School Newsletter -Vol.12_16th October

From the Principal

Welcome to Term 4! As we embark on this exciting new term, we’re embracing the value of Responsibility this means stepping up, doing what’s right, and supporting one another. When we embrace responsibility, we create a safe and inclusive community that nurtures lifelong learning.  This is a wonderful opportunity for each of us to show our commitment to personal growth and to support one another in our journey.  

 We have so much to look forward to this term, filled with celebrations and events that highlight our achievements and transitions in learning.  

 All state schools in Tasmania undergo an External School Review (ESR) every four years, and we will be participating in a return review to check in on our progress since 2023. This review will take place from Monday, October 21st and  Tuesday, October 22nd.  

It’s important to note that reviews are not used to compare schools or to rate the performance of principals, teachers, or staff. Instead, they aim to support schools in a differentiated way, with each review tailored to the specific context and needs of the school. The goal is to help all schools improve. 

During this process, a team of three reviewers will examine our school data and plans, engage in discussions with teachers and students (in small groups), and speak with parents and carers. They will also visit classrooms to observe teaching and learning in action. 

If you do not wish for your child to participate in this review, please complete the form that was sent home Monday 14th October. I look forward to the review and welcome your participation in this important process. 

 As we start planning for 2025, please inform the office if your child will not be returning to Waverley next year. Knowing our student enrolment numbers is crucial for staffing purposes as we work on creating classes for 2025. Additionally, please ensure you return your child’s Class Placement Request 2025 form at your earliest convenience. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated! 

This year we have introduced 17 flexible learning programs that offer innovative ways for students to build their literacy, numeracy, social skills, and wellbeing. It’s all about finding what works best for each student, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom. Please see Mrs Price if you would like to hear more about our flexible learning programs.   

 During term 3 our students enjoyed a range of fun and exciting events! Here are just a few highlights: 

• School Disco organised by the School Association 
• Book Week celebrations with everyone dressed up and sharing their love of reading! 
• AFL footy clinics 
• Cricket Australia blast clinics 
• Jack Jumpers visit 
• NAIDOC Week celebrations 
• Science Week excursions for Year 1 and 2 to QVMag 
• Inside Out Star Theatre excursion for Years 1-6 
• Cinderella Production for Kinder and 4-5 
• Royal Flying Doctors excursion for Prep-Year 1 
• HOL Excursion to Summerdale 
• LSSSA Mass Dance Event 
• Tasmania Zoo excursion for 5-6 and 2-3 classes 
• Transition visits to High School for Year 6 students 
• Little Steps Playgroup and Pre-Kinder events and excursions 
• LIFT (Learning in Families Together) activities bringing learning home 
• Illawarra Primary visited Waverley, with our Jump Rope for Heart Event encouraging everyone to move and skip.  
• Faraday Cup – Netball and Football matches against Ravenswood Heights Primary School. 

 At our final assembly for term 3 we celebrated significant growth in learning. Here are some special mentions: 

• In Year 1-2, congratulations to Elijah and Cruz! 
• In Year 2-3, well done to Logan and Ava for growth in Maths, and Amarli for her progress in Science. 
• In Year 5-6, Kacie has shown amazing progress in Maths and Science. 

I’m pleased to announce the attendance highlights: 

• The runner-up class for the most growth in attendance is 5-6 Milne. 
• The class with the highest attendance rate is 1-2 Meallin, with an impressive 81%! 

Students with Attendance Rates of 90% or Higher 

• Kinder: Malakai, Phoenix, Nate, Harriette, Harvey, Harper, Rory 
• Prep-1: Grace, Max, Harper, Hamish, Mariah 
• 1-2: Lorenzo, Domanic, Ronan, Lincoln, Amity, Zatayah-Rose, Willow, Cruz 
• 2-3: Jaramiah, Isaiah, Amarli, Elliott, Zayah, Indigo, Hunter Triptree 
• 4-5: Hope Cox-Pregnall, Melodie Dent, Phoebe Frost, Tora Jarvis, Evie Lawes, Jayda Rodman, Kayden Towns 
• 5-6: Layla Bishop, Shaylah Davis 

This term, we have even more exciting learning experiences planned. We’ll continue to reward students who consistently demonstrate positive behaviours with tokens, merit certificates, Principal Awards, and the Aussie of the Month Award. 

