School Newsletter -Vol.11_18th September

From the Principal

We have certainly witnessed the incredible power of nature with the recent weather events causing damage and disruption across the state. Thankfully, we were fortunate at school to continue business as usual without any interruptions.  

As we welcome more daylight and feel the warmth of the sun, it's a timely reminder that hats must be worn at all break times to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. Let's all take care to stay sun-safe as we enjoy the beautiful weather ahead! 

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in the number of students taking part in the activities and events available to them. That’s a true sign of growth, not just in numbers but in confidence. Last week, some of our students had the opportunity to participate in the Hands-on Learning excursion, where they collaborated with students from Summerdale. It was fantastic to see them working together, sharing ideas, and embracing new challenges. 

And then, of course, there was the Mass Dance event last week at the Silverdome. Wow! Our Prep to Year 6 students demonstrated such courage to perform on that big stage. They showed everyone the true meaning of one of our core values—courage. It takes bravery to get up and dance in front of such a large crowd, and they did it with smiles on their faces and pride in their hearts.  

What made it even more special was hearing from so many people who were there. I received emails, phone calls, and even text messages from other school staff. They all said the same thing: Waverley Primary shone. And you know what? They’re absolutely right. We do shine. We are Safe, Helpful, Inclusive and Excellent. 

Keep being the amazing students that you are, and let’s keep showing everyone just how much Waverley Primary can SHINE. 

Planning for 2025 

We are already underway with planning for next year and have started to consider options for our model of classes – Kinder to Year 6.   

At Waverley Primary School, we work collaboratively with our teachers to make decisions regarding class placement.  We make decisions within and across the sector teams to determine class placements.   The procedure ensures decisions regarding class placements is informed by students, teachers, parents, and carers.  Classes are formed to provide the best possible learning environment for all students catering for a range of academic abilities, to increase social connections, to improve work habits and to foster diversity.  

Our intention is to create even classes, with a balance of academic strengths and needs as well as considering social and emotional abilities and application to learning.   

If you have additional information about your child’s learning needs and/or success, which is unknown to the school, please place this information on the class placement letter for 2025. The letter will be sent home this week. Please note requests for individual teachers cannot be considered.  Information should be received by Friday 27 September.  This is the final day of Term 3. 

 Families Satisfaction Survey 2024 

Every year the Department for Education, Children and Young People conducts a School Satisfaction Survey to find out what schools do well and where they may improve.  

We would be so grateful if families could complete our online survey about Waverley Primary School. Your feedback is very important and helps form school planning and decision-making. 

The survey is open until Friday 20 September 2024 and should take about 5 minutes to complete. 

Each family should nominate one person to fill in this survey for their child(ren). 

Take the online survey by clicking this https://nam.dcv.ms/bIR8VSw4Bm, or pasting it in your browser: https://nam.dcv.ms/bIR8VSw4Bm The survey is carried out on a secure website and all responses are anonymous and confidential. 

All families in this school received the same survey link and no identifying information is collected. A summary of the survey results will be provided to schools. Responses from individuals or small groups will NOT be disclosed to any Department for Education, Children and Young People staff. 

Please contact us if you require any assistance. 

Thank you for taking the time to fill in this survey. 

 Kind regards, 

Katie Wightman 

Principal 

Principal Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of Principal Awards received at the assembly held on Wednesday 11th September.

• Hunter S
• Madalyn M
• Mr Symes
• Mrs Matuska

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the recipients of Merit Certificates received at the assembly held on Wednesday 11th September

• Lincoln B
• Zayah M
• Isaiah K 
• Mason R
• Jesse G
• Charlotte M
• Amity I
• Mateo W
• Noah C
• Isaac R
• Lillian W
• Dakoda N
• Indigo R
• Logan C
• Agnes W
• Layla C
• Nate F

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RFDS Excursion - Prep/1 Ennis

On Wednesday 11th of September, Prep-1 Ennis travelled by bus to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) base at Breadalbane. 

We were lucky enough to arrive just in time to see the real RFDS plane and meet the pilot and paramedic.  

Together, we were able to tour the RFDS dental van and portable doctor surgery and learn about how the RFDS support those in rural areas to access health services. We were very excited to be able to experience the RFDS simulator and have a go at flying the plane and role play to use the medical supplies.  

We all had an incredible time, and we thank our wonderful TAs and parent helpers for their support.  

