School Newsletter - 28th May 2025

From the Principal

Next week was National Chaplaincy week (1-8 June).  At Waverley, we are incredibly fortunate to have Tracey Avery as our School Chaplain. Tracey is a warm and caring presence in our school community—someone students know they can turn to for a listening ear and a kind heart. Whether it’s helping a student navigate a tricky day or quietly checking in on how someone is feeling, Tracey brings compassion and calm wherever she goes. 

She delivers a wide range of wellbeing and regulation programs, helping students build the tools they need to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. But her support doesn’t stop with students—Tracey is also there for our staff and families, offering her time, care, and wisdom to those who need it. 

Tracey is a vital part of our Student Support and Wellbeing Team, and her work supports the lives of many in quiet and meaningful ways. If you or your child have been supported by Tracey, this is a lovely time to let her know how much that has meant. We are so grateful for all that she does at Waverley Primary School. 

Volunteer Week 

Last week was National Volunteers Week and the perfect opportunity to take the time to deliver a big thank you to all our volunteers.  

There are many volunteers who help support our staff, students and young people. The hours our volunteers generously provide is invaluable and well appreciated. There are so many areas our volunteers support including reading, hot lunch program, sports carnivals and coaching, cooking, gardening and excursion supervision. The list goes on. 

Volunteering not only improves our students lives, it also helps grow and strengthen the connection with our school and our community.  

In term 4 we will formally thank our volunteers at our annual volunteer morning tea.   

Cross Country 

This year’s Cross-Country Carnival was bigger and better than ever! With outstanding attendance and participation, the day was a true celebration of community, spirit, and determination. It was heart-warming to see so many families and carers gather in support of their children—cheering from the sidelines, offering encouragement, and sharing in the excitement. 

The delicious aroma of the School Association BBQ fundraiser filled the air, thanks to the incredible efforts of the Rotary Tamar Sunrise volunteers behind the tongs. Their expertly cooked offerings provided some much-needed warmth and sustenance for all who purchased a bite. A huge thank you to our School Association for organising such a successful event—it added so much to the festive atmosphere of the day. 

Under bright sunshine and crisp air, our Kinder to Year 6 students ran with enthusiasm and pride across our stunning cross-country course. We are so lucky to have such a vast, beautiful space for our children to run, learn, and grow—it’s truly the envy of many local schools. 

A very special thank you goes to Mrs. Siobhan Matuska for her outstanding leadership in organising the event, along with Ms. Amelia Harmey, our AST of events, for her support. The day was a shining example of what makes Waverley such a special place: community pride, student perseverance, and joyful celebration. 

We are incredibly proud of every student who participated and gave their very best. Congratulations to all involved for making this carnival a truly memorable success! 

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Learn to Swim 

The Swimming and Water Safety program has commenced, offering our students essential swimming skills. In Australia, where we live, learn, and play by waterways, lakes, and the ocean, swimming is a vital skill. Being an island state surrounded by water further highlights the importance of this program. We are excited to see our students develop their abilities and gain confidence in the water. Thank you to everyone involved in organising and supporting this crucial initiative. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to ensure our children are safe and proficient swimmers. 

Educational Adjustment Disability Funding 

The Educational Adjustment Disability Funding model is based on student needs and is guided by key principles. The model delivers resources to Tasmanian Government schools to support educational adjustments that they provide for students with disability. Educational adjustments are all the things that schools do to help a student with disability. We use adjustments to make sure that everyone can access, participate and engage on the same basis as their peers. 

Structure of the Model 

The Educational Adjustments funding model is based on a simple, structured approach to funding and resourcing. It takes into consideration the additional and changing needs of students with disability. 

In the model, students who are provided with more intense support and adjustments receive more resources than those with a lower level of support and adjustments. 

The model links with the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) levels of educational adjustment: 

• Extensive 

• Substantial  

• Supplementary 

• Quality Differentiated Teaching Practice. 

Moderation and Educational Adjustment Descriptor Tool 

Each year a Disability Educational Adjustment Moderator works with each Tasmanian Government school to talk about all students with disability who need educational adjustments. This is called the moderation process. 

