Harriett G
• Malakai A
• Harper O-C

Principal Awards:

• Grace A
• Phoebe F
• Amanda Chugg - Staff member
• Laura Harrison - Staff member

Crazy Hair Day

On Wednesday, 12 June, the School Association Fundraising Committee hosted an exciting Crazy Hair Day event. Students and teachers alike let their creativity shine, sporting wild and colorful hairstyles in support of a great cause. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation from our school community, we raised a fantastic $101!

Winner of Most Colourful Hair: Domanic from Class 5/6
Winner of Craziest Hair: Mahalia-Rose from Class 2/3
Winner of Craziest Hair (Teacher): Mrs. Salter
Class with Most Students Participating: Kinder

A huge thank you goes out to the School Association Fundraising Committee for organising this fantastic event. The funds raised will go towards purchasing new equipment for our athletics carnival. Your support and participation make a real difference, and together, we’re helping to enhance our school’s activities and facilities.

Let’s continue to come together for great causes and make our school the best it can be!

Thank you, everyone, for your creativity and generosity!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 22

Next

Gallery Wall Update

Thank you to Mrs Foley who has been busy updating our gallery wall.

Take a moment to check out the wonderful art pieces by Ronan, Amarli, Alydia, Charlotte, Rubi, Zayah, Jakobi and Kallee when you visit the office.

Year 6 T-Shirts

We are pleased to report that the Year 6 T-Shirts will be ordered shortly. This will allow our Year 6 Students to receive their tshirt when they return to school after term 2 holidays.  Year 6 students can wear their T-shirt in term 3 and 4 as part of their full school uniform. The design is pictured however will have ‘24’ on the back on the tops.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased an ice cream this year. The ice cream sales have been a fundraising initiative by our Year 6 students to help reduce the cost of their t-shirts. Based on the sales in Term 1, we are predicting a similar fundraising effort across the remaining terms to support our Year 6s. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

We look forward to seeing our Year 6 students wearing their tops with pride as they spend their last two terms as students at Waverley Primary School. 

Mrs Pel

Advanced Skills Teacher

Kinder Excursion - Hagley Farm School

Students from our Kindergarten class will be visiting the Hagley Farm School Visitor Centre on Monday 1 July.  The excursion will include duck feeding, animal feeding, egg collection, a tour of the dairy and shearing shed, and a tractor ride. A letter will be sent home explaining the date, time, and details of the excursion.

Uniform

Hats must be worn by students when outside in terms 1 and 4.  Please check with your child that they have their school hat. School hats can be purchased from our uniform shop.

School shorts or trousers are plain black.  We have some examples of shorts and track pants in our uniform shop that can be purchased from Kmart.  We also have a range of second-hand items to give away or that you can purchase.  Our staff in the School Office are very happy to help you and your child(ren) with all uniform needs.

Please note: branded leggings and very short hot pant style shorts are not part of our school uniform.

Communication

Newsletter access

Please note the following information: 

Schoolzine SZapp and our Text message service are our main source of communication. 

The newsletter is published every second Wednesday through Schoolzine and can be viewed through the SZapp.   

The Waverly Primary School Facebook page is a great way to stay informed about what is happening in and around our school. 

Attendance

At Waverley Primary students attendance and safety are high priorities.  If your child is absent or late please phone our school office ph: 6339 1455 or send a note via the SZapp.  All lateness and absence must be explained.  This is a legal requirement by the Department for Education Children and Young People.  

An SMS text message will be automatically sent to the mobile phones of parents/carers explaining that our records show that your child is absent from school.   

The message will arrive on the phone displaying the number: 0407 580 106. Please save this number as ‘WPS Absentee’ so that when the message arrives you are aware is has come from our school.   

You can reply to the text to explain the absence please add: your child’s name, reason they are absent or late.   

Messages from you to school

To ensure your messages are received and actioned in a timely manner and without error, please use the following:

• Absentee notifications - Enter details using the SZapp by 9:00am to notify the office of student absence.
• End of day messages - Send a message using the SZapp or call 63391455 before 2:30pm.
• Queries and other messages - Send a message using the SZapp or email waverley.primary@decyp.tas.gov.au
• Uniform & icecream/icypole orders - Order and pay on the Qkr! app

We endeavour to respond to enquiries within 2 business days during school terms.

Messages from us to you

In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we will push information out to you via the SZapp.  It is very important that all of our parents have signed up to the Schoolzine app to receive notices and information. 

If you require assistance in setting up or using the SZapp or the Qkr! app, please contact the office. 

Allergy Aware

We are an allergy aware school.  We discourage the use and consumption of nuts and nut products as well as eggs and egg products. 

Ice Cream Sales

A reminder that we have ice cream sales on a Monday at lunch time.  All proceeds support our Year 6 celebration activities.  You can order your ice cream or icy pole on the Qkr! app or you can bring cash on the day.

5/6 Friday Sport

Important Dates

Early Years

Pre-Kinder

Digital Skills for families

Staff Information

Staff – Student Support and Wellbeing Team

Staff - Teacher Assistant

Administration Team

Education Facility Attendant

Working With Vulnerable People Registration

Parents and carers if you remain with your child in their classroom beyond school drop off, or volunteer for parent help, or would like to attend a school excursion we must see a copy of your registration card.  When you sign in at the office please enter your RWVP number.  

It is against the law for a person to work or volunteer at any DECYP School without a current working with vulnerable people registration. 

If you would like to volunteer at Waverley Primary School we would love to hear from you.  To apply for registration please follow the link below:

Move Well Eat Well

A reminder to everyone that we do not bring energy drinks to school.  

Winter Wellness

Community Notices