“I enjoyed reviving the teddy bears and dolls with the pump!” – Isaac 

“I liked the dentist bus because normally the dentist is not on a bus!” – Hamish 

“It was cool when we got to see the fire truck spray the water. It was so cool how far it sprayed.” – Mason 

“The plane was my favourite part. I was the pilot and could see the farms below me on the screen.” - Grace 

Miss Grace Ennis

Teacher

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Feast of Knowledge

On Thursday 12th September, Year 5 students travelled to Newstead College to participate in the Feast of Knowledge morning, hosted by The Smith Family and Newstead College staff and students.  

We started the day with a tour of the college with three current Newstead College students. We had our recess break in the café area. It was nice to see all the tasty looking treats available to buy in the cafe.  

We then participated in three 30-minute sessions.  

Session 1 - esports/gaming: we participated in gaming and spoke about what it means to be a ‘good’ sport.

Session 2 – in the cooking room we made ice cream spiders. For some students it was their first timing making an ice cream spider. This was a delicious treat for the morning. We also had a tour of the full-size commercial kitchen.  

Session 3 – in the wood and construction are we met Vic who showed us around the classroom. Vic had made small treasure chests from the laser cutter.  We were invited to assemble the treasure chests.  It was so nice to be able to take our work home.  

It was a great opportunity to experience college life and think about our future schooling possibilities.  

From Year 5 students and Mrs Megan Pel Advanced Skills Teacher.

1-2 Meallin

This week in 1-2 Meallin, we have been learning about multiplication! We have been exploring the understanding that multiplication means working with equal groups and how one number tells us how many groups there are, and the other shows how many are in each group.  

Using counters and mini whiteboards, our students practiced creating and showing these groups in a fun and hands-on way. The students really enjoyed demonstrating their understanding and challenging their thinking. 

Miss Meallin

Teacher

LSSSA Dance Event

On Tuesday 10th of September, students from Prep-Year 6 travelled by bus to the Silverdome to participate in the return of the Launceston State Schools Sports Association’s Dance Event. After 8 weeks of learning more than 10 dances, students had the opportunity to perform along with other Primary Schools on the floor of the Silverdome to an audience of family and friends. We congratulate all students for stepping out of their comfort zone and working hard to learn and perform the dances. We are very proud of the courage displayed by all. A special thank you to all teachers, TAs and parents for supporting students on the day. 

Mrs Matuska

HPE Teacher

5/6 Excursion to Tasmania Zoo

On Monday, 16th September, our Year 5-6 class visited Tasmania Zoo as part of their biological science studies on wildlife and habitats. The students represented Waverley proudly, demonstrating SHINE learning behaviours, using manners, and wearing their uniforms with pride. Congratulations to all students for their fantastic behaviour. A special thank you to the staff who helped make this memorable excursion possible!

Mr Milne

Teacher/AST

Student Achievement

This week we send a big congratulations to Maetell-Rose and Shaylah who will travel to Penguin to represent the LSSSA in girls football on Friday 20th September. Both girls have worked hard to make it to the final representative team. Their team will compete against other teams from the North-West of the state. We are very proud of the work they have put in and wish both girls good luck in their games! We know they will represent Waverley Primary and the LSSSA with pride. 

Mrs Matuska

HPE Teacher

LiFT

Over the past fortnight, we have held Learning in Families Together (LiFT) reading game afternoons for the Prep-1 and 1-2 classes. The afternoon was fun filled and focused on enhancing reading skills through engaging literacy games. Students played sight word, rhyming, and other literacy-based games together, making learning interactive and enjoyable. 

At the end of the session, each student received a take-home pack containing their own games to continue practicing at home. We hope you enjoy playing these games and reinforcing reading skills together! 

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Reading at Home

Well done to Ezra and Jye, who sent in a great photo of them reading at home together, and to Max and Grace, who shared a lovely photo of them making brownies at home with their Mum. These students will have the opportunity to select a new picture book to take home. 

Reading over 40 nights!

Congratulations to Zayah and Jeremiah from 2-3, who were rewarded with a new picture book for reading over 40 nights! 

LiFT Reminder

The Grade 2-3 reading game afternoon is this Thursday from 2:30-3:00pm. We look forward to meeting parents/carers in the 2-3 classroom for a lovely afternoon of reading and games. 