During the moderation process, moderators and school staff identify the level of adjustment using the Educational Adjustment Descriptor Tool. The tool helps us to understand each of the levels of adjustment, especially the extra levels in the Extensive and Substantial range. The Tool helps school staff to make decisions about educational adjustments that they make for students. These decisions are written in the student’s Learning Plan. 

How does it work in government schools? 

The Model gives a base allocation to every school (which includes Support Teacher staffing and money) for every student in the NCCD from Supplementary to Extensive. 

At Waverley Primary all students that we have evidence of a disability diagnosed by a psychologist or paediatrician are included in the NCCD.  All of these students who require Quality Differentiated Teaching Practice, extensive, substantial or supplementary adjustments, have a Learning Plan.   

Two Disability Educational Adjustment Moderators have visited our school to review our Learning Plans to ensure the adjustments we are making for students are aligned with the appropriate level of funding. 

If you have any questions in relation to this process please make a time to talk to  your child's class teacher, or Mrs Georgie Brown (Kinder to Year 1) and Ms Jo Beven (Pre-Kinder, Year 2-6) in their role as our Support Teachers, or a member of the Leadership Team.  

Mid Year Reports 

As we move into the second half of the term, teachers will be preparing student assessments for the mid-year reports. These reports will be sent home during Week 9. It’s important for students to keep up with their work and attend school every day to stay on track with their learning. 

Mid-year reports are a great way to check in on progress.  All our students must be responsible and active in their learning. Most importantly, we encourage every student to always do their best. Success leads to more success, and all our students need to keep well and thriving. 

Welcome to Our University of Tasmania School Experience Students 

We are pleased to welcome the following School Experience Students from the University of Tasmania to Waverley Primary School: 

• Ms Liliarna Brunacci – working with Ms Sulzberger in Visual Art 
• Ms Stephanie Mahnken – working with Ms Meallin in Year 2 
• Ms Elanor Lyall – working with Mrs Popovich in Year 4–5 
• Mr Geordie Sutton – working with Ms Ennis in Prep–1A 
• Ms Willow McLoughlin – working with Mrs Salter in Kindergarten 

Having pre-service teachers join our school adds a rich layer to our community of learning. These students bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and curiosity, which inspire both staff and learners. Their presence supports the broader vision of shaping future educators who will go on to impact classrooms and communities across Tasmania and beyond. 

We are proud to partner with the University of Tasmania and to be recognised as a teaching school—where adults and children learn side by side. This is a testament to the professionalism and generosity of our staff, who create an environment where learning is visible, shared, and continuously evolving. 

During their time with us, school experience students will engage in a range of activities—starting with observation and gradually increasing their involvement in planning, teaching, and reflecting on learning. For those further along in their training, this placement deepens their understanding of real-world teaching practice and school life. 

We warmly welcome our University of Tasmania students to Waverley and thank our teachers for the important role they play in guiding the next generation of educators. 

Staff Updates 

We are delighted to officially announce that Ms Amber Adams has been appointed as the permanent School Business Manager at Waverley Primary School. 

On 9th April, I had the pleasure of sharing Ms Adam’s successful nomination with staff. Following a standard review period, her appointment was formally approved by recruitment on 24th April, with her contract promptly issued and accepted. 

Ms Adam’s permanent appointment brings welcomed stability to our office team and the broader school community. Her dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to Waverley. 

We look forward to continuing the exciting projects already underway—both within our school and across our outdoor spaces—as we work together to enhance the learning environment for all students. Please join us in congratulating Amber on her new role! 

• Mr Tom Symes is currently at Queechy High School to complete his School Experience and will return to us in week 10. 

• Ms Gemima Hindrum has accepted a full-time position to cover Mrs Leanne Jex while she is on leave.  

• Mrs Nicole Wager is working some of the week in Kindergarten and continues in Year 4-5 and Playgroup. 

• We warmly welcome Ms Taylor Sternek, who has joined us on a short-term contract in Year 4-5. 

• We are very happy to welcome Mr Ollie Baldock, who has commenced in a one-day-per-week TA role for this term. He is also currently working Mr Symes hours while he is on professional experience from 19 May – 27 June 2025. 

• With new enrolments into Prep–1A, and following a recruitment and application process, we are delighted to share that Mrs Bec Ainslie has joined our team three days per week. 

• Mrs Georgie Brown, our Learning Support Teacher, will be on leave from 29th May to 16th June. We wish her all the very best during her time away and look forward to welcoming her back soon. 