For our Year 6 students, we will support their transition to high school. We are looking forward to celebrating our Year 6 students with a special dinner, excursion, and, of course, the awards at our very formal Presentation assembly in December. 

Let’s all look forward to an amazing Term 4 filled with more learning, growth, and exciting memories. Keep showing courage, kindness, and responsibility! 

 Kind regards, 

Katie Wightman 

Principal 

Principal Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of Principal Awards received at the assembly held on Wednesday 25th September.

• Harvey P
• Jayda R
• Mrs Courtney Singline
• Mr Peter Brown

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the recipients of Merit Certificates received at the assembly held on Wednesday 25th September

• Hunter S
• Rubi D
• Braxton T
• Elijah S
• Gabriel B
• Athena C
• Grace A
• Melodie D
• Savannah C
• Kayden T
• Jay S
• Ace T
• Harry T
• Charlotte M
• Layla B
• Xayn S
• Kaidan T
• Huxley G
• Malakai A

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Faraday Cup

On the final day of term 3, our Year 4, 5, and 6 students had an exciting day competing in the annual Faraday Cup against Ravenswood Heights Primary School.

Competitive games of netball and football were played, with plenty of energy and excitement from both teams.  

Congratulations to our Waverley students for claiming the win in netball, while the footy ended in a thrilling draw!  

We are incredibly proud of Shaylah and Layla for being named Best and Fairest—well done! 

Progressive Achievement Testing 2024 (PAT)

In Week 2, 3, and 4 of Term 4 students at Waverley Primary School will be taking part in Progressive Achievement Tests known as PAT. Students from all around Australia complete these important tests every year in Reading, Maths, and Vocabulary. 

Classroom teachers will use the information from the results of PAT tests to assess how students are progressing, their strengths, and areas where they need more support for improvement. This important data will also be used to support students at the beginning of 2025.  

The tests are delivered in a supportive environment with the teacher and TA’s available to support students. Students who require additional support and adjustments based on their learning plan will receive this support during the testing period. Tests are spread across the three weeks so students can focus on one learning area at a time.  

As always, attendance is very important for your child to improve in their learning. During the testing period there will be opportunities for catch-up tests if you child does miss their test session. Please remember to communicate any absence or illness with the office on 6339 1455 or via the Schoolzine app. 

Mr Sam Millwood

Quality Teaching Coach

Student Success

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of former Waverley Primary student, Leonard, who recently achieved outstanding results in the 2024 State Youth Championships for weightlifting. Leonard took home 1st place in both the U15 and U17 divisions, showcasing his dedication and talent. He was also awarded the prestigious trophy for Best Overall Male in the U15 State Youth Championships! His hard work, perseverance, and passion have truly paid off, and we couldn't be more proud of his achievements. Congratulations, Leonard, on this amazing accomplishment!

Halloween Disco

LiFT Term 4

During Term 4 we will be running some reading afternoons in classrooms. We currently have three scheduled and will have more to advise in the future.

• Thursday 31st October, Prep/1 2.30-3.00pm
• Thursday 7th November, grade 1/2 2.30-3.00pm
• Thursday 14th November, grade 2/3 2.30-3.00pm

Mrs Ky Salter

LiFT Co-ordinator

Home Fire Safety Program

A firefighter from the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is visiting our school soon to present a Home Fire Safety Program to our Prep to Grade 6 students.

Kindergarten students, whilst not receiving a structured lesson, can expect a visit from the firefighter who will leave some free fun activites for the students to complete.

The age-appropriate program is designed to raise fire awareness in children and includes fun in class activities, videos, activity books, website www.tfseducation.com.au and giveaways.

Parents and other family members are also encouraged to participate by reading the information and assisting your child with the after-school activities.

The TFS aims to deliver appropriate fire safety education to every primary school child in Tasmania and is  part of the TFS’s ongoing commitment to create a fire safe Tasmania.