There’s still time to send in your entries for the LiFT challenges. Entries are open until next Friday, so be sure to participate! 

Mrs Salter

LiFT Educator

Year 1 Phonics Check

Our Year 1 students have been participating in the Year 1 Phonics Check this past week. This assessment is part of the evidence-based tools used by Tasmanian Government Schools to support reading development. It evaluates how well students can decode written words and their progress in reading. The best way you can support your child to become a confident reader is to spend time reading with them. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference to their learning. For more tips on reading with your child, go to Let's Talk.   

Sam Millwood 

Quality Teaching Coach 

Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week

Teacher Assistants play a vital role in supporting our school, student learning, and wellbeing. Their dedication, care, and expertise ensure that every student receives the individual attention they need to thrive. They work closely with teachers to create inclusive classrooms, provide targeted support, and help students overcome challenges in their learning and development. Our Teacher Assistants build strong connections with students, offering encouragement, and helping to foster confidence and resilience. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and the invaluable support they provide at Waverley each and every day.

Mrs George Brown and Mrs Belinda Towns

Learning Support Teacher and Learning Support AST

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Parent Teacher Conversation

Term 3 Communicating Learning Progress 

In Week 10 of Term 3, parents and carers are invited to meet with class teachers (K-5) to discuss the learning progress of your child. This will give you a chance to hear about learning progress, personal achievement, and review individual learning goals. Evidence of student learning will be available to view. In Term 3, families do not receive a formal report against the Australian Curriculum. Please note, Year 5-6 Milne appointments will be held in Week 9. 

Please make an appointment by following the links below: 

Kinder - Year 5 https://waverleyprimary.schoolzineplus.com/Term3parentteacher 

Year 5-6 Milne https://waverleyprimary.schoolzineplus.com/Term3Year6ParentTeacher 

Instructions for making a booking are listed below. Otherwise, see your classroom teacher or Mr Millwood to organise an appointment.  

How to book your appointment:  

1. Click the link provided above  

1. Click “Add New Student” and “Save”  

1. Click on the student and their tile will turn green. Press “save and continue.”  

1. Select the staff member for the selected child, and press “next.”  

1. Select the available 15-minute timeslot and press “next.”  

1. Review the appointment time and check the teacher information is correct.  

1. Press next to complete the booking. This can then be repeated for another student by repeating the process.  

We look forward to meeting to celebrate a fantastic term of learning.  

Please note: Mr Milne's Year 5-6 class will have their communicating learning progress in week 9 commencing Monday 16th -19th September 2024. 

Mr Millwood

Quality Teaching Coach

School Business Manager Report

We’re thrilled to share the completion of two new projects that will enhance both our school environment and student experience. 

Embracing Our Values Signage 

Thanks to the Embracing Our DECYP Values Small Grants program, we’ve installed beautiful new signage around our school to highlight the values we embrace every day. You’ll find two sets of colourful acrylic signs brightening up our hall and walkway, as well as new wooden signage welcoming everyone in our admin foyer. These signs are a daily reminder of the important values we share and how they shape the way we work and learn together. 

Kindergarten Awning 

Our kindergarten students now have a fantastic new awning! This addition means they can enjoy eating lunch outdoors, especially as the weather gets warmer. The awning also provides much-needed shade, creating a safe and comfortable space for outdoor learning and play. 

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to start our next exciting projects: a long jump area and a climbing wall! Additionally, in Term 4, we will continue working with the Department on much-needed improvements to our 1A and 1B hallways, which are set for a long-overdue revamp. We’re looking forward to transforming these spaces as part of our ongoing school facility improvements. 

As always, I have an open-door policy and encourage anyone who would like to discuss facility improvements for Waverley Primary School to visit me in the admin office. I’m always happy to hear your thoughts and ideas! As we move into Term 4, we’re excited to work together on these upgrades and set new goals for 2025!

Miss Amber Adams

School Business Manager

Safe School Zone Parking

We need your help to keep all our students safe, especially in the P-1 class. 

Please do not park on the grass nature strip outside Prep - 1. This is not permitted and is very dangerous. Parking there blocks the view for drivers and makes it harder to see children crossing the road. Always use the designated parking areas to keep everyone safe. 

 The Tasmanian Road Rules prohibit parking on a nature strip. Vehicles parked on a nature strip may be fined by City of Launceston officers or Tasmania Police if they are determined to be breaking the Road Rules. 