School Association 

On Tuesday 20th May, our School Association held its Annual General Meeting, and we’re pleased to share that it was a great success. The meeting saw some changes to the committee, including the election of the executive team. We’re excited about the year ahead and the energy our committee members bring to supporting our school.  

We do, however, still have two vacancies—and we’d love to see more parents and carers get involved! 

Why join the School Association? 

• Be part of important decisions that shape our school’s direction and help create the best environment for every learner. 

• Build connections with other parents and staff while contributing to a supportive and inclusive school community. 

• Grow your skills and confidence—volunteering can be a great way to learn new things and even work toward recognised qualifications. 

• Boost your CV by demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and your commitment to education. 

We were also thrilled to see a strong field of staff nominees for the staff representative role. Thank you to all staff who put their hands up to support this important work. 

We are pleased to share the 2025 School Association Committee is as follows:  

We look forward to a fantastic year of collaboration, community, and shared success. 

Thank You to Our Outgoing School Association Committee Members 

As we welcome a new School Association Committee for 2025, we take this opportunity to sincerely thank our outgoing members for their commitment, time, and dedication to Waverley Primary School. 

A very special thank you to Mrs Toni Bland, who has served the School Association for many years as both a parent and a staff representative. Toni’s passion for our school community has been unwavering, and her thoughtful contributions have helped shape numerous events and initiatives over the years. While she is stepping down from the committee, we are incredibly grateful to continue working alongside her in her role as our Canteen Manager. Toni’s insight and ongoing input will continue to be a valued part of school life, and we know she will remain an important voice in shaping future events. 

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Natalie and Jacinta, who are stepping down from the committee in their parent roles. Both made a significant impact on the work of the School Association, particularly throughout Term 1 and Term 2 last year. Their ideas and involvement were instrumental in the success of the events we hosted during that time. 

Jacinta’s commitment to collecting donations for our fundraising BBQs was deeply appreciated, helping to ensure their success and making them more accessible and enjoyable for our community. Natalie generously collected and prepared gifts and made beautiful handmade roses for our Mother’s Day celebration in 2024—a gesture that brought joy and appreciation to our community. These contributions reflect not only their hard work but also the warmth and care they brought to their roles. 

To Toni, Natalie, and Jacinta—thank you. Your efforts have left a lasting legacy, and our school is all the better for your service. We hope you take pride in the difference you’ve made to our school community. 

Road Safety Week – Year 3-4 Excursion 

Our Year 3 and 4 students took part in an action-packed day of interactive learning at the Launceston Road Safety Centre as part of National Road Safety Week 2025.  

The event is a highlight of the week-long campaign and is the result of a unique collaboration between local schools, community organisations, government agencies and road safety advocates, all committed to keeping young Tasmanians safe on and around our roads.  

Our Year 3 and 4 students schools rotated through sessions on bike safety, pedestrian awareness, and passenger safety - all delivered by a team of local experts including AusCycle, TBUG, RACT and Tasmania Police.  

We thank the LCC and team who supported the event and made it possible for us to attend.  

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Behaviour in Focus – Safe Travel with Bikes and Scooters 

At Waverley, we foster a safe, inclusive community, nurturing lifelong learners through trust, respect, and positive relationships. 

This fortnight, our Behaviour in Focus is about bike and scooter safety. To help keep everyone safe and support our shared responsibility, we ask all students and families to follow these expectations: 

• Park it properly – Bikes and scooters must be parked in the racks near the front office. 

• Walk your wheels – For everyone’s safety, bikes and scooters must not be ridden in the school yard during school hours. 

• Wear a helmet – Helmets are essential when riding to and from school. 

• Lock it up – Bikes and scooters will be securely locked when parked. 

Our Safety Message 

No helmet, no ride. 
If a student arrives without a helmet, they will not be allowed to ride home and a parent or carer will be contacted. 

By following these simple steps, we are all contributing to a safer, more respectful school environment where everyone can thrive. 

Let’s keep Waverley safe—walk those wheels! 

Reminder about the Calendar 

Monday, June 9 is a Public Holiday. The Friday before, June 6, is a student-free day. On this day, teachers will be working on moderation. This helps ensure that their grading is consistent within our school and compared to other schools. 

