School Newsletter -Vol.21_19 December 2024

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we reach the end of 2024, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our Waverley Primary School community—students, staff, families, and community members—for your positive contributions to our school this year. While we may encounter differences of opinion or challenges along the way, it’s important to approach these moments as opportunities for growth and understanding. Mistakes are a natural part of learning and development, especially for our young people, who are still navigating their path in life. By remaining optimistic and fostering a supportive environment, we can continue to inspire our students to do their best and contribute meaningfully to our school.

A great school is built on many elements, and we can take pride in the improvements and achievements we’ve made together this year. This year, we’ve seen significant advancements in our learning spaces, particularly with the completion of updates to the Rainbow Regulation Room, providing enhanced support for our students. These improvements reflect our commitment to ensuring every child is known, safe, well, and learning.

End-of-Year Celebrations and Farewells

Last week, our Year 6 students marked the culmination of their primary school journey with a memorable Celebration Dinner and final assembly. We are incredibly proud of their growth and achievements and wish them all the best as they transition to high school. Farewell and good luck, Year 6 students! We look forward to hearing about your future successes.

At our whole school assembly, our teaching staff did a surprise performance. It was a joyous occasion seeing our students' smiling faces as they watched their teachers sing.

Today, Thursday 19 December, is our final day of school.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The first day of school for students in 2025 is Thursday, 6 February. On this day, students will go straight to their new classroom.  If any student is unsure of where to go they can ask one of the staff on duty or visit the General Office where our friendly staff will support your student to their new classroom.

Thank You and Best Wishes

As I reflect on 2024, I feel incredibly fortunate to lead such a vibrant and supportive school community. I hope you all enjoy a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday season. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making Waverley Primary a place where every child can thrive. I look forward to welcoming students back for another wonderful year in 2025.

Kind regards,

Katie Wightman

Principal

2025 Confirmation of Teachers

Learning Services North - HR, Office Staff, Leaders and Teachers at Waverley Primary School are working hard to get ready for the 2025 School year.

We have staff transferred to Waverley Primary School. Others have won permanency or a promotion to work in our school.  The following staff are in place.

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.  

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

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

ST LEONARDS AND WAVERLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Do you LIVE, WORK or VISIT St Leonards and Waverley?

The City of Launceston  want to hear from you!

We are preparing a Neighbourhood Plan:

• To guide how the local area will develop and evolve over time.
• Your input will help create liveable communities..

Complete the quick survey here: St Leonards and Waverley Neighbourhood Plan | Tomorrow Together Launceston

Survey open until 6 December.

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