Remember, our school zone speed limit is 40km/h during busy times. Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for children walking near cars, crossing roads, or getting in and out of vehicles. Children can be unpredictable, so staying focused is essential. 

Please speak with your children about road safety. Remind them to:

• hold hands with and adult when crossing the road;
• to look right, left and right again, before crossing the road;
• to get out of the car on the kerb side; and
• to follow traffic signals.

These habits help keep everyone safe. 

 Thank you for helping us make Waverley Primary School a safe place for all our students. Let's work together to ensure safe drop-off and pick-up times for everyone. 

 The City of Launceston has shared resources for Parking Rules (see below) and Safe School Zone Parking, which can be viewed here: Safe School Zone Parking. The City of Launceston will also be conducting patrols of the area to encourage safe and legal parking. 

Sun Smart

Kindergarten Enrolments 2025

Children born in 2020 are required to enrol in Kindergarten for 2025.  More information about Kindergarten in Tasmanian Government Schools can be found by following the link below. 

We have a pre-kinder program that takes place every Friday morning the year prior to starting Kinder.  We invite families with pre-kinder age children to our Friday program. 

Any families that are yet to enrol their child in kindergarten are invited to do so as soon as possible.  If you have family or friends who would like to be considered, please encourage them to contact our school.  

Pre-Kinder

Early Years

LiFT (Learning in Families Together)

Today’s fun activity is Balloon Games! 

 This activity helps your child develop physical (or gross motor) skills. 👏🏼 

We use these important skills everyday when we run, jump skip, ride a bike, play sport, or kick a ball. 

How you can help at home. 🏠 

Play this game (and others like it) lots of times, it helps your child learn and practice these skills.   

Here are 10 fun balloon activities to get kids moving: balloon volleyball, tennis, soccer, and catch for coordination; balance and races for focus; balloon stomp and hockey for high-energy play; keep-up challenge for reflexes, and freeze dance for rhythm and listening skills. Perfect for indoor or outdoor fun! 

 #BrightLivesPositiveFutures 

LiFT (Learning in Families Together)

Today’s fun activity is Scribbling, Drawing and Making Marks! 

 This activity helps your child develop fine motor skills. 👏🏼 

We use these important skills everyday when we pick things up, write, use scissors, do up buttons, or tie shoe laces. 

 How you can help at home. 🏠 

Play this game (and others like it) lots of times, it helps your child learn and practice these skills.   

Encourage creativity by offering various tools like crayons, markers, and chalk for drawing on paper, cardboard, or chalkboards. Use finger paints for sensory play or shaving foam on a tray for tactile mark-making. Stickers, stamps, and stencils can add variety, while large rolls of paper inspire bigger creations! 

#BrightLivesPositiveFutures 

Reading Club

Our Reading Club occurs in the Rainbow Room every Wednesday from 8:30am. We hope to see you there.

Run Club

We have a Running Club at school on Tuesday mornings from 8:30am!  Please meet Mrs Matuska on the edge of the oval.

School Association News

Uniform

A reminder to please ensure your child(ren) are dressed warmly in school uniform for their day at school. Our school has very high expectations for our school uniform and many visitors to our school give extremely positive feedback about how smart our students look. We ask that any long sleeves under polo tops are gold keep to with our school colours. We ask that students please wear black trackpants/trousers or shorts. 

A reminder that our Waverley Primary School jackets are great for an extra layer over a school jumper. Uniform items can be purchased at the main office or through our Qkr! app, with items being delivered to students within a day. 

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.

Important Dates

Advanced Safeguarding Training

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:

Staff Information

Staff – Student Support and Wellbeing Team

Staff - Teacher Assistant

Administration Team

Education Facility Attendant

Move Well Eat Well

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

Digital Skills for Families

AFL NAB Auskick and Superkick Holiday Programs

Get ready to kick off some serious fun this September! Join AFL's NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick holiday programs. Their one-day programs are led by AFL staff, who deliver structured sessions filled with activities for your child to have a blast and boost their skills. PLUS, all Tasmania holiday program participants receive a FREE TAS DEVILS tote bag and football.  Learn more about our holiday programs near you. 

Register via this link - https://play.afl/club-finder-map?formats=AFL_9S&orgId=ca9e7aef-6e01-422c-980c-c9cfaf99dc16

Community Notices