Our School Learning Behaviours

  We are:   

Safe: We work and play in a way that is safe for all members of the school community   

Helpful: We work together to support each other   

INclusive: We value the right of everyone to learn and take responsibility to ensure that access to a high-level educational program is accessible to all   

Excellent: We aspire to be our very best at all times   

Our Safe and Ready to Learn Model

Our Values  

• Connection- Building positive relationship and a sense of belonging.  

• Courage- accepting challenges and embracing opportunities.   

• Growth- aspiring to learn, and improving, even when it is tough.  

• Respect- Caring for ourselves, each other, and our environment.  

• Responsibility Stepping up and doing what is right.   

At Waverley, we value respect and our SHINE expectations. Swearing is not acceptable at school. We expect all students to use kind and respectful language. 

Please support this message at home. If your child hears inappropriate language, encourage them to tell a staff member so we can address it. 

Together, we can keep Waverley a welcoming and respectful community. 

Thank you for your support. 

 Kind regards, 

Mrs Katie Wightman 

Principal 

Swimming and Water Safety Program

Water safety and swimming play an important part in our lives in Tasmania and the Department for Education Children and Young People has a requirement that all students learn to be safe and competent in water environments as a component of the school curriculum.

Every effort is made to ensure that each child is made to feel safe and supported during this program. The school will ensure that all relevant safety and health precautions will be implemented.

Please note that parents, carers and other visitors are able to attend Swimming and Water Safety Program sessions to watch. Parents and carers who do attend a Swimming and Water Safety Program are asked to ensure that they do not take photos/videos at the pool.

The Department for Education Children and Young People Swimming and Water Safety Program consists of 9 lessons over two weeks for each year group in Years 3, 4 and 5, although some programs are adjusted to meet the needs of remote schools and because of public holidays.

The dates for our school program are: Monday 26 May - Thursday 5 June (9 Days).

A letter has been sent home with further information; extra copies are available from the school office. 

Mrs Siobhan Matuska

HPE Teacher

Simultaneous Story Time

National Simultaneous Storytime was conducted last Wednesday – with another fun, vibrant and colourful event enjoyed by many. Each year, millions of people across Australia and New Zealand participate in this day by reading the same picture book simultaneously in libraries, schools, homes, and bookshops. Our libraries and many of our schools and CFLCs take part in this annual event to help spread the joy of reading and open our learners to different books and authors. In its 25th year, it certainly ignited a sense of excitement amongst our children and young people.  

As a school we enjoyed the story of a truck driver and his cat who were both looking for a home, only to discover their important friendships with the people around them created the home they were looking for.  

This event marked the launch of the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students will be automatically registered and will work with their class to set personal and class goals for how many books they can read. More information will be provided to students by their class teacher and time at school will be offered to support students to reach their goal. 

You can support your child to improve their reading by reading with them, setting a reading goal for how many books they could read in a week, and recording the books they do read at home in their Premier’s Reading Challenge logbook. 

Students will be recognised in assembly, this term, with prizes awarded in a range of categories.

Mr Sam Millwood

Instructional Specialist (IS)

Flexible Programs-Rhythm to Recovery

One of the many flexible programs offered at Waverley Primary School is Rhythm to Recovery. R2R is delivered by our school chaplain Tracey, who has been specially trained to facilitate the program. R2R is a music program focusing on exploring healthy, supportive relationships, emphasising teamwork and cooperation. It is a fun program that uses analogies and metaphors to raise awareness of the factors that support healthy relationships, confidence and self-esteem. Our students look forward to attending each week! 

Mrs Anita Price

Assistant Principal

Road Safety Colouring Competition

As part of our Road Safety Week activities students from Kinder to Year 6 were invited to enter a colouring in competition with a chance to win a scooter and helmet, generously donated by the Launceston City Council. We received many colourful and creative entries, and the staff had a very difficult time choosing just one winner. The very creative and colourful winning entry belonged to Adelynn from Kindergarten! Well done Addy.

Ms Amelia Harmey

AST

Reporting and Sharing Evidence of Learning

Term 2 

P-6 Reports will include: 

• A 9-point assessment scale for English, Mathematics and Science.