Key Fire Safety Messages include,

Wake up - Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom

Plan and practice a home fire escape plan with the whole family

In a fire crawl low and go, go, go to the nearest exit

In an emergency call triple zero  

Keep flammable material at least two metres from the heater

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, rock and roll

Keep matches and lighters away from children

Cooking - Turn it off before you turn away

Cool a burn under cool water for at least 20 minutes

Most house fires can be avoided. Make your home fire safe

More information www.tfseducation.com.au

EARLY CHILDHOOD

TFS receives regular requests from preschools and child care centres asking for firefighters to visit and teach children about home fire safety.

TFS does not deliver structured fire safety programs to children below primary school age. This decision was made based on research carried out by the Mental Health Services of the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in Melbourne. This research indicated that:

• Children under the age of five had low retention of the information they had learned; and
• In some children, the information had actually stimulated their curiosity about fire and they had begun to play with fire.

TFS believes that parents and caregivers are the best people to make sure that very young children are safe from fire. To help with this, TFS has a fire safety website for parents, carers, teachers and students

TFS has also developed resources for young children that introduce them to the friendly firefighter characters that they will meet when they receive the School Fire Education Program including a colouring book and stickers with home fire safety messages for the whole family.

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 Nursery Rhymes!

This activity helps your child develop language and communication skills. 👏🏼

We use these important skills everyday when we we talk, learn, listen, tell stories, and understand body language.

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’s a quick summary of nursery rhyme activities to try at home:

1. Sing-Along - Sing and do hand motions for classic rhymes.

2. Storytime - Read nursery rhyme books and discuss the pictures.

3. Puppet Show - Use finger or sock puppets to act out rhymes.

4. Themed Crafts - Make crafts that match the rhyme, like a spider for Itsy Bitsy Spider.

5. Acting Out - Pretend play, like jumping over a “candlestick” for Jack Be Nimble.

6. Instruments - Tap or shake along with rhymes using simple instruments.

7. Scavenger Hunt - Find items related to rhymes and sing as you go.

8. Movement Game - Create actions for each rhyme to keep kids active.

9. Rhyme Book - Illustrate favorite rhymes to make a homemade book.

10. Memory Game - Match rhyme picture cards and sing each one together.

These activities make nursery rhymes interactive and fun!

 #BrightLivesPositiveFutures 

LiFT (Learning in Families Together)

Today’s fun activity is Buttons, Zips and Catches!

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.

Here’s a quick summary of fun activities with zips, buttons, and catches for kids:

1. Sensory Board - Attach zips, buttons, and catches to a board for kids to explore.

2. Dress-Up Doll/Animal - Add fasteners to fabric dolls for dress-up practice.

3. Button and Zip Race - Time kids as they zip and button along a piece of fabric.

4. Zipper Book - Create a book with different fasteners on each page.

5. Button Sorting - Sort buttons by color, size, or type in a divided container.

6. Zipper Pouches - Fill pouches with small toys, letting kids zip and unzip for surprises.

7. Velcro Scenes - Use felt and Velcro to create themed scenes on a board.

8. Button Snake - Thread a button through felt pieces to make a “snake.”

These activities help kids develop fine motor skills while having fun!

#BrightLivesPositiveFutures 

Reading Club

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

School Association News

Uniform

A reminder to please ensure your child(ren) are dressed 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

5/6 Sport Roster

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

Working Together-Free Education and Care in 2025

Would you like your child to have the opportunity to make friends, play, learn and build confidence? 

 Working Together: 

• Is free 

• Offers 2 – 3 days of early learning per week for children 

• Is available to children in their year before Kindergarten 

• Provides support to families to participate in the program  

• Is delivered through Tasmanian Early Childhood Education and Care services (also known as childcare centres) in the following locations: 

• North West – Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport and Smithton 

• North – Launceston, Legana, George Town, Cressy, Perth and Scottsdale 

• Midlands - Bagdad, Campbell Town and Oatlands 

• East – St Marys, Bicheno, Swansea, Triabunna and St Helens 

• South - Brighton, Bagdad, Glenorchy and Kingborough 

If you have any questions please call Sally Foley at  

How can I take part? 

Referrals are now open for 2025, with limited places available. 

Learn more about Working Together and the eligibility criteria for children’s access at https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/working-together/ or contact: 

• Email: wt@decyp.tas.gov.au   

• Phone:  0457 050 478 

Community Notices