• A 5-point assessment scale for Health and Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts, Positive Behaviour Learning and Digital Technology 
• Work habits tick-box based on SHINE learning behaviours

• For students assessed against their Learning Plan, they will be assessed against their personal goals

Kinder Reports will include:

• Kinder Development Check 1 reporting achievement against key markers for Kinder aged students.

3-Way Conversations

Parents and carers are invited to attend parent-teacher conversation with their child. These are known as 3-Way Conferences. These provide an opportunity for parents and students to meet with their child’s teacher and will form a part of reporting and communicating learning progress with families. 

Our 3-Way Conferences for class teachers will be held in Week 10 of Term 2 on Tuesday 1^st July and Thursday 3^rd July. A link to book your appointment will be shared closer to the date.

We encourage students in Kinder-Year 6 to attend these conversations to ensure they have an opportunity to hear and have input about their learning and their future focus areas and celebrate their progress across the year.

The focus of this discussion is to share information and progress in relation to learning and your child’s progress and areas for improvement. 

Mr Sam Millwood

Instructional Specialist (IS)

From the Nurse's Desk

Queechy High School Transition BBQ

School Opens at 8:30AM

Please sign in at the office if you are at school prior to 2:50pm

Safeguarding Articles

Every School Day Matters

As Term 2 kicks off, we wanted to share a timely reminder about the importance of school attendance.

We love seeing your child at school every day – it’s the best place for them to learn and grow. It’s a chance to be around their friends, learn new things (including life skills), spark their curiosity and have fun.

Term 2 is packed with exciting things your child won’t want to miss:

• Cross Country
• Swimming and Water Safety Program
• Robot Man incursion
• School Disco
• PJ Day

For tips on creating positive attendance habits, visit the Anything can happen website.

Please talk to us if you’re having trouble getting your child to school. We’re here to help and support is available.

Volunteer Requirements 2025

As we are well into the new school year, we want to remind our school community about the important requirements for volunteering at our school.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, it is mandatory for all volunteers to have their RWVP (Registration for Working with Vulnerable People) and to have completed the Your Obligations-Safeguarding training 15-minute video before engaging with children and young people in a volunteer capacity at our school. Certificates for the training video are valid for 12 months from the date of completion. These steps are essential in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for our children.

To apply for a Working with Vulnerable people, please visit the Service Tasmania website.

To complete the Your Obligations-Safeguarding Training 15-minute video please visit the DECYP website.

Volunteers are a vital part of our school community, and we are excited to collaborate with you the year ahead!

Early Years Programs 2025

Hot Lunch Program 2025

Run Club

Communication

We believe that communication between families and staff is crucial in building relationships. You are welcome to speak with teachers face to face before or after school.  The school office can book an appointment or pass on a message.  You can visit the school office in person or phone: 6339 1455.  

2025 Staff Contact Information

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. 

Professional Support Staff 2025

School Association

The School Association is made up of the parents, staff and community members of a school. The School Association is an important part of the school, working with the Principal to achieve shared outcomes for learners and for the whole school community.  

The School Association Committee is an elected group of members that work together for the benefit of the school. The Committee manages and conducts the affairs of the School Association and performs administrative and decision-making tasks on behalf of the School Association. 

Parent participation on our Committee is highly valued.  We meet on the third Tuesday each month, excluding school holidays, from 1:40-2:50pm.

Ms Caitlyn Olding

Chairperson

The DAISY Awards

Sun Smart

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.

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

4/5/6 Sport Roster

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. 

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.  

School Student Broadband Initiative

Gumboot Gala

Invermay Swampies present Gumboot Gala! A fun, free community event, celebrating the gumboot.

Expect Gumboot throwing competitions, games, live music, stalls, exhibitions, workshops, cheap local food, and tram rides on the Launceston Tramway.
Prizes for best decorated gumboots.

This biennial event will be fun and quirky. A FREE winter gathering for ALL. Remember to wear your gumboots!

WHEN- Saturday 31st May 11am to 3pm

WHERE- Inveresk Precinct Next to QVMAG & Community Garden

Gumboot throwing Championships
Qualifying times from 11.00 am
Finals from 1.30 pm.

Age Categories.
*Sub Jnr 10 and under
*Jnr 11-16
*Women's
*Men's.
Medals to be awarded to the champions of each category.

Supported by City of Launceston, Interweave Arts, UTAS,Launceston Tramways

Community Notices